Small Sur – photo by Henn Pict

Today has been excellent so far.  Really excellent.

Small Sur posted on their Facebook wall this morning about a recent live recording that was up for a free download.  Apparently the long time in the making session for Mobtown Studios came to fruition and we now have 13 tracks to download from the “Microshow: Live in Baltimore” session!  Wrapped up in this set are some new tracks, old tracks (like a personal favourite ‘The Kelp’), mostly new tracks (like the personal favourite ‘The Woods’) and a few covers (like the personal favourite ‘Still Life Blues’ from Elephant Micah).  God damn it is an excellent day so far.

Oh, did I mention that Small Sur also said they are also recording a new album today?  Told you it was an excellent day.

Small Sur – “Still Life Blues (Elephant Micah Cover)” – Microshow Session
(this is just a taster at 192kbps – visit Mobtown for the full session at 320kbps)

Find out more on Small Sur: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp

~Smansmith

P.S.  Does Bob Keal’s vocals on this cover actually sound like Joe O’Connell from Elephant Micah?  I thought so too!

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

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

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

Zachary Lucky

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

~~~

Carly Maicher

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

The Sumner Brothers - photo by Nate Lepp

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

A.P. Dugas - photo by Kristin Dione Photography

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

Tomorrow Wendy by A.P. Dugas by Pluckluck Seattle
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Lose Your Mind by Bob Sumner by Pluckluck Seattle
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09 Ticket to Ride by thesumnerbrothers
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A.P. Dugas – Old Skin by For The Sake Of The Song
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Bonus is the video for Carolina from A.P. Dugas that I found about a week or so ago via The Sumner Brothers Facebook page.  Soo good.

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

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

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

Possibly the one song to sum up Ryan Adams to me is “Come Pick Me Up” when it is done solo acoustic. The song is a total sad bastard song done the way I like it.  Mostly because it has:

•  A poor bastard getting fucked over as subject matter
• Harmonica
• Uncontrollably catchy hooks (but in a good way)
• Hushed acoustic /strummed acoustic guitar
• Harmonica
• A chorus that endears the singer/protagonist while embarrassing anyone around you as you sing it aloud in public.
• Harmonica

Well I thought I would share a recent discovery from his current/recent tour to promote his new album Ashes & Fire.  The recording is from a stop in Denver this past September and the good folks at ‘That’s The Thing About That’ Blog had recorded and offered the complete show for a free download.  It is a fantastic recording and Adams did not disappoint – he played & sounded great and actually played a perfect selection of tracks.  See the original post HERE with links to download in mp3 and FLAC formats.

I actually found this recording via ‘I Am Fuel, You Are Friends’ blog as she conveniently uploaded each track individually and is also hosting the complete show if you have any problems with the original downloads linked above.  See her post HERE.

Without further adieu, your song of the day;

“Come Pick Me Up (Live in Denver)” – Ryan Adams, Live in Denver, CO 2011-09-15

~Smansmith

Yesterday I was tweeting with Greg over at Captains Dead (yes, grown ass men tweet like they are 14 year old girls on an unlimited texting plan….no offense to 14 year old girls intended) and realized that this Mount Moriah band are pretty much kick ass.  But I digress…

Mount Moriah’s latest full length album is a 8 track self titled affair that was released earlier this year in April.  While it took me a couple months to really catch on to it, it has in turn really caught hold of me.  Now, with the August 30th release of a collection of live tracks, this band is creeping up my favourite new bands of 2011 list as well.  I did post earlier on the pretty damn awesome video for “Old Gowns” here, but with that song easily being a Slowcoustic favourite it doesn’t speak to the full sound of Mount Moriah.  This new live 6 track recording from last December is what I feel Mount Moriah ‘really sound like’.  They are a bit rock, a bit shoe-gazey and as you would expect on this blog, they have a touch of folk…if not only in the selection of some instruments as opposed to overall sound.  Its quite refreshing for me to listen to more of a full band album once and a while and this year’s releases from Mount Moriah are two of my favourites.

Listen to a couple of tracks;

And a bonus, here is a video I found late last night from an on air performance from Minnesota Public Radio’s 89.3 The Current.

The new “Live at Local 506″ is available for $4.00 at their Bandcamp page HERE – please swing by and pick up a copy.

Visit Mount Moriah: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp |

~Smansmith

Small Houses swung by the good folks over at Halfway House and recorded a session at the Stone House Studios.  Sorry, had to type it out again.  But seriously, Jeremy Quentin (Small Houses) has been ’round these parts previously (see here, here & here) with his acoustic folk stylings and once again he shows why I enjoy listening soo much.  His Halfway House Session includes 3 tracks including a Tom Waits cover.  The two original tracks chosen, Late July and In the Lawn are two of his best – these 2 tracks show his guitar work, vocals/lyrics and are a great barometer for his sound.  You won’t be disappointed.  Watch a video for Late July below and head over to watch the other two and download all 3 tracks completely gratis.

Small Houses – Late July – Halfway House Sessions from Halfway House on Vimeo.

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Swing by Halfway House to see more (and additional sessions by White Pines, Frontier Ruckus, Hezekiah Jones & Chris Bathgate in their archive!).
Visit Small Houses via his Website, Twitter and Bandcamp pages.

~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
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Jill Andrews “A Little Less” Live at KDHX 6/9/11 by KDHX
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The Antlers “Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out” Live at KDHX 6/11/11 by KDHX
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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

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

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

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

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

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

~

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

A little bit of everything for your Saturday today.  I haven’t done one of these “round ups” in a while, so I thought I would put one up as I wanted to get votes tell you some happenings around Slowcoustic HQ and ramble on…more or less….

Site News

• First off, do you ever feel like you really need to vote for us here at Slowcoustic?  Okay, fine.  Well, how about you listen to me ask you to vote for Slowcoustic?  Better.  We have been nominated for CBC Radio 3′s Searchlight Poll where they are looking for the “Best Canadian Website”.  Its a little vague, but essentially, if it is a website and it is about music in some way then which one is your favourite.  There are actually a massive amount of great sites to vote for, so if you get a chance you should visit to vote for someone at least (and if it is Slowcoustic, then we thank you).  VOTE HERE.

• Slowcoustic (or rather me, Sandy) has been asked to be a juror for the 2011 Polaris Prize!  Yeah, me!  So I will be voting as part of Canadian media on what album released by a Canadian from June 1, 2010 – May 31, 2011 is really doing something for me.  If you are in the UK, it is essentially like the Mercury Prize there.  Have a couple of albums I really like but there are a couple open slots….are you listening Canadian bands?

Upcoming Albums

I thought I would post a couple of tracks from upcoming albums that I recommend.  I was also going to call this feature albums that leaked and I now can’t wait to buy them, but then that sounded like an admission of some sort of guilt.  ;-)

• The Low Anthem – “Smart Flesh” – Feb. 22nd (Pre-Order).  This album seems familiar but worlds away from Charlie Darwin and I dare say it works.  While I still think Charlie Darwin had one of my all time favourite tracks in its title track, the new album brings Americana (Hey, All You Hippies, Apothecary Love), Indie-Rock(Boeing 737) and their great mixture of strings, piano, harmonica and great delivery of lyrics together for an album to look forward to.  There is even a contender for that slow, pining song that makes an album for me in the track “Love and Altar”.  Recommended.

Listen: “Ghost Woman Blues”

• The Rural Alberta Advantage – “Departing” – March 1st (Pre-Order).  This album was surprisingly not as “upbeat” as I thought it was going to be.  And maybe “upbeat” isn’t the word I should say, but maybe not as driving of a record.  This suits a sad bastard like me just fine.  While there are fantastic “get out of your chair” tracks like Stamp, there are some great slowed down tracks that still hold on to that signature sound of The RAA…like Coldest Days, Two Lovers and Under the Knife.  Now that I am actually typing it, maybe it is more like 50/50 in the rocking vs. listening tracks…that Tornado ’87 and Barnes’ Yard have some crazy good hooks.  Okay, this album is great and I am sure a lot of fellow bloggers are having a collective sigh of relief in the fact that the follow up to Hometowns is worthy.   Recommended.

Listen: “Stamp”

