~S

~~~

I love finding new music that I was completely oblivious to. Who doesn’t? This time I have found the Louisville “band” The Parade Schedule and it was a very welcome surprise indeed.

The reason I have band in quotes is essentially The Parade Schedule is Matt Kinder with a little help from a rotating list of contributors/friends. The new album “Seeds to be Planted, Trees to be Cut” was just released this December and it is an acoustic folk record at heart that has a lot of heart…you could say. Kinder has a timbre of voice that comforts, it is not a new age indie “off key” voice, but actually a pretty straight forward voice that goes hand in hand with his sombre lyrics and even more solemn guitar strumming. This isn’t your intense finger picking folk style album, it is a drifting and beautifully soothing collection of songs (14 to be exact, more than the average album these days!).

While I originally found it on IODA, I quickly devoured the two tracks below (“Backyard” & “Dye Your Hair”) and immediately hit up eMusic for a copy of the full album. The two tracks included and aforementioned are both cut from the same cloth and could actually be a part 1 and 2 of the same song at first listen. When listening to the remainder of the album, you will be immersed in lo-fi acoustic tracks, with echos of a less twang induced Johnny Cash at times. You might even see a little bit of early Damien Jurado in “Making Away”. Stand out tracks include “Backyard”, “Eight Long Months”, “Be Safe” and “Dancing” as of the first few spins.

~~~
The Parade Schedule

“Backyard” (mp3)
“Dye Your Hair” (mp3)
from “Seeds to Be Planted, Trees to Be Cut”
(The Record Machine)

More On This Album

~~~

Bonus: “Old” – The Parade Schedule

Visit and purchase The Parade Schedule:

Bonus #2: Live Performance of “Backyard”

~Smansmith

p.s. The above main photo of Matt Kinder has a tag of “My serious band photo” on MySpace, love that about this guy too!

It’s been a long time since I have listened to Puzzle Muteson, and after the below…

WHAT WAS I THINKING!

That was stellar!  He is getting some new tracks together from what I can find out and I for one am going to try be first in line!

If you have not ever found or listened to his 2006 album “Meadow Brown”, you should find it and listen to it – highly recommended.

“Alphabet Eyes” – Puzzle Muteson, from 2006′s “Meadow Brown”

Visit Puzzle Muteson:

~Smansmith

Well it’s Record Store Day today and I am just putting a quick post to let you know what I’m listening to right now as I prepare to head out.  Ghosts I’ve Met.

While I have posted about Ghosts I’ve Met prior, I am really getting back into Sam Watts & Co. once again.  This is the softer acoustic ballads that float beautifully through headphones, soundtrack important moments and simply give you a good feeling.  There is also a bit of Americana vs. Slowed Down Folk vs. Orchestra with a splash of “melodramatic pop song” (as Myspace would say) throughout the band – the track below “Reno” “Payphone Patience” (revised with official promo track) is a fantastic number.  Its quite stunning, I hope you feel the same.

Maybe we will see more of Sam Watts, Brittain Ashford and Jenna Conrad around with a new album…you never know.  You can hear a few songs from the new (unreleased) album on the MySpace page linked below.

“Payphone Patience” – Ghosts I’ve Met, from 2009′s “Payphone Patience” EP

Visit Ghosts I’ve Met:

~Smansmith

The fact that you might not know who he is or have a hard time finding information on Fred Squire is a problem. Possibly the only problem with Fred Squire. Outside of Sackville, NB and area (Eastern Canada) you might find yourself not knowing Mr. Squire at all or possibly only knowing him due to his efforts with Canadian indie darling Julie Doiron. While all good and well (A LOT of people can do worse than having Julie Doiron as a collaborator!) I need you to stop and see Fred(erick) Squire himself as your center of focus. Even as a Canadian “indie music blogger” I barely feel any authority in talking about him as I know soo very little. I know a little more now with the help of my Canadian Blogger Mentors (to now be known as CBM) over at Herohill and the good folks at Pigeon Row PR. Frederick Squire has a new EP…I think.

The new release is a self titled CDR that I believe is basically only available to locals and concert goers alongside friends/family (and some bloggers). So to revisit the theme of this post, I find it hard to actually become a true fan as I have so very little of his works, but what I find is fantastic. All I really have is that essentially he is a singer songwriter from the East Cost of Canada, so you know being a damn fine musician is in his blood. You should also get a good idea of his vibe due to the collaborations he has been a part of such as the Mount Eerie “Lost Wisdom” album (great fringe folk) and the new Daniel, Fred & Julie album (a bit more traditional folk). While both great, they are completely separate from what I hear on this new release – this is all Squire and totally consuming. I mean, I knew I would like it, but sometimes you want to like something more than you actually do, and this actually gives you back enough to fill whatever expectations you might have had. You have tragic lamenting ballads like “You Sing High, We Will Sing Low” and “Frankie and Albert” alongside a bit more uptempo (but still a pub at half speed) “Old Times Past Times”. You even get some atmosphere to either set the mood or cleanse the pallet with “Theme From a Northern Movie” and the achingly beautiful, instrumental “End of Previous Song”. I actually find “End of Previous Song” almost the song you have to hear first – in my mind it brings you a sombre, folk experience that pines for more as it could also be the “Start of a New Sound” for many. Recommended if ya can find it.

Listen to “new”:

“Frankie and Albert” – Fred Squire, 2010

