Friday, November 29, 2013

Five For Friday: Songs of Thanks

Even though Thanksgiving was yesterday, that doesn't mean we should stop being thankful. May these songs of thanks help get you through Black Friday.


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Rediscover: Vigilantes of Love

I'm reaching way back to 1999 for this one. You may have never heard of Bill Mallonee or his band Vigilantes of Love before, but you've probably heard of his pal Emmylou Harris who lends her lovely voice to this track. If you like this (and I hope that you do), you should check out the album it comes from, Audible Sigh. Good, old, late 90s folk/Americana. It's good for you.



Monday, November 25, 2013

Discover: Shovels & Rope

I discovered Shovels & Rope about a year and a half ago and was instantly sucked in by their sound, energy, and how rough around the edges they are (both live and on their album). There's a lot of gritty, pretty noise coming from this two-piece and I love it. You can taste the dirt coming off the kick and snare on "Tickin' Bomb" and the swagger of the horns on "Hail Hail" will make anyone want to shake their hips... even if they hate dancing. If you happen to be one of those non-dancing folk and prefer to have your heart ripped out of your chest instead, "This Means War" will do the trick. It's all here. A perfect sound track to this dirty, wonderful, painful, amazing thing we call life.
Learn more about Shovels & Rope here.



Friday, November 22, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Rediscover: Nickel Creek

I must confess that I love some good bluegrass. One reason being how connected the players seem to be with their instruments. I guess that happens when you start playing music before you can walk or talk. ;) But Nickel Creek aren't just good bluegrass players though, they're great bluegrass players... and jazz and pop/rock and...
After they broke up, they seem to have gone off in all sorts of fantastic directions; playing with the likes of Brad Mehldau and Yo-Yo Ma and taking part in other bands such as Fiction Family and Punch Brothers. I was fortunate to get to see them perform a few years ago at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. They put on a wonderful show. If you ever get a chance to see any of them in whatever incarnation they may presently be playing in, go. I'm sure you will enjoy it. If not, buy me a ticket because I know I'll enjoy it!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Discover: Royal Canoe

The first thing that caught my ear about this band was the syncopated, groovy weirdness. Not weird in an inaccessible way, but weird in the most perfect and fun way: a weirdness that draws you in and makes you want to join in the fun even if you're not quite sure exactly what's going on... you just know you love it.

Discover more about Royal Canoe here.


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Rediscover: Beck's "Sea Change"

With cooler weather finally upon us (mostly kinda sorta) here in the lovely state of Georgia, this album is the perfect companion for an aimless night drive with the windows down and the heat on full blast.
As the album comes to an end, feel free to pull off on the side of the road, get out of your car and admire the stars for a while as the cold air wakes up your lungs and the vapor you exhale reminds your that we're not here for long...
Oh, and don't forget to grab your favorite hoodie before you head out...

Monday, November 11, 2013

Discover: LP

LP has one of the most unique voices I've heard in a long time. Not only is it unique, she has an insane amount of control over it and puts every note exactly where she means to. One of the biggest things that draws me to an artist is their ability to convince me that they believe what they are singing. LP does that easily and connects with herself and the audience almost effortlessly. I love the confidence she exudes through her Dylanesque hair and devil-may-care fashion. An added bonus is that she's stealing the ukulele back from the hipsters.
Find out more about LP at her website.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013