Voting is starting soon for the Polaris Music Prize and I have to start actually thinking about the “best” in Canadian Music this past year.  Yours truly is one of the jurors for said prize (and who agreed to having me on board is a whole other issue) and I have some ideas on who I am going to vote for and the voting in general.  Anybody who is unfamiliar with the Polaris Music Prize, it is comparable to the Mercury Prize (UK), Choice Music Prize (Ireland), Australian Music Prize (ummm, Australia) but just the Canadian version of it.

Essentially I was reading the Herohill posts on their long list/short list/list of albums they are thinking of voting for, so I thought I would copy them and do the same.   I think I have a good selection this year, so overall I am not that worried about finding a ‘worthy’ album to vote for at all.  Lots of fantastic albums from some Canucks this year which is no real surprise for me, so that is great.  I do always worry about the idea of “best album” when probably at least half of the music I don’t like right off the bat.  Is that bad to say?

Obviously I like folky and acoustic for the most part – I can appreciate a good album that is not at all related to “folk” music, but do I actually like it and then am I able to vote for it?  This is endless debate in the Polaris forums (as it would be for almost any forum I guess) and for the most part people are just trying to rep an artist that they deem worthy and it is always a subjective thing anyway.  I do however think that without the ‘arguments’ in those forums, there would be missed albums, so good does come out of poor for(u)m, I guess.  Sometimes I do think I find myself a vegetarian being asked to judge a “best steak” contest…but that could just be me!  I am happy to vote and vote I shall.

Who are some of the contenders for me, you ask?  To start, let’s get the criteria for who I can consider…Well the album must be from a Canadian artist (50% + of a band, Canadian citizen, born here, etc) and have an album that is a minimum of 30 minutes (or 8 tracks) released between June 1, 2011 and May 31st, 2012.  So then…who am I considering in alphabetical order?

1. Bry Webb – “Provider”
2. Cold Specks – “I Predict A Graceful Expulsion”
3. The Deep Dark Woods – “The Place I Left Behind”
4. Del Barber – “Headwaters”
5. Feist – “Metals”
6. John K. Samson – “Provincial”
7. Kathleen Edwards – “Voyageur”
8. Ox – “Tuco”
9. Samantha Savage Smith – “Tough Cookie”
10. Siskiyou – “Keep Away The Dead”
11. The Barr Brothers – “The Barr Brothers”
12. The Wooden Sky – “Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun”
13. Weather Station – “All Of It Was Mine”

Sure there are more, but these are some that I have fully listened to and can actually consider.  I will need to listen to some more before I vote, but the above will be considered no matter what.  I have my eye on a couple that are for sure making it through the long and short list for me as long as they make it through the process of voting…I think you might have an idea of who I am thinking of…anyone want to hazard a guess in the comments?

No Ox on Rdio, so below is a Bandcamp Stream for a track.

~Smansmith

It is Friday and I am on an extended long weekend (because that is how I roll) and wanted to throw some videos and a few songs at ya to see what sticks.  It will all stick.

Wanted to post on a new video of Zachary Lucky and Carly Maicher for “Leaves are Falling” that they played in Liverpool, Nova Scotia during their current cross Canada tour.  I mention this as they will be here in Calgary tonight at a House Show (I’m out of the loop on that) but they have an official show at the Ironwood Stage this Monday, May 21.  Me and the Mrs. will be in attendance, so you should join us for a long weekend beer and some great tunes.  Great tunes like the below!

Visit The Ironwood Stage for info on the show, directions on this Monday’ show!

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Ms. Al Spx has a new video that premiered on Rolling Stone the other day (yes, Rolling Stone – we live in a new era of indie music folks).  The new album isn’t out yet but is garnering some very high praise (myself included).  The album has been in the works for years and it is truly magnificent.  I will also make no secret that I will be voting for Cold Specks on my Polaris Prize ballot (you know the  Polaris Prize right?).  Watch a video for Winter Solstice below!

Find out and pre-order this amazing debut album from Cold Specks: Cold Specks Store

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Lastly but not leastly, we have The Great American Desert (formerly South of Lincoln who was a Slowcoustic best of the year last year) and a new ‘Classroom’ video for the track ‘Whiteclay’ from his upcoming Yer Bird Records (ahem, yes our fantastic label).  You get an intro with the story behind the song and a fantastic live version of the song followed by why Max Holmquist (The Great American Desert) picked up his career in music.  Thanks to the Lawrence High School Film & Media Program for having Max in for the session!

Listen to a bonus track below – which incidentally will be the next video for the LHS Classroom Session as well!

Find more on The Great American Desert: Website

~~~

There you have a grab bag that is chock full of goodness!

~Smansmith

Field Report (Christopher Porterfield, formerly of the band Conrad Plymouth) has a new album coming in July and I am very excited for it.  If you look for songs thick with emotion and sharp lyrics, than this is your guy.  I think “Fergus Falls” really clinched it for me from a while back that I would be watching this guy forever on what he is recording and releasing.  He has a few tracks streaming from Partisan Records (although a recent Pitchfork article indicated the album is “self released”) that you can sample below.  The latest song to emerge from what looks like a 9 track album is ‘Taking Alcatraz’ and it is my current favourite track easily.

~

Visit Field Report on the new website or like on Facebook.

Next we have the new musical endeavor of Brian Borcherdt called Dusted (this is the place where I say “of the band Holy Fuck”).  The album is also staying true to the new name as it is called ‘Total Dust’ and will see a release on July 10th (maybe it will share a release day with Field Report!).  The new album has some teaser videos and a lead off track of hazey indie pop that is currently auditioning for my spring/summer “jam”.  It is a little more upbeat and layered than his previous solo work on the blow-your-mind-album ‘Coyotes’ from 2010 and I have faith it will be a worthy release at a minimum!  You can currently pre-order it over on Hand Drawn Dracula in Canada (here) & Polyvinyl in places that are not Canada (here).  Listen to the lead off track ‘(Into the) Atmosphere’ below!

Bonus Video Teaser for the new album below.

Dusted – Teaser 1 from Hand Drawn Dracula on Vimeo.

Visit Dusted on the new Website and like on Facebook.

~Smansmith

Doug Paisley - courtesy of No Quarter

Doug Paisley is the kind of guy you just want to root for and enjoy his great music.  I tend to think his music is great in the first place, so thinking that I should *feel like* I should like him only works even more for me.  I don’t know why I think this, but maybe being Canadian, I feel that both me and Doug are already behind the 8-ball.  Regardless of feeling sorry for myself (and non ceremoniously for Paisley), I feel like Doug provides some excellent music that leap-frogs any scenario of Canadian-ness and lands in a “just plain good music” territory.  He has a new EP coming out in a matter of minutes (April 17th on No Quarter) and a new album coming out later this year I believe.  You should be anticipating both.  I just felt I should post after seeing the fantastic video from Southern Souls (below) and thinking that I should be pushing this son-of-a-bitch on all of you.

DOUG PAISLEY – To & Fro from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

Find one of his new tracks “Bats” from the 5 track EP streaming below (courtesy of Paste Magazine):

Find out more on Doug Paisley: Website | No Quarter (label)

~Smansmith

p.s.  Find a track from our Slowcoustic Best of 2010 Canadian Music here.

Every once and a while (and I honestly mean only once and a while), I latch onto an album that isn’t quite a traditional “Slowcoustic” album.  For the last few months it has been the newest album from The Wooden Sky “Every Child A Daughter.  Every Moon A Sun”.  It is a spectacular album.  Period.

I wanted to make sure you are aware of the Scott Cudmore directed video series “Grace On A Hill” or “Grace On The Hill” – both titles are currently listed…so, I am not quite sure which is official.  Anyway, the series which features the band playing 5 tracks (currently at episode/track 3) needs to be seen because it is frickin’ fantastic.  I also might be extra biased towards the videos as I am still so enamoured with the album itself.  While it is still not a hard rockin’ album, it has moments so full of energy and passion that it doesn’t need 180 bpm drums and 4 guitarists wailing away – it’s energy is pulled from strong lyrics, sung with conviction and a soundtrack that ebbs and flows directly into the listener.  Truly an album on my best of 2012 list and am pretty sure it will remain there regardless of what else comes out this year.

Watch the current videos for the Grace On A Hill Series: 1) Bald, Naked and Red, 2) Child of the Valley and 3) Dancing at my window.

The Wooden Sky – Grace On A Hill Pt 1 – Bald, Naked and Red from Black Box Vimeo on Vimeo.

The Wooden Sky – Grace On A Hill Pt 2 – Child Of The Valley from Black Box Vimeo on Vimeo.

The Wooden Sky – Grace On A Hill Pt 3 – Dancing At My Window from Black Box Vimeo on Vimeo.
**UPDATED WITH EPISODE FOUR:

The Wooden Sky – Grace On A Hill Pt 4 – Malibu Rum from Black Box Vimeo on Vimeo.