~~~

Watch “not so new”:

~~~

Enjoy one of those collaboration tracks:

“Runner” – Daniel, Fred & Julie

So if you have a chance to see him perform (Daniel, Fred & Julie have upcoming shows, see their MySpace here) definitely take the time to see him, if you can find more material, pick it up!

~Smansmith

This is the kind of singer songwriter that builds terrific songs that might be able to have more “bite”, but that doesn’t seem like the point when listening.  Sure other bands or artists may get attention that way, but where is the attention for a talent that can put together a cohesive album and soundtrack your day with no hesitation?  Espe’s albums have the style of folk-pop that you might find in a hour long drama on any major network but don’t take that as an insult (as I know some of you would).   His deft use of harmony alongside a bounty of acoustic guitar go a long way.  Mix in a bit of piano and stories about small town life and you have a great idea of an Aaron Espe song.  If you can’t tap your toes or connect to a song, even for a little bit, than you my friend are looking in the wrong place here.

Please consider visiting Aaron below, you can pick up albums electronically or even on CD (gasp!) and opt for signed copies as well – he is a man of the people.  If you needed to sample some of the warm folk melodies from Aaron Espe, you can listen to a track from each of his albums below and visit his site for more sampling – you can actually download both albums for free but a donation is always welcome.

“Roads”

(highly recommended – see a YCD “best of 2008″ post)

“Stuck”

Visit & Purchase

~Smansmith

“The heart of a cur keeping time with her bedroom eyes.” ~JLL

The upcoming album from Jeffrey Luck Lucas entitled “The Lion’s Jaw” should be out any second and from the few tracks I have heard it is going to be another incredible album.  This is a top album in the “looking forward to in 2009″ for me and am glad it is about to surface.  Why this guy isn’t more famous, is beyond me.

Yes, I am being purposefully vague about the release date for the new album as it has not “officially” been set yet, but I have good authority that it will be available within the next couple of weeks.  The music industry can be an enigma in itself and a lowly music blogger simply wants the end product of a great album.  This particular great album cannot get here fast enough.  If anyone is familiar with Jeffrey Luck Lucas you will know that there is a theme/feeling/aura surrounding the work of Lucas: one of solitude, trying times and ultimately a mixture of hope amongst bleak times.  In going back and forth with Lucas (as you will see below in the interview), he is conscious of this mystique he conjures with his talent.  One that draws me like a moth to a flame, not blindly, but just something that consistently brings fulfilling music – not the one hit wonders or smash and grab singles that circle the world of music these days.

Lucas has 2 previous albums to date of which both come highly recommended for lovers of the sombre almost Americana crowd.  I say almost as his music floats around many genres but doesn’t make its home in anything specific – It has essence of a Matthew Ryan’s melancholy, Leonard Cohen’s storytelling and delivery.  I used those two artists as one brings to mind a mature established performer with the other bringing something more modern down-tempo, the blending of it all gives you a great idea of what Jeffrey Luck Lucas provides.  Another way to put it is to let you know the titles of the two previous album “Hell Then Divine” and “What We Whisper”.  So you get an aching performance of the down trodden with that glimmer of redemption only moments away (all the while being aware of oneself and being awake to some humour of it all).

Well, if I can say one thing, it is “The Lion’s Jaw” is going to be another notch on this troubadour’s belt and should make it’s way to your collection…soon.  Let’s dig into a bit of “Q & A” with Jeffrey Luck Lucas.

