So let’s get one thing straight.  Growing up, I would have laughed at myself telling younger me that I would be listening to Country music.  And if I said, I was listening and loving Country music, I might have done more than laughing.  But, here I am…

As part of our label life over at Yer Bird Records, we are so excited to provide some old time country music in the form of the 10 track Wild Desert Rose album from Caleb “Bobby” Coy.  He is truly Southern and it shows, these songs are what you think of when you think of country music, not a CMT television “spectacular”.  The whole album is a demo inspired collection of honest songs that span love lost, drinkin’ and living in the South.  You can listen below for yourself.  Highly recommended (but I would say that…).  ;-)

Caleb Coy
“I’ll Be Damned” (mp3)
from “Wild Desert Rose”
(Yer Bird Records)

Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at iTunes
Buy at eMusic
More On This Album

You can also visit Caleb over on his artist page at Yer Bird Records, his new Tumblr page and even Facebook!

Bonus:  How about a cover track from Caleb’s Tumblr page?  Listen: “Suited Me (Richard Dobson Cover)”

~Smansmith

above via toothpastefordinner.com

What is it that I am aware of and enjoying the world of music and music blogs?  Glad you asked.

• Did you download the Sam Quinn session at Daytrotter (HERE)?  If so, congrats you are accepted into the inner circle.  If not, get thee into the circle by downloading!  Current favourite track is the “just a bit too late for the new album” Oceans, so let’s listen: “Oceans”
• Did you see that compilation to benefit the Wisconsin Humane Society?  You know, the one that took 15 Wisconsin artists and had them record a song each to complete a tribute to Wilco’s “Summerteeth” album?  ummm, you need to check it out (HERE) and consider a donation (HERE).  Thanks to Muzzle of Bees for making it happen!  Current favourite is the Conrad Plymouth track, listen: “Nothing’severgonnastandinmywayagain” (but head over to MoB for the full 320kbps version).
• Captain Obvious blog is always able to come out of nowhere to give us one of his mixtapes and he does not disappoint.  See the August installment (regardless of posting it on Sept. 1st….hey, it was worth getting every last day out of August for the mix!).  Download it HERE.  Current favourite is the Dylan LeBlanc track.
• This one isn’t about music, but I think you should follow Drew who creates Toothpaste For Dinner on Twitter (FOLLOW).  He be funny.
• Did you know that Song, by Toad Records has a great release that combines favourites Animal Magic Tricks, Meursault and King Creosote into one nice little package (currently on VINYL & CD).  Well it exists and they call themselves Cold Seeds!  Listen to a sample: “The Perfume of Mexican Birds”.  Current favourite track is the sleeper “Soil” that has been sending chills since I first heard it.
• Wentworth Kersey has released their 3rd installment of the “O” series, ((O)).  It is once again more shoegaze Americana (and some of the best you will find).  Listen to a current favourite “Sun And Moon”.  Find out, listen, purchase more at their SITE and (damn slick) LABEL page.  Watch a video of another track below:

Well, that is all I have at the moment.  Hope it gives you all something to fill the long weekend!

~Smansmith

Caleb will have his first official release digitally over on Yer Bird Records come September 7th.  It is a mix of dirty, sad, hard drinkin’ unmixed demos called “Wild Desert Rose” and is spectacular in its earnest country feel.  Visit on Yer Bird Records.

How about a bit of a teaser to that album with a rip of the above YouTube performance – I believe it is a Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings song, but you know….I think it’s Willie’s originally.

Bobby “Caleb” Coy – “Write Your Own Songs (Willie Nelson Cover)” – YouTube Rip

~Smansmith

I think the post title says it all.  This Saskatchewan troubadour is quickly making me more than a casual fan – this guy is definitely some of the best new (to me) Canadian talent!

While this is his 3rd official release, it is coming on strong with great mellow acoustics, serious Americana hooks and a voice that lands exactly where it should be (a touch rough but with a harmony that is rock steady).  Favourite tracks are the title track, “O’ Ontario”, “Don’t Ask Me to Sing”, hell…they are all recommended.  The only fault I have is that excluding the first track as an “introduction” it is only 8 songs…

Come & Gone Tracklisting

1. Introduction
2. Coming back home
3. Small town streets
4. Sins of my father, sins of mine
5. Lake of the woods
6. O’ Ontario
7. Don’t ask me to sing
8. Town to town
9. Hard to love

Lucky is also still on his massive tour, so visit his MySpace page for a list of dates across Canada (here).

Watch some early workings of one of the tracks “Don’t ask me to sing” from ZL’s Vimeo page:

Don’t ask me to sing from zachary lucky on Vimeo.

Find Zachary on Bandcamp ($10 gets you the digital, $12 gets the actual CD!), Facebook and Twitter as well.  You can also purchase at iTunes by clicking here.

~Smansmith

Today we have a Song of the Day from Andy Berkhout’s “Song Per Week Project” and this one is pretty damn good.  Andy has been on the blog prior (see here) and I am more than happy to have him back.  The song is “Endless Rhyme” and it is more of a harmonica laced “Americana” track.  I am a sucker for two things in my folk and folk inspired music and they are banjo and harmonica.  The song also has a touch of twang, if only in the tone of Berkhout’s voice.  It is a totally solo affair and it lends me to believe that if this is just a “week’s worth” of creation, this guy is going somewhere!

“Endless Rhyme” – Andy Berkhout, from week 29 of the “Song Per Week Project”

Find more Andy Berkhout on his Website, MySpace and see below for a couple of upcoming shows:

Bonus video of the track:

~Smansmith

I will be on holidays next week and will be starting a string of “Song of the Day” posts – they are quick and are a great way to bring a track (or artist) along for a quick smack in the face post! Today will start off with Zachary Lucky.  The below is from a previous album (as he has a new album “Come & Gone” out August 5th) that shows off this Saskatoon singer songwriter’s talent.  He is starting a tour to coincide with the album release and low and behold, I will actually be around when he will be in Calgary on August 19th!  See you there (if I can find this ‘House of Commons’ place)…

Take a listen (stream some more on his Bandcamp page):

See some dates below and check him out when he comes through your neck of the woods.

*the above are only the August dates!!!

See his MySpace for more tour dates plus 2 songs from the new album – I think he is adding more as the release date comes closer, so check back often.

~Smansmith

I have been waiting on this post for a while.  I have only had it since early June, but I feel like I have been waiting a long time as I have wanted to tell everyone about this album.  This album came out of nowhere for me, I didn’t know of the brothers harm prior and now I constantly listen to them.  This is a band of traditional Americana if I ever heard one.  I only think of the heartland of the USA when I hear them.   They might be based back in Cottage Grove, Oregon and that is close enough to dusty plains as they need to be.  All The Lies Songs You Wanna Hear, yes.

So I don’t know too much about the boys, but there is a pretty good biography of the band on their MySpace – it tells of the beginning in Oregon, the coming and going of members, the return to Oregon and the rebirth of the band and new album that is banjo, country, ass kicking at times and real down to earth music that works in headphones and on a stage with drink in hand.  Sometimes when you listen to bands you feel like they might be trying too hard or maybe they haven’t fully meshed yet…this is nowhere to be found on this new break out album.

The Harmed Brothers today consist of founding member Donnie Vietti and Alex Salcido and having not heard previous versions of the band, I believe they just might have found something that needs to be heard, heard a lot.  So, as you can see I really like these two “brothers” sound and by the look of many of the photos on their MySpace page, I think that they might be the kinda guys you wanna know as well as listen to!

I don’t have the official release date to purchase, but will update when I confirm – but seriously, seek them out, email them, see them on tour this summer (see below).  Listen to one of my favourite tracks from the album below as a taster and hopefully soon you will have an opportunity to fall in love with the album as well.

“One in the Garden” – The Harmed Brothers, from 2010′s “All The Lies You Wanna Hear”

Love that track!  Other great songs from the album are “One Night”, “Song for Lauren”, When I Get Back (Tailor-Made Blues)”, “Kansas Wind”, “Cryin’ Shame”, “Greetings From Mardi Gras” <—- Also freakin’ good, so you see there are numerous winners on this album.  I really wish I had info to purchase!!

UPDATE: Purchase the album digitally on CD Baby by clicking HERE!

They are also at the Mountain Stomp Music Festival this weekend if you are in the Oregon area – but they will also be in Eugene for their CD Release show on July 8th at the Wandering Goat.  Be there.  More dates below:

The Washington Family Roadshow!

Visit:

Enjoy one of the best Americana/folk/country bands I have heard in a long while.

~Smansmith

Starting today is the new album from the now condensed named Ben & Bruno – “BB” who have a new album out on RC Legacy.  Ben and Bruno is essentially Peter Brant and he is a master of crafting quirky folk/fringe folk songs that find themselves both delicate and moving at the same time.  His “higher than average” vocal style is something that always draws me in, I am a sucker for an “interesting/unique” vocal style – and while it isn’t out there that much, it still is enough to separate it from others.

The new album is called “Marcescant” and is out now (available on white vinyl no less) and is a nice compliment to any Saturday listening party you may be having – lo-fi indie pop at its finest.

