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

Enjoy today’s Song of the Day:

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

Bonus video for “Evening” from the release:

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

~Smansmith

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

Okay so title of post, title of album – a little play on words.  But then again, not really as I don’t know enough about this young singer songwriter.  A voice that can sound just a bit untethered at times due to what seems like such raw power and then breathtakingly delicate and gorgeous in the next moment.  I wanted to feature a track that I received back in August (Venus is Prominent), but it seems like the label has taken it down from their Soundcloud, but we do have 2 other amazing tracks to stream from the new(ish) album “For One I Knew” album in its place!  If you enjoy finger picked acoustics with a voice that blows you away – this is it.

Courtney Marie Andrews | Pomegranate by River Jones Music Label
~~
Mt. Saint Helens | Courtney Marie Andrews | Distributed by River Jones Music Label

~~

You can’t find much for bio, but some more streaming tracks on her MySpace page (here) and label page (full album stream on left hand side of page, first track is “Venus is Prominent” – here).  Recommended if you enjoy Samantha Crain mixed with a little bit of Bjork for good measure!

Pick up the album at ThinkIndie, eMusic & iTunes .  Stream the album on Rdio HERE.

~Smansmith

White Pines, The Falls.  I’m torn on posting here on this as the album is both absolutely fantastic and released by my label.  Torn on discussing the greatness of the evolution of a singer-songwriter or pandering to new “customers”.  So, I plan on just rambling on about the album, so we’ll call it even.

If you already know me or if you are familiar with Slowcoustic, you know what kind of music I tend to gravitate to.  You would also know that Joseph Scott (aka White Pines) had a previous EP released over on Jumberlack called “A Face Made of Wood” (see here).  That EP started my appreciation for Joseph and his music – the EP was crazy good and was on my best EPs of 2009 last year.  Flash forward to summer 2010 and I get an email from Tim Showalter to think about his buddy Joseph because he has a new album and its looking for a home.  Well, I immediately say “let’s discuss” as Tim (who effectively released what will end up being my top album of 2010 with “Pope Killdragon”) knows his stuff.  So there is a tidbit for ya, you can thank Strand of Oaks for Yer Bird Records releasing “The Falls”!

So here I am in my third paragraph and I haven’t even touched on the album itself yet!  So if you have read this far, you might guess that I am trying not to gush or really get into it.  It is hard to describe great music well.  What I mean is, anyone can “review” an album but when you like it, you just like it and that is that…but I can try at least.  The Falls is a step beyond what Joseph has done in the past – he has elevated his game as some folks say.  Some might immediately see the album as a concept album and the more you listen, you might notice it to.  It is very connected and it tells of stories from life, but so are many albums…it is just Joseph Scott does it better than most.  Whether you feel “The Falls” is about a literal location along the journey where water and ideas flow over a proverbial edge of the earth or you feel “The Falls” is a play on words to describe the stumbles and set backs one finds in life.  You can take many things from all aspects of the album and I don’t want to project my thoughts, but…just kidding.

~Audio Break~

“Woods” – White Pines

~~

Sonically, the album is bigger than one person or at least it sounds that way.  You will have layering of instruments that clearly no one person can play at one time and double tracked vocals by Joseph, but that is what makes this more than just a “guy with a guitar” album.  Not unlike Strand of Oaks bringing “Pope Killdragon” to life by moving in a larger/ambient sound, so is White Pines; with them being very different but excellent examples of what Independent Folk music is (hopefully) moving towards.  Listen to a song like the album ending “Warriors” and you have combination of softer acoustics of a more traditional folk song but as the song progresses, you feel the winds coming in and the song grows and turns into more of a sound-scape of wilderness.  Hear a song like “Half Beast” and sit stunned as a man sings an honest hymnal about his life and if it is even his anymore.  You have one of my favourites like “Armor” that is complete with percussion, piano and acoustics that brings waves of almost a wall of sound mid-way and then brings it all back again – a candidate for song of the year for me.  So, then…I like it?  No question.

That is all I am going to do; ramblings by a music blogger about an album he honestly believes in despite being tied to it by his own big bad label (sidenote: we really aren’t that bad).  If you find the time and want an album that you can immerse into sonically or just wander the path of “tracks” that create the journey of a cohesive album…The Falls should be at the top of your list.