• Oh, and that new PJ Harvey album ‘Let England Shake’ is killing.  I think this will be an album like The National’s “High Violet” – it is all around good and is going to stand up to many ears.  Just sayin.

Just Stuff

“Just Stuff” is a little misleading for the below as it makes it sound like it is lesser?!?  This stuff is stuff that I have been listening to and I have to share as it is just too good.

• Conrad Plymouth who’s self-titled release was one of my favourite EPs of 2010 are said to have their debut full length coming out this spring.  Details are still a bit light, but I am very much looking forward to it.  CP are the type of band that I always sing to, it just makes me want to join in – the songs pull me in, the melodies and harmonies can’t be denied and it just sticks with you.  If you follow Conrad Plymouth on Twitter (follow them) you would have been privy to a tweet with a collection of 3 live tracks from a WMSE fundraiser show last May.  I mention this as one of the tracks “Tapes” is stellar and will be on the new album.  This makes me want it even more.

“Tapes (Live on WMSE)” – Conrad Plymouth (purchase their Vinyl EP at Ten Atoms)

• If you know me, you know I am a fan of Jason Molina and the things he does (well, mainly his solo or Songs:Ohia stuff) and I wanted to recommend an artist who has a release with a few songs that give me the same type of chills as some of the earlier Molina stuff.  The band is Psalmships who is essentially Joshua Britton from Philadelphia and he creates moody pieces of music that like I said, give me shivers.  Listen to 2 tracks of his Kronotsky album now.

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Find more on Psalmships and 5 releases worth of music on his Bandcamp page.

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Enjoy your Saturday updates.

~Smansmith

Zachary Lucky made one of the best albums in Canada last year and I am still humming along to that damn thing.   Well he shot a “Green Couch” session late last year and it is now available for watching!  Those that are not familiar, Green Couch Sessions is a Vancouver based video series of talented Canadian musicians (I think it is only/moslty Canadian…) – of which Lucky is.  Watch one of my favourite songs of 2010 “O’ Ontario” below:

Green Couch Session • ZACHARY LUCKY from Green Couch on Vimeo.
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Visit Zachary Lucky: Bandcamp, Facebook, MySpace & Twitter
Visit the Green Couch Sessions: Website, Facebook & Twitter

~Smansmith

Twilight Hotel are bringing their new album and tour through Calgary this coming weekend at the Kerf Music Showcast at the Ironwood.  If you are interested in a slighly 60′s influenced indie pop this will be the place for you.  I find the music of Twilight Hotel hard to describe, there are so many elements intertwined here, but it feels about what the photo above would make you think it sounds like.  That does make sense, right?

Regardless, the show is this Sunday and Calgary’s own SAVK is going to be performing as well, so it will be a great show.  Find a couple of tracks below from the new album “When The Wolves Go Blind” that was just released in January.

Twilight Hotel
“Ham Radio Blues” (mp3)
“Golden Eagle” (mp3)
“When The Wolves Go Blind” (mp3)

from “When the Wolves Go Blind”
(Cavalier Recordings)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album

Visit Twilight Hotel on their Website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter.

~Smansmith

Devil’s Time – Trailer from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

Reuben Bullock’s album Pulling Up Arrows made it to my “Best Canadian Albums of 2010″ list (see here) and now we are seeing a video feature for one of the tracks from the album, that track is Devils Time.  This is not just a “video” as much as it is a short film.  The Devils Time feature is a combination effort that includes musicians/brothers and now actors, Reuben and Benjamin Bullock and was directed by Brock Mitchell (of Shot At The Dark fame) and produced by Justin Huculak.  From the look of the first teaser, then the second teaser above – this looks to be epic!

Description from the new website & Bandcamp stream of the track (its a free download as well folks!):

Devil’s Time is a short film / music video for the song “devil’s time” off of Reuben Bullock’s debut album, “pulling up arrows”. It was filmed in the late summer in the badlands, taking shape among the jagged terrain, endless prairies and wide open sky landscaping southern Alberta.

There is a bit of back story as well for this whole thing (for me at least) as I remember last summer sitting down with Reuben over coffee and talking about his music and he mentioned “Devils Time”.  So I know the song already, but he mentioned there was going to be a video and he was really excited about it…there was going to be a horse rented!  So this isn’t your run of the mill, indie made video thrown together to get something out there – there is intent here and possibly gravitas for lack of a better word.  The trailer leaves me feeling like this will be something to really dig my teeth into.

Brock Mitchell told me a little about the experience and by the sounds of it, there are bits and pieces of mental (and possibly physical) shrapnel embedded into the psyche of Bullock and crew after creating and capturing the vision of Devils Time.  Some of the quotes and descriptions on the video shoot are included below;

• “…we built the short story for Devil’s Time, involving Reuben as this fugitive that has been caught by the sheriff…no back story…sheriff had been on his trail for years”
• “…looking for something authentic, and unique…”
• “…the song would involve him being tied and bound…”
• “…tension between the sheriff and the fugitive during one night of their travels together…”
• “…to bond with this horse, and really become part of the landscape….”
• “…[the landscape]…which had its own curiosity to it, where we never knew what was around every bend…”

The shoot itself didn’t go without obstacle – if you get the chance, you can ask the Bullock brothers or crew about the unforeseen storm that swept through the filming that almost put a end to the shoot…

Hmmmm, got ya thinking didn’t it?  Well, this “EVENT” will take place at the fantastic Theatre Grand Junction (see info) and will be the place to be.  There will also be a performance from Bullock as well as another local favourite, Samantha Savage Smith.  All you local Calgary types should consider this a no-brainer – great music and a great film.  Listen to a track from Reuben and Samantha and tell me you won’t be there…

“The Rain” – Reuben Bullock (from 2010′s Pulling Up Arrows)
“You Always Come to Mind” – Samantha Savage Smith (from her upcoming March 2011 release)

Find More Info on this event & Reuben Bullock: Website, MySpace, Facebook
Find More Info on Shot At The Dark and Brock Mitchell – Vimeo, Twitter

Purchase Pulling Up Arrows on CD Baby and on iTunes

Below are a few ‘behind the scenes’ photos from the experience courtesy of Shot At The Dark.

See y’all there on Friday, January 28th, 2011 at the Grand!

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2011/01/18/calgary-eventconcert-alert-reuben-bullocks-devils-time-premiere-on-january-28th-2011/feed/ 2 http://slowcoustic.com/2011/01/15/while-im-asleep-at-the-wheel-music-roundup-the-deep-dark-woods-white-pines-john-statz-joe-purdy/ http://slowcoustic.com/2011/01/15/while-im-asleep-at-the-wheel-music-roundup-the-deep-dark-woods-white-pines-john-statz-joe-purdy/#comments Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:03:50 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=5607

A bit of a round up on things that you probably already know about, but for those that get busy with life outside the internet (!!), sometimes it is good to get it all in one place.  Like right here.  I haven’t necessarily been ‘asleep at the wheel’ here, but I haven’t made a real mention of the below items on the blog specifically.  So I am remiss…

• HearYa had a great session with Saskatchewan’s The Deep Dark Woods about a week ago, and if you are a fan you really need to grab the session.  My current favourite is “Peggy O”.
  
  The Deep Dark Woods – “Peggy O” – HearYa Live Session 9/21/10 from HearYa.com on Vimeo.
• White Pines had some live video love over at Mostly Midwest earlier this week from his Mittenfest showcase.  My current favourite is “The Armour”.
  
  White Pines – The Armor from Mostly Midwest on Vimeo.
• John Statz released a free EP that is some re-worked tracks and some new tracks in the form of his “The Budapest Sessions”.  You might remember the feature & interview we did with John a couple years back – revisit it here.  My current favourite on the new EP is “Everything to Me”.
  
• I certainly hope everyone picked up the fantastic album “This American” in December 2010 when it was free.  If you didn’t, this album is more than worth purchasing – it is probably my most played album in the last 2 months.  It came very quickly after his “4th of July” release…it continues to baffle me how this guy puts out consistently good music.  My current favourite on This American is “Oregon Trail”.

There you have it, 4 options for your listening/watching/spending pleasure.  Tell ‘em Slowcoustic sent ya.

~Smansmith

Earlier this week one of my new favourite places to find exceptional music premiered their session with Cotton Jones.  Those people are the good folks at Halfway House Music and once again they have knocked it out of the park with this one, truly a keeper!

Cotton Jones performed 3 tracks (both Mp3 and videos provided for each at HH) and all are great – my current favourite is below with “Somehow To Keep It Going” from the new album Tall Hours in the Glowstream, see below;

Cotton Jones – Somehow To Keep It Going – Halfway House Sessions from Halfway House on Vimeo.

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For all you that really need an incentive to head over to get the rest
Audio: “Somehow To Keep It Going”.

Find the rest of the session (video and audio): Cotton Jones @ Halfway House Music.