Click here to purchase, here to visit, below to listen:

“You Have No Love” (mp3)

~~~

Next we have  something equally as mellow, but a different spin on style.  So to get into it, Wolfgang Schaefer is definitely more to the Americana side of things – one listen to that harmonica and you just know it.  This Milwakee resident plays the lonely guitar and sings with the true tired voice of the open plain troubadour.  Whether he is or not, it sounds great.  There is the stunning acoustics that perfectly match his vocals and you simply wonder why this guy isn’t a household name already.  Sometimes I just don’t get it – he creates the kind of music that you can both hear on a soundtrack on a “hip” television show, but still find a home in a down and out club playing for 8 people.  I have a track from his upcoming EP that should see a release this summer and will be a definite must buy!

*photo from MySpace photo album

Click here to visit, below to listen:

“Broken Hearts and Billy Clubs” (mp3)

~~~

Next we have Hip Hatchett who is a more traditional acoustic folk artist – you could say he is a staple of the Slowcoustic style of folk music.  He has a new album over on BandCamp called “Men Who Share My Name” and it is extra conveniently priced at “$2.00 or more” – come on, you can’t beat that.  Hip Hatchet is actually the performing name of  Philippe Bronchtein who is a self proclaimed musician from the age of 3 hails from Vermont and his deep but soothing voice could be the blanket of “hushed” atmosphere of any fall day from the North East state.  I can’t say enough about how $2.00 will get you 10 tracks from this guy – use headphones as well, wander around with this as your soundtrack – perfect!

Click here (be sure to stop the player in the comments immediately) to visit, here to buy or below to listen:

“Hungry Wolves” (mp3)

~~~

There you have another Saturday collection of great music – please swing by all the above artists sites and make a comment, become a friend or simply sit and listen.

~Smansmith

This is one transit fare I would have no problem paying.

Shot At The Dark – The Sumner Brothers from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

AND the fantastic Part Two!

Shot at The Dark – The Sumner Brothers Part Two from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

~~~

The self titled album from a couple of years back is definitely a must for anyone who appreciates the down trodden with a bit of twang.  Need an example?  How about something like:

“Pain” – The Sumner Brothers, self titled (2008)

While I have been listening for a while, I have never gotten around to posting on this Canadian Duo (Brian and Bob).  Weird, I know.  There are two albums to dig into (so far…I think the new album is finished and due in the fall) and come highly recommended.  You can find the possibly more raw “In The Garage” from 2006 and then 2008′s self titled release that has seen a bit more production value (but still with teeth, if you get what I am saying).  If you are still wondering what they are all about, their new website definitely hits the nail on the head with the below:

It is this commitment to authenticity that first drew the brothers to the songs of country, folk and blues, to roots music. Somehow banjos, harmonica’s and steel string guitars seem to lend themselves well to the notion of truth. These sounds coupled with the devastatingly low baritone of brother Brian, and the hauntingly sorrowful croon of brother Bob’s tenor, collide to form a sound, both unique and powerful.

If the above two videos and sample track haven’t convinced you, then you my friend do not enjoy the incredible talent of The Sumner Brothers and their Canadiana like I do.  ’nuff said.

Visit and purchase The Sumner Brothers:

~Smansmith

Sam Quinn’s new album is pretty darn special.  After only a couple of listens, his laid back country fused sound just grabs me.  The new album basically just came out on Ramseur Records and is one of the new albums that has really stuck out for me – I mean a lot of people really liked “The Everybodyfields” (his former band) but I really like where this new stuff recorded with Japan 10 is going.  It is not meant to replace everybodyfields, so get that out of your head, this is new (yet feels like it has been around for years) and it really works.

Sam’s unique voice is primed for a bit of twang from a pedal steel, blends naturally with acoustics and if you can visually focus outside of his immense facial hair you will hear it all too.  Highly recommended.  Check a video of a demo from one of the new tracks below:

Sam Quinn + Japan Ten: “Hello” @ Ramseur Records HQ from Ramseur Records on Vimeo.

~~~

You can find a absolutely fantastic deal on his site…get this:  CD AND loseless digital download for $9.99!  You cannot beat that.  Visit the SAM QUINN STORE for that deal.  Also for those who can’t handle  artist stores and need the warm comforting embrace of a full blown digital retailer, get your iTunes love on.  If you need a bit of a sampler to take with you, visit the good folks at HearYa who have some more video and the track “Suite Motown” from the new album for download.

I don’t officially have any downloads for ya folks, I know, I know – but stream a couple why don’t ya?  Also, not featured below – make sure you buy it as you can’t miss out on “Gun”, “Help Me” & “River” as well…sooo good.

~Smansmith

p.s.  He’s touring to, if you wanted to see it all live (you do) – Tour dates.

photo from John Statz Bandcamp page

Today I have a couple of advance bandcamp tracks from John Statz and Wentworth Kersey who have both been featured previously on the blessed pages of Slowcoustic – so why not get a jump on the new stuff?

~~

John Statz has some very decent tunes on previous albums (see both Our Love Was Made For Canada & Dusk Came Slow for examples) so I think there should be good things upcoming on “Ghost Towns” set for an August release.  Find a few tracks from the previous albums and and interview we did with John by visiting HERE.

Visit John on his Website, Bandcamp (for a name your price copy of the above track) and MySpace.

~~

Next we have Wentworth Kersey and their 3 EP project of O’s.  While being a bit more psych folk Americana than John above, they still bring some excellent tracks (see previous posts HERE and where they made it to my favourite EPs of 2009 HERE).   So to catch you up to speed, the O and the (O) EPs have been released and this summer should see the release of ((O)).  Catch ‘em if you can or you can visit them on their Blog (see the video of the below track), Official Website, Bandcamp and MySpace.

“Sun and Moon” – Wentworth Kersey, from the upcoming ((O)) EP.

~~

~Smansmith

Red Clay River are the type of band that I am getting to really like.  They have the slow burners that I frickin really like, but they still have jump with a bit of rockin’ out.  I don’t always “rock out” as I put it, but sometimes it is good to know that you can – or at least your bands can!

RCR sent over some demos and videos of said demos to listen/see and it just happened at the right time.  I was hankering for something a bit gritty and had a bit more bite than my standard singer songwriters or down tempo indie pop that I can get lost in.  This is the band that helped me go for a stroll down Alt-Country-fringe-folk lane once again.  And I enjoyed my stay.  I just really liked the way they provide the hard drinkin’ devil may care music that has brought comparisons to Tom Waits, Against Me, O’Death, Micah P. Hinson, Gogol Bordello, Mark Lanegan.  This my friends is your Alt Country Friday.

“Build A Fire” (mp3)

~~

“Fall Like The Devil” (mp3)

Bonus tracks:

Slower: “Letters to the Sky”
Gritty: “Ain’t No Blues”

Click Below to Visit Red Clay River:
New release “Cover Our Faces With Soot and Dreams” available by clicking below as well

~Smansmith

“With Love”(mp3)

The thing about songwriting is that often it takes a specific experience or occasion or catalyst in general that makes for a great song.  Great songs (for me at least) tend to be a touch darker or even lonely, but you all may know this already.

This track from Ronnie Fauss from his “New Songs for the Old Frontier, Volume 1″ album to his own admission was almost subconsciously hidden as the last track on the release.  This is because it is from a specific experience in Fauss’ life that could only be dark and even lonely.  I don’t presume to know the real background of taking this experience to song, but listen to the lyrics and know that in his own words how it can “..show how a tragic beginning can have a redemptive ending.”

The album cover above is actually of Ronnie Fauss (the child) and his father a couple years prior to his father passing away – which in turn is the focus of “With Love”.  This week represents the 25th anniversary.

Visit and Purchase:

~Smansmith

Mark Erelli {Visit}

Jeffrey Foucault and long time friend Mark Erelli have murder in their heart.  And in their latest collaborative album.

So I felt I had to post this because it was like I was meant to, I basically had to.  I don’t normally hear too much from either artist despite being a big fan of Foucault and slightly more than average fan of Erelli.  Then, last weekend I get an email from fellow blogger Laura at You Crazy Dreamers to check out a b-side/demo from Foucault (listen: “Geese Fly By“).  I realize later that she was getting ready to see the show last week out in Chicago that ended up being her favourite concert this year.  And she has seen more than a few so far.  She purchased the Seven Curses album and immediately sent it over to me and I have been playing non-stop…well, lots.

Then I notice on one of my regular reads, Cover Lay Down, that this album gets a mention as essentially the album is a collection of murder ballad covers – hence the mention on Cover Lay Down.  Okay this is getting weird, so I decide in order to get my aura clean I had to post on the album and here we are.

So basically, I really like the album – but people, you have to be ready for the (alt) country in you to be represented.  The album could be considered a country album if this was 10 years ago, so now a days I would call it folk-country or so.  Both Erelli and Foucault are singer-songwriter/troubadours in the full sense of the word – these two would feel just as comfortable in a whiskey soaked stage at midnight just as easily in the back woods of Colorado when singing to whomever is around.  The covers range from the full on country version of Woody Guthrie (Philadelphia Lawyer) to the honky tonk version of Bruce Springsteen (Johnny 99) to a mellowed out Steve Earle (Ellis Unit 1) and the below version of Richard Buckner’s version of a Edgar Lee Masters Poem called Tom Merritt (from what I can tell).  Essentially, this is a great country cover album that possibly gets a bit too country for me at times, but it always pulls itself back with a stunning track that keeps me listening.  Recommended.

“Tom Merritt” - Jeffrey Foucault & Mark Erelli, from 2010′s “Seven Curses”
(you can also visit Foucault’s site for 2 more tracks, here)

Purchase:

~Smansmith

Haven’t heard it yet, no problem.  Streamed a bit on MySpace, but you never know, right?  Well how to decide if you want the new Theodore album “Hold You Like A Lover” in two easy steps.

1. Listen to a sample from the previous album Defeated, TN:
   “Wade’s Lament”
   
2. Listen to a sample from the previous, previous album Songs For The Weary:
   “Back From the War”
   
3. Super secret 3rd reason – my post where they cover Damien Jurado’s “Fuel” – HERE

The album is out now (released Feb. 9, 2010) from Moon Jaw Records and is available on CD and Vinyl – no digital at the moment, but hopefully soon…

Visit Theodore and purchase “Hold You Like A Lover” below

You can also find the above tracks and 6 others over on Moonjaw for free download!

~Smansmith

p.s.  If you like the above two songs, and you do like them, please stream “Across The River” on MySpace – frickin’ good!

Do you like great slowcore?  Do you like great singer songwriters?  Do you like beautifully ambient tracks?  Do you like all the previous for free?  Hells yeah!

The good folks over at the Italian music webzine “ondarock” has issued its double “disc” release of selected Slowcoustic music.  This makes this sad bastard very happy.  The compilation is a great project and features some original stuff, existing album demos and even a cover (or two).   See below for the bands included (notice some Slowcoustic favs amoung them!):

A SINGER OF SONGS

ANT

BARZIN

BRIAN WHEAT & GROGGY DARLIN’

DAKOTA SUITE

DOG IS BLUE

DREW PISTON

FOXTROT EMPIRE

HEZEKIAH JONES

ILYA E. MONOSOV

JOHN CRAIGIE

LEONARD MYNX

MOOMAW

NICOLAI RICCARDO GREY

NORABELLE

OWEIHOPS

PICKERING PICK

RADICAL FACE

RIVULETS

SIMON LLEWELYN EVANS

STEVE ADEY

TEX LA HOMA

THE BOY HARDY

THE BRENDAN HINES & CO., INC.

THE MOSTAR DIVING CLUB

THINGS IN HERDS

So click the patchwork image at the top of the page or click RIGHT HERE to visit (translated page in English HERE).  Come on, 26 free tracks put together with thought and care for your listening pleasure?!?!  You can’t go wrong here folks.

~Smansmith

Need a bit of heartache & story telling to ease you into the weekend?  How about a bit of southern drawl in your daily listening?  How about both in one package, “Addition by Subtraction” by Lucas Westcott just may be exactly what you are looking for.

Lucas sent me the CD the other week which was actually released in 2008 and I was completely unaware of it!  Did I say I like getting great musical recommendations?  Well I do.  Around here I tend to cover a range of artists who’s sound might range from fringe folk to a more traditional country and Lucas sways closer to the country side of that spectrum.  He has some great slow burners and it’s his drawl that makes you think it has southern roots when in fact he is from Michigan.  I have firmly believed in the Michigan scene and now I know they have even more including some in the alt-country variety.

The majority and the best tracks from the album include Westcott’s vocals out front with it’s country/blues tenor, almost if he is a cross between Texas and Mississippi.   I think he could get away with even more grit in his sound as his voice can carry it.  That voice looks to be beyond his years and brings me back to days of which I have never been, but you still know it takes you back…if you get what I am saying.  The album is pretty straight forward, he knows his sound and he sticks with it – most (if not all) of the tracks are solo singer songwriter in the “troubadour on a back porch” style and that works for me.  I want to leave you with two tracks that feature some great tales set to country ballads that should make you run out and pick up a copy…even if we are a year late.

“Father of the Year”
“Hometown”

Visit & Purchase Lucas Westcott:

~Smansmith

I am sure it is not a secret, but most of you might know that I am a huge fan of Matthew Ryan.  How can I not when he is responsible for many of those late night hushed songs that just hit home for me.  He also (in my opinion) probably has the best voice for singing the music that he does – it is the perfect pitch, it has just enough gravel in it and just matches a dark corner of a smokey bar, in other words it is what I want to hear in practically any song released.

Well, when I first scanned through the new album, I have to admit that I was a bit underwhelmed.  What you say?  Yes, I thought it was “good” for someone else, but below Matthew Ryan standards for me.  Come on, this is the guy who has “Misundercould”, “Jane, I Still Feel The Same”, “I’m an American”, “Gone For Good” and “Everybody Always Leaves” and those are big tracks to live up to for anyone.  While I clearly don’t feel quite the same now as I did then, I do have a couple of reservations on a few songs, but overall it has really bloomed for me and has become a regular listen for the last part of 2009.

Firstly there are some more of my signature Ryan tracks with “Your Museum” and “The World Is…” which actually Ryan told me to listen to when he noticed a tweet about my hesitation with Dear Lover.  Well, when the guy himself tells you to take another listen, well…you listen.  The two songs are stand outs for me now and are joined with “Some Streets Lead Nowhere” which I believe was released last year originally but has been included on the new album.  These are the tracks where you can hear a song and feel a connection or just feel like someone is leaning in and telling you a story that you need to hear.  All analogies aside, they are what I define as Matthew Ryan, a slow paced, gritty voiced lament (my new favourite word) that you just want to put in your list of “go to” songs.

Well there is also another side to Ryan where he brings a bit more energy to his music – which is also very good as it also suits him (listen to tracks like The Wilderness & P.S.).  He truly is an artist that can belt out a rockin’ Americana style track and still hush the crowd immediately, one trait I enjoy in my favourite bands/artists.  What I have noticed in the last few years is Ryan has incorporated a bit of “electronic” assisting in his music (i.e. drum machine and keyboards).  “Electronic” may sound a bit much for what it actually is, but these days it is almost unavoidable when creating an album.  You can notice this in the title track (where it does work) and in what could be considered the two lead off tracks “City Life”, “We Are Snowmen” and then again in “Spark (featuring DJ Preach)” where I like the songs, but feel there is just too much of this sound.  I feel as if the songs might find their way to a car commercial or similar location with their use of drum machine induced cadence.  Not a bad thing most would think and I almost feel awkward saying it, they just seem a bit more late night Lincoln MKZ ad versus late night whiskey soaked ballad.  I can’t write them off as Ryan’s voice in each track still draws me in, it has to be a pretty bad track to make me not want to listen to this guy…

Well overall the album is well above many of its ilk and will be another feather in Ryan’s cap.  So if like me you hesitated, give it more listening time – it will become a mandatory listen very easily.  If you didn’t feel any pause, simply consider me a bit slow.

“Some Streets Lead Nowhere” – Matthew Ryan, from 2009′s “Dear Lover”
Bonus: “Jane, I Still Feel The Same” – Matthew Ryan, from his Daytrotter Session, Sept. 2008
Bonus #2 (side project): “If I Wanted You” – The Dead Satellites

Visit and Purchase Matthew Ryan.  Physical CD release slated for early 2010.

~Smansmith

So I was recently called out in front of the class for chewing gum not finding local talent.  The calling out cam from fellow Canadian blogger Herohill and the local talent in question is Cam Penner.  Wait, let’s move back a touch – Craig over at Songs:Illinois posted on a nice little find with Cam Penner.  Said post is read by Herohill and then I am called out on ignoring local talent not finding this great roots/Americana/folk artist that I should have.

Okay, us Canadians sometimes have to rely on our friends to the south to find great artists from our own backyard.  It is bound to happen, Canada is MASSIVELY TALENTED when it comes to the indie music scene.  That is not the coincidental stuff, it comes next.

I look into this post by Songs:Illinois on Penner’s new album and low and behold, I find myself downloading the track and enjoying it quite a bit.  I then look into this Canadian musician and find out he is currently based in Calgary – where I live!  Then I look into it some more and find out Cam Penner is originally from Manitoba – where I moved from!  If anyone reading this is familiar with Southern Manitoba, it is full of smaller (mostly) farming communities and a fairly hefty religious and Mennonite presence.  It does turn out that Cam is from such a Mennonite community in Southern Manitoba…for all I know, he was a neighbor of my wife who is also a Mennonite from Southern Manitoba!  That would be too much so I am not looking into it any longer.

Don’t get me started on the fact that part of promotion for Cam Penner is through Kerf Music who I found out last week is the company our bookkeeper at my current job also works for….come on!

So, long not so interesting story short, listen to Cam Penner.  If you enjoy a bit of down-trodden folk with real Canadiana and a splash of country he is well worth it.

Also enjoy a video for the track that was posted to start this all:

Visit and purchase Cam Penner:

~Smansmith

It’s called “For The Mission Baby” and it is FINALLY making into serious rotation over here.  I am not reviewing the album in this post as I am still only ankle deep in it.  But like a recent tweet I made (yeah, I said tweet):

@Slowcoustic – I feel like I’m down on my luck and there is whiskey on my breath after the first track from the new Malcolm Holcombe album

I also have to admit I have only been a casual listener to Holcombe in the past, a bit of Gamblin’ House and Not Forgotten and even his Daytrotter session – but I am giving this one a serious listen.  It is everything you think of when you think of Holcombe if I had to make a blanket statement.  If you aren’t very familiar, its gritty, a bit honky tonk and a something you can get a drink to.  While I don’t have an official promo track (I just don’t see Malcolm as a “promo track” kinda guy ya know?) but he is offering an outtake from the new album for free download, so it is included below for a limited time.

“Hardcore Dollar” – from the “For The Mission Baby” sessions (unreleased)

Swing on by his website and even pick up an album:

Bonus Video of “Hannah’s Trading Post” from the For The Mission Baby LP:

~Smansmith

The band is Brown Bird.  The album is The Devil Dancing.  The release is November 2009.  Stalk Peapod Recordings and I am sure it will pop up at some point.

A bit about the album recording;

“The Devil Dancing” is Brown Bird’s second full-length album on Peapod Recordings. The album is set to be released on CD and LP in November of 2009. It was recorded in two separate multi day sessions. The first session took place at Hogfarm Studios in Biddeford, ME and included the upright bass work of Micah Blue Smaldone (Death Vessel, Fire on Fire). The second session took place at the Peapod Recording Studio in Portland, ME.

Enjoy a sneak peek of some of the new album below!

“By The Reins” (originally on the Brown Bird/Annie Palmer split tour EP – be reworked and beefed up band wise for the upcoming release)
“Down To The River” – again a more bluesy band persona coming out of Brown Bird, evolution of the singer songwriter?
“Danger and Dread” – just a damn good track

If you notice a bit more of a full sound – it seems like the 5 piece is really taking on the challenge of putting together full folk album.   What I mean is that Brown Bird wasn’t simply a guy (David Lamb) with a guitar, but it could be pulled of as such if needed.  This “evolution” includes numerous instruments and has been compared to a “miniature orchestra” and I like where it is going.  Anything that has a down tempo vibe with acoustic guitar, cello, strings…just kills me!  The new album officially receives it’s contributions from the crew that consists of:

David Lamb: vocals, guitar, banjo, percussion
MorganEve Swain: vocals, violin, viola, cello, ukelele
Mike Samos: dobro, lap steel, elec. guitar
Jeremy Robinson: vocals, accordion, banjo
Jerusha Robinson: vocals, cello

So yeah, I looking forward to the full release, you should be to.

Visit & Purchase Brown Bird

~Smansmith

p.s.  See previous post in my “Why Aren’t They Famous” series HERE.  I also mentioned this album HERE, put the previous BB album on a best of list for 2008 HERE and if you wanted to know more about Annie Palmer mentioned above just click HERE.

Heard from Ronnie that he has released a new digital only 3 track EP just last week.  The title track included below is exactly what you would think of a song of the night around here, it’s slow, it’s acoustic and it’s a song that feels just a bit lonely.  The track sings of not being able to be the person for that special someone.  Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you want it, it just isn’t going to work in part to whatever flawed situation that one finds themself.   The song may be bleak, dark and even a bit tragic, it still makes me happy that it fell into my inbox.  Enjoy.

“I Can’t Make You Happy” – Ronnie Fauss

Visit Ronnie / Purchase The EP

~Smansmith

I have been a bit lax on the label playlist feature here on Slowcoustic so I noticed that the good folks at IODA have quite a bit of content from Shameless Records available.  Hell, it is time to represent Alberta here – Canadian label action from my own province!  They have a pretty eclectic  roster, with my clear stand out favourite being The Wheat Pool – but that’s how I roll (all families have their favourite child, right?).

In reading over the info on their website, you know that 2002 was the official start of the label with organizing by Glen Erickson (wait, does he play guitar in a band…).  Erickson wanted to create a local scene that was growing and what better way to do this than be a label in the City of Champions (Edmonton, Alberta).  Not that this label is exclusive to Edmonton, its roots are there and they are hoping to grow it world-wide (hey, why not?).  The label is basically “indie” with artists falling into the alt-country, folk-pop-rock genres, but I don’t think they are stopping there – swing by the page, get to know them.

Lets build a playlist now with hand picked examples of some tunes!