~~~

1. Who is Jeffrey Luck Lucas – introduce yourself to our readers – and is “Luck” really your middle name?

“Luck” is as real a name as any of mine, in my opinion, though I wasn’t born with it. I was christened with the name around a pool table in a great long-lost dive bar. It had a nice ring to it so I let it stick. I don’t know how to introduce myself. Maybe we’ll let the music do the introducing? I mean, it’s all there.

2. We are big fans here at Slowcoustic/You Crazy Dreamers and me especially as I am a jokingly described as a fan of “sad bastard music” – is this how you would describe your music?

Thank you… I do appreciate the support and encouragement to keep doing the dirty work. Though I do encourage others getting dirty with me.

I would say that the music is created by a sad bastard, but it isn’t all sad (and neither is the bastard). I think there’s a lot of beauty and humor drifting alongside all the emotional wreckage and debris. Not to mention sex and violence.

I think as more recordings surface the story will become more complete. It is definitely a living voyage that just happened to begin with a funeral march.

3. Now releasing your third album “The Lion’s Jaw” – When is it being released, where can we get it?

THE LION’S JAW will be released soon, this month I believe. It has been horribly delayed. The only bright side being that I’ve basically finished the fourth album (which I’m really really excited about) and that should be coming out this year as well. I don’t have a title yet, unfortunately.

You should be able to get THE LION’S JAW soon on iTunes and other online electronic distributors. We will also be doing a limited run of vinyl and CDs that will be personalized, numbered, etc. And it will have it’s own European label/release as well.

4. What were some of the things that lead to or assisted in the creation of the new album?

A sense of growing strength. An ability to face the present with clear vision. Working through an emotional backlog. Being comfortable in the skin of the night. Giving-up black and white ideals. Coming to terms with never coming to terms. Eroticism and passion in the midst of hell. And new sources of inspiration from my friends and loved ones. From their music. And Desmond Shea’s co-vision… his ability to find diamonds in my bullshit. [please edit this at will]

I really view THE LION’S JAW as a door. It marks the end and the beginning, depending on which way you’re heading.

5. You are more than a “guy with a guitar” – you are known as a trained composer & cellist, how do these integrate into your albums?

I tried to plaster as much of my self and my vision as I could on these records. I love doing arrangements and playing any and every thing I can. I record demos for every song, playing all the instruments. I learn so much from doing that. BUT… now I’ve found some guys who’ve living the music with me… and they’re bringing something… so I think the next records will be a little less claustrophobic… more accessible in a purely collaborative/spiritual way. Jesus, did I just write that?

6. Any upcoming shows, festivals that you are appearing at – where can we see ya?

Well, we’ve been working hard to get a strong band that can handle the music, so you should be seeing us over the next few months. You have to let the record simmer for awhile before you go out to lose money in support of it. Seriously, though, we’ll be in Europe late Fall/Winter and start from there.

I’ll also have a pretty full schedule playing cello and other things with other artists like KIRA LYNN CAIN and JAMES FINCH JR. this Summer and Fall.