~~~

Find more from The Wooden Sky: Website | Facebook | Twitter

~Smansmith

Good Friday Coffee Drinking!

A little bit of this and a little bit of that – today being a holiday I am without focus as I am just excited to be in comfy clothes and drinking LOTS of coffee at will.  So I thought I would post a few items that have made an appearance in the last bit for your bag of mixed goodies this Good Friday.  Today we have three options for your listening enjoyment in Trotting Bear (with Andy Berkhout) and their video session at Show Me Shows, Pickering Pick doing a great Nick Drake Cover and the lead off track on the new Jos Fortin album!

First off, visuals to awake you gently with the beautiful sounds of St. Louis based Trotting Bear!

Trotting Bear – Feet On The Ground (A Show Me Show) from Jarred Gastreich on Vimeo.

Visit Trotting Bear: Facebook | Website/Bandcamp
Visit Andy Berkhout: Facebook | Website

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Next we have Sam Pickering Pick’s cover of Nick Drake’s ‘From The Morning’.  I mentioned on Twitter when I first heard the track that Pickering Pick lends to a perfect person to cover Nick Drake – it just feels right and easy coming from him.  And it’s a free download for all you mp3 hording types!

Visit Pickering Pick: Website/Bandcamp | Twitter

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Next we have the lead off track from the new album from the Canadian folkie’s new album ‘Typewriter’.  There is just something about the song ‘So Far’ – it is traditional sounding but feels so new…maybe the echoing electric guitar paired with acoustic while there is an almost ambient background swirling around you.  Stunning.

Visit Jos Fortin: Bandcamp | Web/Tumblr

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Enjoy your Friday folks, drink more coffee in comfy pants for me, K?

~Smansmith

The new album from Cold Specks is due in May.  While being fairly familiar with Cold Specks and her previous works/monikers, the new album is looking (sounding) better and better…especially after hearing the production in Blank Maps below!  While I have always enjoyed her raw cathartic sounding ‘folk noir’ – I think it is really coming into its own with the added fine tuning for the full release.  While it does get a bit of a shinier coating, it still retains that gothic soul I have come to love from her.

The song is available to purchase in the UK, but I couldn’t find it here in Canada, so I will include some links below and hopefully you can all find the one you need!

Buy Blank Maps from iTunes: http://bit.ly/GQFtqe
Buy Blank Maps from Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/GZy4Q3

Pre-order I Predict A Graceful Expulsion from Artist Shop: http://bit.ly/GZUpAv
Pre-order I Predict A Graceful Expulsion from Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/GZydD5

~~

Visit Cold Specks: Website | Facebook | Arts & Crafts Label | Mute Label

~Smansmith

ANDY SHAUF – Covered In Dust from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

Today we have a couple of videos from a couple of guys that know me as “that old guy they had coffee with in Calgary one day”.  Yeah, its not hard to think that way when you meet up with a couple of talented young musicians on a tour stop in Calgary.  Early last year Myself, Andy and Zachary visited a local coffee shop near my day job and we had good coffee, a couple of laughs and a good conversation.

Andy Shauf was kind enough to provide up one of his CDs and low and behold he has a new EP just out this week as well (see his bandcamp page for ‘Sam Jones Feeds His Demons’), so alongside the great Southern Souls video above take a listen to a new track from him below.  Side note is the video above includes the song ‘Covered in Dust’ which will be on Shauf’s next full length release.

Find out more on Andy Shauf: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Zachary Lucky – ‘Saskatchewan’ (Street Folk Sessions) from James Maunder on Vimeo.

Next video is Zachary Lucky with a brand new video via the Street Folk Sessions in out in Hamilton, ON.  Lucky is currently on another cross Canada tour, this time in support of his excellent new EP ‘Saskatchewan’.  Fittingly, the song is the title track and is one of my favourite tracks this year.  Watch it above and stream it below.

Find more on Zachary Lucky: Website | Facebook | Twitter

~Smansmith

Today sees the release of one of my favourite releases of 2012 thus far in Zachary Lucky’s ‘Saskatchewan’!

While I have been listening to it for a couple of weeks now, I am still having a hard time putting words to this EP.  It is almost like trying to explain what/who is ‘Saskatchewan’ to someone who isn’t Canadian.  I dare say Saskatchewan is what being a traditional Canadian is really about but again, it is hard to describe.  Zachary Lucky’s home is the province in question and other than being Canada’s version of the American Heartland, it is the subject matter of this March 6th release in its entirety.  As his Bandcamp page says: “these songs are for Saskatchewan.“  And I believe him.

Lucky’s songs might always sound a bit pensive and almost longing at times and this is at the forefront here.  This may also be because Lucky is a never ending touring musician and this EP is about returning to ‘home’.  Just list the song titles and you know where this EP is going (and where it wants to be): Across The Ocean, Leaving, Back in the Fall, Leaves are Falling, Refrain and Saskatchewan.

Most notably there is a narrative of separation throughout all the songs.  Some reference a more personal relationship between two people like the track ‘Back in the Fall’.

Now listen to that song with it being even more about Lucky’s relationship with Saskatchewan itself.

Now the ‘title track’…this the pinnacle of the album with Lucky looking back fondly and pining for the past while still knowing it is just that.  Almost like that long lost Dear John letter that never made it to its rightful recipient, it is a lament of love for anything (in this case his home of Saskatchewan).  The letter than might not have ever needed to be sent but instead just repeated over and over to yourself.  It also just so happens to be a great venue to focus on some fantastic pedal steel along with Lucky’s patented strumming and vocal timbre.

Fans of Lucky’s previous work will be more than delighted with Saskatchewan and it will be required listening in many roots/folk homes.  Overall I rambled in this ‘review’ about the feeling that this album/EP has left me with – it may be just 18 ways to say the same thing but I think you get it.  The only fault of the EP is that is comes in at about 20 minutes total time due to the 8 track EP having 2 instrumental interludes and no track exceeding 3 1/2 minutes.  Despite this, they just might be the best 20 minutes you will spend on music today or any other day.

Find Zachary Lucky: Website | Bandcamp | Twitter | Facebook
Find Tour Dates for Zachary Lucky: 2012 Canadian Tour

~Smansmith

p.s.  Calgary on May 21st at the Ironwood Stage!

p.p.s.  Don’t forget the ever lovely touring partner of Lucky, Ms. Carly Maicher guesting on ‘Leaves are Falling’

As I didn’t have a specific reason to post today, I thought I would share some tracks that have been spinning on a regular basis while at home, at work and in the car.  I make massive amounts of personal playlists as I have a fairly long commute and I cannot stand being at work with only the sound of buzzing fluorescent lights.  So what am I saying?  Feel free to send me suggestions in the comments or even tweet at me on the twitters with any suggestions.

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Nice split 7″ now out from Kill County (with Good Saints) and I like it soo much we will be giving away a copy of it in the next 1-2 weeks, so keep an eye out here for that give-away.  Ever since their fantastic “The Year of Getting By” these Nebraskans have been on the center of my radar – this track “Brown Lee” is another reason why.

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While we are putting out Tyler Butler’s Winter King re-release in a few weeks at Yer Bird Records – I don’t want ya to forget about this little gem that has seen some repeated listens in the last week.  From his ‘Feral Horse‘ release in early 2010 continues to show the stark beauty in Butler’s songs.  Don’t miss this one.

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Jonas David was mentioned to me from April over at Common Folk Music and I am finally getting to listen to it – very nice moments of acoustic jams along with a bit of full band mixed in for good measure.  It really excels in the quieter tracks like “Let Me Live” above so check out Jonas David as this is another German who knows his stuff.

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Tim Showalter is now teasing us with a track before he digs into new music for Strand of Oaks.  This time we get the Weathervane Music helmed Shaking Through session with his track ‘Spacestations’.  There is a whole feature via Shaking Through and well worth a watch and it is a free download too!

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That is all for now, but I will be starting this type of post more often in order to get more music recommendations out to y’all.  Enjoy!

~Smansmith

I know I don’t really post on “remixes” but Slow Down, Molasses are a good crew from the mighty province of Saskatchewan and I thought you all should be aware of this just released “Free/Pay What You Want” album.

Admittedly I am not familiar with too many remixes but in true Slowcoustic form, the songs are a bit on the trance/slower side of the ‘dance floor grooves’ and they still have a bit of bite for you folks who enjoy a bit of the body rock.  Did I just type that?  Anyway, with remixes by Economics, Foam Lake and even Message to Bears – there is a little bit for everyone.  I have chosen the track ‘Light’ that was remixed by Sebastian Reynolds to share with you as it enjoys a more down-tempo beat that does scale into a wall of sound before winding back down all while echoing vocals carry you along.