Find more White Pines: Label, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter
Purchase more White Pines: Label, iTunes (Ping), Amazon, Stream on Rdio (for the UK, see Spotify)

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/11/23/recommended-new-release-the-falls-by-white-pines/feed/ 1 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/11/18/edmontons-fm-launch-new-album-hear-lead-off-track-victoria/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/11/18/edmontons-fm-launch-new-album-hear-lead-off-track-victoria/#comments Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:31:01 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=5336

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/2010/11/13/the-white-buffalo-release-prepare-for-black-blue-ep-slowcoustic-graciously-accepts/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/11/13/the-white-buffalo-release-prepare-for-black-blue-ep-slowcoustic-graciously-accepts/#comments Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:30:04 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=5317

The new 5 track EP from The White Buffalo is great.  Hell, it pretty darn fantastic actually.  My race (and it is a race) for best EP of 2010 is heating up now…

If you are familiar with “BlancoBuffalo” you know that he creates some sad-ass singer songwriter Americana.  His tracks for “Love Song #1″ and the new “Love Song #2″ alone gets him on some sort of all star list for Slowcoustic lovers.  The new EP was just released this past week on November 2nd and has been on repeat on my iTunes at home and streaming via Rdio at work.

There is something about an artist who seems like a big burly man singing his heart out.  A broken man telling it like it is with stories of the road and the train-wrecks of relationships that just hit home for me.  I mean, I have never lived the life nor do I feel I could handle it as a person, but it makes for some of the best damn hard luck songs you will ever hear.  Not saying that I know what these songs are “really about” per se, but they aren’t necessarily about puppies and picnics on summer afternoons.  The songs are real, visceral at times and something you can dig your teeth into; even if it is at half speed.

Let’s listen to one of the more “up-beat” sounding songs for tempo, but still emanates what this aptly named EP is all about.

“Oh Darlin’ What Have I Done” – The White Buffalo, from the EP “Prepare for Black & Blue”

Bonus video for “Into The Sun” also from the new EP:

The White Buffalo – Into the Sun

The White Buffalo | Myspace Music Videos

You can find “Prepare for Black & Blue” on iTunes.
You can find The White Buffalo on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and his Website.

~Smansmith

When I think of the new EP from Jenny O, I think of spring, the first 30 minutes of “500 days of Summer” and a collection of 5 tracks that grown men just might <sigh> for.

With that start, do you even know what it sounds like?  Well it sounds like warm bedroom pop with better production value – 5 tracks that span pure pop ballad like the title track “Home”, something a bit groovy in “Well Okay Honey”, something to soundtrack that fantastic summer car trip with a previous lover in “Won’t Let You Leave”, and a drop dead gorgeous piano lament in “I Do I Do” (my current favourite track).  So okay, it is a pretty solid indie pop EP with a couple of great slowed down tracks – think of a Julia Stone (of Angus and Julia Stone) and you will be geared up for 16 and a half minutes of time to forget that winter is on it’s way.

The EP came out on her Bandcamp page on Sept. 16th and should be making an appearance in the iTunes store this month, but how about a couple of her Bandcamp streams?  Listen:

~

~
Swing by and visit Jenny O. over on her Bandcamp Page, MySpace, Tumblr, Facebook and follow her on Twitter!

~Smansmith

*Above shot is from the upcoming video/short film from Brock Mitchell for (or based on the song) “Devil’s Time”

Reuben Bullock is one, if not best, of Calgary’s best unknown “known” talent.  While having a robust and dedicated following in the local scene here in Calgary, Bullock is definitely slated for bigger things.

After sitting down with Reuben over a coffee you realize he is someone dedicated to his art.  He is staunchly Canadian in spirit and is a patient and well thought out young musician.  He is protective of the local art scene and supports local endeavors like the “Market Collective” that strive to bring the local scene out to both socialize and gain strength and support from each other.  Truly an admirable trait these days that he isn’t in it to be a star – too bad someone didn’t tell that to his passion for crafting quality songs.

Overall, the album was loosely released in a few months back (mid 2010), it is one of the best finds I have had recently and not so recently.  Unfortunately the album looks to only be available locally in a short run pressing but hopefully things are in the works to bring his music to more Canadians and hell, even the world.  His never wavering voice and amazing acoustic sessions do translate to the recording of Pulling Up Arrows, but some that are familiar to Bullock might think the album is “louder” or “fuller” than some of his stripped down, gut wrenching performances.  I am caught somewhere in the middle as I am always one for the lone troubadour but can appreciate the work put into creating a full album with some range.  You might find this fuller sound in songs like “Devils Time” and “Pendulum Sun”, but where it really gets great for me are the tracks like “The Rain”, “Haunted”, “Eli” and even “Brother” (of which he has 2 that also enjoy talent in the music making arena).