7. Who are artists that you have toured/worked with that have influenced you?

TINDERSTICKS, JOHN DOE, ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, THE WILLARD GRANT CONSPIRACY come to mind, as far as artists I’ve shared the stage with. My bandmates, JUSTIN FRAHM and JAMES FINCH JR. are amazing songwriters, along with KIRA LYNN CAIN. SEAN COLEMAN (now of Dublin, Ireland) is an amazing musician and an inspiration. And we wouldn’t be here talking if it weren’t for DESMOND SHEA, producer, engineer, 5th Beatle, etc. I’m probably missing a dozen or so. What the hell…

As far as influences that I haven’t had a chance to work with or share the stage with, I would say LOU REED, SERGE GAINSBOURG, SCOTT WALKER, NICK DRAKE, NICK CAVE, LEONARD COHEN, JOHNNY CASH, LAMBCHOP, IGGY POP, ITALIAN FILM MUSIC, etc. etc.

~~

There you have the great insight of JLL and please consider frequenting his sites to find the new album once released.  Prior to that, you can pick up a copy of “What We Whisper” (iTunes and CD Baby) and “Hell Then Divine” (iTunes and CD Baby).
You can also visit Mr. Lucas over on his Website and his MySpace page for updates on the new 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

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/04/27/if-you-havent-heard-tobacco-pat/feed/ 2 5:15 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 ... 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 Alt-Country, Americana, Best New Music, Down-Tempo, Folk, If You Haven't Heard, indie, Just a bit Honky Tonk, lo-fi, MySpace, Singer Songwriter no yes http://slowcoustic.com/2009/03/30/if-you-havent-heard-the-vega-star/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/03/30/if-you-havent-heard-the-vega-star/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:27:28 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=1784

Sorry I have been remiss on the “If You Haven’t Heard” series here on Slowcoustic, but we have someone that you need to hear…if you haven’t heard.  It’s corny I know, but sometimes it is simply a fact, The Vega Star is a band you will want to hear.

The Vega Star are a Wisconsin foursome that draws you into the swirling Indie rock shoegaze that is their new album “The Night” that was released in February of this year.  Their debut album is fittingly titled, though not to be confused with depressing dark corners, it is meant to revel in the dusk, that time of night that you lose focus and can drift away and get lost in something – in this case the beauty of “The Night”.  The current line up of Justin Rolbiecki | Jackson Messner | John Juchemich | Stephen DeLassus have created a great alt-folk rock album in “The Night”

To start off, their debut album “The Night” is comparable to a more band orientated Gravenhurst.  So anyone knowing the folk noir of Gravenhurst can enjoy a folk-Americana noir from The Vega Star.  I also don’t want anyone to get the impression this is your indie-pop shoegaze either, it is more your indie-rock version.  I dare say that the album isn’t entirely a trip down “Sad Bastard Lane”, but might actually be secretly hiding a bit of rock band in despair.  I wouldn’t be too surprised if the band is secretly lurking behind a veil of sombre song crafting that can effectively lead to a great stage performance.

I also must apologize for being a bit all over the map on this “review”, but the album can be an enigma at times.  There seems to be a common thread that I keep tugging at, one that keeps providing more to sink my teeth into.  There is modern day 60′s Psychedelia in “The Lullaby” that has the band doing a sombre march through dark times, while a track such as “The Cell” shows a bit of folk Americana wrapped in the “Stone and Steel” of a prison lament.  And there is more, 10 tracks more to be a bit more accurate.  You might also find additional stand outs including “The Collector” and “The Wicked” that continue down the path along some terrific gothic rock – this is a band that would close out your Austin evening in style, if you know what I mean.

If you think this might be a band you need to hear in full, click on the album cover below to pick up a copy of the album.

Recommended if you like the description from their MySpace page “… if Neil Young fronted Pink Floyd while covering Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’.”  Well, it certainly paints the picture.

Visit The Vega Star on their Website and MySpace.