I know what you are thinking – Hey Sandy, what about their album from last year “Walk Into the Sea“, isn’t that more your bag?  Well overall I would have to say yes, but can’t this old folkie enjoy a bit of a break now and again?  Maybe you need one as well…why not use this opportunity to dig into Bodies of Water then?

Find out more on Slow Down Molasses: Facebook | Bandcamp | Website | Twitter

~Smansmith

Never has Malibu Rum sounded so good.

While I have orbited The Wooden Sky numerous times I never really took the plunge until recently when I spent some time with their recent EP ‘City of Light‘ which brought me to the new single from the upcoming album ‘Every Child A Daughter. Every Moon a Sun’.  Other than this post taking a huge tangent to “puns-ville” which I kind of apologize for, but maybe it will encourage you to take the time to listen to this excellent track.  The song starts out with a Hawaiian influenced vibe that gives way (mostly) to a pretty straight forward balladeer track.  Around here, a straight forward balladeer track is nothing to scoff at and can be extra refreshing.

The song feels timeless but still echos of something familiar.  I have decided the crisp production on the song gives you fresh ears in order to not shun the kitsch of hula girls & tiki torches that are only slightly blurred in the distance behind the acoustic guitar and pitch perfect sad sack vocals.  So then…I really like it.  Be on the lookout for the new album on February 28th when it is released by Black Box Recordings.  Did somebody say double vinyl LP??

“Malibu Rum” – The Wooden Sky
from the “Every Child a Daughter. Every Moon a Sun” album

Find out more about The Wooden Sky: Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter

~Smansmith

p.s.  The crew will be here in Calgary on March 31st at the Palamino for you locals.  More dates for you non-locals here.

Today’s song of the day is from Zachary Lucky and his track “Back in the Fall” from his upcoming album Saskatchewan (some say EP, some say LP, some say who the hell cares, just let us hear it already).

The song is simply fantastic.  Whether it is the lazy banjo, the pedal steel or the honest delivery (when his voice just starts to crack when he first sings “Back in the Fall” – it’s killer).  The song is seems like it is not necessarily a story about a past relationship rather than a mantra to himself about life moving on…and its okay.  It just also happens to be painfully gorgeous.

You can pre-order his album ‘Saskatchewan’ from his Bandcamp page HERE and find out if he is visiting your hometown via his tour dates on his website HERE.

Bonus for y’all is a live video I took of this song at a recent house show Zachary did here in Calgary about a month ago, enjoy.

~Smansmith

HI54LOFI Records has a new compilation out to commemorate Valentines Day next week appropriately called ‘I Love You & Stuff” but wait, it’s soo much more.  This isn’t just 15 tracks to impress the one you love/like or even not remotely know, you also get the opportunity to actually send them a Valentine card with your “purchase”.  Come on, you know you want to spread the love and what better way than with music (…says the music blogger).

There are some really great tracks on this compilation and while it not being exclusively “Slowcoustic” or anything it has it’s fair share along with a full range of indie for the whole family.  I wanted to include a favourite from a Canadian artist I have been keeping my eye on, The Bravest Ghost.  Sean Craib-Petkau who is this said ghost recorded a song exclusively for the compilation and its another winner, so kudos to HI54LOFI for seeking him out!  Listen to ‘Long Shot’ below;

“Long Shot” – The Bravest Ghost
from ‘I Love You & Stuff’ Compilation

So that is my “pick” from the release, but there are more of note I wanted to make sure get a mention including the pixie lullaby from Shedding Feathers entitled ‘Starlet’.  Shedding Feathers is a project of Craven Canary and A Singer of Songs (who also have other contributions from their respective bands on the album).  Listen below;

And for my non-Slowcoustic recommendation, I have started a bit of a head bopping affair with Lint Vaccine’s ‘Those Freckles Compliment Each Other’.  It is a bit lo-fi but fun and includes a cow bell – why can’t this be your bleary eyed crush this year?  I think it can, just take it for a test spin here;

Find out more on this compilation and how you can order it and send cards to some folks HERE.  Visit the Bandcamp page for it HERE.  Visit HI54LOFI HERE.

~Smansmith

Tyler Butler joins the crew over at our label Yer Bird Records and re-releases ‘Winter King’ on March 20th, 2012!

If you are reading Slowcoustic on a regular basis, you already know of Mr. Butler from Edmonton and we are very excited to bring one of our favourite albums of last year home to us over at Yer Bird Records.  We are re-releasing it with a couple of ‘bonus tracks’ as well!  The bonus tracks are a newly recorded version of “Feral Horse” from his previous EP Feral Horse plus the previously unheard title track ‘Winter King’.  All in all we couldn’t be happier here at Slowcoustic/Yer Bird Records with having Tyler on board as this album is simply amazing.  See a quick teaser trailer below plus the track listing.

Tyler Butler :: Winter King (March 20, 2012) from Yer Bird Records on Vimeo.

1) Barghest*
2) Morana*
3) Child-Ghost*
4) House Painter*
5) Waxwing
6) Kingfisher
7) Plover
8) Sparrow
9) Feral Horse (Winter King Version)
10) Winter King (previously un-released)

(*Re-Mastered for the 2012 release)

You also might want to check out a new video for Plover recorded in conjunction with this re-release over on the new Winter King website.  We will be uploading a video performance of all 8 of the original tracks on this site over the next few weeks!  For now also enjoy the newly remastered ‘Morana’ below.

Tyler Bulter: “Morana” by Yer Bird Records

~Smansmith

Andrew Sisk (Photo by Scott Munn)

Today’s song of the day is from one Andrew Sisk, who was passed on to me from Matt over at Pigeon Row (see them & their full list of clients here) and I am greatfull this brooding singer songwriter’s newest album is now with me.

The album, Treelines, was released on January 31st and is nine thick-with-character songs recorded “…in his apartment in Montreal with his son Elliott sleeping on his lap during vocal takes, and quietly watching him record classical guitar parts“.  The song “I Whispered It” is a stunning example of what what you would think from that last sentence.  It is a layered but still stripped down beauty – vocals just scratchy enough to feel worn in and echoing guitars in the distance causing texture.  The song both floats and digs into you at first listen.  My only ‘complaint’ is that it ends to soon.  So then, stop and listen for at least two minutes and seventeen seconds today.

Find the full album from Andrew Sisk over on his Bandcamp page.

~Smansmith

Canadian Matt Paxton has a new single from the good folks at Other Songs Music and it is a free download from their Bandcamp page.  The song was finalized late last year with the help from Scott Orr (of Other Songs Music) and features guest vocals by Allison Geleynse.  Its a beauty and I look forward to more from Paxton (you can catch a previous album on his own bandcamp here).

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Next we have another look into what we can expect from the upcoming Kim Janssen album Ancient Crime that should see a release from Snowstar Records on March 9th, 2012 (despite their website saying Jan. 26th…typo?).  We previously posted on the stunning lead off single “Tors” (see here) and with the new live performance of ‘Drift’ via InDeKringloop.nl, I have to say I am getting very excited about the album!

Enjoy your hump day by relaxing to these two new tracks already!

~Smansmith

So the other day my close personal friends The Deep Dark Woods (don’t you know all Canadians know each other?) posted on their website and social outlets about a live download they are giving away.  Well after I feigned hipster nonchalance I casually grabbed a copy of it…I mean whatever…might as well…

Okay, so honestly I was excited and rightfully so.  The download is 8 tracks and does a great job of spanning their discography and shows a range from uptempo jams (of which their live show is known for) and their amazing downtempo balladeer tracks.  The recording is from the Birchmere out in Alexandria, Virginia from January 19, 2012.  I thought I would do you all the favour and send you in their direction to pick it up and give you some sampling below.  You can find it on their website HERE and it is also where the photo atop this post and the banner image on the front page is from.

I have chosen 3 tracks for y’all to sample as each one is from a different album and all stand out.  I have also done you the favour of giving them a slight gain in volume and ever so slight cropping of the tracks with fades…because I love you all.  Now listen and go and grab the whole set from these good ol’ Saskatchewan folks.

“Hang Me, Oh Hang Me (Live at the Birchmere)”
~from ‘Hang Me, Oh Hang Me (2007)’ – Purchase
~
“All the Money I Had is Gone (Live at the Birchmere)”
~from ‘Winter Hours (2009)’ – Purchase
~
“The Place I Left Behind (Live at the Birchmere)”
~from ‘The Place I Left Behind (2011)’ – Purchase

Enjoy your Saturday and simply pretend you are ‘Live at the Birchmere’ out in Virginia if even for a few minutes.

