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

New EP from Akron, OH based White Pines is out today!  The 5 track EP is now available from our Yer Bird Records Bandcamp page right here.

I have come to really enjoy the driving force of White Pines, Joseph Scott, and his uncanny ability to bring folk acoustics into a part ambient, part folk rock vibe.  While being a stellar solo acoustic performer, he can build on a track and bring a fuller sound without taking away what you enjoyed about the “folk” aspect of it in the first place.  While it isn’t exactly jangly indie rock that all the kids are talking about, it is still a jump up for this slow and acoustic guy!

If you enjoyed the previous full length album ‘The Falls’ from White Pines, this 5 track EP falls in line with it’s overall sound and would fit nicely into being its companion.  The stand out song here is Bluebird which we have included below in both the original porch-side demo performed solo by Joseph Scott and then the EP version which shows a bit of a before and after in his song-crafting process.

So swing by and pick up a copy of the digital EP over on the Yer Bird Records Bandcamp page and we should have a link to some physical CDs in the very near future, so keep an eye out there as well.

You should be able to grab one of those physical CDs at his upcoming show this weekend if you are in the Cleveland, OH area when White Pines opens for Lambchop(!!).  See info on/rsvp to the Facebook event that just went up HERE and see the details below for those non-FB types:

Lambchop with White Pines
Beachland Ballroom
Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
7:30 pm
$15.00
(Tickets)

Visit White Pines: Album Bandcamp | Label Page | Facebook | Twitter

~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

One of my recent finds was St. Louis radio station KDHX and their great list of in studio performances on their Soundcloud page.  Seriously folks, there is a massive amount of talent that comes through their doors.  While not all is up my alley, there is definitely enough to have something for pretty much any reader of this blog.  They are not for profit and are community focused, could use your support….and just happen to record kick ass sessions.  For good measure, their mission statement:

“The mission of KDHX is to build community through media, with diverse and independent voices that enrich the perspectives of our audiences.  We promote civic and cultural participation by providing the tools, technology, and training vital to informed, creative expression.”

Sounds like a good crew, right?  Okay, I know you are looking for an example of these sessions, so look and listen no further – a selection is below as our Monday playlist.

David Bazan “Virginia” Live at KDHX 6/10/11 by KDHX
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Frontier Ruckus “Junk Drawer Sorrow” Live at KDHX 6/10/11 by KDHX
~
Jill Andrews “A Little Less” Live at KDHX 6/9/11 by KDHX
~
The Antlers “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out” Live at KDHX 6/11/11 by KDHX
~

This is just a sampling as they have also posted great sets from Jonsi, Strand of Oaks, William Fitzsimmons, The Low Anthem and Hayes Carll.  You can check out their live performance page HERE or simply click over to their Soundcloud page for all things worth listening to HERE.

Enjoy your Monday.

~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 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.

This one is more a mix of alt rock, blues and folk country, but there is just something about the raw sounds and partial sing-a-longs created by a band such as The Builders and the Butchers.  This is the edgy sounds of foot stompin’ Portland that in my opinion would translate to an amazing live show.  You feel it in the songs of Dead Reckoning.  Take a listen to a couple of tracks on today’s album release of note.

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Bonus:
The Builders and the Butchers
“Spanish Death Song” (mp3)
from “The Builders and the Butchers”
(Bladen County Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

~Smansmith

Slow down, Molasses is a Saskatchewan band (yes, that’s in Canada) that is coming out with their second full length release this coming March.  As far as albums go, this one has a little bit of everything – this is becoming a bit of a trend with bands in order to not be all “samey” and it really shows Slow down, Molasses…well, being a band…if you get my meaning.

The album is 9 tracks that span musical styles from indie pop-rock, almost Radiohead like moments and then all the way to an expansive wall of sound and still finish up nicely with intimate laments!  This can be a challenge for some bands to have such range in one album, but this prairie outfit don’t seem to have any issues.   You have full on indie rock in tracks like “Late Night Radio” and “Wake Me Up At The Coast” then they about face and immerse you melancholy with “As Meant To Be” or “Bodies” or the absolutely stunning title track “Walk Into the Sea”.  The band have also taken to full use of orchestral elements in their building of a fuller sound and it really works – now, why doesn’t everyone have trumpet alongside electric guitar and a cello?  There is no reason not to and Slow down, Molasses show your ears how much they like it.

The album also has had some truly great contributors throughout the year or so it has been coming together…ummm, Julie Doiron and Olenka and the Autumn Lovers…very nice.  This is also why I feel like the new album is a larger sound and shows growth in SdM as a full on outfit – this could be one of the next great Canadian bands.

The lead off track is “Feathers” which is below along with the newest sampling, “Fade Out”, which are both available from their Bandcamp Page.  Having a listen to both will start you on the journey that is this album, they almost sound like they could be from Side A and Side B or separate acts of a play, and not unlike the album – I like it that way.

“Feathers” – Slow down, Molasses – from 2011′s “Walk into the Sea”

~~

Find our more on Slow down, Molasses: Website, Facebook, MySpace & Twitter
Purchase Slow down, Molasses: iTunes, Zunior & CD Baby

Upcoming Tour Dates

March 10 – Saskatoon – Caffe Sola Walk Into The Sea All Ages album release
March 11 – Saskatoon – Amigo’s – Walk Into The Sea album release & tour kick off!
March 12 – Edmonton – Wunderbar w/ Jeans Boots and Jessica Jalbert
March 15 – Vancouver – The Biltmore w/ Jeans Boots
March 17 – Calgary – Broken City w/ Deadhorse and Scars & Scarves
March 18 – Regina – O’Hanlons w/ Jeans Boots
March 19 – Winnipeg – The Lo Pub w/ Jeans Boots, The Empty Standards and The Slow Dancers
March 20 – Thunder Bay – The Apollo w/ Jeans Boots
March 22 – Toronto – The Horseshoe w/ Jeans Boots
March 24 – Halifax – Gus’ Pub w/ Jeans Boots, Dance Movie and Klarka Weinwurm
March 25 – Fredricton – The Capitol w/ Sleepless Nights and Writer’s Strike
March 26 – Sackville – The Royal Canadian Legion – Shotgun Jimmie’s cd release!!!
March 27 – Charlottetown – Baba’s w/ Jeans BootsM
March 29 – Montreal – L’escogriffe w/ Jeans Boots
March 30 – Ottawa – The Raw Sugar w/ Jeans Boots
April 1 – Toronto – The Garrison w/ Forest City Lovers
April 2 – London – APK Live w/ Forest City Lovers

~Smansmith

We all know I am a big fan of the Michigan music scene and why not with a line up and winter music festival like this?  It’s Mittenfest V and it’s the place to be if you are local or planning on being in the Michigan area – If only I wasn’t 3000+ miles away.  :-/

There are crazy amounts of talent performing over the 4 days starting tomorrow.  Think about it; Matt Jones, Fields of Industry, This is Deer Country, Frontier Ruckus, Chris Bathgate, Joe Hertler, Drunken Barn Dance, Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful, my boy Joseph Scott/White Pines, Photographers, Annie Palmer and more.  This is seriously one festival that makes this Canadian wish he was either more Easterly located or simply just “of the mitten”.