Pick up the new Cotton Jones album: iTunes, Amazon (bonus track!), eMusic

~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 title of this post was actually a recent tweet from one of my music life-mates Laura this morning.  And it could be one of the most true things one could ever say to me.  Jason Molina (or Jason as I know him) is, in my opinion, one of the greatest musician types I have ever listened to.  He has crossed from pretty much solo, to a full band to actual solo and all with stunning perfection.  Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co. and then Jason Molina – the guy is all time folks, all time.  Just a reminder.

~

“Back On Top” by Songs: Ohia from Secretly Jag on Vimeo.

~
“Cabwaylingo” – Songs: Ohia
“East’s Heart Divided” – Songs: Ohia
“Lioness” – Songs: Ohia
“Lioness (live)” – Songs: Ohia
“Two Blue Lights” – Songs: Ohia
“Two Blue Lights (live)” – Songs: Ohia
“Dark Don’t Hide It” – Magnolia Electric Co.
“Lonesome Valley” – Magnolia Electric Co.
“Josephine” – Magnolia Electric Co.
“Get Out Get Out Get Out” – Jason Molina
~

An all time favourite is Protection Spells from Songs: Ohia (tour CD only) is available at eMusic now!!!  Get it HERE.

Songs:Ohia on iTunes
Magnolia Electric Co. on iTunes
Jason Molina on iTunes

~Smansmith

Frazey Ford of the new defunct Be Good Tanyas has a new album.  And she is bringing it to Calgary!

Canadian songstress is making her way across her home and native land and is stopping in Calgary on November 21st at the new Ironwood Stage.  So if you are into a fusion of folk, bluegrass and even a touch of 70′s country torch song, then you are in for a treat.

This Vancouver raised singer songwriter who’s album is actually her middle name is known for her almost signature voice that cuts through a ballad with it’s slight warble and endears itself to almost anyone who hears it.  She has a timeless voice, but with it sounding contemporary at the same time.  I have to say that this style of vocalist is becoming more pronounced in the music industry these days (or in truth, maybe we are just finally coming to our senses and now finally hearing what has been there all along) and I can’t be happier about it.

Frazey Ford – Blue Streak Mama by nettwerkmusicgroup

So if you want to see the show this Sunday (and you do), simply hit us up at admin(at)slowcoustic.com and the first folks to email will get on the guest list for complimentary entrance and we will send you a copy of the CD to you as well!  All this is courtesy of the good folks at the Nettwerk Music Group.

Find Frazey Ford on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.
Purchase at iTunes and Amazon.

~Smansmith

Photo by Jackqueline Garret

Okay, I’m a little partial to this one as Joseph Scott (White Pines) will be releasing his debut full length album with our label (Yer Bird Records) in a few weeks.  Aaand I find a video completely by luck from the good folks at Mostly Midwest from a recent show at the Orpheum Theatre in Hancock, Michigan where they taped him playing “The Armor” or as it will be called on the album “Armor”.

The song is absolutely stellar; while still essentially being a folk tune, has a “wall of sound” (with a little feedback for good measure) that creates almost a “post-folk” sound, if that is even such a beast.  It is both delicate and epic, Joseph’s vocals easily becoming part of it and I am often speechless while listening.  Yes, I am gushing, but ever since first hearing him a year or so ago I have been enamored with the songs this Michigan native creates.  Enough already, I know, watch and listen:

White Pines – The Armor from Mostly Midwest on Vimeo.

…wait to you hear the upcoming album version in headphones…

~Smansmith

Dubbed “Little House Show on the Prairie”, this show at the White House (more info) is something to look forward to.

Bringing (now) Vancouverite Daniel Huscroft together with local Clinton St. John (of The Cape May) is looking like a pretty solid line up for this Friday.  Whether it is the delicate guitar work alongside the powerful delivery of Huscroft or the perfect sombre tracks of St. John, you won’t be disappointed with these two.

Show starts around 8pm and a recommended donation of about 10 bucks (+/-) for the guys is appreciated.

~~

Daniel Huscroft has an new album from earlier this year (see CD Baby) and a check out a video from the ever fantastic Shot At The Dark series below:

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

~~

Clinton St. John’s solo work is quite amazing (and we need more).  Most recently caught him on the Julie Fader/Postdata bill a few months back, so with having him a bit more predominantly featured…this will be a really good thing.  Check out a couple of tracks from a few years back.

~

~
Should be a good one!

Daniel Huscroft: MySpace (more show dates in Alberta/BC), CD Baby
Clinton St. John: Bandcamp, MySpace

~Smansmith

“Record Store Application” by Toothpastefordinner.com

So just a recap and a a couple of things I noticed on the webs that I thought I would translate into my own post of sorts.  Yeah…

• Strand of Oaks has a bootleg out from a Chicago show back in 2008 (it has a couple of tracks from both albums “Leave Ruin” and the new one “Pope Killdragon”).  Speaking of Pope Killdragon – this album is fighting with the next artist in this post for my favourite album of the year so far….just sayin’.  Listen to one of the tracks: “Alex Kona (live)”.  FIND THE BOOTLEG over on 17dots.com HERE.  Buy some some Oaks on eMusic HERE.
• So, the other artist that is currently battling for my favourite album of the year is J. Tillman.  I have always been a fanboy, so it isn’t a surprise.  Nothing to drastically new on the album, it is just more of the classic hushed Tillman that is amazing and I just can’t get enough of.  I noticed a nice photo set from the July 27th show at the Troubadour on the CreepingElm blog.  Wish I was there for Tillman and Phosphorescent!  See it HERE.  Listen to a track from Singing Ax (Sept. 14th, Western Vinyl): “Three Sisters”
• Caleb Coy (who will be our next release on Yer Bird Records) was showing off a cover song the other day and it is damn good.  The track is a cover of Richard Dobson (see a video of the original here) from his brand new Tumblr site, visit him!  Listen to the track: “Suited Me (Richard Dobson Cover)”.  Visit the Yer Bird page for another download here.

That is all I got today, so dig in.

~Smansmith

One of the things that I found new and interesting about this year’s Calgary Folk Music Festival was the fact that they had “sessions” where you had 3-4 bands/artists performing together on one stage at one time.  I am not sure if this is a new idea or simply new to me.  Overall, it had its ups and downs, but lets take a look at a session I attended.

Sunday – July 25th: “Face Down, Feet First”

This session showed a lot of promise with the four acts being: Ohbijou, Timber Timbre, Samantha Savage-Smith and Laura Marling.  Just enough indie pop, singer songwriter and full band to get a bit of everything I thought – well, we did get a bit of everything!

The idea is for everyone to “jam” or play together with one band taking the lead for a song and move to the next artist.  What ends up happening is one artist will play one of their songs with everyone joining in to add input, layers or to just simply play along.  For the most part it worked, but essentially if you are not intimately familiar with the other band’s music, you really don’t know where to jump in or what might happen if you add your input to someone else’s song.  For example, I am not sure Laura Marling had any “real knowledge” of one of our younger Calgary artists being as she isn’t even from our continent, so you get what I am saying.  Had potential to be spectacular, but usually ended up being a subdued event overall but with some moments of full stage beauty.

What worked and moments of highlight:

~ Multiple Neil Young covers were performed – If you were following me on twitter, you would have saw me saying that this MUST be a Canadian Folk Fest when that happens.  The covers were from Ohbijou and Timber Timbre.
~ Got to hear a new track from Timber Timbre (“Vampire….” – I missed part of the title due to conversation in the crowd).  As I think TT was probably the main band I was at the entire festival for, this made my day.
~ Samantha Savage-Smith who both me and my wife are now enamored with opened with her signature song “The Fight” and almost took over the entire show.  This girl can project power with her voice and is possibly the sweetest gal around.  This is one to watch.  She could have been considered the “least known” artist on the stage, but you wouldn’t have known it.
~ Everyone sounded great – all 4 of them were “on”, nobody faltered in a live setting

What could have worked better:

~ I am not sure how much each other knew of each others songs, so often the main artists were very lightly accompanied by the rest of the stage.
~ It was a full stage.  Marling had 3, Timber Timbre had 3, Ohbijou had 5-6 and then Samantha.  So with all gear and 13 ish people on a 30 foot stage, I felt like nobody had place to really move around.
~ Laura Marling played only 2 songs.  I am not sure how comfortable she was at the performance (it was all Canadians other than her, maybe??)   She sounded great for those 2 songs, but there was 16 songs total from 4 artists and she only had her 2.  She was cheered on to play more and it looked like she was going to and then Casey from Ohbijou had to finally let her off the hook and say that “she was taking a pass”.  I think there was some disappointed fans (myself included) as she basically didn’t say a word really or play music past 15 minutes in (due to the rotation she played the 1st and 5th song out of the 16).

Overall though, the crowd very much enjoyed it (I did) and we all got to see some really great music.  Highlights were Savage-Smith’s “The Fight”, Timber Timbre’s “Demon Host” and Ohbijou’s “Black Ice” that ended the session (on recommendation of Taylor from Timber Timbre).

See some pics below:

Laura Marling

~~

The sisters of Ohbijou