~Smansmith

Faith Kleppinger hadn’t been heard much around the Slowcoustic hallways, until I actually started listening.  Dark folk leanings drew me in and have embraced me ever since.

Faith Kleppinger writes mellow, literary indie rock songs. She is a singer/songwriter who defies the girl with guitar stereotype, preferring electric guitar over acoustic; rock clubs over coffeehouses; and most importantly she never, ever makes lyrics out of her journals from junior high school.

That is the biography on her label site with Two Sheds Music, and while brief, it sums up what you would think from listening to her music.  It also gives you the impression she isn’t your standard muse of a singer songwriter and that she might just kick your ass.  All kidding aside, I think the “rock” leanings can be heard with an almost country edge…all while her angelic voice drives the songs along.  Faith has 3 albums so far and they have moved along nicely in creating her sound, with the latest album “Boulevards” feeling like a more matured if not slightly darker version of her debut album “Asleep At The Wheel”.  This I like.

Listen for yourself below with a selection of tracks from each of her three albums with the highlights being “Lighthouse” and “Anything New” from her most recent release “Boulevards”.

Faith Kleppinger
“City Three” (mp3)

“Runaround” (mp3)

“2 – Minute Warning” (mp3)
from “Asleep in the Well”
(Two Sheds Music)

More On This Album

“No Galore” (mp3)

“Understudy Lines” (mp3)

“Apart/Aside” (mp3)
from “No Galore”

(Two Sheds Music)

More On This Album

“Anything New” (mp3)

“Lighthouse” (mp3)

“Your Luckiest Day” (mp3)
from “Boulevards”
(Two Sheds Music)

More On This Album

Visit her on MySpace and her Label Page.

~Smansmith

O, my love is like a red, red rose, That’s newly sprung in June. O, my Love is like the melody, That’s sweetly played in tune…

~Robert Burns

I have been on kind of a roll lately for female artists.  With that being said, I was more than happy to receive the “Bodega Rose” album from Kesang Marstrand this last week.  12 digital drops of melancholic acoustic beauty.

Bodega Rose was released late last year on North Node Records and is a contemplative journey through life’s soundtrack, as soundtracked by her – and that is a good thing, it is stunning.  While often a solo artist with a great voice that knows their way around song arrangements can get away with a pretty good song, but to put together a full album with the texture and consistency is a real feat.  While you can get visions of artists in your head while listening (like Feist, Ani DiFranco) you still get the impression that it is all her on this release.  There is a hush across the album, while mostly being acoustic guitar, there are inspired moments of harmonica, piano and what sounds like an accordion.

Backstory:

After discovering her passion for music via a piano in the common room of a schoolhouse in Colorado, Kesang Marstrand knew that it would be an inseparable part her life. As a teen, she entertained the hope of one day becoming a classical pianist and composer, but her family’s move to New York City while she was in high school prompted her to exchange the piano for the ever-more-mobile acoustic guitar.

I am glad she took the path of the folky coffee house vibe (sorry, inside joke on the journey of any folk/singer-songwriter) instead of the “classical pianist/composer” – but I don’t know if that is behind her yet.  From reading over her bio over on her website, it gives the impression of someone who thrives in the creation/creative process.  Her next project will be a collection of original lullabies!  I must say with that voice and guitar, she just might be the perfect person for something like that!  With this album, I for one think she has a future in whatever she may put her energies into.

Enjoy a couple of tracks from the album below including a her album title track and her stripped down version of the 80′s classic “Say Say Say”.

Visit Kesang on her Website (listen to the full album) and her MySpace Page.
Pick up a copy of the album “Bodega Rose” on CD BABY.

~Smansmith

Hey, if you haven’t heard….”Magnolia Summer”!   Welcome again kiddies to another installment of “If You Haven’t Heard” and the band in question – Magnolia Summer.