The festival has changed venues from it original location and is taking place at Woodruffs and it will be a good time, so look into it.  So how about a Mittenfest Mixtape?  Hells yes.

The Offiicial Slowcoustic “I Wish I was in Michigan” Mittenfest Mixtape

Matt Jones – “Right To Arms (live)”
Frontier Ruckus – “Adirondack Amish Holler (demo)”
Fields of Industry – “Point of Contention”
Chris Bathgate – “Salt Year (live on Impact Media)”
Joe Hertler – “Welcome to Michigan”
This is Deer Country – “Daylily King”
Drunken Barn Dance – “Seagulls (No Fantasies) (Fading Bones)”
Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful – “The Fall”
White Pines – “Departing (Halfway House Session)”
Photographers – “Ursa Minor”
Annie Palmer – “Come Home”
~~~

Now don’t  you want to be there as well?

Recap / Deets:

Woodruff’s
36 E Cross Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Thu. 12/3010 – Sun. 01/02/11
Doors: 3PM daily
Music: 3:45PM to 2AM + Late Night Dance Party on NYE
$7/night or $25 for 4 Day Wristband / 21+

All Proceeds Go To 826michigan‘s Programming in Washtenaw County.

~Smansmith

The duo from Edmonton known as “F&M” have been around for a few years in this and other incarnations, but they are continuing on full force with their 5th release in the album “Sincerely, F&M” to prove it.

The 12 track album landed at my doorstep a few weeks back, sent from the lovely Becky Anderson.  The band is made up of the real world couple Ryan and Rebecca Anderson, they co-create a blend of folk, pop, rock that often finds a down tempo aspect.  Honestly it sounds like a couple might make this music, as they switch vocal duties often and either join together in a song or find themselves solo for the track, and both work (which can be a hard scenario for some bands).  While they both provide a different angle of F&M; Becky providing a more classical/traditional folk sound and Ryan comes in to gruff it up a bit making a bit of altcountry-folk-rock-pop angle.  The track featured below is “Victoria” and it features Ryan center stage on vocals with flecks of Rebecca overtop in a slowly building balladeer track.  This is a great introduction to the band if you haven’t heard them prior, so dig in.

F&M
“Victoria” (mp3)
from “Sincerely, F&M”
(Shameless Records Canada)

More On This Album

~

You might remember F&M making an appearance on my label playlist for Edmonton based “Shameless Records” (see here) that also had a solo Rebecca Anderson under the moniker of “Becky”.  So take a listen, you just might think a bit more about one of the city of champions.

Visit F&M on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and their Website.

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/11/18/edmontons-fm-launch-new-album-hear-lead-off-track-victoria/feed/ 0 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/10/03/how-i-never-knew-thee-finding-bands-after-they-break-up-conrad-ford-part-2/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/10/03/how-i-never-knew-thee-finding-bands-after-they-break-up-conrad-ford-part-2/#comments Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:26:27 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=5176

broken record image from here

Here we are at part two of the weekend’s “How I never knew thee” with Conrad Ford.  You can read a little more about how we got here on yesterday’s post along with 3 tracks from Conrad Ford’s previous album.

The Secret Army album from 2008 (in my opinion) really found Conrad Ford discovering their crooner side while still keeping a bit of edge from the Don’t You Miss Yourself album days.  We find some nice slide guitar and a lot more mood on this album.  Maybe it is almost like leaving on a high note as this album showed much potential in my eyes and they could have found a nice place beside bands such as Band of Horses and their ilk.  Oh well, lest we forget, listen to a few tracks – Truth Hits Hardest (below with VIDEO!) and Secret Army are current favourites.

Conrad Ford
“Truth Hits Hardest” (mp3)
“Secret Army” (mp3)
“Next City Blues” (mp3)
from “Secret Army”
(Tarnished Records)

Buy at Napster
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Puretracks
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at appliedSB / MCNE (Groupietunes)
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

~

~
Remember, you can find out a bit about the band on their MySpace page HERE.  They have a blog post on “where are they now” as well, see it HERE.

~Smansmith

broken record image from here

So I got a bit of a random email over at Yer Bird Records from someone.  It find it happens quite a bit being a music blogger and label owner…imagine that.  So after some name dropping (albeit great names) he recommended a band.  The band has since broken up and the various members have entered into new projects and for the most part are still making music.  But I still like the original band too!  The band that is no longer recording!  I am also assuming there isn’t much chance of a huge reunion tour opening stadiums across North America, making a collective box set and issuing digitally remastered copies of their albums….so there’s that.

So the band is Conrad Ford and I also found that via my good friends at IODA, they have some promo tracks!  So the now defunct Conrad Ford come across as a mix of laid back alt country pushed through the mic at an Eels concert.  Sounds interesting doesn’t it?  Well that might not be what everyone hears, but definitely worth your time to listen to a few tracks and pick one of the many paths to purchase this Tarnished Records release.  The below is from 2006′s “Don’t You Miss Yourself” and my pick of the three is Godfather or Radio Station – just solid tunes.  Tomorrow I will have another 3 tracks from their last release “Secret Army” from 2008 which is grows on the below songs and comes out as a fantastic album as a whole, so stick around.

So overall, I get it, its over.  I’m just a bit disappointed…but I guess I should be at least glad to have the chance to listen to some “new” music.

Conrad Ford
“Golden Hearts” (mp3)
“Radio Station” (mp3)
“Godfather” (mp3)
from “Don’t You Miss Yourself”
(Tarnished Records)

Buy at Napster
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic
Buy at Rhapsody
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
Buy at appliedSB / MCNE (Groupietunes)
Buy at mTraks
More On This Album

You can find out a bit about the band on their MySpace page HERE.  They have a blog post on “where are they now” as well, see it HERE.

~Smansmith

The website is MusicFloss and if you are an independent artist and are looking for a platform to get yourself out there, this site is what you are looking for.

While MySpace is gearing up to simply be “MySpace Music” and numerous additional online distributing efforts around, I am not too familiar with a site that offers quite as much as MusicFloss does.  I mean you have Virb that is good and you have Bandcamp which is great, but this might be that half step up from Bandcamp due to promotional features.  Let’s take a look:

• Upload and sell your songs, individually, part of album, however you want
• Manage your online presence with photos, updates, tour info, videos
• Tracking system behind the scenes for sales, views, plays
• Widgets like the one below to put on your own website (including MySpace)
• Ability to send a link with your music to industry folks and have on their PR database (bloggers & review sites) and have it look pretty darn slick (see basic example)

In complete transparency, I am not working for MusicFloss but I have moved most of my label artists from my own label (Yer Bird Records, thank you very much) to join in this endeavor as I truly believe in it.  While I personally have joined as an Independent Music Label – we actually receive almost all of the revenue from any sales and if you are aware of the cut from the “big online retailers” you will know that this is a huge point of differentiation.   Aaaand if you are a solo unsigned artist it can get even better as you would receive 100% of all sales – you don’t have to worry about anyone’s “cut” of your sales.  You still have to set it all up, but if you are dedicated to your craft, spending an evening uploading/typing up the bio/getting pictures together – than this site is a no brainer.

The site is brand new as of June 1st, 2010 in a “public” sense now but has been in “beta” stages for a little while to get all the artists involved and everything up and running.  It is founded by the good folks over at the IndieMuse music blog (also a great blog for music in its own right) and it is touted as an independent community.  I know in “independent culture” the work community is thrown around quite a bit, but I think it is actually something that MusicFloss is really about.  You don’t even have to sell anything, just be there to get your music heard (this isn’t just a digital outlet, it’s the whole thing – see the breakdown of the benefits).  Remember, most sites are what you make of them, but MusicFloss kinda gives you a bit of a head start.  It is looking very promising and you should swing by for a look around!

~~Example of widgets to embed~~

Buy Ghosts I’ve Met’s music at MusicFloss. Artists earn 100%.

~Smansmith

Just something I found while trolling the numerous halls of the IODA library.  Since both my initials are “S”, my blog starts with an “S” – why not?

Well it turns out the track by “S” (or Jenn Ghetto, co-leader of the defunct Carissa’s Wierd) has a new album out on Own Records.  It is a bit indie rock, a bit singer songwriter and a bit garage…  And great for a day that I think might be a bit of a challenge – The song “Save You” is both relaxing, but gives you a bit of oompf to draw some energy from.  It is a song that wouldn’t feel totally out of place in the early 90′s in a girl band out of Seattle – if only a bit ahead of the curve.  And I like her voice.

S
“save you” (mp3)
from “im not as good at it as you”
(Own Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

~Smansmith
p.s.  Banner photo originally from a 2008 performance – taken by Hilary Harris

The first track and recommendation is for Cavalier Rose.  This newly minted band out of Brooklyn has something that you don’t get much from me – a bit of energy.  Okay…its kind of a dirty, downtown basement club energy.  This is not an insult in any way – this is the stuff you dig your teeth into.  I mean I admit I like the toned down side of CR (so from what I hear, I cannot see them live as the show is supposed to be pretty loud!!) but there is still something about Heather Christian’s vocals taunting you to lean in only to get your ass firmly handed back to you.  You might want to check out “Sparrow”, my favourite track from their Daytrotter session to get an idea, as well as their website for a listen (streaming and download) for a bounty of demos.

“Lamplight” – Cavalier Rose