~~~

The Wheat Pool
“This Is It” (mp3)
“One of These Nights” (mp3)
from “Hauntario”
(Shameless Records Canada)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody

More On This Album
(NEW ALBUM)

~~~

The Wheat Pool
“Peniel, SK” (mp3)
“Evergreen” (mp3)
from “Township” (Excellent album)
(Shameless Records Canada)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic

More On This Album

~~~

F&M
“Shrug It Off” (mp3)
from “Every Light Must Fade”
(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

F&M
“I Pray For The Fog” (mp3)
from “Let Every Light Shine”

(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

Hector Fector
“All the Way’s We’re Living” (mp3)
“Let’s Make Friends” (mp3)
from “We Are Romantic”

(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

James Murdoch Band
“Building a Bridge” (mp3)
“Canadian Summer” (mp3)
from “Wondering Where the Rush Has Gone”

(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

Becky
“This Winter” (mp3)
“Breath” (mp3)
“Untitled in May” (mp3)
from “Some Like The Water” (GREAT album)
(Shameless Records Canada)

More On This Album

~~~

Now don’t you just want to be Canadian?

~Smansmith

Despite what you think, instead of this being a sparkling review of a great micro brew, it is in fact a stunning review of the best folk coming out of North East USA.

I have been holding onto reviewing this album and as you can see by the post title, I must have been struggling with that part as well.  The only reason the title works (for me at least) is knowing that Oweihops likes him some great micro brew.  I know this because I (more or less) know Oweihops and consider him a friend of mine (hell, we are Facebook friends, we must be close!).  No, seriously, I have been in touch with Michael Metivier, you know him as Oweihops, for years now in discussions on his music as Oweihops, other music and overall just online bullshit that people talk about.  So yeah, he is a good guy, with a hell of a good track record for great sweeping folk tracks based out of his Massachusetts home.

Metivier records music that you feel like you already know, it is warm, organic, honest, gorgeous all while painting mental images of wheat fields in rural MA and favourite watering holes with friends.   Songs often have themes of nature, birds, life and what could be his surroundings.  His latest album is titled “Viburnum” and it is another winner and keeps on with a flare for shrubbery.  Yes you read that correct, Viburnum (the genus of various shrubs/trees) follows his previous album “Cinquefoil” (a plant/flower prone to 5 leaves and vaguely related to a rose).  See what I mean by organic?  Definitely a theme which does translate to his acoustic song selections.  The music created is one that seems real, it isn’t overly produced – there is no flash or mash up with Lil Wayne in the works – and this is a very good thing.  In these times where people grab their music in handfuls and keep only the 5 seconds of fame tracks, Oweihops comes as some of the most refreshing music I have heard in a long time.  This is an album that you don’t get throw-aways and filler – it is rich with stories and what life is when you slow it all down.

Take “These Passerines” as your first example of the album.  The infusion of cello, acoustic guitar and light percussion together builds a lament that feels like dusk in the middle of nowhere.  A nowhere where you look up through the branches up to the sky above while you wait for a new day.  The cello in this track (and the album for that matter) just kills me!

“These Passerines” – Oweihops, from 2009′s Viburnum

Secondly, you have “Proximity” which is a bit more up tempo, but still at half speed for most folks.  This one feels more like Metivier standing up and singing to those around him – he sounds purposeful and possibly the best I have heard in a while.  This song is a straight forward acoustic number, but sometimes that is where you find the best music – right there, hitting you in the face.  It comes in at just under 3 minutes and that is the only fault I have with it.  This song could be played 10 years ago, today and will be played in 10 years.

“Proximity” – Oweihops, from 2009′s Viburnum.

I am definitely biased with this album – but I think knowing Metivier isn’t colouring my review, but enforcing that I do like it and that it is a favourite for the year.  In hearing the progression of the album by being privy to demos as well prior to the official versions, the album has grown with me this year to bloom this fall (definitely a fall album).  So if you need an album to enjoy the cooler air and shorter days, grab a blanket and head to the porch with your headphones and this album, you will not be disappointed.

Visit/Purchase Oweihops:

~Smansmith

I am a bit confused by The Big Nasty – they have two CDs coming out and one is more country folk and the other more rock alternative.  I mean each is its own project – and actually kudos to them for having the energies and ability to have two separate albums to promote.  And two CDs being released when you just formed in January of this year!!  Wow, dudes have their shite together.

CD # 1: Downtown is described as:

…what it would be like to meet a girl in a train station, spend three days in a city that you can’t remember, and then get back home to realize that you are still single and no longer have a comma in your bank account.

CD #2: The Sticks is described as:

Like waking up with a hangover in a pickup truck on the outskirts of town with no memory of your last 3 days…

While I am not sure how raucous and/or hazy this band prefers to be, there is a good listen here.  Check out a track from each album below – both “The Sticks” (country) and “Downtown” (Rock) are released on October 15th.  Guess which one I prefer…
~~~
The Big Nasty
“Life of a Dog” (mp3)
from “Downtown”
(Opus Music Ventures)

More On This Album

~~~
The Big Nasty
“Lay It All Out” (mp3)
from “The Sticks”
(Opus Music Ventures)

More On This Album

**Don’t miss the double CD Release party on Oct. 15th at the Starry Plough in Berkely.  Everyone attending gets a free CD!!

You can always visit them:

~Smansmith

Holy shit I am digging this song (Tirade Of A Shitty Mom)!  Wait, I’m digging the whole damn thing.

I recently picked up the album for One Hundred Dollars – another winner from Canada folks – and this song (and below video) are just amazing.  It is all psychedelic, folkish and is stuck in my head.  I noticed the youtube action for it and this video really is this song.  If there is a better video for this song – tell me what it could possibly be.  Sepia tones bleeding through a burnt orange vision all blurred with 60′s infused alt-country-folk.  All along Simone Fornow chants the lament of the shitty mom.  This song definitely gives juxtapose to the full album which tends to be a bit more Americana infused country.  It is just too good.

One Hundred Dollars (I never know if I should type $100, but the long form is the true name I believe) are coming to Calgary as well!  There is an Oct. 31st (yes Halloween show) at the Palamino – if you dare go downtown in the evening on Halloween, you now have purpose. The crew is about to start a Western Canadian Tour which is a little delayed for the past while as they seemed to stay “Eastern” due to various issues.  I don’t want to judge, but it’s about damn time!!  Saying that regardless of being fairly new to the band in general…

Visit them on MySpace to see some dates and stream some more tunes.  I leave you with what I believe was the lead off track (if my fellow Canadian bloggers have anything to say about the situation) which shows the difference (or depth depending on how you look at it) between tracks on the “Forest of Tears” album.  Okay watch the above video, then listen to the track below.  Intrigued aren’t you.

“No Great Leap” – One Hundred Dollars – from 2009′s “Forest of Tears”

Purchase:  iTunes & Sonic Union.

~Smansmith

So you need some more music?  You have $2.00 in digital form?  You got some of that internets?  Well friends, I got some country folk goodness that your $2.00 will acquire for you.  Kyle Swartzwelder’s self titled album is more than worth the price (or less than the price of) of your morning coffee.  Simply hit the CD Baby link below and you can get the full album (8 tracks) for digital download for a Slowcoustic approved $2.00 fee!!

Kyle’s album is truly a mix of country and folk with much fitting the Slowcoustic genre just perfectly.  Anything with slide guitar is alright in my books.  The song I am featuring is “6x1x1″ and definitely is a ballad of the dusty roads if there ever was one.  While the country doesn’t get out of control (meaning there is no expected “hoe down”) there is enough to give it a heartland feel – if only at half speed.  Really nice.

“6 x 1 x 1″ - Kyle Swartzwelder – from 2008′s Self Titled Album

~~~

Below Links: Website / Facebok /MySpace / Purchase

Also, if it often feels like a small world, Kyle just finished mastering the new Hezekiah Jones EP!  Again, why are you still here and not at CD Baby?