~Smansmith

Tomorrow sees the CD Release Show for hometown troubadour Reuben Bullock over at the Arrata Opera House here in Calgary.  I believe there is still space but make sure you check into the Facebook event for more info.

The new album “Man Made Lakes” from Bullock sees an album growth from the previous “Pulling Up Arrows” (see our feature here).  The new album is 11 tracks and honestly shows a full range of performances from delicate introspective to punchy indie rock.  Well mostly it is to the softer side but there is always something about Bullock’s performance that lets you know there is something inside almost clawing to get out.  Whether it is the gothic “Burial” to the definitely epic sing a long “Bow and Arrow”.

Where the album soars is in the moody and hallow tracks like “How to Fight” and “Pray For You” and even the stunningly fragile “Once Upon a Time” or “Lullaby”.  I also must list the track “We Belong” as it seems like the epitome of a Reuben Bullock track; focused acoustics along with the back and forth of cadence in the songcrafting.  The type of song you know brings the house down at live shows.  Wait…if there was a live show to see him where would you go?  Tomorrow’s CD Release makes for the perfect moment to see the album, hear the artist and come away with a new favourite album in Man Made Lakes.

Take a listen to a couple of tracks below to get you started along with a recent Streaming Cafe performance of a earlier Slowcoustic favourite “The Rain”.

~

Find out more on Reuben Bullock: Facebook | Bandcamp | Website |

~Smansmith

Found this EP just the other day due to an invite to a local house show here in Calgary.  Wow, am I glad that I got that invite.

So the artist is Paul Stewart and to be honest, I have only been listening to this EP for about 4 days now…but it has been a glorious 4 days.  The 5 songs are available as a “name your price” download over on his Bandcamp page and I immediately dropped my $5 for it after about 48 seconds of total preview split between all 5 tracks.  Why do I note this?  I am noting this as I almost can’t put forward one song as the lead track or single from it – they are all frickin’ great.  He describes his sound as “Defeatist Folk” or as many readers of this blog might call it, “Sad Bastard Folk”.  The songs might be a bit down on their luck but at the same time bring such rich beauty and comfort that I almost miss that fact.

I am selecting 2 tracks to embed below and they are the opening and closing tracks: “Glass Skull” opens the EP with gentle sepia toned echoes of lost summers…you almost picture the song playing over silent video footage of a summer camp in the 50s…it sounds like it floats due to what could be a slide guitar/pedal steel in the background, then the piano hits for the last few moments – stunning.

~~

Next is the closing track “Crowd Cocoon” which comes in a bit more ominous but with many of the same elements of piano, acoustics, reverb…but used in a more late night solitary drinking binge sort of way.  As many sad bastards know, this can be some of the most stunning and wrecking moments…the same can be said about the song.  It kills me each time I hear it.

~~

As I mentioned, all tracks are worthy, so if you like the above 2 tracks then there are 3 more just waiting for you and they are just as good.  Highly recommended.

Calgary Concert Alert: Any Calgarians can find Paul Steward at ‘The White House’ next weekend – January 21st with Alex Wesley Cardinal on their Winter Tour.  See the Facebook event for more details.

Find Paul Stewart: Bandcamp | Facebook

~Smansmith

Zachary Lucky and Carly Maicher (two of my current favourite Canadian acts) are going to be here in Calgary tomorrow.  The show is at the House of Commons which is literally 3 blocks from where I am typing this.  So I don’t really have an excuse, right?