~~~

The next song and recommendation is from a similar styled band in the aspect that comes with a bit of energy, but knows how to slow it down just right.  This Boston foursome known as The Longwalls have one of the sweetest Alt Country ballads I’ve heard in a while in the title track from their upcoming EP “Dark Academy”.   I first heard of The Longwalls from fellow blogger Matt over at DysonSound due to a previous EP “Field Guide for the Zombie Survivalist” which didn’t catch me off the bat.  I admit I walked into Dark Academy not expecting what I heard – great classic Alt-Country/ Indie that allows you to enjoy both the energy of your evening plus the mellowing out on the way home at 2:00am.  I think of a similar style “local” band from Edmonton Alberta, The Wheat Pool when I hear them – and that ain’t too shabby at all.  If you have a chance you can stream the whole EP on SoundCloud HERE (you might want to check out the track “Ghosts” as well).  You can also check them on MySpace or watch quite an entertaining video for Zombies from their former album over on YouTube.

Dark Academy by StaticMotor

I hope you can get a chance to dig into both of the above!

~Smansmith

So I don’t know how I got a hold of these songs, but I recently found them again.  They are not even on an album as far as I know and I can’t find too much on this Vancouver artists.  I think I might have discovered Ehroehed a few years back due to a 3hive post on him – at least they got as far as his name being Lonny Potter!  So that is about it, his website doesn’t work, the “label” he references leads to a dead link for his stuff…so you know how it goes.  I have a couple more, but they were starting to get away from themselves, so I kept it at the 4 below.

I think (at least by looking at his MySpace page) he is kind of between genres and is still finding his true sound.  He has a singer songwriter base with a tendency for folk and then has a bit of post punk mixed in.  Just thought I would share.

“Goodwill Come” (Traditional Singer Songwriter)
“Party” (a bit of post punk mixed in)
“Eyes” (more country influenced)
“Two Mile Final” (baseline laden acid-pop folk)

~Smansmith

p.s.  stream a couple of more tracks on CBC Radio 3 HERE.

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

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

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

~~~

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

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Rhapsody

More On This Album
(NEW ALBUM)

~~~

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

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at eMusic

More On This Album

~~~

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

~~~

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

(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

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

(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

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

(Shameless Records Canada)
More On This Album

~~~

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

More On This Album

~~~

Now don’t you just want to be Canadian?

~Smansmith

Just thought I would post something completely different for me – just to show you that I have range.  Yeah, I have range…

So this song, “Spy/Glass House”, is something I first heard over at Captain Obvious’ blog when he posted the video for this particular track (HERE) and it totally caught me.  I can appreciate a track that is both catchy and completely visceral.  This song contains both those aspects – it feels full of energy and ready to kick your ass, but still has enough sense to make you nod your head (without banging your head, ya know?).  Just thought you all should also have a bit of energy today – I am exhausted lately and this is a song that really can get a sad bastard going.

“Spy/Glass House” – Feral Children

If you should so choose, you can pick up the entire 4 track EP completely free from the Sarathan Site HERE.  Pick up some new Feral Children (new album is “Second to the Last Frontier”) HERE.