This St. Louis based “rock” band (as they describe themselves) is a bit of a collection of friends that have been interchanged over the past few years under the moniker “Magnolia Summer”.  The eye of this storm (does that make it sound bad?) is Chris Grabau and he is bringing the family back together for the 3rd and most recent release entitled “Lines From The Frame” out of the Undertow Music Collective stables.

The road Grabau and company travel is one that many of this ilk travel and Grabau’s themes in song crafting have been described as “...expressing a Kerouac-like love for the journey more than the destination…“.  While not a new concept to the genre, it is one that is tried and true.  This road of Americana recordings is one that one might find themselves traveling regardless of whether or not it is leading to a destination – but I guess that is the point previously made.  Enjoy the now, the journey, with your family of friends and some solid tunes as your soundtrack.  Why the hell not?

I have included two tracks from the new album below with the track “Diminished Returns” as well as the gorgeous “Bird Without A Wire” which has the assistance of Kelly Kneiser from the band Glossary.  It will do you good to check out the sister post over on You Crazy Dreamers for another great track “To Better Days” and it’s Alt Country twang.  All tracks enjoy a bit of an electric tinged Americana – with flecks of strings and a full band flare – this might be the album that the entire cast of Magnolia Summer finally got together to create.

Side Note: You might also note that Magnolia Summer contributed to one of my favourite projects of 2008 and the “Of Great and Mortal Men” 3 disc collection – see my mention on it here.  Magnolia Summer joins in with Christian Kiefer on the track “William McKinley (Czolgosz’s Dream)”.

Visit Magnolia Summer:  Website, Undertow Music Collective, MySpace
Purchase an album at:  Undertow, eMusic and iTunes

*Bonus* – Enjoy the lo-fi session with Magnolia Summer below:

~Smansmith

Here we go back on board with the “If You Haven’t Heard” posts and the newest installment of great finds – Finn Daniel.

Finn Daniel is a singer songwriter who hails from the UK and has some impressive tracks and a new EP entitled “Settle”.  His sound is pretty classic singer songwriter that leans towards the finger picking guitar variety – with some good ol’ strumming and harmonizing.  I find at times he reminds me almost of a young John Darnielle crossed with someone like Damien Rice….if that is possible.

There is one more aspect of what I have heard from Finn Daniel at this point – strings.  He incorporates cello, violin and other instruments in an orchestral flair.  I can be a sucker for folk music or singer songwriter music that brings this element to the table (hello, Horse Feathers).  If for nothing else, the perfect use of the sound of the cello for the backing to his accapella versions of two tracks from the EP – “Not All There” and “If I Got Good”.  You can hear for yourself on the latter track below, with 3 separate versions from what I think is the single from the EP – “If I Got Good” – if there is a single…

I must say he pulls it off quite well and I look forward to more from this young brit in the near future.

Visit Finn on his WEBSITE or his MYSPACE page and pick up “Settle” at Arkade Music.

~ Smansmith

P.S. Enjoy a live video for the below track “If I Got Good” as well you should swing by the sister post over on You Crazy Dreamers for a couple of alternate tracks.

This one is going to be a keeper folks, the fourth installment of If You Haven’t Heard – “Donovan Woods”.  Oh, did I mention we also have an unreleased new song as well??  Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

I have been listening to Donovan Woods for a little while, and in that short while I have found out that I tend to listen to him more than most artists (thank you Last.fm stats).  There is a reason for this, plain and simple, his music is something that you can listen to, be amazed by, and not get tired of.  Since picking up his 2007 release “The Hold Up”, it has ended up being one of my most listened to albums.  His music reminds you of something that could be recorded by Sufjan Stevens (but without the theatrics).  There is great guitar work, harmonies that compliment his strong knowledge of what works and sounds good.  His music can be classic songwriter sparse and build up in tempo to an almost upbeat folk feel.  At first I was a bit surprised that at times, such a delicate delivery of lyrics came from a guy that just might kick my ass for saying “delicate”.  I guess I can just be thankful that Donovan likes bloggers.  In fact he assures me that us “denizens of internet musical delivery” have been integral in his growing popularity.  Well I think that this blogger enjoys delivering this music, classic folk/singer-songwriter stuff – songs that you can almost sing along to and not feel stupid doing it…ya know?  Remember I said “almost sing along to” – I don’t think I have the chops of Mr. Woods.