~Smansmith

photo stolen from Less Noise More Signal

So I am sitting here listening to one of the many iTunes playlists I make (I am a bit of a fiend for this) and while scrobbling to my Last.fm profile I noticed that some tracks are readily available for download.  As I consider myself basically an up and up music blogger – meaning that I post only “approved” media on the blog.  I consider a track down-loadable only with an okay from the artist/label or if it is already posted for free download elsewhere, etc (well for the most part, *wink*).  So what this means is I don’t always post the songs I want to.  This is a bit of a unfortunate situation as I could like a album enough to do a feature on it, but the approved media is not the track I especially like and is not the reason I may like an artist/album.  I often feel like I have to provide the reader with songs that would normally skip over when listening to an album if I want to post anything.  This is mostly as I am a fan of the downtrodden and slowcore tracks from albums, which often are not the “lead off single” or promotional track that labels like.  Go figure.

This brings me to a couple of tracks that come from albums that I really like, but wouldn’t be the track I would have posted if I had my choice.  Who am I to say what gets released!!  I am sure the PR guy wanted a bit more of a positive feature on the blog, but this is slowcoustic…I like the slow and acoustic tracks from the album!!  No big deal, the albums are great as a whole and I do recommend them; but I think I said my piece.  Enjoy.

The “I’m not going to jail for a song” playlist

~~~

Joshua James – Build Me This (Sept. 8, 2009)

This is 25 year old James’ second album and it follows suit to his first album, The Sun Is Always Brighter, was a strong selection of intimate singer-songwriter tracks, while this album does continue that, there is a bit of sway to a fuller sound.  This sound can be summed up in the lead off single “Magazine” – the story is still that of heartache, which works well for James.  Of note, the album will be a double vinyl and include 5 additional tracks!!

“Magazine” – Joshua James
*Track I would have liked to post:  “Pitchfork”

~~~

The Maldives – Listen to the Thunder (Sept. 15th, 2009)

This one is a bit more to the country side of things and the album actually crosses the entire street of Alt-Country from a bit of rocking to whiskey soaked crooners.   I admit that the up tempo stuff is not fully my cup o’ tea, but damn they have some great country styled ballads.  While the album is not out until Sept. 15th, you can purchase it and the previous EP that includes some of the same tracks at Mt. Fuji Records here.

“Tequila Sunday” – The Maldives
*Track I would have liked to post: “Walk Away” (10 and a half minutes of beauty!)

~~~

David Bazan – Curse Your Branches (Aug. 25th, 2009)

I have been a fan of Bazan for a while (just like everyone else) from Pedro the Lion to his solo stuff.   I do admit, not unlike my comment on The Maldives above, his slower stuff is killer.  His cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is one of my favourite songs, period.  I mean the song has been covered like a bazillion times, but it is rarely done justice…Bazan kills it.

“Bless This Mess” – David Bazan
*Track I would have liked to post: “Lost My Shape” or “Harmless Sparks” (I know Harmless Sparks is on daytrotter, but the album track)

~~~

There you have it, life as it is versus as it should be!!  HA, just kidding, enjoy the tunes, maybe pick up the three albums to see what you would have selected as your preferred track…

~Smansmith

I have waited on this one, and I don’t know why.  The new album from Andrew Bryant came out July 9th, 2009 and is Bryant’s 5th release to date.  This album is right at the top of my indie folk rock stack of releases, and for good reason.

So this stack of indie folk rock that I have – it actually isn’t that big, but this is not a dig at Bryant’s “Galilee” – not by a long shot.  I say this as I tend to not really get too deep into the “rock” aspect of “folk”, but Andrew Bryant drags me there kicking and screaming which ends up being toe tapping and singing after I get there.  While the album has enough “electric” guitar, it definitely brings the acoustic along for the ride.  This ride includes the haunting, wavering and stunning folk ballads such as “Here I am Today” and “Third Person” (my favourite track on the album).  You also get slow burning country rock with tunes like “Cartwheel” and “Raise Your Fist” balanced with the southern gothic of “He Started to Run” and “The Mystery”.  These tracks are almost insights into the life of a man finding the dark part of himself and digging through the blood and guts of it all.  Soo good.  I picture the journey at mid-point by looking at the album cover above – you know there is beauty, but there is just enough to get your hands dirty, ya know?

From his press on Magnolia State – this IS what Andrew Bryant is:

“…Bryant’s music blends the traditional elements typically found in folk, rock and blues songs. However, on Galilee Bryant plays the loud louder and the soft softer – creating an album of songs that flow like a river along an untraced American landscape.”

Bryant just finished a kick ass tour with another Slowcoustic favourite: Theodore (see post here), that spanned the entire month of July in promotion of the new album – one show I definitely would have wanted to hit.  His MySpace only shows one upcoming show in October in Tennessee – if only Tennessee was closer than a few thousand miles…..check out a couple of tracks from the album below.

“Galilee”
“Chicago Wind”

Visit Andrew Bryant on his Website and his MySpace Page or even on Twitter.

Pick up an album on iTunes, Amazon or get the vinyl from Magnolia State (recommended).

~Smansmith

Don’t know much about Nebraska – drove through it once and spent the night at a small low rent chain motel on the outskirts of Lincoln.  Saw lots of corn fields (from the side of the road), a truck with a personalized license plate with “Hunters” on it and endless 2 door coupes with “support our troops” magnets.  Not to say that it was the essence of “Midwestern”, that is just the impression it gives off.  As mentioned we did stay for a bit in Lincoln, and it was a sweet little town.  I quite liked it and always joke with my wife that we would move there because it seemed like an honest but growing town, plus we got a good cup of coffee the morning we left.  I don’t know where I was going with this, oh yeah, moving to Nebraska…

Jon Crocker has some nice folk tunes – “Moved to Nebraska” is from his new album “Farewell, America!” and I think I kinda like it.  You gotta like a guy who isn’t afraid of the banjo AND mandolin.

Jon Crocker

Song of the Day:

“Moved to Nebraska” (mp3)

Bonus #1:

“Alabama Hills” (mp3) – a bit more uptempo for you diehard SLOWcoustic folks…
from “Farewell, America!”
(Greydawn Records)

More On This Album

~~
Bonus #2:
Jon Crocker
“I Just Can’t Say No” (mp3)
from “The Dust Will Settle”
(Bluetint Records)

More On This Album

~~

If you happen to enjoy Mr. Crocker – visit him on his Website and even MySpace.

Sometimes I get in a mood.  My mood is currently set clearly in the land of late night dusk across the plains of Maryland.  Wait?  Maryland?  Yes, Maryland.

Paul Masson delivered to myself (just yesterday) a fine example of why I could have been born in Texas in the 50′s.  Great country (or Alt-Country for those too scared to say they like country music) in the form his new EP and the stunning ballad called “My Girl Baltimore”.  Immediately I was drawn in by Masson’s perfect pitch delivery for such music: just a bit of grit, a bit breathy and clearly a history beyond his years.  Then the pedal steel kicks in.  Shit, this is good.  Just enough aching twang in the steel to break any cowboy’s heart.

The song is from Paul Masson’s debut EP that has just been released and in fact, “My Girl Baltimore” is Masson’s favourite track as well, and ritefully so.  He also let me know that the stunning pedal steel was courtesy of Tom Hnatow of These United States.  So you know its gonna be good.

“My Girl Baltimore” – Paul Masson – from 2009′s self titled EP

So support the return of Alt-Country and Mr. Paul Masson and pick up a copy of the EP:  it should be hitting some digital retailers (SEE BELOW – UPDATED) very soon or pick up an EP at any of his upcoming shows

You can always send him a note to tell him you really like it and you really need a copy via his MySpace page…

PURCHASE @

iTunes
Amazon
eMusic
Napster (yes, even Napster!)

~Smansmith

There is something about a bit of grit from a whiskey burnt throat accompanied by a slide guitar.  Yeah, it’s called country music, well…sort of.  I do find myself often attending the “my dog is dead, my wife left me” school of music enjoyment and I have the following homework for you.  Listen to Ronnie Fauss’ “The Saddest Love That’s Ever Been” and sit back and consider yourself lucky enough to be listening.  While the context of the song isn’t the classic version, it is a more modern tale of heartfelt loss and the way relationships lose course and hold on too long.

The song is definitely down-trodden, but you have the feeling that it could go further but knows it needs to hold back – the slide guitar says it all (as it often does).  If you slowed it down to 3/4 speed, you probably would be curled up on the floor by the end of the 4 minute track – just the way I like it.  The song is from Fauss’ album “New Songs for the Old Frontier” and includes many similar styled songs, but if only a bit more upbeat – definitely leaning to the country side of Alt-Country-Folk.  Overall a pretty good listen, but for now enjoy my track of the day.

