Buffalo Gospel has kept a fairly low profile since releasing its outstanding full-length, We Can Be Horses in 2013. In the four-plus years following that well-received record, bandleader Ryan Necci has cycled in a new cast of collaborators, some of whom contributed to the two-song Waiting For The Lights To Go Out EP in 2015 and played on the Milwaukee country outfit’s forthcoming 2018 album.

While recording material for On The First Bell, Buffalo Gospel’s full-length that’s due out May 4, Necci and company laid down “Hard Labor Side Of Gettin’ On,” a B-side that was included on a limited vinyl charity compilation. With a headlining set at Anodyne on December 22 and a fruitful 2018 on the horizon, the band wanted to give listeners who didn’t get their hands on that comp an opportunity to hear some new material before the new year.

Not long after adapting a public domain song for yours truly, Buffalo Gospel returned to the public domain well on this video—this time with animation. A timeless tune and a classic toon come together in one video, as “Hard Labor Side Of Gettin’ On” is the soundtrack for Ub Iwerks‘ “Puppy Love” cartoon from 1932. The ironically uptempo take on a song of struggle proves to be a perfect pairing with the black and white frames that depict a dog both finding and losing love before ultimately saving the day. Come for the new Buffalo Gospel song, stay for the 85-year-old animation.

Buffalo Gospel will perform at Anodyne’s Walker’s Point Roastery on Friday, December 22. Nickel & Rose will play in support. The show begins at 8 p.m. and costs $12 in advance ($15 at the door).

About The Author

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Co-Founder and Editor

Before co-founding Milwaukee Record, Tyler Maas wrote for virtually every Milwaukee publication (except Wassup! Magazine). He lives in Bay View and enjoys both stuff and things.