Visit Feral Children: Official Site | MySpace | Facebook

~Smansmith

I part rock, 1 part energy, 1 part bass line.  This song is me “rocking out”.  This is the best thing since “Dancing on Our Graves” – which incidentally could have been my song of the summer 2 years ago.  So really, its the best thing since their last album…so, yeah.

Pick up the album from Matador Records next week when it is released on August 18th!  You can pre-order for now in lovely mp3 or luscious Flac by clicking HERE.

“At The Cut” – The Cave Singers – from 2009′s “Welcome Joy”

~Smansmith

Catch the whole thing over at MySpace Transmissions for the videos, interviews and free 5 track EP.  Admittedly I like “Right Away, Great Captain” (the solo more mellow version of Andy Hull) a bit more, but Manchester Orchestra have some chops and I always like Hull’s delivery.

Enjoy the video and a quick download of the above track (go to MySpace for the higher bitrate, fyi).

“Everything to Nothing” – Manchester Orchestra – 2009′s MySpace Transmissions EP

~Smansmith

It has been a while since I did a blog round up, so it is more than needed.  There are soo many great blogs out there, so much great music, that I cannot keep up with it, so thank goodness for my blogroll peeps!  Lets see what they have been discussing lately.

~~

• Captain Obvious issued forth another “Covers” mixtape (always a great selection) – Find volume XIX HERE.
• Another Captain (Captains Dead) updates on the Roadside Graves tour HERE as well as launches a blog within a blog (Pop Zeus).
• Herohill shows us a preliminary “Best of 2009″, well part one at least.  We are both on board for that Timber Timbre album as well…check it HERE.
• I Pick My Nose blog owner Adrian is moving!  Yes, he is heading South Africa and will be on sabbatical for his music blogging.  Get there now to soak it up while you can, we only have about a week left!.  VISIT HIM.
• Posts, posts and more posts on the Siren Music Festival adorn Knox Road blog.  Not always afraid to tell it like it is reporting, so check it for yourself…
• Speaking of festivals, obviously Pitchfork came and went – See Love Shack, Baby – for a great play (at Pitchfork) by play (after Pitchfork) on Frightened Rabbit HERE.
• Speed of Dark always do a blog round up, just like this one (but on a regular basis that you can count on) each Friday – yesterday’s was “Tomato Time” – Check it HERE.
• Finally, Tsururadio has fallen in love with a man…Portugal, the Man to be exact.  Great post on a new chapter of the relationship HERE.

~~~

I will leave you today with a great sing along from Nathan Oliver out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  While this track from their “Cloud Animals” album released back in March doesn’t fully bring the scope of the band, I really like it.  The band has more energy than this “Slowcoustic” version of the band may lead you to believe.  The album “Cloud Animals” is a collection of music from the past two years and enjoys a more coiled energy – you feel the indie rock in them pushing through.  They have the rock n’ roll of summer with the singer songwriter chops and well penned lyrics of a folk band.  They mix elements of rock, folk, country (seen in tracks like Alone in a Fog and How Small We Have Become) while still bringing elements of fuzzed out post rock (Red Panda) with lullabye goodness (Cloud Animals).  Nice little collection of tunes.

“State Lines Pt. 3″ – Nathan Oliver – from 2009′s “Cloud Animals”

Check them out on their Website and MySpace.

Pick up a copy of the Album over at Pox World Empire for $10 by clicking the album cover below or you can always download from iTunes HERE.

~Smansmith

Another show at the Marquee room tonight, this time it is Sunset Rubdown on their new album tour for the June 23rd released album “Dragonslayer”!

The new album “Dragonslayer” is still too new to make comment as SR are not a regular listen for me.  There definitely is that signature sound and panicked delivery that Krug & Co. are known for on projects – I do admit every once and a while the energy is undeniable.  EVEN being a proud Canadian, the band has some chops, but I am not hitting the concert, but many of you readers from Calgary might want to check it out.  Doors open at 9pm and advance tickets were $15.00 – you may still be able to get them at Sloth Records here (the best store for vinyl here in Calgary if I may say so).  As only one track is cleared for promo at the moment, check out a previous track from their 2007 release below as well.  Pick up an album from Jagjaguwar HERE!  Visit their “under construction” website HERE.

Sunset Rubdown
“Stadiums And Shrines II” (mp3)
from “Shut Up I Am Dreaming”
(Absolutely Kosher)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

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

~~~

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

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

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

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

Ohbijou – Beacons
“Black Ice” (mp3)

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

Who are these seemingly over focused gentlemen before you?  Why they are Toronto’s Sunparlour Players.  Don’t let the photo of what looks like 3 complete strangers fool you, they are a tight knit and serious Alt-Folk-Rock outfit…and from what I hear the live show is about to kick your ass.

I am still deciding overall if I am on board (but actually fearing that I have fallen for them already) and am asking you to listen along with me while I decide.  I just might be upping the Sunparlour Player quotient in the ol’ iPod the more I listen to them – this is another sign I think.

In this package that is the Sunparlour Players, there is range from full on Country Rock all the way to Indie-Folk ballads and back again to foot stomping barn burners!  They can even flex all the way to Charlie Daniels meets Rob Zombie in the track “John Had a Bell and a Whistle” from their “Hymns for the Happy” album…makes you think now, doesn’t it?  All this despite the snappy threads from the photo above!

But I digress, the guys have a newly released album in “Wave North” that has just been released on Tuesday of this week on Outside Music that is not so subtly leaning into the role of my indie album for summer.  Along with the two new tracks, enjoy a couple of previous efforts from their first album (label released album anyway…) and one of the two tracks they provided to the soundtrack of “This Beautiful City” from last year.  I personally am finding the track “North” creeping its way into almost everything I do…

Sunparlour Players
“North” (mp3)
“Battle Of 77″ (mp3)
from “Wave North”
(Outside Music)

More On This Album

Visit Sunparlour Players on their Website and MySpace for more info on the band, tour dates (don’t get me started on the fact that they are skipping Calgary altogether…) and possibly pick up the new album, be there friend and all that good stuff.

~Smansmith

Sled Island is an “annual independent multi-venue music and arts festival” in Calgary, Alberta, Canada: of which I reside.  This is the 3rd year and first year I am going to truly break out of my shell and attempt to bombard the venues with extreme malice.  The event is set up like a mash between classic festival and city wide music week (a la SXSW, etc.) as there is a main festival stage plus numerous locations in churches, Legions (Canadian thing…don’t ask), clubs and what they call “alternative spaces” among them.