~~~

Samantha Savage-Smith

~~~

Taylor Kirk of Timber Timbre

~~~

I also want to thank the Calgary Folk Music Festival for giving Slowcoustic Media credentials in order for us to get slightly better photos than some, comfortable locales to hang in and they even assisted in interviews and festival information!  Kudos!  We will have some interviews with Calgarians Samantha Savage-Smith and Jordan Klassen upcoming this week – so keep an eye on this space.

Some music for you (as this is still a music blog…)

Goodbye England (Covered In Snow) – Laura Marling (Visit)
Black Ice – Ohbijou (Visit)
The Fight – Samantha Savage-Smith (Visit)
Lay Down In the Tall Grass (Live on Camera Music) – Timber Timbre (Visit)

~Smansmith

Last night kicked off my first day of the 2010 Calgary Folk Festival.  I think despite the constant threat of rain this night really did hit the spot!

Let me also start off by saying I am usually not a fan of “festivals” as liking a style of music that lends to a hushed and intimate setting, it can be a bit daunting to meet up with about 10,000 people in a large open area to listen to what is expected to be “folk” music.  You will notice the word folk has quotations around it as last night was a main stage only affair with 4 bands playing to open the festival: Library Voices, Natacha Atlas, Stars & The Avett Brothers.  Overall a good mix of music, but not really “folk” music.  I think you had to go with the comment Torquil Campbell of stars had: “It’s folk music if its for the “folks”, right?” – I think this was kind of the idea for the night.  I wouldn’t call it a folk festival concert as much as an outdoor festival that took place during a folk festival…

To be honest, I only saw a part of Library Voices who jumped, belted out tonnes of charisma and really started to get the crowd into their infectious music – I thought it might have been a bit refreshing to see a band come in and be dressed all in spring whites/colours and getting the crowd awake (to say the least).

I didn’t hear much of Natacha Atlas as at this time the crowds started to really grow and (let’s be honest, I had to get another beer in before the Stars show) I was a bit stuck in a “beer gardens” for that hour.  We did manage to get to the Stars show which is when the crowds really started to get into the evening (despite one of the best parts being Samantha Savage-Smith being the “in-between” artist to keep the crowd interested before Stars took the stage).  Stars kicked it up a notch definitely and if the success of the set could be measured in “indie teens” then it was a very successful collection of songs.  Really good, but I tend to get a bit tired fighting through hordes of junior high tweens in order to see or hear anything.  I relegated myself to listening from the backstage(ish) press area by a serene river setting…nuff said.

But…The Avett Brothers were next and I wasn’t missing it – they really put on a show and got the crowd to a frenzy!  These 4 guys (I believe they tour with 4 and are a trio normally???) completely got the crowd into it and it was bopping and jumping all around, including the guys on the stage!  Seth and Scott Avett are the humblest of guys and engaged the Calgary crowd with the simple use of the term “y’all”.  We love that southern shit.  They played a mix of old and new (with the new getting the biggest roars from the crowd, which is expected) and they played practically the perfect set – mixed the barn burners alongside the down tempo ditties.  Overall, I would have to say the crowd was perfect and weren’t just attending a festival main stage – the crowd that not so surprisingly changed from tweens to more college crowd/20-30-40 were there to kick it up and the Avetts did not disappoint.  Kudos, boys.

Find a few pics from the Avetts below (sorry our pics of the Stars were a bit off, but they may surface at some point):

*All photos courtesy of Slowcoustic’s wife (©Judy Smith)

There you have it – keep an eye out for more Calgary Folk Fest coverage over the weekend!!  Hopefully will have a couple of interviews and a lot more photos!

Enjoy a classic track from The Avetts from their “The Gleam II” EP – “Bella Donna” (mp3) (buy all their albums on iTunes)

~Smansmith

So tonight at the Calgary Folk Fest, I will be able to close out the night with a band I have never seen prior, but am excited to see live.  The Avett Brothers! This will be good…  Upon your return tomorrow, I should have some horrendously bad photos and an overview of the evening, so then see you tomorrow my pretties.

In the meantime, check out the video for one of my favourite tracks, “I And Love And You”:

The one thing that I am also interested in is the main stage artist line up tonight (the only show is the main stage tonight as this is the “opening night”).  I am not sure it is as cohesive as most might expect at a folk fest, but it has a bit of everything.  Considering it opens with Saskatchewan’s Library Voices (totally catchy indie pop), then goes to Natacha Atlas (kind of an Arabic/Eastern vibe with some electronics), next we mesh to Canada’s darlings Stars (more full band indie pop) and finally end with The Avett Brothers possible foot stompin’ closing.  See what I mean?   Should be interesting at the very least and immensely entertaining at best (as long as the weather holds out).

Hopefully have some photos and an overview tomorrow at some point.  Follow me on Twitter (@Slowcoustic) for some updates through the evening as well.

Visit The Avett Brothers
Visit Stars
Visit Natacha Atlas
Visit Library Voices

~Smansmith

p.s.  For a download of the track I And Love And You, visit my girl Agnes over on It All Started With Carbon Monoxide.

This one is a no-brainer for me…come on, Calgary Folk Fest. As most folk fests tend to do, these festivals attract a good sized crowd, great selection of artists and in particular, provide Slowcoustic the opportunity to see many, many artists in one music packed weekend.

The festival is set in Prince’s Island Park, and while working for a few years in the Eau Claire area of downtown, I always saw all these yahoos walking to the park with their blankets, lawn chairs and smiles on their faces every July. This year, I will be Mr. Yahoo, to you.

I am originally from Winnipeg, so if you are Canadian, you will know that the Winnipeg Folk Fest in one that can be hard to beat as the WFF is world class. So, now that I am a Calgarian, where do we stand? I think we are standing tall on our own if I may say so. Let’s take a look at what I am personally looking forward to (courtesy of the great “My Folk Fest” section of the CFF site).

You might see some overlap above as you never know the exact time each artist will play, so you have to kinda “double book” to ensure you see favourite artists.  The Slowcoustic nominees for “Most Looking Forward To” are:

~Timber Timbre
~Laura Marling
~The Avett Brothers
~Jordan Klassen (Calgary!)
~Samantha Savage-Smith (Calgary!)
~OX
~St. Vincent

Well, look for lots of pics and features on the Calgary Folk Fest on these pages in the upcoming week, through the weekend and after!  Anyone want to meet up – just let us know!!

Aaaaaaand, as this is a music blog, let’s have a few tracks from artists performing at the 2010 Calgary Folk Music Festival.  While all these tracks have been on Slowcoustic already, they are neatly placed in one convenient place for your listening pleasure below:

Bella Donna - The Avett Brothers

Black Ice – Ohbijou

Falling Slowly (live) – Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová

If The Creeks Don’t Rise – Sunparlour Players

In These Arms – The Swell Season

Lay Down In the Tall Grass (Live on Camera Music) – Timber Timbre

Now, Now – St. Vincent

Road Regrets – Dan Mangan

Steep – Ohbijou

Weaving – OX

Enjoy the rest of your Friday – See you all in “Cow Town” next week.  Visit the site HERE for more info and get tickets!

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/07/16/calgary-concert-alert-calgary-folk-music-festival/feed/ 1 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/06/14/joshua-barton-fields-of-industry-live-solo-acoustic-set/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/06/14/joshua-barton-fields-of-industry-live-solo-acoustic-set/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:44:27 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=4661

Some may remember my post on Fields of Industry a while back during a Michigan series of posts I was having (see a post on FoI Here and Joshua Here).  Well, today we have a full live set available for download courtesy of the Arts vs Entertainment site from a September 2009 performance.

As I tend to be a fan of all things stripped down acoustic style, I must like this.  Well, I think I would like it regardless if it wasn’t as lo-fi as it is just pretty darn good.  Barton has some solo stuff, covers and some Fields of Industry tracks in the set (13 tracks total).  See below for a full set list with a few tracks.

A little all over the map today on stuff, but its all good at the same time, so I think it works out for the better, no?

I have had a couple of really good submissions lately and despite already being aware of both of them, sometimes I need a push…sometimes.  Those two bands are Uncles and Joseph & David.  I know of Uncles due to their recent release “Replacing Words With Other Words” that I saw on the great site Ampeater and Joseph & David due to the Green Man Festival readers poll on a band “opening the festival”.

Let’s start with Uncles.  Uncles provide a 10 track down tempo indie album that is free on their website – something I think is great option for newer bands to get noticed (it worked here at least).  I also feel bad as the album sounds like a real work – like it took something to get it out there.  Not in a physical sense like recording, mixing (but who knows) – but in a sense that it isn’t an album with throw away songs and fluff to get a “full length” album out into the music scene.  There is some really good tracks on this album, including the two below – but I suggest picking up the entire album to get a cohesive listen – get it on their site HERE.  Listen to the below tracks and tell me you aren’t picking it up?