Woods is a local in the Toronto scene (of which the photo above is most likely from after a live gig at the Central) and is currently signed to the Sunny Lane Records Label.  You can also pick up a copy of “The Hold Up” from iTunes (highly recommended) and after that you can wait alongside me for the upcoming 8 track EP “The Widowmaker”.  I think that the EP should surface soon, but an exact release date hasn’t been released (well, to me at least).  AAAAND….although you will still have to wait to purchase the rest of the EP, we have a taste of new material in the form of the unreleased track “Phone”.  The song stays true to Donovan’s acoustic and piano driven ballads with that heartbreaking delivery of the lyrics and that classic build to the chorus.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do and after listening I assure you that Donovan Woods will start to climb your list of favourites if he isn’t already there.  Also, don’t forget to visit You Crazy Dreamers for more Donovan Woods music on the mirrored post over there!

~Smansmith

Well here we are at the 3rd installment of “If You Haven’t Heard” and I have some beautiful Americana ballads from “Ghosts I’ve Met”.  So put down your whiskey and grab the one that you want to hang onto and press play, you won’t be disappointed.

Sam Watts is the heart of this “rotating cast” of players that enjoy the Ghosts I’ve Met title and he has been welcoming many an artist to join him over the last few years.  The recordings see influences and assistance from co-founder Ben Blankenship along with Anne Marie Ruljanchic, Brent Arnold, Jen Turner, Karen Waltuch, Margaret White, Michael Lerner, Joe Seely and Amy Bezunartea – did I say rotating cast yet??  Take a trip over to the MySpace page and see all the artists this group has worked with…who’s who to say the least.   Recordings have taken place over the last few years (since 2005) and although not all of his material has seen the light of day to this point, there has been a release earlier this year of an EP entitled “Payphone Patience” (that should be for sale through snocap in the US and their MySpace page).  I have been lucky enough to receive a few tracks so as to not stalk his MySpace player.

The EP hmmm…it floats some sadcore Americana ballads that encompass and wrap around you, and not just singer-songwriter stuff, this is full band heartache here.  The title track brings beautiful piano accents (from Darren Jesse of Hotel Lights – thank you very much) alongside a waning violin…stunning.  This is the kind of stuff this EP is made of and while it has been done before, it usually isn’t done quite this well.  It is a bit confusing why there isn’t more of this band floating around, they definitely have an audience in me (and now you fair readers)

I have included the aforementioned title track for “Payphone Patience” along with one other song.   The additional track is one that I think might have been a close second for getting the title of the EP – “Ghosts in the Snow”- hauntingly beautiful, a bit more stark than “Payphone…” and hits the mark.  Remember to visit You Crazy Dreamers for another track, “Reno”, on the mirrored version of this post over yonder.

Hope you all like it, now go to the MySpace page and convince Sam to release that full length album!

~Smansmith

Third installment of “If You Haven’t Heard” and once again I bring you gold here people!  Along with the two previous Monday posts, you must hear this if you haven’t already – I really mean it…see below.

Small Sur seems to be a bit of a play on a slice of California life, doesn’t it?  Well maybe if you grew up in North Central United States and followed that up with a few years on the California Coast, you might be a “Small Sur” as well.

Well maybe small in name but not in stature or talent, Bob Keal is the heart of this Small Sur.  Keal brings a honest, hushed folk sound to the table, a table that should be located at an old family cabin, deep in a haunted wood.  His music also feels like it lends to a slower time with down home roots and lazy afternoons.  I know I feel at home with this album, but I often get lost in a lone singer and an acoustic guitar.  Although at times you might feel like all items are merely accents to what Keal and his guitar are bringing to that table, there is more than just one lone troubadour on this album.  There is great harmonies from Julianne Nelson, bass and percussion from Scott Dennison and Austin Stahl respectively, with a personal favourite (the banjo) being supplied by Andy Abelow.