As I am a music blogger, I have to admit it is the music that hits the forefront for myself, so the line up goes a little something like this…

There are a few that strike me immediately and are going to be in my cross hairs and I think you (if you are a regular reader) will know of which I speak.  So highlights for myself so far are:

• The Rural Alberta Advantage
• Mount Eerie
• O’death
• Women
• Holy Fuck – for the opportunity to see if Brian Borcherdt decides on a solo show

With another round of artists being set to be released for June 1st, this can only get better.  There already is something for everyone and organizer (Zak Pashak) and guest Curator (Colin Newman of Wire/Githead) have done a bang up job.

BUY TICKETS HERE

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

More On This Album

~Smansmith

Thought I would do a overview of some recent submissions to the blog.  I do get a fair amount, not as much as others (how many sad bastards can there be, really?) and they deserve some play.  Below are a few selections of bands, artists that have contacted me directly and the odd PR suggestion (hey, love ‘em or hate ‘em, PR emails bring some gems at times).  So let’s dig into the mailbag!

~~

“Another” – Jason Eddens

Jason Eddens has a few projects on the go, one I found that perked my fondness for the lo-fi singer songwriter was his “Ghosts Project“.  While he doesn’t record under this moniker, he uses it to keep this persona alone and backed in to a corner, away from everyone else.  It is quiet, sombre, delicate and very easy on the ears.  Highly recommended.

“51st State” – Stuart Newman

Stuart Newman could be described as another lo-fi bedroom folk artist.  I say “bedroom” folk as you feel as if he was holed up in a room, with only guitar, microphone and his own solitude and came out with an “acoustic and lyrical musing” as he indicates.  I think it is a bit more than a musing with his well thought out subjects and lyrical content.  It just so happens to find itself whispering its way into a powerful performance.

“Late Night Rockits” – Alexander The Great

Alexander The Great are not a typical band for Slowcoustic, but they just may surprise you.  Crossroads of America is a great label and they provide solid artists (Husbands and Wives for one) and now Alexander the Great.  ATG are a bit more dark indie rock than Slowcoustic, but they mix it well in bringing the rock while still being able to kick out a great mandolin…weren’t expecting that now were you?  Expect much from ATG.

“One Long Country Song” – Deleted Scenes

Deleted Scenes are another band that spans multi genres or I might say merges them into one.  They can have solo acoustic tracks like the one included here, but also launch into a song like “Ithaca” which brings a modern Talking Heads vibe and makes it their own.  Sometimes more pop, sometimes more indie rock – this will be a great summer soundtrack for many.  Check out a bevy of videos and more tracks on their MySpace page.

“We Are America” – Caledonia

Canada has a penchant for creating bands that are what you may call a “troupe of musicians creating malable independent music”.   I think there is just soo much talent across this expansive country that you get the chance to see sparse wilderness, vast oceans while at the same time still having very urban centres.  What I am getting at is new music in Canada can often take the shape of almost anything, Caledonia is a band that shows this – there is 70s era synth, mellow singer songwriter, indie rock, while all keeping it cohesive (even with a piano laden ‘norleans instrumental included).  In true Canadian form, you hopefully didn’t miss the title track of the new album set to be released on June 2nd, 2009.  Check them on Killbeat Records and thier Website to listen to more.

~Smansmith

Just a quick find that I apparently was oblivious to.  My story goes while looking into some “off the beaten track” songs from Windmill (mentioned previously here) as I am looking forward to his new album, I came across an Australian compilation from “The Lifted Brow”.  I discovered via the website that TLB is more of a literary publication with musical accents at times of which both Windmill and Frightened Rabbit were both featured.  To my surprise I found that the Frightened Rabbit track is one I did not have prior, so my research brought me the below gem while looking for something completely different.

Visit The Lifted Brow HERE and you can find the double CD compilation on their 4th issue.  The track is a nice slowed down number from the Scottish quartet – I for one find it one of their best yet.

Visit Frightened Rabbit on their MySpace page while their actual website is being completed.

~Smansmith

Not that I am getting on board the Rural Alberta Advantage late, but I am getting on board late.  I have been listening for about 6 months now, but haven’t posted prior – maybe I felt with myself being in Alberta made it kind of hokey.  Well hokey or not, The RAA deserve a play or two around any home, work, festival and barn dance – it is the kind of indie folk rock that digs deep and can rock the house down if you let it.  With the band not really being Albertan based in actuality, the music still does ring true with a lot of their songs.  It is just weird and oddly comforting at the same time to sing along to songs like “Edmonton”, “The Dethbridge in Lethbridge” and “The Ballad of the RAA” as they are real places and the references among the lyrics ring true – these are not just song names and descriptions of imagined locales to this blogger.

I have included two tracks from their website and both are stellar – “Don’t Haunt This Place” is a bit more mellow (not crazy Slowcoustic mellow, just mellow-er), but “Frank, AB” is an absolute killer.  Just that last full minute of the song when Nils Edenloff is singing about the mine collapse in Frank, Alberta – it sends chills into me and little hairs on my arm come to life when he punches out “…they’ll build up another, on the bodies of our brothers…” – soo good.  I know it has been said before about the similarity of vocal delivery of Mangum (of Neutral Milk Hotel infamy) and Edenloff, and if this is a similarity that you enjoy, the RAA deliver something that can’t be beat.

I had to be reminded to post this and it was mostly due to the Hear Ya blog and the fact that yesterday they put up their live session with the band and it is a must see/listen.  You can also download a very conveniently zipped copy of the session’s mp3s – this makes me happy as there is even a new “untitled” song!  So go HERE to check it out at Hear Ya, and don’t say I didn’t let you know.

Pick up a copy of “Hometowns” over at eMusic and Amazon.

~Smansmith

So in thinking to myself the other day, I started to put too much weight behind thinking I was an “indie” music blogger.  I was thinking about the fact that I do consider myself an “indie” blogger more or less, if in fact that term is still relevant this day (for example, when is “indie rock”, just going to be “rock”?).  What I mean is the fine line between simply being indie and enjoying it and being indie with an elitism edge.  I have found myself discovering that I might be an indie elitist.  Being an indie style band isn’t enough, you have to be ultra indie – as in very few people even know of your band at all in order to be independent.  Am I contributing to worthy bands not getting their fair due?