“Settlers Song”
“Sleep Alone”

Check Uncles Session on The Ampeater Review, MySpace & their Website.

~~~

I also have Joseph & David from over yonder in the UK.  I first saw them over on the Green Man site when I was voting for Evening Chorus for the very same contest that these two are in – to play the opening of the Green Man Festival.  Well they both need to be in the top 5 to move on and they both currently are, so all is still rosy.

Well these two polite gentleman craft that soft acoustic folk-pop with (at time) soaring vocals.  Despite the songs having a slightly “tragic” sound, it builds character in a song (I think).  Not unlike Uncles above, the songs seem to have depth which can be hard at times for bands that play songs that can have a label such as “pop” attached to them.  The EP “So Short of Time” contains 6 tracks of piano infused beauty that sounds much beyond their young(er) years.  Once again, I am stunned by artists that at a such young age (or early in their musical career) can bring forth a collection of songs that are well done, sound good, have something that makes you want to sing along to and all around seem like good guys.  You can visit them on their Bandcamp page HERE or on MySpace HERE.

“Here’s to my Old Friends”

~~~

Next we have a “review” of last weekend’s The Tallest Man On Earth w/Nurses show here in Calgary.  While I don’t pretend to be a great reviewer of live shows – mostly due to my lack of extensive show attendance, I do think it was pretty darn good.  The crowd was pretty good – appreciative at the right times, sang along (wow, Calgary sings along to Tallest Man??  Nice) and while they crowded the stage, they weren’t difficult to get around to take a photo or a great view of the bands.   The venue, Local 522,  is a mish mash of good and bad:  great service for drinks, parking – had decent sound (which means something as TTMOE is entirely acoustic and Nurses have percussion, keyboards, etc.) – but lighting was a bit suspect.  I know it sounds trivial about lighting, but there was a constant “orange hue” to everyone in the crowd and the acts performing, so much so that I have had to move the photos to black and white to even make them decent.  The photos were taken from a local photog (David Kenny) who was gracious enough to send over a couple – they are downsized for the blog and again, moved to B&W for this blog only.

Aaron Chapman of Nurses (with shorter beard than normal)

The main man Kristian Matsson!

Okay the show – again, sound was pretty good overall and I was assured of this when “opening” band Nurses started playing – sound was full and fully recognizable as their music.  Sounds weird to say that, but sometimes the album clarity gets a bit forgotten in some venues and you end up getting what sounds like a grade 8 tribute band playing in place of the actual artists.  They did play the expected tunes like Technicolor which translated extremely well and a song that I am a big fan of.  There was a little banter, but not much and it was pretty much 6 songs and gone.  The 3-part team did a great job and I would see them again definitely – James from the band even worked the merch table and was very gracious in autographs and helping out all around to the fans.

Next Kristian came on after about a 15-20 minute break and did not disappoint.  Opening with the title track to the new album “The Wild Hunt” and everyone immediately got into it.  I have to say that he plays live extremely well and his voice is incredible – it holds up under everything he belts out.  With a tour like he is currently in where he is performing constantly, you might expect a touch of vocal fatigue but alas not here folks.  His delivery was phenomenal – front to back of the club – was spot on.  I mean, you know it’s live, but the power he delivers with lends to what could only be a great show.  The entire sound was full – guitar and vocal levels (not one over the other kind of scenario) was where it needed to be.  Some may ask how hard it is to have a guitar and sing – you can’t get the sound wrong??!!  Do not let these skeptics tell you this – in order to create great pitch and sound loud enough to get to the back of a sold out show (I would say 3-4 hundred where there) with no crackle, hiss, feedback or overfed channels – it takes a talented vocalist and good sound.  Kudos to the venue and who would I assume be the “roadies”!

A highlight was his cover of “Graceland” which I ever so helpfully yelled out during one of the breaks to ensure he did have the official “Slowcoustic recommendation”.  Fantastic.  He played almost the entire new album with a couple of previous cuts and ended the main set with King of Spain.  There was an encore attached which was just perfect – Kristian did talk with the audience during the show, but his speaking voice was much quieter than when he was performing, so honestly I could not make it out (what was I saying about the sound again??).  Recommended as a must see if he is in your neck of the woods.

After the show, both Nurses and TTMOE stuck around for autographs and to say hi – yours truly now owns both “Apples Acre” and “The Wild Hunt” on signed vinyl – how good is that?

That is all.

“Technicolor” – Nurses
“King of Spain” – The Tallest Man On Earth

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/05/22/saturday-round-up-uncles-album-joseph-davids-ep-and-tallest-man-on-earthnurses-live-review/feed/ 4 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/05/21/elephant-micah-plays-on-npr-offers-session-for-download/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/05/21/elephant-micah-plays-on-npr-offers-session-for-download/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 14:24:59 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=4568

I am not going to gush and go over the top about my appreciation for Joe O’Connell (Elephant Micah) once again, so I will try to keep this short and to the point.  Thanks to a facebook update from a friend, I now know and also just so you know, there is a recent NPR session of Spinning on Air featured Elephant Micah, which aired on May 18th as “Elephant Micah: Poetic And Plainspoken”.  Check out a video and track listing below.

~~~

~~~
Tracklisting

Ambiguous Instincts (mp3)
Loon Call
Hidden River Run
Wild Goose Chase
Detailed Cathedral (mp3)
Queen of Rocky Ripple
Loop and Lil
Echo of an Echo
Still Life Blues

This session is highly recommended for fans of EM, if only for the stunning live version of “Loon Call” alone…  Head over to NPR by clicking HERE to download the entire session free.  Don’t forget to visit Elephant Micah on his website for more free downloads.

~Smansmith

The above mugshot is clearly a Sunday edition photo of Jason Molina.  Clearly.  I was thinking about Mr. Molina when I came across and once again enjoyed his solo album from a few years back “Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go” from his go-to label Secretly Canadian.

This album was/is absolutely stellar and was fairly well received and it is definitely one of my all time favourites!  This album was written before his move back to Chicago and he indicated that he wanted to bring back his previous sound.  The sound that was his earlier albums like “The Ghost” and another favourite “Protection Spells” which are both Songs:Ohia albums. Man, do I miss the Songs:Ohia days… Well anyways, This album is dark people.  Blades of light age, rust and fall to pieces at just thinking of cutting into the dark, bleak abyss that is this album.  I Love It.  So class, album to revisit:  Jason Molina’s “”Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go”.  Title track below.

“Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go” – Jason Molina (purchase here)

~~~

On a lighter note….

Another favourite band that brings a very different sound, but one you still can completely immerse yourself in is the beautiful sounds of The Black Atlantic.  I know I have been a card carrying member of this fan club for a while, but they are touring right now in the good ol’ US of A and you need to see them live.  Blogger friend Tart found them great in Chicago (see here) and tomorrow (Monday, April 5th) they are in New York at Pianos (see here for deets).  How about a live track from TBA then?  Their title track to the fantastic Reverence For Fallen Trees is below and from the Beep! Beep! label with their free compilation “Behold My Puny Bears, Vol. II” (find it here).

“Reverence For Fallen Trees (live)” – The Black Atlantic

~Smansmith

Just thought these videos from Edinburgh’s own Withered Hand needed to get posted.  While it takes a bit to get each started they show what I always expected them to be.

I don’t know what it is, possible the upbringing from a kid in Canada never seeing the UK and having to rely on pictures, TV and the internet to formulate an idea of a location.  But this is my idea of Edinburgh.  An idea of the location and the feeling it brings in my head at least.  Again, I don’t know Edinburgh, but I feel like it is strong with an undercurrent of talent for some reason.  Maybe due to myself being a staunch supporter of the blog Song, By Toad for both his taste in music and his great reads/rants plus his support for his local scene (he had a big part of TSM filming in Edinburgh also).  I almost feel like I know something about life in Edinburgh, if only a through a distant window with foggy lensed spectacles.

This is all an exercise in rambling on and a way to say, that I think Withered Hand and these videos are exactly what I thought the Edinburgh envisioned in my head would be.  A bit dreary, real people, lots of stone and real wood structures (not faux-finishes like around here) and really great music.  Regardless of what I think other locations and music are, please take the time to watch Withered Hand below or at The Shoot Music.

~~

~~

Visit Withered Hand:

Visit They Shoot Music:

~Smansmith

p.s.  Just in case here is a mp3 of “Religious Songs” by Withered Hand!

This is what your Monday needs my friends.  The Matthew Ryan “Franken-Live” mix!

This mix is essentially just a mish mash of some live tracks merged together from his online forum.   But people, I have hand picked and selectively chosen a few that are especially great and have put them in one neatly organized post for your listening pleasure.  For those that are intrigued, there is MUCH, MUCH, MORE over on the Matthew Ryan Forums – so until you max your download bandwidth on live and rare recordings from Mr. Ryan (provided by the good folks that collect it and provide it in the forum with Ryan’s approval), here is your taster.

Matthew Ryan “Franken-Live” Mix

1. Everybody Always Leaves (The Living Room 2007)
2. They Were Wrong (The Living Room 2007)
3. The World Is (XM50 – The Loft Live Concert 2010)
4. It Could’ve Been Worse (NPR – The Mountain Stage 2009)
5. Some Streets Lead Nowhere (NPR – The Mountain Stage 2009)
6. Return To Me (These Are Field Recordings 2004)
7. I Can’t Steal You (These Are Field Recordings 2004)
8. This Side of Heaven (Jack Quinn’s, Covington, KY 2004)
9. Dulce Et Decorum Est (HearYa Session 2008)
10. Skylight (XM50 The Loft Live Concert 2007)
11. Heartache Weather (Live at Sophisticated Otter 2002)

So there you have it, an incredible (and incredibly intimate at times for a live recording) of one of the best musicians in the last decade.

Visit Matthew Ryan whenever possible:

~Smansmith

Looking forward to this one, a lot.  The Tallest Man On Earth is coming to Calgary (and half the planet by the looks of the dates listed on his MySpace and Dead Oceans site) – but alas, I am very excited that among the many tour stops, this Swede will be Canadian for at least one day, May 15th.

Kristian Matsson who performs under the moniker of The Tallest Man On Earth is someone that everyone says you have to see live – by everyone, at least 3 of my friends have seen him at least once and say it is truly great.  As these folks know what they are talking about, I am quite excited to see this finger picking folkie do his thing at Local 522 here in Calgary.  The fact that he has released two albums (by two I mean one officially, with one that has leaked but officially released on April 13th, 201o) that are both incredible is a feat in itself.  While his sound is not the sound for everyone, often described as a modern day Dylan (I don’t like that description, regardless of his MySpace indicating Dylan as an influence) I think that takes away from some of the best modern/60′s songwriter folk around.  He has the sound that both gets you out of your seat with upbeat and almost frantic beating on his guitar (King of Spain) and more subdue (Burden of Tomorrow) as well as down right stunning slow burners (Kids On The Run – piano instead of guitar on this amazing track).  While “The Wild Hunt” is a bit more straight forward and his “Shallow Grave” being a bit more intricate in my opinion, I think they both compliment him well and are worthy of a show (or two).

I also know statements as “this is the singer/songwriter of our generation” get tossed around for numerous artists, I for one think Mr. Matsson’s hat is in that ring.  Take a listen below

“Burden Of Tomorrow”
“King Of Spain”
from “The Wild Hunt” – April 12, 2010 (Dead Oceans)