Zachary Lucky

Lucky has just finished mixing his new album “Saskatchewan”, so we can hope to expect some new material with addition to his stellar back catalog including his amazing 2010 album “Come and Gone”.  Speaking of which, you can swing by his Bandcamp page to purchase a recent live performance that will benefit the printing/promotion of the new album by visiting that release here.

~~~

Carly Maicher

This week I also received my hand silk screened CD copy of Carly Maicher’s album “Hiding” – a nice little post holiday gift to myself!  This album is another folk, singer-songwriter gem from the prairies and was a surprise/out of nowhere late year find.  This album is absolutely stunning and comes very highly recommended.

Lucky assists on Maicher’s album and Maicher assists on the new live recording from Lucky as well.  So what could be better than both playing together here in Calgary tomorrow.  I would say just about nothing.

Facebook Event
(House of Commons – 6435-Bow Crescent NW)

Zachary Lucky: Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter
Carly Maicher: Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter

~Smansmith

The Sumner Brothers - photo by Nate Lepp

Recently I received the December newsletter from The Sumner Brothers (sign up on their website here) and for the last bit they have been coming with a new cover song each month.  Well, to be honest they have been absolutely stellar.  Some Cash, some Haggard and even some Waits.  Well this December came a great track originally from Airon Dugas (or A.P. Dugas as he records under…I believe) called “Old Skin”.  It was recorded essentially solo from Brian Sumner and it has floored me lately, it is that good.  While I have been a fan of the Sumner Brothers for years, Dugas is new to me from the last month or so.

A.P. Dugas - photo by Kristin Dione Photography

So, after telling you that the most recent cover song is that good, I am not posting it.  I’m a bastard that way.  Sign up for the newsletter and get it free – I ain’t stealing music from musicians…I’m a blogger!  ;-)  No seriously – both A.P. Dugas and The Sumners have been on serious repeat lately after hearing that cover song, so I thought I would throw a few tracks at ya to get you on board.

Tomorrow Wendy by A.P. Dugas by Pluckluck Seattle
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Lose Your Mind by Bob Sumner by Pluckluck Seattle
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09 Ticket to Ride by thesumnerbrothers
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A.P. Dugas – Old Skin by For The Sake Of The Song
~

Bonus is the video for Carolina from A.P. Dugas that I found about a week or so ago via The Sumner Brothers Facebook page.  Soo good.

So class, what are you listening to?  That is right – The Sumners and Airon Dugas.  Thank you.

Visit The Sumner Brothers: Website, Facebook & Twitter
Visit A.P. Dugas: MySpace (sorry, not too much on Dugas…yet)

~Smansmith

p.s.  If you haven’t heard the Sumner Brothers cover Townes Van Zandt’s “Colorado Girl” you are in for a treat.  Visit HearYa who posted it a while back right here.

This track has seriously been on repeat for about 2 weeks and qualifies for “Best New Music” already. You know him, but do you know him as a “solo artist”?  Ryan Boldt of The Deep Dark Woods looses none of the prairie roots magic with his own material in comparison to the DDWs.

The track is “Mary Hamilton’s Last Goodnight” and is a spectacularly slow and waning Canadiana track.  The signature vocals of Boldt that immediately bring you to those achingly beautiful tracks from his day job as lead of the Saskatchewan indie heroes The Deep Dark Woods.  I apologize for consistently mentioning the band as this track stands alone as proof of Boldt as a solo artist (even if he isn’t one).  Thanks again to Zachary Lucky & the Prairie Roots Revue for bringing this recording to my attention.  Everyone, enjoy your new favourite track, “Mary Hamilton’s Last Goodnight”.

Follow Ryan Boldt on Facebook and follow on Twitter already!  You can also find The Deep Dark Woods and their newest album (our #3 album of 2011) “The Place I Left Behind” HERE.

~Smansmith

The numbering (as most year end list makers will indicate) is pretty accurate but each album had definitely fluctuated over the course of the year but overall they can easily settle at a +/- 3 spots.  So let’s get started!

~Slowcoustic’s Favourite Albums of 2011~

12.  Mount Moriah – Mount Moriah

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11.  South of Lincoln (now The Great American Desert) – Homes

Man, Pt. I by South of Lincoln

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10.  Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Wolfroy Goes To Town

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9.  Bon Iver, Bon Iver

“Calgary”

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8.  William Elliott Whitmore – Field Songs

William Elliott Whitmore – Field Song by antirecords

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7.  Chris Bathgate – Salt Year

“Salt Year”

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6.  Frederick Squire – Sings Shenandoah and Other Popular Hits

“All Things Past Serve To Guide You On Your Way”

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5.  Tyler Butler – Winter King

“Morana”

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4.  Dolorean – The Unfazed

Dolorean – Country Clutter by Fargo Records

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3.  The Deep Dark Woods – The Place I Left Behind

West Side Street by The Deep Dark Woods

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2.  Jeffrey Foucault – Horse Latitudes

“Goners Most”

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1.  Josh T. Pearson – Last of the Country Gentlemen

Josh T. Pearson – Woman, When I’ve Raised Hell (Alternative Version) by Mute UK

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There you have it.  Now…discuss!

~Smansmith

Today is kind of a blast of 3 artists/songs that I have been listening to the past week due to recommendations and obvious discoveries.  Soo then, BAM, quick hitters!

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First off, Northcote is Matt Goud out of Victoria BC (that’s in Canada folks) and I discovered him as he is on the bill for the “Prairie Roots Revue” tour that Zachary Lucky updated me on as he is also part of this great roster of traveling musicians.  Then I discovered that Northcote has some free tracks from his website, so I think you all need to listed to a few of these acoustic demos/outtakes/alternate versions.  He has an album worth checking out called ‘Gather No Dust’ (iTunes) which includes the formal & less acoustic version of the track ‘Devils’ below:

“Devils (Acoustic)” – Northcote

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Next we have fellow Prairie Roots Review member Carly Maicher which was a combination Zach Lucky recommendation and April at Common Folk Music mentioning her…so obviously I had to look into it.  I had heard of her before but didn’t actually hear her prior – god dam, this is a great album that she has out now, “Hiding”.  She has a sultry and earthy vocal presentation over mostly sparse banjo laden tracks.  What else can a guy ask for really?  The album is one of my favourite end of year discoveries for sure.  Find it streaming on her Bandcamp page and find the absolutely gorgeous track “Worry” below.

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Finally we have a recommendation from Ben over at Vocal Nerd Rodeo who slapped the below track on my Facebook wall all casual and what not.  You know, no big deal just a guy from Denmark with some pretty damn decent acoustic jams and the below sad bastard track.  So I thought you could all check it out as well – he is offering the full WAV version for free download from his below linked Soundcloud page as well.  If you wanted to check out the whole album and offer up some pay what you want action, you can visit the Bandcamp Page as well.
December by TheWhiteAlbum

That is all.  Stick around tomorrow as there will be 2011′s Favourite albums by Slowcoustic making an appearance!

~Smansmith

This young respectable folk artist pictured above is Mr. Tyler Butler.  He is playing a show tomorrow night at Wunderbar in Edmonton – or as it is also known, The New Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus.  Other than the obvious reason I am bringing this to your attention in order to go and see him play music, is he is also selling an EP of demos and cover tracks in support of the venue itself.  Tyler is a big proponent of local music and here he is doing his part by providing all proceeds of the sales of this EP to the Wunderbar itself.

So bottom line here, if you are in the Edmonton area, check out Wunderbar tomorrow night for a full line up of great music including Sheree Plett (new album now out), Tyler Butler, Jordan Norman, James Rockliff and an apparent surprise performance from Johnathan Inc.  The whole night was put together from the good folks at Old Ugly Co. and you can check out a bit more on the Facebook event for full address, etc.

For now, let’s listen to one of those covers from Tyler Butler, here is Lionel Ritchie’s “Hello”;

~Smansmith

Just a quick one today as I have been a bit ‘meh’ lately on getting my bloggin on.  One thing that recently got me out of my funk (or is getting me out of my funk) is the series of Sunday live performances in Vancouver arranged by Slowcoustic favourites The Sumner Brothers.  For The Sake Of The Song Sundays is my kind of gig, if you are in the area this weekend, you should go.  Stripmall Ballads will be playing for Christ’s sake (pun intended).

Listen to a free download from the new Stripmall Ballads website: “Blue Flavored Gatorade”

Also as a bonus and proof of the amazing talent hitting these shows – listen to the below and be blown away.

A.P. Dugas – Old Skin by For The Sake Of The Song
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Ben Rogers – Cowboys and Indians by For The Sake Of The Song
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Find out more on the events by following them/liking them on Facebook here: For The Sake Of The Song.

~Smansmith

Mid 2010 found Tyler Butler recording a new-to-me session (I actually just found it the other day) for his Feral Horse EP that was released in January 2010.  I wanted to touch on this release as I tend to get wrapped up in his newer album Winter King and forget the amazing debut by this Edmonton singer songwriter.

I wanted to post these two videos because they are great songs and let’s face it, they are still new to me so I am in the honeymoon phase of ‘new’ things.  As I tend to enjoy the stripped down fully acoustic versions of songs, these live solo videos do this in fine fashion and almost comes across as an alternate version.  Currently my favourite of the two is the title track Feral Horse as it is truly a finger picking sombre track – so then, right up my alley.  Check both videos and a stream below.

The Edmo Sessions Vol 6 – Tyler Butler – Feral Horse from Daelan Wood on Vimeo.

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The Edmo Sessions Vol 6 – Tyler Butler – Maythorn from Daelan Wood on Vimeo.

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Tell me that isn’t great?  Well thanks to The Edmo Sessions for providing these great videos and an early look into Tyler Butler’s excruciating talent.  Find them online here and the Tyler Butler session here.

Find more songs by Tyler Butler: Bandcamp

~Smansmith

Now playing the newest Scott Orr album Where I Lived, And What I Lived For this Sunday.  If you are looking for a great acoustic album that brings some slow burners and even a few not so slow burners (for those mid-tempo-coustic types) this just might be your next album.

I apparently thought I was listening to this album for a few months but in turn I found out I wasn’t listening to it at all until about 3 weeks ago when Scott called me on it.  For shame.  It was quickly remedied by Other Songs Music Co. and I had a copy of the album almost instantly.  Good folks over there.  So I started listening and the album starts out on a high note with what most are calling “THE song” on the album “In the Belly of a Whale”.  The song is getting a fair amount of warranted buzz for the pitch perfect delivery and soothing acoustics that it brings to the listener.  It is weird, the song has no real percussion for the most part but you feel the ebb and flow as it plays…almost like breathing.  A clear winner for the album.

I warn you not to stop and keep this track as “The Song” as there are more that can stand just as tall in this singer songwriter’s bag of acoustic goodness.  Currently songs like “Knots”, “Who Loves You” and “Nobody’s Someone” are just as compelling and warrant the same amount of love as the lead off track.  Take a listen to Nobody’s Someone below and tell me it doesn’t hit the same mark?

Overall the album should be part of your Sunday listening (regardless if your Sunday happens 7 days a week) and you should take the time to find out what Scott Orr lives for.

Visit Scott Orr:  Website | Other Songs Music Co. | Facebook
Purchase Scott Orr:  Other Songs Music Co. Bandcamp

~Smansmith

I thought today I would do a bit of a blogger round up of for ‘items of note’ that I have noticed, and you should as well.  Well, enough about me…let’s send you other places than Slowcoustic!

• Did y’all see the Wilderness of Manitoba did a HearYa Session?  Well they did, and its available for your waiting ears right here.  Sample:
  
  The Wilderness of Manitoba – Hermit from HearYa.com on Vimeo.
• My good friends over at Mostly Midwest did me another solid and put up even more videos of Chris Bathgate.  Damn, there are lots of vids to choose from from MM, so dig into the most recent pair of acoustic performances from Bathgate right here.  Sample # 1:
  
  Chris Bathgate : Farm Block Session Pt. 2 from Mostly Midwest on Vimeo.
• Martin (or Geordie as he blogs as) at You Crazy Dreamers put up a nice post on Red Heart the Ticker’s new album along with a mp3 from it!  Check out the post on some great old school folk right here.
• The East representing the West over on Herohill as they cover Calgary sweetheart and soon to be music staple Samantha Savage Smith’s new album.  Swing by and check out a track and their take on ‘what’s next’ in Canadian music right here.  Sample a track below:
  Samantha Savage Smith – “You Always Come to Mind” (mp3)

Enjoy your Friday with good music and the great bloggers above!

~Smansmith

This November 7th sees the full length album “Repentance” from British Columbian (and for a short while, Calgarian) Jordan Klassen. One of my favourite artists from the 2010 Calgary Folk Fest is bringing his infectious indie folk to life once again.

Klassen’s music can be akin to a Canadian Sufjan Stevens (without all the crazy art folk mixed in) and possibly more accurately to someone along the lines of Dan Mangan. After sitting down with Jordan during the 2010 Calgary Folk Fest, I know Mangan is considered a personal favourite for him, so I think that is for an obvious reason. The two can make tracks that instantly cause toe tapping and humming along – melodies that can sound almost familiar at first hearing them. They both also mix in a great selection of upbeat indie pop with some slowed down folk ballads with great ease. Definitely a pretty polished sound for this up and coming Canadian talent.

So let’s listen to “Go To Me”, which is the first (and currently free) single from his Bandcamp Page (here).

~

Klassen released his debut album in 2009 and followed it up with the St. Brigid EP late last year, both are streaming as well as available for purchase at his Bandcamp page. Since hearing of the new album, I have been revisiting his debut, Tempest and Winter, and have really enjoyed getting back into it. If you like the above track, definitely check out the songs ‘Anatomical Literacy’, ‘Song of Deborah’ and especially ‘Sing Your Song to Ares’ from his first full length.

Find out more and keep in touch with Jordan Klassen via: Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter & his Website.

~Smansmith

If you are Alberta based and you fancy yourself musically inclined, you have a goal.  That goal is to join the ranks of the musicians included in the TransCanada Alberta Music Series for 2012.  The deadline to submit your talent is upcoming (Sept. 30th), so don’t sleep on this, just do it – we want to see & hear you!

The event is a 4 day series of shows at the lovely Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts and features local talent showcasing what Alberta has to offer.  You can schmooze with industry folks, fans and other musicians – what could be better?  Each night almost has a ‘theme’ of sorts and is both interesting and entertaining at the same time.  So check your memory banks and if you have not already been in the series and your ID indicates you are from Alberta, then get to the submitting already!

I already have my recommendation and I look forward to seeing Tyler Butler from Edmonton featured predominantly in the showcase (are you listening Epcor crew???).  Just kidding, I don’t want to influence anybody at the acceptance committee…but seriously, don’t make me have to make a few visits….again, just kidding…

Listen to a track from Tyler from his wonderful “Winter King” album from earlier this year:

The details are below, so if you have any questions you can download the pdf info sheet at the below address.  Hell, email me and let me look into it for you!

Event Description:  15th Annual Festival of Alberta Music
Opening of Call: June 1, 2011
Closing Deadline: September 30, 2011
Festival Dates:  March 28-31, 2012
Website: www.epcorcentre.org/CareersAndOpportunities/ArtistOpportunities.aspx

~Smansmith

Today is a guest post from Tyler Butler, creator of one of my favourite albums of 2011 thus far, Winter King (see here).  Crawl inside his head and read into how Butler comes to terms with one of the very things it is to be Canadian.  Enjoy the below feature and swing by and visit him on Old Ugly Recording Co or his Bandcamp page.

Friends,

The dark cold of Edmonton’s winter is an isolating force. I know this is an inappropriate time to speak of such a thing — I spent the duration of last weekend wearing a tank top and shorts, dancing in the sun at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival — but the looming threat of snow is never far from the Albertan psyche.

How best to combat the need to stay inside our shelters? Groups of us huddle around fires, wrapped in blankets, holding cups of wine and telling stories. When I wrote Winter King, I focused on these stories. The album is a collection of winter mythologies that I compiled and reconstructed. What I ignored was the great influence of my fire-side friends.

I have compiled a list of songs that provides you with samples from a few of these friends — artists who guided me through the deep cold, held me until the thaw.

1. Caity Fisher – Only the Wind

Thought I would point you all in the direction of fellow Calgarians ‘Welcome to the West‘ today.  I am doing this today of all days due to two fantastic videos they have had on their site recently.  In all honestly I was just going to post the ‘pool party post folk fest’ video, but then saw a nice new Sumner Brothers video and I can’t ignore that!

Welcome to the West focuses on just that, the West of Canada’s music scene – not necessarily Canadian content exclusively, but they do show off that talent often as well.  The video below for The Head and the Heart was filmed after the Calgary Folk Fest just this last weekend in the stairwell of the Westin Calgary and it turned out fantastic – the acoustics of the acoustics came out quite well…you could say.  Watch it now:

the Head and the Heart – Winter Song from Welcome To The West on Vimeo.

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Now this morning I went to grab the above video and noticed a new video from Vancouver’s The Sumner Brothers…can’t resist! The ever touring brothers are on the road promoting their upcoming album “I Love You, Smile” which I am eagerly anticipating. Check out the crazy Kimball Organ in the video as well…

The Sumner Brothers – Lose Your Mind from Welcome To The West on Vimeo.

~~

So there you have it, visit Welcome to the West on their website here.  Check out their archives here.
Visit The Head and the Heart here.
Visit The Sumner Brothers here.

~Smansmith

p.s.  check out the logo design for WttW from Charles Roberts here.

New albums are on their way from a couple of bands that might do something for you Slowcoustic readers.  The albums are from the Canadian sister duo Tasseomancy (nee Ghost Bees) and the Rhode Island duo Brown Bird: while they are both albums to look forward to, they just might be nothing alike!

First off, Tasseomancy are moving in the direction of atmospheric folk and ambient indie – a bit different from the more traditional folkier moments of their former persona ‘Ghost Bees’.  This obviously was a changing in Romi and Sari Lightman’s musical being and hence changed their sound (or refined, maybe?), took on some influences from the boys of Timber Timbre and presto – new album on its way for August 30th.  The album is called ‘Ulalume’ and is definitely on my radar.  Listen to two tracks from a previous 7″ single they put out:
Tasseomancy – The Darkest Of Things by killbeat music
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Tasseomancy – Healthy Hands by killbeat music
~

Next we have a Slowcoustic staple in Brown Bird – no stranger to the pages of this website and I was more than pleasantly surprised to hear of a new album from David Lamb and Morganeve Swain!  The new album is called ‘Salt for Salt’ and the lead off track is a great sampler of what is to come…at least I can hope it is because it is sounding great.  A more acoustic banjo laden track as compared to Tasseomancy above, but that is also a very good thing.  The artwork for the album (see below) is a piece of art from Will Schaff (of Okkervil River fame – as you can tell with its similarity to the OR cover art for ‘Black Sheep Boy’).  Listen to the track ‘Fingers to the Bone’ below.

‘Fingers to the Bone’ – Brown Bird, from 2011′s ‘Salt for Salt’ due Oct. 18th, 2011.

~Smansmith