After the above songs noted that find Bullock solo with a guitar, you have to get on board with him…especially if you find yourself reading this particular blog.  The tracks are catchy, but not in a cliche way, they are well thought out, performed with conviction and can be repeat listens without feeling like they get “worn out’.  Overall, the album has such high points that the parts that I find “only pretty damn good” qualify this for what could be a best of the year in Canadian Music.  I know local bloggers tend to lean towards their local talent for such claims, but this time I just might be right.

Listen to a favourite track for some convincing:

“The Rain” – Reuben Bullock, from 2010′s “Pulling Up Arrows”.

If you can, message him on MySpace and see about getting a CD, it will be worth it.  If you are local, you might find a copy at either Hot Wax in Kensington or Weeds Cafe in the NW.

~Bonus-

Via the folks at Calgary is Awesome & Shot At The Dark (highly recommended and where I originally “discovered” Reuben – see my blogroll and visit them) find a couple of videos:

~
“Haunted” from Pulling Up Arrows

SHOT AT THE DARK presents Reuben Bullock – Chapter Two from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

~

There just might be more than one Bullock in this one…

SHOT AT THE DARK presents Reuben Bullock – Chapter Three from Shot at The Dark on Vimeo.

~Smansmith

So this post was supposed to be yesterday before I forgot to bring the album with me to work (where I do most of my posts early in the morning).  I kinda have to be listening to an album when I try to post on it so it’s all happening today!  Anthony D’Amato’s “Down Wires” released…er…yesterday!

Anthony D’Amato is what you would think of when you think of a “singer songwriter”.  Despite whatever comes to mind when you use that term generically, it still has meaning to musicians who actually qualify for it.  I think the term is used too much (similar to “folk”) when you have an acoustic guitar and a solo singer, regardless if they are a good singer or actually wrote the song.  Well, I promise you D’Amato is both a great singer and writes/records/mixes it all with a sense of ease and ridiculous harmony.  When I say “ridiculous” it is not in a bad way, it just seems like he has a knack for creating songs that can catch you immediately – there is no need to listen a few times to see if it grows on you.  While being almost exclusively acoustic, you also don’t get the same-same feeling when going from track to track (listen to the energy of “Never Grow Old”, then the fantastic lament “My Fathers House” and finish with the country rock of “California Girls” to hear for yourself).   I have to say if you have a moment, please swing by to visit Anthony, catch a show (his MySpace has a couple of dates) or pick up a copy of “Down Wires” (or his previous album “Shades of the Prison House” that comes recommended as well).

Listen:

“Let Me Tell You Something” – from 2010′s “Down Wires”

Visit: MySpace, Facebook
Purchase: iTunes, eMusic

~Smansmith

Just a quick one as I am a tad late on this album (even with it only being just over a month old).  I kinda glanced over the album and I now wonder what the hell I was thinking.  There is beauty in waves on this album driven by gorgeous piano (and heart breathtakingly delicate at times) and Calder’s warm vocals.  You would think this album would have surfaced prior due to her inclusion in bands such as The New Pornographers and Immaculate Machine, but alas it was well worth the wait.

Listen to a couple of tracks”

“Slip Away”
“Arrow”

Take a visit with Kathryn on her MySpace or Artist website.

Bonus video for Slip Away included below:

~Smansmith

You all know we are fans of Matt Bauer delicate finger picking song-crafting on this blog but did you know he has friends too?  Yes, friends that also make great music.  One of these friends is Dana Falconberry and they have a split single coming out on August 24th which will be followed by a European tour.

This long distance collaboration (Matt in Brooklyn and Dana in Austin) was a bit of an experience in itself, but I am sure glad it all worked out as the final product is spectacular.  With Dana’s pixie vocals front and centre with Matt’s accompaniment on “Oh, Matthew” and just the opposite on “Waiting for Your Shadow to Fall”.  Take a listen to the streams below and purchase now for a measly $1.98 on their new Bandcamp page HERE.