~~~

The opening band are the label mate of TTMOE in the psych-folk band Nurses.  I am excited to hear these guys live as I have heard the album and it is definitely interesting with moments of great clarity (Technicolor), so I think it will be a great addition to the show.  Actually fellow blogger Geordie at You Crazy Dreamers had their album “Apple’s Acre” on his top 10, so I tend to think it is worth more of a listen.  You should to.

“Technicolor”
“Caterpillar Playground”
from 2009′s “Apple’s Acre” (Dead Oceans)

See all you locals there!  TICKETS HERE.

~Smansmith

I have been meaning to post on Arborea (well more than last time) and it keeps getting away from me.  I don’t know why as they would have been one of my top choices to see at SXSW this year and they play tonight!!  They are playing at 9pm at St. David’s Church/Bethel Hall and you should try and make it if you can.

Arborea are Shanti and Buck (both a duo in music and life) and they bring you great traditional folk with a tinge of fringe if you know what I mean.  They are a bit ambient and masters of creating atmospheric psychedelic acoustic music.  There last album was re-mastered (House of Sticks) and is highly recommended for something that is haunting, beautiful and can make you stop in your tracks.  Take a listen to a couple of tracks to get an idea:

“Dance, Sing, Fight”
“River and Rapids”
Both remastered for the “House of Sticks” album

“Son Of The Moon, Daughter Of The Sun” – Arborea track from “Leaves of Life” compilation (Buck actually curated this for the relief programs at the UN World Food Program and the full compilation included Alela Diane, Devendra Banhard, Marissa Nadler among them!).  Find it over on Darla Records HERE.

So basically, do your best to get out there and see them – you will not be disappointed!

Bonus video:

Wow!

Find more Arborea:

~Smansmith

p.s. bonus:  find their interview for SXSW 2010 with AOL by clicking HERE.

Day 2 of the music bonanza that is SXSW!  Again, I am not there so this is not a recap of incredible shows seen, amazing artists discovered or the amazing tacos I had for lunch with other festival goers.  Unfortunately.

But alas, the rest of the world goes on, but I wanted to provide the wishlist once again for Slowcoustic if we were to be in Austin.  The below are our suggested shows at SXSW today!

Thursday, March 18th recommendations (evening shows):

~~~

Location: Beauty Bar/Palm Door (401 Sabine St)
Artists: Dawes, Low Anthem, Deer Tick

~~~

Location: Buffalo Billiards (201 E 6th St)
Artist: Efterklang, Midlake

~~~

Location: Cedar Street Courtyard (208 W 4th St)
Artists: Wye Oak, Radar Bros.

~~~

Location: Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th St)
Artists: Timber Timbre, Dan Mangan

~~~

Location: Encore Patio (611 Red River St)
Artists: Horse Feathers, These United States

~~~

Location: The Hideout (617 Congress Ave)
Artists: Seabear

~~~

Location: Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room (512 Trinity St)
Artists: The RAA, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

~~~

Location: The Parish (214B E 6th St)
Artists: Joshua James, Greg Laswell, Joe Purdy

~~~

Location: Red Eyed Fly (715 Red River St)
Artists: Pearly Gate Music, The Wooden Birds, Rocky Votolato

~~~

**Location: Soho Lounge (217 E 6th St)**
Artists: The Black Atlantic
**Recommended**

~~~

Location: St David’s Bethell Hall (301 E 8th St)
Artists: Joe Pug, Chris Pureka

~~~

Location: St David’s Historic Sanctuary (301 E 8th St)
Artists: Sharon Van Etten, Anni Rossi, Sarah Jaffe

~~~

Location: Stephen F’s Bar (701 Congress Ave)
Artists: Ruth Moody, Danny Schmidt, The Pines

~~~

WOW, I don’t know what I would do.  Too many shows…it is almost, well, bad because too many shows makes for worthy bands being missed…I guess.

I leave you with the one band I would have on my list and move everyone else around in order to see, The Black Atlantic.  Listen, then please go and see.

“Reverence For Fallen Trees”
I Shall Cross This River”

~Smansmith

As I will not be involved with anything to do with Austin, TX this week I thought I would at least give my recommendations on a daily basis on what I recommend and wish I could see for SXSW (music wise).  And if you are looking for an anti-SXSW diatribe, you will not find it – I am not going, have never been to but hope everyone gets the chance to see a band that they really love and “discover” someone that they will begin to love (music wise…more or less).

Wednesday, March 17th (St. Patty’s day!) recommendations:

~~~

Location: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (500 N IH 35)
Bands: Trespassers William & Brian Borcherdt

~~~

Location: The Ale House (310 E 6th St (Alley Entrance))
Bands: Anais Mitchell & Alina Simone

~~~

Location: Club de Ville (900 Red River St)
Bands: Dawes, Bowerbirds
**Brooklyn Vegan Show**

~~~

Location: Soho Lounge (217 E 6th St)
Bands: Justin Rutledge, Melissa McLelland, Luke Ducet
**Six Shooter Show**

~~~

Location: Spill (212 E. 6th St)
Bands: Black Eyed Dog, Joe Purdy

~~~

Location: The Velveeta Room (521 E 6th St)
Bands: Via Tania, Jill Barber

~~~

This is all the shows that SXSW advertise on their schedule, so without going into PR emails and blogger house shows I am already full up with options and an impossible way to see them all in one night.  Oh, the decisions if I were in Texas tonight….instead I am here at work, sitting here, just…working.

“Workin For The Weakend” – Brian Borcherdt, Torches (the Ward Colorado demos)
(Download and Visit)

~Smansmith

Confused?  Looking for a recommendation?  Well then…Welcome!  A couple of quick recommendations for today on 2 items that fell onto my lap this week.

~~~

Lets start slow (well sounding at least) with a recommendation to me via Twitter – wow, these PR types are going all the way in finding new ways to get onto blogs.. ;-).  Just joshing, the recommendation kind of caught me off guard and was really frickin good.  It was for a band called Lisa Will Insult You, Darling.  Yes, she is a frigid one that Lisa.  It is full of lo-fi songwriter jams, so you know I will like it.  Very melodic and slow paced tunes from Polish born “S. Jegorow” – also I have to mention that his voice is jus soo perfect for the music as it lulls to relax while making you think that there could have been nobody else able to sing these songs.  Recommended.