“The Saddest Love That’s Ever Been” – Ronnie Fauss

Visit Ronnie Fauss on MySpace, his Website (where you can stream the entire EP of 6 tracks).
Pick up a copy of the CD on his site HERE or visit iTunes for a digital copy.

~Smansmith

Track list for session:

~This God Damn House (above video)

Visit Baeble for below 2 tracks:

~Ticket Taker (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
~Cage The Songbird (Also highly recommended – hell it’s all recommended!)

~Smansmith

So what will be spinning around the homestead this weekend?  Well see below for a breakdown of talent on tap – it is a bit all over the map (not really), but at least there is a bit of selection I think.  This is all subject to change as I will be hitting the streets to hunt for extremely rare, underground and almost never been seen before limited edition vinyl offerings from the various vinyl warehouses around Calgary.  So, pretty much going to listen to the stuff below and come home empty handed…but, always have hope and with me luck, you never know what you will find in various milk crates in dusty indie stores!

~~~

Willy Mason – Poughkeepsee Session EP
“One Simple Thing” (mp3)

Some traditional Slowcoustic fare, acoustic folk styling (with an almost bluesy feel) and looks to be a pretty solid release.  Also a free download at the Team Love Website, just join up and away you go (also where I got the Sarah Winchester EP completely free!)
~

Roadside Graves – My Son’s Home
“Far and Wide” (mp3)

The good folks over at Autumn Tone Records have another winner with RSG – a bit of rock n’ Americana with a full array of full band goodness.  In a robust release of 18 tracks, you are getting songs to rock out to, lament to, sing along to and you won’t feel bad about it.   Check them out over at the Aquarium Drunkard’s Autumn Tone Records with the bands third release…now to find the previous two…
~

Ohbijou – Beacons
“Black Ice” (mp3)

I thought I would sandwich this Toronto Pop band between the grit of Roadside Graves and Deer Tick.  This shows that I am versatile doesn’t it?  Seriously though, Ohbijou are absolutely stunning with their depth of orchestral pop lullaby’s, or in almost anything they do!  They are not dissapointing with the new album, if one thing could be a fault, it should have come out earlier!  Listen here.
~

Deer Tick – Born on Flag Day
“Easy” (mp3)

Whether you like John McCauley’s voice and delivery or not, take a listen and don’t shy away, listen again.  You get a earthy folk country rock vibe from the latest release (albeit I feel it a bit more mellow than previous or maybe just less “raw”).  I always like Deer Tick though, so what can I say other than pick up a copy (at your door by June 14th via pre-order) and listen along with me.
~

There you go, that’s it for now.  I will give you an update on the shopping from today and maybe get something out this weekend on it.  Enjoy the Friday and for some of you reading this – welcome to the weekend!

~Smansmith

Sure you find yourself trolling the internet for music, listen to websites, discuss with friends, but sometimes it finds you.  This is what happens when you have a music blog – people find you and often it is so-so, sometimes it is horrible, and now and again you find something that you really like.  I found that with Thomas J Speight from London (UK that is).

The sound is easy, folk inspired and gets it’s Slowcoustic on.  TJS (and crew) have been around for almost a year since the “creation” of Thomas J Speight (although I am sure he has been just this his whole life).  In this short year Thomas has played probably a hundred shows both as a solo artist and with his band and can be described at points as a “British Ryan Adams”.  Whether you like Ryan Adams (RIP), take it as just that – a reference for good solid Americana and Alt-Country that I can say really flourishes in the down-tempo tracks.  There are a few upcoming dates on his MySpace page and if you are in the London (UK that is) area on July 23rd - you may just need to be at Madamme Jo Jo’s in Soho when he is supporting Joshua Radin!

Enjoy a couple of tracks and swing by the MySpace page of this Ear Candy artist.  I leave you with a session of the included “November Blues” song.

~Smansmith

Auld Lang Syne are coming into their own and taking me along with them.  The new album “Midnight Folly” combines Americana, Rock n’ Country and epic soundscapes.  This is the band that brings it all to the table and gives you a great album with waves and surges of sound, backs off with the perfect hush then brings it all back with gritty goodness.  I dare say this album got past 2nd base with me upon first date listen…

My first trip along the prairie sun stained tracks of Auld Lang Syne was their 7″ release for “Where My Fortune Lies” of which that very track receives it’s proper album release on this album (see my previous post with the tracks HERE).  While that EP was merely a taster of what was to come with “Midnight Folly” – I really feel they have more of a full band sound and have grown a bit more gritty cowboy with this release.  So to say it’s a worthy purchase is an understatement.

From the banks of “Four Rivers” apocalyptic Southern Gothic to the crooner ballad of “Rusty Prayer” or the combination of both in “Why We Cry” this album is racing up my favourite releases for the year.  If one song sums up this album it will be the almost 12 minute “Autumn Epitaph” – this is the song that you dream of when it is 1:38am after a night of great friends, many beverages and great music.  It is also the song you will be singing along with in that moment where you realize that Auld Lang Syne is now “your” band – it picks you up and dusts you off, carries you to new heights while at the same time ends with a lament for the ages…fan-freakin-tastic.  Once you purchase the CD, look deep into the photos included with it – you see the band, where they live and breathe in the moment on stage – these pictures along with the epic “Autumn Epitaph”, if it doesn’t give you shivers – you don’t like great music.

To get an idea of what a great show will be: The Avett Bros. (!!!) will be on the bill with Auld Lang Syne upcoming this June – see below for the East Coast dates:

June 13th – The Filmore in New York, NY
June 14th – Waterstreet Music in Rochester, NY
June 16th – Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, PA

Visit Auld Lang Syne over at the good folks at Viperbite Records, pick up an album now while you can by clicking RIGHT HERE.

~Smansmith

When Joshua suggested I listen to his album, I thought to myself – “Oh great, another musician emailing to tell me I need to listen to his music!  Why do all these damn musicians…er, wait.  Joshua Barton?”

Okay, to be honest, I don’t mind getting emails recommending music – I am a music blogger, it is what I do (in my little bit of spare time).  I especially like getting recommendations from people that I know I already like – for example….Joshua Barton of “Fields of Industry” (see my post on FOI HERE).  So, long story short – I am listening.

This nine track release is clearly located amongst the folk tinged indie shoegazer aisle that I tend to frequent and it is a nice surprise.  You are getting a bit of lo-fi topped with folk sensibility and a bit of ambient texture throughout.  Very easily mashed together to make the paste that many Slowcoustic younglings need in order to become fringe folk enthusiasts.  There is a little bit of everything thrown in (background noise, Oboe, French speaking clips, echoing guitar effects, the ubiquitous instrumental and untitled track) and it can be distracting to the casual listener, but it lends to the eccentricities of the album.  Overall, I think (I know) I will listen again.

Take a listen to three tracks from the readily available album (download it over at Arts Vs. Entertainment) to get an idea of what could be a true indie lullaby “Ypsilanti is Seething” along with his traditional folk ditty of “You’re Just a Baby” and Barton’s sombre, Southern gothic version of “Farther Along” – my personal favourite on the album.  Wait, maybe “Ypsilanti is Seething” is my favourite track…

Black Golden Bull from Non Entity Labs.  Yeah, sounds interesting.  I still don’t know who they are really, other than a group of musicians making pretty darn good cowboy folk.  I don’t know any names (correspondence from “A. Friend” is all I have) and they also indicate that no musician names will accompany the CD, etc.  Yeah, sounds interesting – Just check out the “philosophy” tab, you just may start to wake from your daily grind and join this troupe of musicians…

See the website description on themselves in regards to the Black Golden Bull release:

It really is how they describe it, the music is melded together and just might transcend a genre (other than Slowcoustic that is…) – but there is definitely a down-tempo or hush placed across the album.  I am really enjoying it and although recorded and released in 2007 (or officially in 2008) it sounds both contemporary and nostalgic, which I believe just may be one of the goals of the project.  Definitely for the acoustic, sad bastard crowd and that just the way I like it.

Check them out at the following:

Non Entity Labs at Myspace
Black Golden Bull at Myspace
Black Golden Bull at Virb
Black Golden Bull at last.fm
Black Golden Bull at purevolume.com

Pick up a copy of “Black Golden Bull” from CD Baby or iTunes:

~Smansmith

I have held off on this post for a few weeks due to giving the album a few listens prior to sending on the recommendation.  Jeff is a great guy with some solid singer-songwriter chops, but you always have to make sure, sometimes new albums take a new path, some divert down side roads in which should never be traveled.

I put that introduction in as I do believe Zentner has taken an alternate route to his destination of small town America.  I think it is a good one, so don’t get too worried!  I first wrote of Jeff Zentner here prior to this album being released and now that it has arrived, I have been digging into it regularly.  More on the arrival of the CD later, but let’s keep on with the music.

The new album is a deeper journey into the music than his previous work on “Hymns to the Darkness”.  There is more experimenting with duets, more ambient texture mixed in with his acoustic leanings.  Take one listen to “Where We Fall We’ll Lie” and you will know of what I speak.  Zentner is bringing in a new facet of his performance – almost a fringe folk edge.  Another aspect of note is production – there definitely seems to be more emphasis on making the album a beautifully dark and raw recording.  When I say “raw” I mean something that just might take something out of you, this isn’t simply a sit down and sing your songs while we record them experience.  I especially enjoy the inclusion of the mandolin, echoing banjo and increased overall atmosphere oozing from this recording .  It is an album that needs all it’s parts though, every limb and piece of Zentner together in order to be appreciated.  Sure there are stand alone tracks that are great (the title track for one), but each one lends to the entire package.