~~

Visit Dana Falconberry on her Website or MySpace.
Visit Matt Bauer on his Website or MySpace.

Bonus:  Listen/download Matt Bauer’s “Don’t Let Me Out” courtesy of our friends at La Société Expéditionnaire (visit here)

~Smansmith

This one is exciting folks, the new album “Pope Killdragon” from Strand of Oaks hits eMusic Selects today (I have just downloaded and am listening now).  Tim Showalter (who is Strand of Oaks) crafts some of the most stark, warming & echoing laments in music today.  Please consider picking up the album by clicking HERE.  While SoO is starting to flex his songcrafting (meaning you might not get all 10 tracks of solo acoustic love – listen to “Giant’s Despair” or “Walking” for an example), it is exciting to see where this is going.  But don’t worry, there are still crazy good slow burners like “Pope Killdragon”, “Kill Dragon” & “Bonfire”, no pun intended.

Tracklisting

1. West River
2. Kill Dragon
3. Sterling
4. Bonfire
5. Alex Kona
6. Giant’s Despair
7. Daniel’s Blues
8. Last to Swim
9. Walking
10. Pope Killragon

To get  you in the mood, listen to a few tracks from a February 2009 performance (archive.org here) and I am including an early version of the song Daniel’s Blues from that recording as it has been rerecorded and included on Pope Killdragon.  Enjoy.

“Morning Worker”
“Dogs of War”
“Daniel’s Blues”
~from “Live at the Nave, Feb. 14, 2009″

Visit Strand of Oaks on MySpace, Facebook & Twitter.

~Smansmith

So it is true that this EP hit me out of nowhere, but I think I really expected it to.

The reason I expected it to be great was the fact that I have a secret man-crush on another blogger that will go un-named as I am a shy & fragile creature and I know he likes it.  So then I must like it.  I also have a lot of “crushes” in other bloggers as I am such a music fiend that when I find someone who I admire, it is just natural.  Who hasn’t become fond of a teacher in school, an actor that you admire, etc.  And before you freaks read into this, this is a music crush here people!  HA!  Okay, whatever.

So this other blogger is a big fan of a lot of artists that I also am a big fan of, so in turn I knew I would like Conrad Plymouth.  I just knew it, but sometimes you still have to find out, and find out I did.  This 4 track EP available on their Bandcamp page is stunning (CLICK HERE).  It is gorgeous and flows over you – I mean if you are into that sort of thing.  It is such a full sound without being drowned in itself – it feels warm, expansive and yet delicate and personal.  This is the good stuff.  And yes, I know I tend to be a bit of a softy when it comes to talking about music on this blog – but it doesn’t mean it isn’t a hell of an EP from this Milwaukee (soon to be) staple.

Of the 4 tracks, 3 are available completely free (including the one below – but go get the full 320 kbps version) and with only one track, “Fergus Falls” having a pay-what-you-want option (and no minimum, thank you very much).  Plunk in a couple of bucks and pick it up – highly recommended.  This might be one of my favourite EPs of the year so far….you never know come year end.

“Metamora” – Conrad Plymouth

Visit Conrad Plymouth:

~Smansmith

p.s.  You are all allowed to guess at the mystery blogger in the comments…but please, be gentle…

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/07/05/new-favourite-conrad-plymouth/feed/ 3 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/06/26/saturday-recommendations-bb-ben-bruno-wolfgang-schaefer-and-hip-hatchet/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/06/26/saturday-recommendations-bb-ben-bruno-wolfgang-schaefer-and-hip-hatchet/#comments Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:29:54 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=4728 Welcome to another Saturday where I mesh together some listening from the past week and any notable discoveries I have found.  I will not disappoint folks (and if I do, please don’t tell me).

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

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

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

“You Have No Love” (mp3)

~~~

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

*photo from MySpace photo album

Click here to visit, below to listen:

“Broken Hearts and Billy Clubs” (mp3)