What I am getting at, is that I find myself staying away from artists that become mainstream indie.  Bands that (in blogger circles) might be an “it” band.  “What is all the fuss?” I say, “Why is everyone posting that same song?” I am found uttering to myself.  I think I might on purpose ignore a band that is getting too much blog press in some bastardized version of thinking it is now mainstream, and hence I can’t like it.  There is much talk on this topic over many a forum board, but I think the fact that I am even thinking it, simply makes me guilty.  Oh well, guilty I am – I am an Indie Elitist.  Not that it makes a difference coming from some dude in Canada on his mellow singer songwriter blog…

“Make it up to the bands I don’t cover” Mixtape

“Zero” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Pillar of Salt” – The Thermals
“Meddle” – Little Boots
“Get On Your Boots (Justice Mix) – U2
“Cheerleader” – Grizzly Bear
“1901″ – Phoenix
“Daniel” – Bat For Lashes
“Miss It So Much” – Royksopp

*I just couldn’t bring myself to put Kanye on…I mean I don’t mind a bit of Kanye once and a while, but I just couldn’t do it.

So I am having this be my on the road playlist for my weekend (to and from only, not at destination) – and you never know, I just might like most of it – and try not to ignore bands just because of the blog hype.  Honestly I don’t mind the Bat For Lashes and Grizzly Bear already.  The rest can be an okay listen, but maybe just not Slowcoustic enough for this blogger…but can’t I electro-rock out once and a while?

In the end, promoting or discussing music on it’s merits alone is what I am here for right?  …Oh, wait, that and talking about unknown bands that actually need the hype…maybe next week for them.

~Smansmith

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

More On This Album

Just thought I would put something out that didn’t find itself drifting along in the currents of Sad Bastard Sea.  One For The Team brings us up with a little bit of catchy indie rock/pop from the just released EP of new and re-arranged tracks from this Minnesotan foursome (current lineup as there has been at least 4-5 other members over the course of the project).  Maybe we don’t need all the hype about an Arcade Fire song and simply find the “less theatrical” version of that very Montreal uber-indie band.  Maybe Minneapolis is the new Montreal?  Okay the two bands aren’t that similar, but something struck me when first listening to a few tracks…maybe it was Ian Anderson’s vocal style or the cadence of the drumming in “Garden” but who knows what I am talking about half the time.

The digital version is just out and the limited to 500 copies EP will be up for consumption on March 31st – pre-orders available from their MySpace page & Label page if you feel so inclined.

Sometimes you just need a bit of zip in your step, my Thursday will start with such zip with my current favourite “Garden” and the next closest thing, “Best Supporting Actress”.

~Smansmith

*EDIT - Sorry folks, upon request from Ian, I have removed the “Garden” track (still great track, so search out the EP and pick up a copy).  Apparently the track was approved, then not approved so I will update if it gets “re-approved”!

AHHHHH, SXSW Emails!  Okay fine, this one I will post as I think the song is pretty darn kick ass.  For once I get a nice little Slow and Acoustic track recommended.  I think they hit the target market here.

Eulogies is not exclusively Slow and Acoustic, but the song of the night sure is, and I am smitten.  While the track is not their signature sound, as they seem like more of a traditional Indie rock style band (have we gotten to the point where one can type “traditional indie”??) it is just right for a Wednesday night at Slowcoustic HQ.

“The Fine Progression is from the Homespun Session and is more of a stripped down acoustic session of the band’s material.  Click the album cover below to visit the band on their Website – pick up another track with the small fee of your personal (or temporary) email address as well.

Visit them on MySpace and their Label site – keep an eye out and you just may find their new album “Here Anonymous” in the next little bit (April 7, 2009).

~Smansmith

Sorry for the title, I had to.  Well, getting psyched to watch The Watchmen at IMAX this afternoon – should be quite good – lets hope at least.

So, something NOT Slowcoustic is needed.  So lets have some Electro and some Rock to get going.  Wish me luck at the show!

~~

Milke
“Love Get Out of My Way (Designer Drugs Remix)” (mp3)
from “Love Get Out of My Way”
(Gulp Communications)

More On This Album

~~
Ty Segall
“The Drag” (mp3)
from “Ty Segall”
(Castle Face)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

Sorry couldn’t resist the press photo being possibly the most staged band shot I have seen in months.  That is not saying much, as I don’t see that many “press” shots for this blog…I wonder why??

Well, all the Wilco lovers are looking to pick up the new “side project” of the uber indie band.  That side project or stand alone project is “Pronto” and the new album is “All Is Golden” due out on March 10th.  (I apologize right now for saying “side project”, if this sounds like it takes away from what these guys are doing, by making any actual side project reference, it is not meant to).

Pronto has been in the works for a few years and is finally getting it all together to release the album they produces back in 2007 (I think, if I read correctly).  While there are many contributors and assistance over this creation process, the final line up is nailed down to: Mikael Jorgensen (and there is your Wilco connection folks), Greg O’Keeffe, Erik Paparazzi & Tunde Oyewol.  What these gents have created is not exclusively a Wilco sound, but finds it self at a minimum being a second cousin.  You basically get classic rock-pop tracks crafted into being 70′s AM radio via today’s production.

So what I compare the sound to is a great new pair of “distressed jeans”.  By “distressed jeans” I mean a sound that is put together on purpose in order to feel/sound/look worn in.  Not “fake” like some of you may be thinking, but a sound that is purposefully meant to feel/sound/look like it does – we can’t go back in time to listen to 70′s radio, so it has been carefully recreated with some decent talent for our consumption almost 40 years later.  Job well done boys.  While this isn’t a standard band I would cover, the track “Big Sleeved Man” caught my ear, so here we are, hope you like them.

Catch a couple of tracks below, and visit them on their MySpace page and label page (when they are not located in bare elevators).

Pronto

“Big Sleeved Man” (mp3)

“When I’m On The Rocks” (mp3)

“Listen Lover” (mp3)

from “All is Golden”
(Contraphonic)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

~~

First off Audrye Sessions new Self Titled CD showed up in the post (wow, I do miss physical media sometimes) and I have been giving it some airtime and so far, so good.  I find they seem to be a hybrid indie rock band that is heading to a non-traditional rock band destination.  You know how Radiohead used to be a “rock” band?  Well not that they are heading down that path, but you get my drift.

Back story:

Their self-titled debut on Black Seal — available early 2009— is packed with polished, propulsive rock songs and gentle, stripped-down tunes with the kind of ear-grabbing melodies that instantly hard-wire themselves into your brain. Recorded with Andrew Scheps (U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash) and Matt Radosevich (The Hives, Taking Back Sunday), the album is anchored by Ryan Karazija’s remarkable voice, which is whisper vulnerable one minute, roiling with emotion the next and easily slips into a smooth falsetto.

Visit them on their MySpace page and check out the tour dates with Manchester Orchestra (!!).