~~~

NEW stuff from The Deep Dark Woods’ upcoming album The Place I Left Behind:
(album due August 2nd on Six Shooter Records)

“Westside Street”
(see more info on the new album and tour dates via Exclaim.ca)

~~

Herohill vs. Gordon Lightfoot: Turning Back The Pages Of My Sweet Shattered Dreams

In an homage to the great Canadian Singer Songwriters Herohill is feeling like Gordon Lightfoot can be taken, well, lightly.  Not true says the crew on the hill (among almost all of Canada) and they show you 36 reasons why Mr. Lightfoot is a legend in the great white north.  Visit the epic post on Herohill HERE.  Also, we have a song from this massive compilation (that is a fully free download folks) that hits home with local Cam Penner!

“Alberta Bound (Gordon Lightfoot Cover)” – Cam Penner (with Jon Wood)

~

Also, as I really had nothing to do with or coverage of NXNE this year, I really needed to show some love to one of Canada’s largest musical events.  Yesterday I noticed one of my Saskatchewan favs Zachary Lucky linked to an ‘in the park’ performance he had while in T.O. for the event.  The video is below along with new favourite Bellewoods that I found from the same afternoon performance (see them all at The Humble Empire YouTube Channel)!

~

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There you have some Canucks for your Canada Day. Please enjoy!

~Smansmith

Fisticuffs (or Jordan Kurtz) of Saskatoon is new but not ‘new’ to me.  You see, I am a fan of fellow prairie folkster Zachary Lucky and these two seem to be thick as thieves.  So I keep seeing Lucky’s twitter feed calling out this “@heyfisticuffs” and then after getting back into a favourite Shot At The Dark video session with Calgary artist Benjamin Bullock, who was the very next video?  Well, it was Mr. Fisticuffs himself – I watched and listened and then slapped myself full across the face for not listening sooner.  That story is completely true…except for the violence.

So this brings me to the Fisticuffs – I picked up his 2010 EP ‘The Wheat Weather’ over the weekend and started listening – right up my alley I have to say.  A bit of lo-fi indie dream folk (because I can’t fit anymore genres in one sentence…I’m terrible at that stuff) and essentially a more acoustic release.  The EP is 6 tracks total with my current favourite being the ‘recorded in the distance’ track Bellows – solo acoustic, echoing vocals, haunting piano strikes and overall just great stuff.  Turns out my boy Zach Lucky even played some guitar and banjo on the release.  I guess it makes sense that the two of them are touring together with some dates still coming up (see Lucky’s MySpace page for dates).

So let’s take a look at that video from Shot At The Dark (love those guys) that started it all along with a couple of embeds from the EP, The Wheat Weather:

SHOT AT THE DARK – Fisticuffs from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

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~

There you have it, my new find, is your new find for this Music Monday.  Please swing by and visit Fisticuffs on his Facebook Page, Bandcamp Page ( <— purchase and sample 3 free downloads) and even his MySpace Page.

~Smansmith

When you lay out the music that swings through the numerous channels here at Slowcoustic it can be overwhelming.  But you splay it all out and you pick a few things that catch your ear for one of many reasons.  So, this is simply a post to provide a few things that I thought you all might enjoy as my Slowcousticals.  Enjoy some Canadiana.