~~~

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

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

“Hungry Wolves” (mp3)

~~~

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

~Smansmith

So looking for a Michigan singer-songwriter who clearly is someone you both want to hang out with and listen to?  Well, for all of you that are not (or are) Michiganites/Michiganers/Mittens, you have the guitar strumming of Joe Hertler to help if you are lacking.

Joe Hertler’s music is why we are here and Joe has the songs that cause you to almost enjoy life (despite what the subject matter might be) and I like it.  I thought of Joe when I posted that Frontier Ruckus piece earlier today (as they are from Michigan and he has shared the stage with them previously).  I do think that the obvious choice right now is a song like “Welcome to Michigan” for it’s appropriateness – and here we go.

“Welcome to Michigan”

So, now you are welcomed, what else is there?  Well there is much more from Joe on his Bandcamp page – notably the fantastic “the Hard Times LP” that can be downloaded for “name your price” (which includes free you cheapies…  just kidding, I love all of you).  So let’s have another taster before you head over for a download of this young talent.  You can’t help but want to sing along, the hook in the chorus is almost bullet proof and I am always a sucker for acoustics that bring harmonica to the party.

“He Was Crushed”

Take a moment to stop by and visit Joe Hertler:

~Smansmith

Hey folks, just a quick one (crazy week) – this one is new to me and is a mellow trip down indie lane, I like it.  Pretty straight forward jam from Chris Staples and crew from the new album Future Paths (great cover).  Visit them on MySpace and Label page too!

More On This Album

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

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

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

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

Visit Ghosts I’ve Met:

~Smansmith

Just was remembering how much I love the self titled album from Isbells after Adrian did a post on the album the other day over on I Pick My Nose.  Stand by this album – a total great listen and criminally overlooked last year.  So lets watch and listen to what most people missed in 2009.

Re-listen: “Time’s Ticking” – Isbells, from 2009′s self titled album (Purchase)

Please visit Isbells and spread the word

~Smansmith

Completely stumbled into MOHNA.  Don’t know how I got there, but simply found myself awash in the sounds from this stunning German artist.

Full of sephia toned, language barrier-ed goodness – I sat mouth agape listening.  No worries Anglos, she does sing in English (from what I have heard), but I decided not to translate and read the press section as I didn’t want to be influenced at this early point.  I have immediately downloaded the album “Mohna (1985-1994)” and been listening to the sombre honesty that is this album.   Some albums just do this to me – often ones that I have no previous knowledge of, you just simply listen and immediately know you like it.  This is one of those albums.

The album Mohna (1985-1994) was releases late last year on the Sunday Service label (home to Finn among others, and now that I think of it, it was probably this that led me to this discovery).  The songs are as if they are soundtracks to old black and white movies – the type that had no sound in the first place.  There is a lot of piano, her great pixie voice delivery and a collection of atmospheric sound samples and instruments.  Was that a small service bell?  Wait, accordion?  Was that the old movie sample I had stuck in my mind that I didn’t know existed?  I often have conversations with myself on new albums…I will be conversing into the wee hours with this album…

While it is minimal in its sound, it feels dense and textured – I am listening in noise canceling headphones as I write this and its perfect – the moments between lyrics go quiet, the layering of vocals find you, the world around you fades away and you are lost in the beauty of this 13 track opus.  Highly recommended.

Listen to a track from the album and tell me this doesn’t affect you:

“Hold Them” – Mohna

How about a video?  Okay then, see below:

MOHNA “On The Quiet” from MOHNA on Vimeo.

Please take a visit and listen – you will not be disappointed.

~Smansmith

photo by Serena Matthews

Its Thursday and I think I have a great Slowcoustic Thursday track.  Well it is a great track on it’s own, but it also happens to have Thursday in it’s title.  And it’s by Serena Matthews.

I have been a fan of Serena Matthews for a couple of years now and I run across her now and then online, hell we even chat now and then on twitter.  But sometimes I need to step back and remember that she does make some of the most fragile and aching songs.  All with a pixie voice that belies the depth that is Serena Matthews.  I am not going to make comparisons and say “RIYL” and such – just listen and enjoy her for the amazing talent that she is.  I was recently reminded when I listened to her latest release “Staircase” after work one day to unwind.  Those songs can wash away almost anything and come recommended.

“Thursday Dawn” – Serena Matthews, from 2009′s “Staircase”

Swing by her MySpace page by clicking below and pick up some hand scribed CDs from her!

~Smansmith

Just thought I would share as I was listening to the above album on the way to work. The album is spectacular – this is roots banjo folk at its best. Released last year to little fanfare (why, oh why) this album is a mix of full on banjo honky tonk to slow folk(y) balladeer material. And it has grit. Grit that finds itself placed between an 80 year old tough as nails bluesman to a young punk rocker. And it really works. I have said many times that I can get down with a lot of folk themed styles but sometimes full on olde tyme folk or honky tonk country does get a bit lost on me but this album gives me hope that I will eventually be able to understand it all.

Highly recommended for the banjo lovers, fans of someone like “The Gunshy” and even a Scott Biram. Enjoy a couple of tracks below.

Graham Lindsey
“Tomorrow is Another Night” (mp3)
“Old Roger” (mp3)
from “We Are All Alone in This Together”
(SPACEBAR Recordings)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

~~~

Find more Graham Lindsey:

~Smansmith

p.s. I love the artwork on a few of his album covers (notably this album and his “The Mine EP”).