“Kill Your Love”

Visit LWIY,D on MySpace, Last.fm and Bandcamp

~~~

Evening Chorus were recently on “Songs From The Shed” which is novel idea to bring artists to, yes you guessed it, a shed to record some songs and make a video of it!  What you get is REAL recordings from real people.  There is no re-takes, no mixing and no autotune action here.

Evening Chorus are a four piece from across the pond and are one of those folk bands that you don’t really see around my current locale.  Maybe it is the fact that the sound seems almost exclusively based in the UK with its chosen instruments and jaunty sing a longs.  The closest we get to this UK folk sound are some Canadian East Coast bands (which can actually be pretty darn good), but I always tend to think as we were once a colony of said nation, that maybe the brits left a little bit of themselves with Canada.  The track below is “Decisions” which is from their “Look Forward To The Day” EP from late last year and this version is great!  I know I don’t often get “upbeat”, but sometimes there are reasons to, Evening Chorus are one of them.

Visit Evening Chorus on MySpace, Twitter & BandCamp (they also have a new 2010 EP here to look into).

~Smansmith

The Antlers – Shiva – A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

~Smansmith

Tomorrow night I will hopefully be spending some quality time with Liz.  Okay, spending time at a table in the back, casually tapping my foot while enjoying what I can only assume will be a frosty brew.  Liz is in town with Vic Chesnutt (another reason to get my ass out to a show) so I started listening to some tracks and noticed this Cat Stevens cover by Liz is absolutely stunning.  It is a free download on her website and is totally stuck in my head now.

Remember Calgary locals – The Marquee Room tomorrow night (hopefully tickets at the door…) be there, buy me a beer.

“How Can I Tell You (Cat Stevens Cover)” Liz Durrett

Visit Liz Durrett:

~Smansmith

I don’t know why I ever go without listening to Matthew Ryan for more than a few days.  While I don’t full appreciate 100% of his stuff, 90% of it is frickin’ great with at least 50% of it kicking the shite out of anyone else, anywhere.

Why am I saying this?  Well I was trolling the Daytrotter archives (highly recommended) and decided to re-download the Matthew Ryan set from last September – as I just couldn’t find it in my iTunes.  Did I not download it, did I miss it all together, did I simply delete it by accident?  All options, and damn I am glad I re-downloaded it.  Go and download it now it is a must have (although it all comes from one album except for “Misundercould”).  That is the track I am including here, but make sure you head back over to Daytrotter, sign up (like you haven’t already) and get the remainder of the 3 tracks.  While Daytrotter indicates the song is “unreleased” it actually appears on a bit of an underground release by Ryan called “From A Late Night High Rise” from a couple of years back.  The album version has a bit more of a produced and rock sound, so this version from Daytrotter is truly fantastic in my books.

“Misundercould” – Matthew Ryan – from the Daytrotter Session, September 17th, 2008

Now go watch this as well and tell me why this guy isn’t famous?

~Smansmith

All hail the coming of more Darnielle & Co.

So the new album from The Mountain Goats “The Life of the World to Come” will be out on October 6th, 2009.  No, it isn’t the calling of one who has found the Lord, but 12 songs of lessons learned in life.  If you know Darnielle, or should I say listen to Darnielle, you know that his grasp on story telling is legendary and I am currently listening on repeat.  While the album seems to be more of a lament and does not have quite the bite of earlier albums, it does not make his lyrics less on point.  They just don’t come at you like spittle of bullets through jagged teeth (although he does attempt to bring it a bit during Psalms 40:2).  The album is almost a continuation of The Sunset Tree (an all time favourite of mine) – I don’t want to imply if it is, but it simply “feels” like it.

Take a listen to the lead off track “Genesis 3:23″ from the album.  Yes, all songs get the biblical title, with only one breaking form but not subject matter (that being “Ezekiel 7 and the Permanent Efficacy Of Grace” – which is fantastic).  While this isn’t the album that I would recommend to introduce you to The Mountain Goats, this is a worthy gem in the crown of indie royalty that adorns TMG.

“Genesis 3:23″ – The Mountain Goats – from 2009′s “The Life of the World to Come”

Enjoy a track from 2005′s The Sunset Tree as well, why don’t you?

“Lion’s Teeth” – The Mountain Goats

Enjoy a live performance on BBC of my favourite track from 2006′s “Get Lonely” as well, why don’t you?

“Maybe Sprout Wings (Live on BBC 6)” – The Mountain Goats

Visit The Mountain Goats on their official Website and 4AD Records.

~Smansmith

This song was playing on the drive to work yesterday, knowing it was my last day ‘working for the man’, it just sounded that much better.  Honestly it sounded absolutely incredible, especially in the real life style that The Black Cab Sessions provide.  This is probably my favourite song from Phosphorescent and it appeared over on TBCS last May I believe (side note that I did post a video over on You Crazy Dreamers with my #2 favourite track from Matthew Houck, aka Phosphorescent, see it HERE).

Take a listen/download of the video rip – just cuz you have to take it with you.  This friends, is an all time track, take my word for it.

“Wolves (Black Cab Session)”

Visit Phosphorescent:

~Smansmith

It is true my friends, Brown Bird has new material hitting the proverbial streets this October.  News as such makes this blogger a happy fellow.  Dave Lamb is the driving force behind the musical entity that is Brown Bird and he has been a favourite for a few years.  See previous post HERE and the appearance on my best of 2008 list HERE.  If you haven’t heard, you gotta hear, love it and sit with me as we await the release date when things in this crazy world all seem to be just a little be easier to deal with.  RIYL – Matt Bauer, Horse Feathers and their ilk.

Check a video for “Run The Wire” from his “Such Unrest” album (although it is titled as “Stator The Rotor” – anyone, ideas?)

A few tracks from the great set from “Folk The System” (who I am not sure is around anymore) – but check them out HERE for more of their great radio shows and the rest of this set from 2007.

“Run the Wire (live on Folk the System!)”
“Such Unrest (Live on Folk the System!)”

So keep an eye on the Peapod Recordings Site for updates and to purchase the new album “The Devil Dancing” when it comes out the October!

~Smansmith

Another live session from Strand of Oaks has hit the interwebs, and we all know this is a good thing.  I have been a fan of SoO (or Tim Showalter) for some time (see previous interview and Live at the Nave 2008 HERE).

When Tim let me know his February session is now available over on Archive.org (his second at The Nave), I was so excited that it is making it to the blog almost instantly.  Not to give it all away before you listen, but as expected you will be listening to some of the best singer songwriter stuff from one of the most underrated artists out there today.  This is the kind of music that when heard live, you lean in to immerse in it, to feel a part of it.  You might also lean in as it tends to be so intimate that you want to make sure you get all of it, to experience and soak it all in.  This is the good stuff.  Showalter and crew (Best man at his wedding and Lewis & Clarke favourite Lou Rogai played alongside for this show) put another great live recording that it surprises that at times it isn’t in a studio.  No matter what you say, the sirens during “New Paris” seem almost planned – it just works.

The two tracks included from the recording (download the entire performance HERE) are “New Paris” and “Do You Like To Read” and both are stellar examples of this Slowcoustic favourite.  They both showcase the honest, raw at times music created by this school teacher (!!) and I only thank him and hope for more to come.

“New Paris (Live at The Nave)”
“Do You Like To Read (Live at The Nave)”

Both tracks are from his “Leave Ruin” album, which can be purchased at La-Soc, iTunes and eMusic.

Visit Strand of Oaks on his La Société Expéditionnaire label page or on MySpace.

~Smansmith

Maybe it is the fact that The Singleman Affair’s sound (or aura you could say) straddles that line between 60s psych folk and modern day spacey folk masterpieces, it quite easily comes out feeling like it just might be the freshest thing you have heard in a while.  Always a bit dark and the kind of music that really hits the spot around these parts.

“Bonus #2″ below is a great example of the sound that TSA is know for and is a spectacular live track – its a killer and highly recommended.  Enjoy it all.

~~

The Singleman Affair
“Leaving a Mark” (mp3)
“Baby You’ve Been on My Mind” (bonus mp3)

from “Let’s Kill the Summer”
(Cardboard Sangria Records)

More On This Album

~~

Well worth a purchase if you got the time.  Pick it up HERE.  Visit on MySpace and his Website.

Bonus #1:  Check out a video of “Leaving a Mark” as well!

~~

Bonus #2: Live tour track from 2007!
The Singleman Affair
“If I Only Fell In Love When I Was Young” (mp3)
from “2007 Tour CD”
(Cardboard Sangria Records)

More On This Album

Share, the latest band I have found from Halifax, Nova Scotia is set to release their new album this August.  What is happening in the East Coast of Canada?   These people are ridiculously talented, it could be our version of Portland/Seattle, me thinks.  If I were you, I would start counting the days, as it needs to be on your must have list – hey, Polaris Prize folks…ideas for next year??

The new album (the band’s third) was created from the essence of Andrew Sisk (vocals, guitar) with Nick Cobham (guitar, vocals), Kyle Cunjak (bass, vocals), Dennis Goodwin (synth, guitar) and Zach Atkinson (drums) when they retreated to a cabin in the backwoods of PEI (Prince Edward Island for you non Canadians) with producer and Slowcoustic favourite Daniel Ledwell (In-Flight Safety & awesome solo stuff).  This was a new experience for the group who now find them as such…an actual group instead of a part time project they were all working on, see below description from frontman Sisk:

“We wanted to make an album that captured Share as a band,” claims Sisk. “It was the first time that Share was a band rather than a recording project so it was an entirely different process.”

My first experience with Share was their “Ukelele Tragic” album – a bit more of a lo-fi affair by title alone.  While a pretty darn good album in its own right, the new album shows a lot of growth to a band and possibly more “mature” sound.  Whether that is something you are looking for or is something that doesn’t mean anything to you, Share are growing and you should take the trip along with them.  From the beauty of “Maybe and Always” with fellow East Coaster Jenn Grant to my current favourite “Horse & Rider” and back again to a great lead off track with “Penmanship”, this is one to watch folks.

Check out some dates for the band (starting TONIGHT):

• June 15 – Toronto, ON @ The Cameron House w/ Julie Fader
• June 16 – Kingston, ON @ The Livingroom
• June 17 – Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks w/ Grand Theft Bus, and The Olympic Symphonium
• June 18 – Toronto, ON – NXNE @ Clinton’s w/ Grand Theft Bus
• June 19 – Calgary, AB @ Dickens w/ Grand Theft Bus, and The Olympic Symphonium
• June 20 – Canmore, AB @ The Canmore Hotel w/ Grand Theft Bus
• June 22 – Banff, AB @ Rose & Crown w/ Grand Theft Bus
• June 23 – Kananaskis, AB @ Woody’s w/ Grand Theft Bus
• June 24 – Edmonton, AB – The Brixx w/ Grand Theft Bus
• June 25 – Jasper, AB – The Athabaska w/ Grand Theft Bus
• June 26 Vancouver, BC – Jazz Festival @ The Media Club w/ Grand Theft Bus
• August 6 – Montreal, PQ @ Cagibi
• August 7 – Toronto, ON @ Cameron House
• August 8 – Kingston, ON @ The Artel

Visit Share on their Forward Music Group Page, Website and MySpace page!

~Smansmith

So the full line up and schedule for the Calgary Folk Fest hit the public this past week, and wow I am pretty excited about the late July event.  For me the city has two premier festivals each year and they are the previously mentioned Sled Island Festival (see here for my post) and then followed up a mere month later is the Calgary Folk Fest.  Let’s look into the event shall we?

So I am always torn when it comes to “festivals” as I always want a more intimate and personal connection with great and favourite artists, but if you must share that time with more than a few thousand of your closest friends, then a “Festival” it is.  This festival happens to take place about a 4 minute walk from my place of work, so overall it is a breeze to hit the location and enjoy the massive amount of talent that the organizers have brought into Calgary this year.  For example, let’s start with the biggies…..

The Decemberists
“The Rake’s Song”

Iron & Wine
“Lovesong of the Buzzards (alternate)”
“Peace Beneath the City (alternate)”

Chad VanGaalen
“City of Electric Light”

Okay, now you are salivating and wishing you lived in Calgary as well.  I can tell you it doesn’t end there my dear friends – I personally have additional favourites that will be making appearances, such as:

Akron/Family
“Before and Again”
“River”

The Deep Dark Woods
“The Gallows”

Jolie Holland
“Old Fashion Morphine”
“Springtime Can Kill You”

Justin Rutledge
“Greenwich Time”
“Everyone’s In Love”

Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few
“Pretty Little Bird“

Mirah
“Sweepstakes Prize”

So a bit of talent, ya think?  There are other great examples, but I just can’t go on inserting photos!!  My selections tend to stick fairly close to the indie highway, so the amount of selection that includes non-indies (Mavis Staples, Arrested Development, Glen Campbell, etc, etc, etc.) keeps this festival attractive to a wide range of festival goers.  I think this is a great way to expose artists across a spectrum of ears and creates new fans and I am sure this is what the artists themselves rely on to grow their own following.  There are also bands that I am intrigued by and will bring in more and more fans as well – can you say The Acorn, Bell Orchestre, Apostle of Hustle, Mekons and Alejandro Escovedo?!?!?