~~

Secondly I have something a little unique – Pree.  As far as I know, not a Neutral Milk Hotel reference (although I suspect their MySpace page address of some tomfoolery), but a great alt-folk outfit from Washington (East Coast, not West).  This one might have you lost in the vocals of May Tabol, but let them beat you down and tenderize you – for if you will, you will awaken to its utter beauty.  They have a new 5 track EP called “A Chopping Block” that is dropping on March 9th.

Description:

Pree’s musical prowess evokes seductive and shadowy moods that call to mind Regina Spektor’s imaginative narratives as well as Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock’s rhythmic vocal stylings– mixing haunting folk elements, unmistakable vocals, and a remarkable command of words to elicit a fare as delicate as it is powerful.

Visit them on their Kora Records page and MySpace.

*BONUS Video*

AON Sessions: Pree, “In the Parlor” from All Our Noise on Vimeo.

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/26/inbox-delights-audrye-sessions-pree/feed/ 1 4:53 Two great treats in my inbox (and actual mail in the case of Audrye Sessions) to pass onto you the fantastic, well groomed, most hansome ... Two great treats in my inbox (and actual mail in the case of Audrye Sessions) to pass onto you the fantastic, well groomed, most hansome blog readers around.  Shall we dig in...see below: ~~ First off Audrye Sessions new Self Titled CD showed up in the post (wow, I do miss physical media sometimes) and I have been giving it some airtime and so far, so good.  I find they seem to be a hybrid indie rock band that is heading to a non-traditional rock band destination.  You know how Radiohead used to be a "rock" band?  Well not that they are heading down that path, but you get my drift. Back story: Their self-titled debut on Black Seal — available early 2009— is packed with polished, propulsive rock songs and gentle, stripped-down tunes with the kind of ear-grabbing melodies that instantly hard-wire themselves into your brain. Recorded with Andrew Scheps (U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash) and Matt Radosevich (The Hives, Taking Back Sunday), the album is anchored by Ryan Karazija's remarkable voice, which is whisper vulnerable one minute, roiling with emotion the next and easily slips into a smooth falsetto. Visit them on their MySpace page and check out the tour dates with Manchester Orchestra (!!). ~~ Secondly I have something a little unique - Pree.  As far as I know, not a Neutral Milk Hotel reference (although I suspect their MySpace page address of some tomfoolery), but a great alt-folk outfit from Washington (East Coast, not West).  This one might have you lost in the vocals of May Tabol, but let them beat you down and tenderize you - for if you will, you will awaken to its utter beauty.  They have a new 5 track EP called "A Chopping Block" that is dropping on March 9th. Description: Pree's musical prowess evokes seductive and shadowy moods that call to mind Regina Spektor's imaginative narratives as well as Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock's rhythmic vocal stylings-- mixing haunting folk elements, unmistakable vocals, and a remarkable command of words to elicit a fare as delicate as it is powerful. Visit them on their Kora Records page and MySpace. *BONUS Video* AON Sessions: Pree, "In the Parlor" from All Our Noise on Vimeo. ~Smansmith Folk, Freak Folk, indie, Indie Rock, New Album, Video no yes http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/23/run-dan-runs-new-ep-upcoming-tour/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/23/run-dan-runs-new-ep-upcoming-tour/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:32:00 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=1507

Run Dan Run is a band that is currently getting ready to assault the Eastern Seaboard.  Well by assault I mean travel, entertain, experience and basically have a great time, then yes…assault.  Oh, and refreshingly enough, they actually have someone named “Dan” in the band – he is the one in the yellow shirt above!  Other than Dan McCurry, the 4-some includes Nick Jenkins, Ash Hopkins, and Erin McKinley – who have been known as Run Dan Run (or RDR) since late 2006.

While RDR is essentially an indie rock style band (I wonder when we will stop saying “indie” and have bands just be “rock”…), they are unveiling a new side to this coin – the acoustic EP.  You can sometimes get lost in the number of bands these days thanks to MySpace, the internet and possibly the economy (any ex-cubicle workers taking up their long lost dream of being in a rock band since being “downsized”?).  Now, in order to get noticed you may have to do something extra, I am not saying out of this world unique, but at least give it some effort…RDR are doing this.  To my appreciation, they have released a 5 song EP of almost entirely acoustic material.  Great way to bridge a gap, have more material and possibly fill out your sound by tapping into alternate versions of your existing library.  The EP is called “27 Coming St.” and see below for a little bit of back story from Dan below:

“…it features 5 songs (some older reworked songs, some new) that were all done live in my living room (hence the address as the title) in 1-2 takes on a Sunday evening in last October.”

Also, for a reference when I say acoustic EP, don’t think of an intimate, hushed versions, but a doppelganger of RDR that is only partially stripped down.  You are still getting energy in the songs, but just slightly subdued energy (does that make sense?).  I believe the EP is a great bridge for Slowcoustic types to indie rock (there I go again with “indie”).  You tell me after listening to a few tracks that you are not wanting to be along the East Coast over the next few weeks for a chance to catch a show.  Check out a few dates below to see if you are in the area:

Visit Run Dan Run on MySpace and their Website for more insight and info.  Click the album cover below to swing by with your $5.00 to order the EP.

Hope you like ‘em!