There is much more inclusion of the fairer sex this time around as well, including Katiejane Garside (from the above mentioned “Where We Fall We’ll Lie” of which she co-wrote) and the great Josie Little who performs on at least 4 other tracks.  You even get Matt Bauer and Jay Foote on the lamenting “Night Jasmine” – one of my favourites.  Overall, maybe it is the collaborative effort of this album that gives it a larger scope, or maybe I just really like dark Americana artists.

Well I mentioned above on the CD arrival for a reason and that reason is that I have a signed copy of the new album to provide to you good folks.  In order to make it fairly easy, but take more than this post to figure out – the third person to email me (admin@slowcoustic.com) with the name of Jeff’s band that he plays in will get the personalized CD sent to you for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy a couple of tracks from the new album below – I also looking forward to hearing from you.  I will post in the comments once the contest has been completed and the winner informed.

Visit Jeff Zentner on MySpace.  Also check out a couple of posts from fellow blogger Laura on You Crazy Dreamers here & here.
Pick up a copy of “Hymns to the Darkness” or “The Dying Days of Summer” on CD Baby.

~Smansmith

So I haven’t done a “New on the ‘Nets” post in a while, but I did post some recommendations on Thursday already…so, this may be a condensed version.  So in order to fill out the post, a Saturday Playlist is in order!!

Couple of items that I need to recommend:

1. Daytrotter posted their J. Tillman session from SXSW.  Very Nice – go sign up and pick up the 4 tracks!
2. Laundromatinee has their Great Lake Swimmers session posted as well.  Hit them up for some of the video and audio love.
3. The Music Slut has been premiering her Morrissey Covers Album “TMS Hearts Moz”, at the furious pace of one song per day.  Visit daily for more and catch up, she has posted 5 so far!!

Saturday Playlist (part one)*

“Apples Burning” – Princess Mabel (think of a better Sarah Mclaughlin with and indie edge)
“Way Back Down” – Mitch Elrod & CountrySoulHouse (Gothic Alt Country…mmmm)
“Nowhere” – Martha Kronholm (uber mellow songstress)
* All artists from Collar City Records – visit for more from each, including Martha Kronholm’s full EP free!  CCR just might be my new favourite indie label!

Playlist within a playlist (or part two)**

“Flowers on the Stones” – Mark Berube (this one is a cheering section of indie pop)
“Robots” – Dan Mangan (not as folktronica as others, but country folk rock emerges in its place)
“Spring Flower” – The Great Outdoors (toned down honky tonk, but not all the way toned down)
“Dessous Les Paves, La Plage” – Corbin Murdoch And The Nautical Miles (Indie Folk from the west coast – this one changes pace from celtic to southern gothic to almost radio indie – all with horns!)
“C’mon Baby Say Bang Bang” – Jane Vain and The Dark Matter (ethereal folk pop)
“Walk On Boy” – Jim Byrnes (All time classic bluesy folk a la Canada)
“Cabin Song” – T. Nile (Countrified Folk Diva)
“Dreamer” - Jenn Grant (One of Canada’s true young voices, stunning)
“Time To Lose” – The Western States (One of my hometown alt country heroes – GREAT!)

** All Canadian talent from the good folks at Killbeat Music – Visit for a massive amount of artists represented and all include samples as above – absolutely great roster that is chok full of great music.

~Smansmith

I have been in a bit of a funk lately.  For a guy who routinely listens to “sad bastard music”, this can be a bit of a deep hole to dig out of.  So with this in mind, I have found solace in the singer songwriter (surprise), but one that comes with a signature voice.  You might have received a bit of a preview of this style of singer songwriter with the Sean Rowe post from 2 days ago.  It is a baritone style voice that is southern and gothic and can be thought of as the narrator’s voice of a campfire spook story.  Sam Lowry has it and it has been helping me dig out of this last few days and I dare say is bringing this blogger out of his funk.

The new album “With/Without” just came out this week digitally and will see an official release on May 19th and should be on your “to buy” list if it isn’t already.  I admit to hearing very little of him in the past and will definitely be checking out more of this Indiana talent.  The album cover might give you a bit of insight to what this dark Americana brings to the table.  There is songs of solitude, remorse and coming to grips with relationships in the real world – all with ominous acoustic country soundtrack.  So basically it is not light fare, but again with many artists that “hit the spot” for me, it is simply what works for me.  It works very well indeed, check out 3 songs below.

Sam Lowry
“A New Year (Song For Ryan)” (mp3)
“Naomi Says” (mp3)
“Manhattan Took Us First” (mp3)
from “With / Without”
(Higher Step Records)

More On This Album

New album tour dates

5.10.2009 – Urbana, IL
5.14.2009 – Cleveland, OH
5.15.2009 – Lansing, MI
5.16.2009 – Milwaukee, WI
5.17.2009 – Dekalb, IL
5.19.2009 – Bloomington, IN
5.28.2009 – Eugene, OR
5.29.2009 – San Francisco, CA
5.30.2009 – Los Angeles, CA
6.1.2009 – Tucson, AZ
6.3.2009 – Austin, TX
6.6.2009 – Lawrence, KS
6.7.2009 – Denver, CO
6.8.2009 – Salt Lake City, UT

Visit Sam Lowry on MySpace or on his Label page over at Higher Step Records for more info and a pre-order of the album.

~Smansmith

When you hear Sean Rowe start up, you can’t help but picture a gothic version of the South, or what I envision what the South would be like.  As I don’t really know much of the real South and I am sure many residents of this mythical “South” would guffaw at this Canadian, I still have my hopes.  My hopes are that there is always a haze of gritty and sweltering heat, an open field next to a rushing creek and chairs made from long dead trees.  This is the South that Sean Rowe makes me think of, one of many long told stories and old community churches on the outskirts of small towns.  While his music takes you to such places, it is his voice that brings it all to life, take a listen to see for yourself.  Think of a more folk revival singing Bill Callahan…so you know its going to be good.

Sean Rowe
“Surprise” (mp3)
“Old Black Dodge” (mp3)
from “Magic”
(Collar City Records)

More On This Album

The new album is “Magic” and was released on Collar City Records this past April.  Visit Sean on his Website and his MySpace for some more listening and info.  Drop by the Collar City Store to pick up a copy!

~Smansmith

p.s.  Head to his MySpace and listen to “American” & “Wet” (both from the “Magic” album) – pretty frickin’ good.  Oh, and sorry about the title of the post, I had to.

1. They will be releasing the next Bowerbirds album “Upper Air” in July
2. They are releasing the new Akron/Family album “Set ‘em Wild, Set ‘em Free” tomorrow – listen to “River” (mp3)
3. They have Matthew Houck on roster, or as you know him, Phosphorescent

Phosphorescent live on KEXP at The Cutting Room Studios NYC from KEXP RADIO on Vimeo.

~Smansmith

More On This Album

There is something about the YouTube video above, just how casual Mr. Ryan is about the song, just standing there performing it masterfully.  It is something like this that makes me feel untalented and ever impressed to those who create great music.  Matthew Ryan has some of the best down trodden songwriter tracks around.  He has been a favourite for a few years and if I can, I would like you to purchase “Concussion” and “Regret Over The Wires“.

If you are lucky enough (and I forget where I found them) search out “Hopeless to Hopeful” and “Dissent From the Living Room” that he self released a while back. Take a listen to “I’m An American” below and tell me it isn’t one of the best songs you have ever heard, period.

Visit Matt Ryan on his Website and MySpace, pick up an album – contribute to one of the good guys.

~Smansmith

So I first mentioned the new Weinland album here and indicated it was one of the albums to look forward to.  Now that it has been released as of last week, I can say, it is well worth it.

The album has been spinning for almost 2 months around here and it is a great collection of melancholy indie rock.  I know I get caught up in overly mellow music, but Weinland and crew bring you the molasses laden tracks but you never feel weighted down by them, there is always something uplifting at the same time.  This is very evident in the first real track that proved to me that their previous album was not a fluke: “Sunken Eyes” (available on my previous post linked above).  It is a perfect example of beauty, heartache with perfect use of piano, acoustic guitar and lingering strings floating through the background.  The album has all that and still makes you feel okay – you can listen to it late at night with a fifth of your finest (Sunken Eyes) and still wake up and start the day with it (People Like You).  Kudos to these Portlandians (Portlandites, Portlanders?):  John Adam Weinland Shearer, Aaron “Rantz” Pomerantz, Rory Brown, Ian Lyles, Paul Christensen – for giving this music junkie another reason to love the West Coast.

You can visit the previous post for a bit more info, but take a listen to a couple more tracks below and visit the Badman Records page for a copy of “Breaks In The Sun” or even “La Lamentor” which also comes recommended from yours truly.

Weinland
“People Like You” (mp3)
“The Letters II” (mp3)
from “Breaks In The Sun”
(Badman Recording Co)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

Tobacco Pat is the subject of this episode of “If You Haven’t Heard” and once again, you need to hear – but I guess that is the point of the series.  Well now that we are on subject, I was recently introduced to Tobacco Pat (and have previously mentioned him HERE) and now I hope to introduce you to Tobacco Pat, if you haven’t heard already.

Tobacco Pat, or Logan Farmer, is a Floridian with a sound that speaks from the belly of the South, just maybe not the south of Florida.  Not ever being in Southern Florida, I can’t say for sure, but the dark, foreboding Americana coming from Farmer is both gothic and gorgeous but doesn’t conjure up images of azure ocean and palm trees.

He has a couple of EPs – “The War” and “The Plague” out currently with a full length – “Everything Will Be Oklahoma” on the way.  So far his EP series follows different ways that this very world may end, in 5 storied tracks at a time.  While “The War” is a little more of a fuller sound and “The Plague” a bit more lo-fi, they both find themselves in common territory – downtempo goodness.  I am often biased, I lean towards the troubadour and I never cover artists/bands I don’t like – so this should be no surprise – If you haven’t heard Tobacco Pat, you must.  Head over to the YerBird Aviary of which he is a new resident or his MySpace Page for more info and downloads.  He has lots of additional tracks on his MySpace player including samples from the upcoming album that will be released in September on Feels Like Home Records!