Canada has been impressing me lately, what with the Polaris Prize nominations and such.  And to show some love back to the fact that Frederick Squire made the long list (here we come short list!!) I have to pass on some of his newer magic.  Also, as not all things Slowcoustic and Canadian get to be soo lucky, I think they also need some singling out as sometimes it isn’t all about awards but just about good music as well.  So it is time to pass on some love for Canada (please, no Vancouver riot jokes, please..).

~

While this is the brand new FS (not the currently nominated Polaris Prize Long Lister – see some love for it here) it is once again proving that he is going to be one of my all time favourites very soon.  Like by this afternoon.  Whatever.  The new album was recorded a little while ago with a sparse arrangements of instruments and recording equipment…just the way I like it.  The result is a stunningly beautiful collection of forgiveness laments.  Not always warm and fuzzy when it comes to songwriting with Squire – but he always seems to find the beauty in the ugly moments and possibly assists in having them more acceptable and then to the listeners, empathy.  Highly recommended.  Recommended highly.  See a bit more information here.

UPDATE: Purchase the album at Zunior HERE.

“All Things Past Serve To Guide You On Your Way” – Frederick Squire
from Frederick Squire Sings Shenandoah and Other Popular Hits (2011, Blue Fog Recordings)

~

The Bravest Ghost is more of the younger singer songwriter crowd emerging from Canada and I like what I am hearing.  Sean Craib-Petkau brings finger picking acoustics, atmospheric backgrounds and a voice beyond his days.  There is a new album on the way entitled Nicotine Hymns, but for now, please swing by and pick up the excellent Nicotine Hymns Demos on his Bandcamp page.  For now, watch and listen to a track from his ‘I Left Home’ album that is you all can grab for FREE RIGHT HERE.

The Bravest Ghost – Northline from Emily Kohlert on Vimeo.

Mp3: “North Line” – The Bravest Ghost, from 2010′s “I Life Home” (Self-Released)

~

Another regular around these parts who also finds himself in the up and comer category of Canadian singer-songwriter folk types is The Mountains & The Trees.  TM&TT is the moniker of Jon Janes who hails from a much more Easterly location in this fair county than I.  Regardless of the distance, he creates true indie folk tunes that you can’t deny.  Sometimes a bit quirky, sometimes a bit heartbreaking and all around a great listen.  I have included a track that is currently unreleased but will most likely find a home on a new release by the end of the year.  Need to know more?  Please sign up for his mailing list here (to get treats like the below track) and find him via his website.

“Carry On” – The Mountains & The Trees

Swing by iTunes for more TM&TT here.

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2011/06/18/saturday-grab-bag-with-frederick-squire-the-bravest-ghost-and-the-mountains-the-trees/feed/ 4 http://slowcoustic.com/2011/06/16/song-of-the-day-black-gold-from-one-hundred-dollars/ http://slowcoustic.com/2011/06/16/song-of-the-day-black-gold-from-one-hundred-dollars/#comments Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:29:19 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=6072

Just thinking about this album today as they are announcing the long list for the Polaris Prize today (keep an eye out here).  If you are unaware, the 2011 Polaris Prize is the ‘best’ Canadian album to be released between June 2010 and May 2011 as chosen by music editors, sites, critics in Canada.  Slowcoustic is considered one of those Canadian music types and I voted for my favourite albums and this band may have been among the list….I ain’t gonna tell.

One Hundred Dollars new album “Songs of Man” is a strong contender for reaching at least the long list of the Polaris, but unfortunately I don’t see a more country/roots type band winning for some reason.  All I can say is that I hope that the whole process isn’t just an exercise in voting Arcade Fire for the top spot (despite it being a good album as well).  Lets all hope we see $100 represented today on the announcement for the competition to Canada’s ‘best’ album of the 2010/2011 season.  That is all I am going to say on this subject (at this time).  ;-)

One Hundred Dollars’ ‘Songs of Man’: While you can expect a bit of a country experience from One Hundred Dollars, you also get a bit of retro rock, folky moments all mixed together into a rambling rootsy album.  This may sound wishy washy and almost a bit thrown together, but it isn’t – it feels quite well assembled in all reality.  If a slightly tamer Janis Joplin decided to become an outlaw country act, then One Hundred Dollars should be on your listening “long list”.

Enjoy Black Gold as your song of the day:

“Black Gold” from One Hundred Dollars album “Songs Of Man”

Find more/purchase: Website, Outside Music, Facebook and Zunior (purchase).

~Smansmith

After a conversation about ‘Cold Specks’ this morning with Drunk Country (from The Waiting Room Radio Show), I actually listened to this artist.  As I was not immediately sure who Cold Specks was but quickly became aware thanks to a conversation DC was having with Tim of The Blue Walrus (see their post on Cold Specks here).  We were essentially discussing the resurfacing of the artist in general and that she still has the chops to make you stop in your tracks and simply stand with mouth agape at the stunning sounds created (both sonically and vocally).  Cold Specks (& the name of Al Spx she now uses) are the newest monikers of this artist from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada and she seems to be born anew with this project after taking the previous more lo-fi ‘Basket of Figs’ persona to its completion.

The song of the day is “Holland” and it is actually a reworking of the track from her ‘Oh Eye, Oh Night’ EP from a couple of years back.  While the original is still amazing in its own right, this Cold Specks final version is almost a phoenix from the flames – it grows in scape and is awash in the folk noir that it clearly basks in.  This version has the song doubling in length from the original and even finds the song to almost be a new beast all together.  Either way, its stunning.

Holland by Cold Specks

Find out more when information comes available on the new Cold Specks website, Facebook and MySpace pages.
Download the song via Mediafire HERE.

Expect a full length album very soon.

~Smansmith

“Unkind”

I have always had a soft spot for Sloan since ‘Underwhelmed’ back in the day.  I admit I haven’t followed them exclusively over the last few years, but they seem to still be pretty much Sloan.  The power guitar stroke and pseudo punk-pop feel.  This song I’m posting isn’t exactly ‘Slowcoustic’, but I need a little oompf today to get through until I go on vacation this Friday.  This new Sloan track is providing a bit of that oompf for me.

More On This Album

p.s.  One of my favourite bits of lyrics from Underwhelmed:

She wrote out a story
About her life
I think it included
Something about me
I’m not sure of that
But I’m sure of one thing
Her spelling’s atrocious

She told me to read
Between the lines
And tell her exactly
What I got out of it
I told her affection had two F’s
Especially when
You’re dealing with me

~Smansmith

Today gets a great track I listened to a few months back and never got around to posting on it.  Sooo much music I guess.  Not really an excuse, I know – especially for a great track like this one.

Daniel Huscroft is a Canadian singer songwriter that is a little hard to classify into a specific genre – I want to say folkish, indie singer songwriter-ish, or along those lines.  Listen to the song below and you will understand where I am coming from.  Clearly a powerful vocalist and I think the polish on the great HD video my belie any gruff exterior he might show.  I am sure that was the point of the video having Huscroft in the middle of classical musicians with strategic blur and the like – nice little video for the song I think.

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GONE by Daniel Huscroft
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“Gone” is from his 2010 album “Here Is Just For Now” and you can find it on iTunes here or CD Baby here.  Lots of strings, acoustic guitar and strong vocals – what’s wrong with that for a Friday?  Nothing, now go into your weekend as this week is….gone.  [weak, I know]

Find out more on Daniel Huscroft on his new Facebook page or even his MySpace page.

~Smansmith

Tyler Butler is creating slowed down folky soundscapes from the city of champions, Edmonton.  Sometimes I find myself scouring the US and Europe for music and end up finding some of the best stuff right in my own backyard.  Figures.

Tyler has recently released his latest album ‘Winter King’ on OLD UGLY Recording Co and while I am just getting into this stripped down acoustic album, it is truly impressing.  Winter King was created to infuse ‘Winter Mythology’ with ‘Complex & Controlled Poetry’.  What I take from this is that the album brings stories melded into songs that make you fall deep into them and you also get lost in the fantastic tales themselves.  Butler indicates that the album has come out of the exploration of social and personal life experienced over the long dark Edmonton winter.  Something I am not totally unfamiliar with and as an analogy, I have to say it rings true.  When days are short, bleak and isolating one can come out with clarity and even more so, great music.  Sample one:

With comparisons to true singer songwriters like J. Tillman, Will Oldham and Bon Iver – you get an impression of a down trodden but musically driven person.  While many dismiss lo-fi or minimal sounding music, this is where ‘real’ music lives for me – in the quiet moments of a song between versus, audible finger slides on strings and slight whispers that an artist mutters to themselves.  Butler brings you inside his world, sits you down next to him and he sings to you and not at you.  Listen in headphones to catch it all, it is truly worth your time.  Sample two:

The new album “Winter King” is now out via his Bandcamp page HERE and while perusing you can catch his live performance on CJSR for a pay-at-your-own-risk download (re: free if you wish) that is also a must.  Take the time, tell your friends and slow down for a moment.