~~~

~So pick up tickets Here and ensure you get the “Early Bird” special – $130.00 for 4 days!!!
~Check out the Mainstage Schedule Here – ensure you scout out a good spot and get your lawn chair etiquette in order!

~~~

~Smansmith

Alexi Murdoch, yes that Alexi Murdoch.  Not just for the teen dramas anymore!

Seriously though, a favourite for a long time for great singer songwriter quality is Alexi Murdoch.  He has that calming voice, delicate guitar work and just a great vibe.  What wouldn’t his music be good for?  An afternoon lazing around the house, a road trip along the coast, background music while you construct your first novel and yes, a soundtrack to a movie.

The movie in question is “Away We Go” and it will be released in just under a month on June 5th in LA and New York with the wide release soon after.  It is directed by Sam Mendes (Oscar winning Sam Mendes thank you very much) and is the first original screenplay by novelists Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida.  Basically it is considered a contemporary snapshot of a particular couple’s travels across America – oh the dramatics and shenanigans ensue.  Following a cast of John Krasinski of “The Office” fame and Maya Rudolph who you will know as a recent grad of Saturday Night Live.  What else do you need?

But the music – it includes more than Alexi, but he figures predominantly (at 8 of the 12 tracks, plus a bonus track, so I guess 9 or 13?) and it is a mix of old and new Murdoch songs.  Some tracks are from previous albums and some are newly released (but keen ears will know that there a couple of songs that are also on a mysterious self released EP “Towards The Sun” that surfaced in the last few weeks on various leak sites – without even a mention on his own website!).  I must say that personally I think he is a great choice for a soundtrack if for nothing else to get more material from him.  I have to say that he is consistently good and whether you consider him too mainstream gushy to be taken seriously, then you just don’t get him.  It’s good stuff, period.

Enjoy a track from the album that is also on his “Time Without Consequence” album plus a bonus of some live tracks from a 2007 performance at Hotel Cafe in LA (courtesy of Cherbonsy!)

Visit Alexi Murdoch on his soon to be updated Website and MySpace.
Pick up some merch on his site HERE.

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/05/12/alexi-murdoch-soundtracks-away-we-go-plus-bonus-live-tracks/feed/ 0 4:57 Alexi Murdoch, yes that Alexi Murdoch.  Not just for the teen dramas anymore! Seriously though, a favourite for a long time for great singer songwriter quality ... Alexi Murdoch, yes that Alexi Murdoch.  Not just for the teen dramas anymore! Seriously though, a favourite for a long time for great singer songwriter quality is Alexi Murdoch.  He has that calming voice, delicate guitar work and just a great vibe.  What wouldn't his music be good for?  An afternoon lazing around the house, a road trip along the coast, background music while you construct your first novel and yes, a soundtrack to a movie. The movie in question is "Away We Go" and it will be released in just under a month on June 5th in LA and New York with the wide release soon after.  It is directed by Sam Mendes (Oscar winning Sam Mendes thank you very much) and is the first original screenplay by novelists Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida.  Basically it is considered a contemporary snapshot of a particular couple's travels across America - oh the dramatics and shenanigans ensue.  Following a cast of John Krasinski of "The Office" fame and Maya Rudolph who you will know as a recent grad of Saturday Night Live.  What else do you need? But the music - it includes more than Alexi, but he figures predominantly (at 8 of the 12 tracks, plus a bonus track, so I guess 9 or 13?) and it is a mix of old and new Murdoch songs.  Some tracks are from previous albums and some are newly released (but keen ears will know that there a couple of songs that are also on a mysterious self released EP "Towards The Sun" that surfaced in the last few weeks on various leak sites - without even a mention on his own website!).  I must say that personally I think he is a great choice for a soundtrack if for nothing else to get more material from him.  I have to say that he is consistently good and whether you consider him too mainstream gushy to be taken seriously, then you just don't get him.  It's good stuff, period. Enjoy a track from the album that is also on his "Time Without Consequence" album plus a bonus of some live tracks from a 2007 performance at Hotel Cafe in LA (courtesy of Cherbonsy!) Visit Alexi Murdoch on his soon to be updated Website and MySpace. Pick up some merch on his site HERE. ~Smansmith Down-Tempo, Folk, Live, New Album, Singer Songwriter no no