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/23/run-dan-runs-new-ep-upcoming-tour/feed/ 0 4:40 Run Dan Run is a band that is currently getting ready to assault the Eastern Seaboard.  Well by assault I mean travel, entertain, experience and ... Run Dan Run is a band that is currently getting ready to assault the Eastern Seaboard.  Well by assault I mean travel, entertain, experience and basically have a great time, then yes...assault.  Oh, and refreshingly enough, they actually have someone named "Dan" in the band - he is the one in the yellow shirt above!  Other than Dan McCurry, the 4-some includes Nick Jenkins, Ash Hopkins, and Erin McKinley - who have been known as Run Dan Run (or RDR) since late 2006. While RDR is essentially an indie rock style band (I wonder when we will stop saying "indie" and have bands just be "rock"...), they are unveiling a new side to this coin - the acoustic EP.  You can sometimes get lost in the number of bands these days thanks to MySpace, the internet and possibly the economy (any ex-cubicle workers taking up their long lost dream of being in a rock band since being "downsized"?).  Now, in order to get noticed you may have to do something extra, I am not saying out of this world unique, but at least give it some effort...RDR are doing this.  To my appreciation, they have released a 5 song EP of almost entirely acoustic material.  Great way to bridge a gap, have more material and possibly fill out your sound by tapping into alternate versions of your existing library.  The EP is called "27 Coming St." and see below for a little bit of back story from Dan below: "...it features 5 songs (some older reworked songs, some new) that were all done live in my living room (hence the address as the title) in 1-2 takes on a Sunday evening in last October." Also, for a reference when I say acoustic EP, don't think of an intimate, hushed versions, but a doppelganger of RDR that is only partially stripped down.  You are still getting energy in the songs, but just slightly subdued energy (does that make sense?).  I believe the EP is a great bridge for Slowcoustic types to indie rock (there I go again with "indie").  You tell me after listening to a few tracks that you are not wanting to be along the East Coast over the next few weeks for a chance to catch a show.  Check out a few dates below to see if you are in the area: 23 Feb 2009 19:30 City Lights Coffee - Mondays of February Charleston, South Carolina 27 Feb 2009 20:30 Midnight Rooster Hartsville, South Carolina 28 Feb 2009 22:00 The Pinhook Durham, North Carolina 2 Mar 2009 20:00 Kenny’s Castaways New York, New York 3 Mar 2009 23:00 Arlene’s Grocery New York, New York 4 Mar 2009 21:00 Shrine New York, New York 6 Mar 2009 23:00 Goodbye Blue Monday Brooklyn, New York 7 Mar 2009 18:00 Rockwood Music Hall New York, New York 3 Apr 2009 13:00 TTC Radio Charleston, South Carolina 4 Apr 2009 21:00 Village Tavern w/ Explorers Club Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Visit Run Dan Run on MySpace and their Website for more insight and info.  Click the album cover below to swing by with your $5.00 to order the EP. Hope you like 'em! ~Smansmith indie, Indie Rock, Indie-pop??, MySpace, New Album no no http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/21/ladies-night-volume-three/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/21/ladies-night-volume-three/#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:36:26 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=1497

Don’t all girls want to be princesses?  I thought not.

So this “Ladies Night” post is getting popular – notably as last week enjoyed a cover (always bloggers and their covers, eh??) of Will Smith’s claim to fame TV theme song “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” from Torontonian Kay Pettigrew.  I have singled this out as I know she makes mention of another young singer songwriter from Toronto on her MySpace page that I had listened to a while ago – and hence, she (Carmen Elle) hits this list this week.  There are many more ladies on this list of note including the great Laura Gibson (new album is fantastic) and Claire Cronin who has some gothic art to go alongside her dark folk.  I am not going to mention something from everyone so dig in and enjoy the “Tiara” edition of Ladies Night.

“Violet” from Carmen Elle – {Visit her}
“I’m A Fly” from Laura Marling – {Visit her}
“Will Try” from Amy Annelle – {Visit her}
“Intelligentactile 101″ from Jesca Hoop {Visit her}
“Spirited” from Laura Gibson – {Visit her}
“Poses Park” from Claire Cronin – {Visit her}
“I Write Down Lists” from Nina Nastasia – {Visit her}
“Be My Husband (Nina Simone Cover)” from Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – {Visit her/them}

~Smansmith

p.s.  Doesn’t the Grace Potter live cover track rock??

From 2006′s “All This Time” album – the acoustic version of “Searching For The Ghost”.  Right up my alley.  Nuff Said.

Does anyone else actually get a “Chrissy Hynde” vibe a la Pretenders out of Heartless Bastards??  At least for the latest album “The Mountain” I do…

Visit Heartless Bastards – MySpace, Website, and purchase at Fat Possum!

~Smansmith

You must know by now that I have partnered with IODA on many, many posts here on Slowcoustic.  IODA gives me the opportunity to use resources they have and join in on relationships with labels and artists to get the music to the people.  Of course there is all types and genres of music available via IODA, but of it ends up being considered “indie” and as such, SXSW looms over all things indie.  That being said, if you are in the Austin area in mid March (I know many of you will be), you must attend the March 16th, 2009 event hosted by IODA.  Open to the public, no hassles with wristbands…get in the face of some great artists and enjoy the sounds of SXSW as supplied by the Independent Online Distribution Alliance.

Let’s take a look at who is involved in this little show, shall we?

• Y La Bamba
  “Fasting in San Francisco” (mp3)

• Theresa Andersson
  “The Waltz (live from IODA)” (mp3)

• Marching Band
  “Don’t Go (live from IODA)” (mp3)

• Deastro
  “Parallelogram” (mp3)

• The Phenomenal Handclap Band
  “You’ll Disappear” (mp3)

• Maus Haus
  “We Used Technology (But Technology Let Us Down)” (mp3)

• Blind Pilot
  “Go On, Say It” (mp3)

• We Were Promised Jetpacks
  “Ships With Holes Will Sink” (mp3)

• J. Tillman
  “Steel on Steel” (mp3)

• Deer Tick
  “Art Isn’t Real (City of Sin)” (mp3)

• Easy Star All-Stars
  “Bed of Rose” (mp3)

Enjoy your Friday, and it is still almost a full month till SXSW…

~Smansmith

“Come Saturday” (mp3)
“Young Adult Friction” (mp3)
“Everything with You” (mp3)
from “The Pains of Being Pure at Heart”
(Fortuna POP)

More On This Album

Time will tell if indie power pop will become the defunct Rock & Roll.  Purists may guffaw, but they say the children are our future…

~Smansmith

Some tracks that have caught my ear over the last bit.  I don’t think that they necessarily are all that connected – hell, some of these bands might even have absolutely nothing in common at all.  Well, nothing in common other than some Canadian dude putting them on his blog and calling it a “Mixlist”.  But that is the point of a mixed list, now isn’t it?

• Arrows

“She Wore A Cabernet Smile” (mp3)
from “Modern Art & Politics”
(Hobbledehoy Record Co)

More On This Album

• The Apples in Stereo

“Go” (mp3)
from “The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone”
(The Apples in stereo)

More On This Album

• Matt & Kim

“No More Long Years” (mp3)
from “Self Titled”
(iheartcomix)

More On This Album

• Blackout Beach

“Cloud of Evil” (mp3)
from “Skin of Evil”
(Soft Abuse)

More On This Album

• Slaraffenland

“Show Me the Way” (mp3)
from “Private Cinema”
(Rumraket)

More On This Album

• The Coast

“The Lines Are Cut” (mp3)
from “The Coast”
(Aporia Records)

More On This Album

• Deer Tick

“Long Time” (mp3)
from “War Elephant”
(Partisan Records)

More On This Album

• Mean Sea Level

“Nothing Less” (mp3)
from “Mean Sea Level”
(Cardboard Sangria Records)

More On This Album

~~

Go on and consume, you know you want to.

~Smansmith