~Smansmith

P.S.  Bonus track: “Morana (Live at CJSR)” – Tyler Butler.  Studio version on “Winter King”.

Today sees the local release of Samantha Savage Smith’s “Tough Cookie”, and I think this is one of the most anticipated local albums in a long while.  I think this statement can’t be more true after a few listens (I admittedly have only listen 3 or 4 times) – the album travels generations and genres in the span of 49 minutes.

While many around the world are highly anticipating Calgary albums from artists like Chad VanGaalen and Women, they are going to need to start to share the world stage soon.  The album “Tough Cookie” has been in the making for some time, but songs have been circling for a while during the finalization of this album.  The songs below from her Bandcamp page just might not be the actual versions as the final album feels a bit more polished all around.  There are the classics I have been listening to for a couple of years (The Fight) and some that I have been listening to on a regular basis for at least 6 months (albeit without the final touches).

The album is immense, loud & a bit brash at times, then soft and soothing the next.  This 24 year old has put together songs that still connect while being diverse and I find each song can even stand alone in texture and feel…as they each glide through our Rocky Mountain air.  Don’t worry, non-Calgarians will also agree, that voice can’t be stopped by any location.  That leads me to something that often is the focal point of many overviews of Savage Smith and I won’t deny that I sometimes feel a bit dated saying it.  But now that I have been listening for a while, it really can’t be denied.  The voice of this woman is soo distinct & powerful it would be a shame to overlook the obviousness of it due to it being so, well…fantastic.  Her deep and powerful (almost out of body) vocals polish off all of these songs, it is the sometimes missing instrument in almost any other band.  Her voice sounds older than her 24 years on this earth could even possibly ever have hoped to have created.   It reaches back to classic crooners in smokey cabarets…albeit as long as those cabarets had a little bit of bite.

I admit I find myself almost partial to SSS…maybe because she is local, but it might be because she seems like such a great individual.  After seeing her perform 3 times last summer at the Calgary Folk Fest, as well as sitting down with her to talk to her a bit, she seems like such a down to earth person…except she is creating this immense and catchy music on the side.  So, please ignore any fawning, the album is good and not just getting the local shine.

Slowcousticals can enjoy songs like You Always Come To Mind, Devilman, The Fight & Good of Goodbyes.  For a bit of down tempo/summer pop, you can enjoy a song like 1000 days or The Hats.  Overall the album seems a bit gritty, at 3/4 speed and I dare say a bit sexy in a late night whiskey induced nightclub sort of way.  The album, not unlike Samantha Savage Smith is more than a little bit intoxicating.

The album really took off into becoming reality after local staple Lorrie Matheson (visit) started listening to some of the many demos from Savage Smith.  She was getting a bit of a well deserved buzz in the local scene and Matheson heard the potential immediately.  The album was completed in late 2010 and found the backing crew of Chris Dadge, Scott Munro and Brooker Buckingham (who have lent their talents to recordings and live shows by Chad VanGaalen, Rae Spoon, Ghostkeeper, Fake Cops and Woodpigeon).

Listen to a couple of tracks below:

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**The album gets it’s local release TONIGHT at The Palomino Club (see here) and you will even get to hear another local hero on the bill, SAVK (see a quick post on him here).  This is truly a great line up of local talent and you will even get a chance to purchase the new album at the show!  Unfortunately at the moment I only know of her Bandcamp to purchase the album or individual tracks, but hopefully that will expand very soon!

UPDATE: Locals can purchase the new CD here in Calgary at Hot Wax, Sloth Records and Melodiya and if you are not local, you can email me and I can pass on the information about ordering direct (PayPal required & $15.00 which includes shipping worldwide).  <— get on it!

Please visit Samantha Savage Smith on her Bandcamp Page & MySpace page.

~Smansmith

p.s.  Bonus video that I LOVE from the good folks at Shot At The Dark:

SHOT AT THE DARK – Samantha Savage from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

I have been a bit out of touch on the blog lately and missed a few days due to the rigors of my non-blog life (the farce of ‘real’ work) so I needed to come back with a couple of tracks at least! Well, lucky enough there are a few artists that I truly enjoy that are releasing some new songs for all our listening pleasure. Lets start with this mini-mixtape!

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Marissa Nadler is hard at work finishing up her upcoming self titled album (June 14th, 2011) after a successful Kickstarter project to fund it. Always a fan of Nadler so we know it will be stunning with a side of soaring ethereal moments. Or something like that. Listen to a sampling of the new album below:

“Baby, I Will Leave You in The Morning” – Marissa Nadler, from the upcoming S/T album (2011)
Find more on Nadler on her Facebook, Twitter, Website (& pre-order the album)

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Next we have a classic track from Lewis & Clarke who have been known to get stuck on my listening playlist on purpose. The band are masters of wrapping you in sound courtesy of Lou Rogai and his trusty crew. Beautiful and aching is probably the best way to describe the music – it’s fragile but not minimal, its full and sonic at times – take a dip into a recent cover from the good folks at WXPN in Philly.
My Name Is Carnival (Jackson C. Frank Cover) WXPN Live 2/20/11 by Lewis & Clarke

Find more on Lewis & Clarke on Facebook, Band Website as well as label La Société Expéditionnaire.

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Also someone who I have been following a lot lately is Canadian singer songwriter Sean Craib-Petkau or as we know and love him, The Bravest Ghost. His new “Nicotine Hymns Demos” are out in advance of the actual Nicotine Hymns and try another great track from this must have EP.
Devil’s Hooves by TheBravestGhost

I would have posted his new track from Bandcamp “Winter Rolls”, but damn that bandcamp only uses iframe for embeds now, so go visit here for that.

Find more on The Bravest Ghost on his Facebook & Bandcamp.

That is all I have for now, enjoy your Thursday.

~Smansmith

New video for the track “Woman” from Timber Timbre’s new album Creep On Creepin’ On, set to be released next week!
Get your creepin’ on below!

Find the new album via Arts & Crafts or visit the Timber Timbre site.  Also, make sure to see if TT are coming to your neck of the woods with their extensive tour here (Calgary – May 28th!!).

Listen:

~Smansmith

*Also, any purchases for the rest of this weekend for this EP will have 50% of their purchase price donated for the relief efforts for the Japanese disaster.

Stream the album below:

Bonus track: “I am Hungry (Alternate Version)” – from the I Left Home album.

~Smansmith

Just a teaser post today featuring the teaser track from the upcoming album from The Bravest Ghost.  If this is just the beginning, we just might be salivating for the remainder of this feast of an album on its way.

The upcoming album entitled “The Nicotine Hymns Demos” from The Bravest Ghost (or Sean Craib-Petkau) sounds, in title alone, like it is something Slowcoustic would be very interested in and then I listened to Soul to Sell and I’m officially hooked.  Sean is a Saskatchewan native who now resides in London, Ontario and came to me via recommendation from another artist, Zachary Lucky.  If you read Slowcoustic on at least a semi regular basis, you know that I am a huge fan of Lucky and if he is vouching for The Bravest Ghost, I am listening.  And listening I am doing…and I want to do more.

For now, listen to the slightly haunting, hushed beauty in Soul to Sell below:

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Find out more on The Bravest Ghost on Facebook, MySpace and his Bandcamp page!

~Smansmith

Nothing new to the regular Slowcoustic fans I am sure, but we are big fans of The Wilderness of Manitoba and have been for a few years now.  Well, the first album from the troupe “Hymns of Love & Spirits” was recently reissued – while technically an EP, it feels more like an album now with the additions of new songs and reworked originals.  The album is full of the soaring vocals, hushed moments that all great folk albums include and this one comes with a full on double thumbs up.  If you had the original, please consider getting the new release that includes the below track “Mother” and a re-recorded “Dreamcatchers’ (a much larger sound this time, but don’t worry the original isn’t replaced, both versions included on the new release) and a traditional folk track in “Softly & Tenderly”.

Enjoy today’s Song of the Day:

“Mother Song” – The Wilderness of Manitoba
from the reissue of Hymns of Love & Spirits

Bonus video for “Evening” from the release:

Find out more on The Wilderness of Manitoba on their Facebook & MySpace
Purchase on iTunes

~Smansmith

p.s.  Keep an ear out for the 3 track Summer Fires digital EP that should see a release in mid-late March

Green Couch Sessions • BEN CAPLAN from Green Couch on Vimeo.

Find more on Ben Caplan & the Casual Smokers on their Facebook, MySpace and CBC Radio 3
Find more on the Green Couch Sessions on their Website, Twitter and Facebook.

~Smansmith