Small Sur finds itself on the Tender Loving Empire label who have just released this great album on August 19th of this year.  They have been touring this summer and have shared the stage with other great artists from Jana Hunter and Johanna Kunin to Wooden Wand.  For those keeping score, the likes of Jason Molina and Will Oldham are listed in the “if you like, then you should like…” notes from the label – not bad company if I do say so myself.

Small Sur can also be found on their MySpace page here.  I just might say, I am not shy in admitting that I have an early entry into my “best of 2008″ post this December…(it is like I keep saying that phrase a lot lately).

You can check out the mirrored post on our sister blog – You Crazy Dreamers here.  Included over with the dreamers is another two tracks not included here, so go git ‘em!

~Smansmith

How do I describe “The Cloud Hymn” other than repeating the newly assigned band name?  I mean, no better description for a band lies in its name than what I have before you today.  In the same way the band Death Vessel seems like a polar opposite of sound to name, this is a polar opposite of that polar opposite…lost yet? Basically The Cloud Hymn might just sound exactly what you would think they would – beautiful, airy and floating along (but with guitar and piano…).

Okay, seriously though, this unsigned Minnesotan talent took me off guard with the soundscapes and expanse of sound.  You can get lost inside of it all, but still know it is a place built by/for one person.  Whether you write/create due to personal experience (which is the case here) or just because you enjoy doing it (which is also the case here), I think that this cloud project is drifting in the right direction.

Taking us along in the right direction is John Nielsen handling the writing, vocals and guitar for his project.  The terrific piano accents are brought to you from Paul Brandt and some additional vocal pairing from Tani Alyssa Eckdahl.  Together the three have provided an almost ethereal display of these sad, but beautiful songs.

While I mentioned drifting above, I mean moving forward to a release of a full 11 track album by the fall (hopefully).  Nielsen (the man behind the curtain for TCH you could say) assures me that this currently untitled album is completed and just in the midst of mastering prior to that pending release.   There are some good folks in Eau Claire, WI at “The Distillery” that are assisting in the endeavor (here’s lookin’ at you Eric!).  Well all I can say is I am looking forward to hearing the album and getting lost in it all.

That’s it for another installment of “If You Haven’t Heard“, I have a couple demo tracks for you all below, so drift along with these until the full length CD arrives and I try to sell you all on them once again.

~Smansmith

p.s.  This post is mirrored over at You Crazy Dreamers – here.  Included there is another track by TCH not included here!

First in the series will be the Band Blackbird Harmony from the Yer Bird Label.  Blackbird Harmony is Evan Birdsong (birds all over the place here…) along with Aryn Dalton and Jim Case and they enjoy a great harmonious Americana-folk vibe.  The reason I am also posting on BbH is because I recently signed up with the Yer Bird Aviary and found the demos for the most recent release “Hardwood Exits”, plus the 2004 album “Angels With Outstretched Hands”.  All are recommended and available for download as full albums once you are a member of the “Aviary”.  Come on people for $25.00 USD you get access to 10 albums plus 3 live performances of various Yer Bird artists (and growing) – WAY GOOD DEAL!

Well back to BbH and why you should listen if you haven’t heard already – the intimate, acoustic demos for the “Hardwood Exits” album are very much sticking with me lately.  Yer Bird hits the nail on the head with the “American gothic, country folk” description, so basically I was sold right there – I am always a sucker for packaging!  So other than saying it is a must, take a listen to a couple of tracks below and make that choice for yourself, to listen if you haven’t heard already.  Just to make sure you are aware, the track for “Picture of You” is from 2004’s Angels with Outstretched Hands album and not the 2008 version on Hardwood Exits.

Enjoy, and don’t miss out on my “sister post” over on You Crazy Dreamers for BbH – check it out here.

~Smansmith