You can also visit my duplicate post over on You Crazy Dreamers that will have a couple other songs for listening and downloading.

~Smansmith

Again, I don’t know if we are dealing with Sweden or Norway here as I am getting conflicting information and honestly I am not completely familiar with the area.  One thing I am not conflicted about is the upcoming album from PapaFahr.  I know what you are saying…who is this bearded Norwegian Swede (not pictured)?  Well he has some decent back country Americana – I have said it before and I will say it again, sometimes the best Americana is from nowhere near any America.  Although not all his material is quite as guitar/harmonica as the selected tracks, this poet-cum-musician has the authentic lazy southern charm that belies his Scandinavian roots.  Take a listen below to some samples from the new album and enjoy a few more offerings from previous work.

Visit PapaFahr on MySpace and his Norwegian/Swedish site (is this getting old yet?) here.

~Smansmith

So last night I went out.  Yes, I went out to mingle among the people, to feel the night air in my lungs, to hear the buzz of a crowded club and pounding of a kick drum.  Yes, I enjoyed live music here in Calgary (rare for me, as I find not too many “known” Slowcoustic types swing on through) and I had a pleasant surprise in “the opening band”.  This group of good old boys from Edmonton, Alberta easily warmed up a packed Ironwood (Stage & Grill officially) club and had the locals feeling the energy and love with no hint of any battle of Alberta (Edmonton band playing in Calgary…long story, but if you are local and reading this, you might know what I mean).

So I kept meaning to check out The Wheat Pool prior to watching the show as I knew they were opening for The Deep Dark Woods but with work and such, just never got around to it.  I knew I was going to see them, so I thought, “well, I’ll hear them on Friday anyway, I can decide then” – and I have decided – good frickin’ country.  I know I said “Country” and didn’t put an “alt” in front of it, let’s just except that they just might be country foremost with the “alt” & “rock” trailing only slightly behind.   Sometimes I can get lost in bands that just might be too country, but I think seeing a band live can change that…maybe it is the energy, the sheer volume or even that simply seeing a band live can win you over.  I mean you see the boys movin’ their own amps, setting up the stage, tearing down the stage and being gracious for it and playing a great set to boot…just another night for them I am sure.

The music is only a hair away from being pure country, as in it could be more accurately described as heartland Country Rock.  There is some twang, there is honest lyrics (even if their song “Neil Young” isn’t actually about Neil Young), nice harmonica and their fair share of Nashville electric guitar.  While I enjoy the uptempo stuff, they do have a slower side that might fall into end of night crooner status – this makes me happy and actually rounds out the band’s sound.  You will find the band keeping it in first gear in the great track “Peniel, SK” below.  You can then fill out your dance card with the indie rock of “Evergreen” & full on country rock of “Geographic Centre of Canada”.  If you think they are not Canadian, you will be reminded by lyrical references, spelling and song titles if nothing else!

I will always have a special place for The Deep Dark Woods as I believe they are fantastic, but there is another view of the night (from the seat next to me and the Mrs.) went a little something like this:

Packed House – check

Trucker Hats – check

Non Ironic Plaid shirt – check

4 Charismatic Dudes on stage – check

Heartbreak & Longing – check

At first glance The Wheat Pool is pure country…after a few songs…categories don’t apply. The crowd was treated to witty banter between the brothers, heartbreaking lyrics, haunting harmonica solos and the skillful playing of the guest band mate on the slide guitar. Live music is infectious – especially when it looks like the band loves what they do.  I didn’t know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised, the band was energetic, charming and easy to listen to (not bad on the eyes either). Nothing against the extremely talented Deep Dark Woods but The Wheat Pool stole the show.

They have a new fan and I don’t mind saying I might even make the trip to Edmonton to see them play in front of a home crowd.

Enjoy the Canadiana.

Cheers!

Bonus YouTube of a solo acoustic song “Italy”

~
The Wheat Pool
“Evergreen” (mp3)
“Geographic Centre Of Canada” (mp3)
“Peniel, SK” (mp3)
from “Township”
(Shameless Records Canada)

More On This Album

You can check out The Wheat Pool on their Website and MySpace.
Pick up the “Township” album over on Shameless Records HERE.

~Smansmith

p.s.  Did my wife say they were “Easy on the eyes”?  Umm….

So one of the benefits of music blogging is musicians and labels and people in “the biz” tend to know each other and recommend back and forth to themselves AND you.  The good thing is often artists of the same ilk will fall into same circles, discuss with same folks and recommend each other.  Not unlike the blog world, if you have similar tastes, you would almost consider yourself friends because you are both bloggers – kind of “on the same side” mentality.  Before I start rambling to much, my point is that due to another post I did on Strand of Oaks, I find myself introduced to Garrett Pierce and so far this meeting is very much something I needed.

Garrett Pierce is singer songwriter, troubadour, artist…well he is everything you need to be to be found on the pages of this blog.  He has great songwriting, a cohesive album (“All Masks” due out on April 14th) and simply something you find yourself singing along to, or at least humming in my case.  Pierce is releasing his third album and second with Crossbill Records next week and I have been lucky enough to be listening for a bit now.

From his MySpace page:

Many of the songs on “All Masks” reminisce classical myths, while others are traveling tales from their author’s personal life. “I’m interested in ancient mythology, mainly because that style of storytelling has been waning in my lifetime, and some of the most powerful images and performances I’ve seen involve masks,” Garrett said. I think they’re an incredibly important metaphor at explaining our place in nature.”

While I can get lost in “Sad Bastard Music” and don’t mind when an artist can display this theme through an entire album, many have a hard time being bombarded by the uber mellow.  “All Masks” doesn’t fall victim to something like this, while you do have your aching ballads, you still have range through almost bluesy inspiration (see “Lioness & Lion”) while still having the down-tempo (see “Can I Stop Breathing?” – beauty) and even have a bit of Southern rock influences on a song like “All Through The Night”.  There is a bit of a whole package here, either that or he is still formulating if he wants to be an “at dusk troubadour” or a “late night crooner”.  For those in the know, they can be two different beasts.  Either way, Pierce has the chops and talent to do either.

I have included two tracks below along with the video for “And The Ghosts Boarded Trains” which is a current favourite.

You can also check out Garrett Pierce on MySpace and also find out his previous album “Like A Moth” on CD Baby or eMusic.  I have just purchased it on eMusic and hence, I feel like there just might be another post on this San Francisco favourite soon…

**EDIT – Update, if you purchase the new album directly from Crossbill Records on April 14th – you get a great label sampler FREE!

~Smansmith

Sorry for the no post yesterday, just lost a bit of love for the blog for a day, what can I tell ya?  Well there might be a day or two that gets missed this long weekend as well due to an “over-nighter” with the Mrs. for a couple of nights HERE.  It pays to know people.

Thought I would simply keep you all up to date with some thoughts and few things I have been listening to lately.

First off, things I know:

• ~ The new Manchester Orchestra album “Mean Everything To Nothing” is okay.  Okay, as I think I always want Andy Hull as a band to be more like Andy Hull as his Right Away Great Captain persona.  A touch too much indie rock for me, but still a good listen despite the serious guitar fretwork on some tracks.  Take a quick listen here.

• ~ The Eulogies released their “Here Anonymous” album this week, great indie pop/rock and definitely going to be a great patio soundtrack this summer.  Not unlike my first point above, the new album is a touch more uptempo for the truly Slowcoustic crowd, but to remedy this they featured album tracks in a stripped down version in their “Homespun Sessions” – highly recommended.  Check out some of those “Homespun Sessions” here, here and here.  You can hear more over on My Old Kentucky Blog as well if you should so choose (please choose to do so).

• ~ Some more top EPs so far are both from the Yer Bird Aviary (I know, I keep pushing it, but come on people…) – Tobacco Pat’s 2007 EP “The War” and the 2009 EP from Basket of Figs “Oh Eye, Oh Night” – both are kick ass.  Check out a track from Tobacco Pat below and visit the good folks at Herohill for a post on the new BoF.

“Hallelujah” – Tobacco Pat from 2007′s “The War” EP

• ~ Bands/Artists I will be posting on but want to do it right and will hopefully get them out soon – The Woodlands, Cabinet of Natural Curiosities & The Western States – so don’t be afraid to check them out prior as they are all very different, but still all very recommended.

Secondly (besides bands listed above, Joe Purdy & Sarah Winchester) -things I am listening to:

A couple of pretty decent free EPs from Last.fm.

Fort King:  A more traditional quiet singer songwriter collection I discovered by one of my good friends at the German blog “Velourcarpetsforlovers“.  I don’t know why the Germans just get it, but they do.  The two songs below are from “Balsamic Moon” that you can find for download here.

“To The Moon” – Fort King
“House Finch” – Fort King

James Moore Music:  Similar to the above in the quiet singer songwriter arena, but more 60′s era Americana influenced.  Some pretty powerful stuff, and very much worth a spin if you have the time, so make some time.  Find the self released tracks here.

“Crows” – James Moore Music
“I Know It Was Hard For You” – James Moore Music

That is all I got right now, hopefully I can power up my old laptop in order to be able to blog via the Rocky Mountains this weekend…wish me luck!

~Smansmith