Angus & Julia Stone (or “Angus AND Julia Stone”) are a brother/sister duo from Australia that craft some great indie pop tracks.  You can’t help but tap your toes and hum along.  No, really, you can’t.

I especially like the great “delivery” of both their vocals.  Maybe it is just the unique sounding voice of these siblings – with Angus on “Big Jet Plane” and Julia on “And The Boys” below (which is also a favourite of mine).  Like it a lot, enjoy.

MySpace
Website

More On This Album

~~

~Smansmith

So not new music Tuesday, but new music Friday!!  This album has been a long time coming (relatively) mostly as when you want something released, it always seems to take longer than you want.  Well, friends it is out today so get your grubby hands on it!

I also wanted to re-post one of the early demos and an early track release to remind you why you want to head over to purchase at his newly updated website.  The album has been getting a pretty good response from those who have heard it and I agree, it is quite a polished first release from a young singer-songwriter.  These are songs for those fans of Damien Rice, Greg Laswell, Bon Iver and the like.  One of the tracks was featured on an episode of One Tree Hill (don’t hold that against him) and I believe another will be aired on Grey’s Anatomy soon.  His sound is perfect for sound-tracking such drama – even if the drama is on network television – as it brings weight to your listening adventure.  Some of these songs are just so melodic and the experience can hit you like a tonne of bricks.

Listen:

“If I Had A Boat (Demo)”
“Follow You Down To The Red Oak Tree”

Video Bonus:

Visit and Purchase James Vincent McMorrow:

iTunes UK only currently

~Smansmith

p.s.  See my previous post on JVM HERE.

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

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

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

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

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

~Smansmith

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

Who is this unassuming sandal wearing young gentleman?  He is “Little Yosemite” and he brings some of the best down tempo folk laments around.  Yes, it’s true.

Brought to my attention from a “guy you don’t want to mess with”…Drunk Country over at WOXY’s “The Waiting Room” radio show (and part of my twitter posse – follow him at @DrunkCountry) and he has made me a believer again.  Little Yosemite definitely has a laid back approach to creating music, so much so that his “…Through the Winter” EP is possibly the most aptly named release I have heard in a while.  If we all assume winter is a time of hibernation and the slowing down of all things then we are on the right page with this EP.  Despite this being the Winter Olympics and all, essentially the season is a time where one rests and aims to be even be introverted (if ever a season was to have a personality).  The EP follows its seasonal lead and finds itself drifting, floating and even dragging you into the experience of its dark, ebb and flow of acoustic soundscapes.

Definitely not something to put on at a party to “get it started”, but something you put on to sit back and immerse yourself into – it has steady percussion, pin-points of banjo and echoing voice of James McGaha.  Some tracks are more ambient than others (The Falls) and some are true journeys that must be experienced (The Stump, The Branch).  The track featured below is “Dig a Ditch” and is a meandering path with a sparse electric guitar and slight finger picking banjo as your guides.  It is almost a lullaby for his current home in Minnesota.  He better get his fill as he will be moving cross country to Portland (Oregon) this year, which just might show up in his upcoming full length album that will hopefully find its way to us later this year (fall, maybe?).

“Dig a Ditch” – Little Yosemite
from 2009′s “…Through the Winter” EP

Find and purchase Little Yosemite below

~Smansmith

It’s Friday and the start of the Olympics and what better way to show my love for the “the true north strong and free” than a post on an upcoming Canadian artist?  Friends, I will cheer my heart out for my Canadian athletes and Isenor’s album “Frost” just might be the perfect album to soundtrack the entire event for me.

The album “Frost” is pretty much the album that could.  What I mean is that originally it was only 7 tracks and was going to be an EP of sorts, but that just wouldn’t do.  Isenor found additional time with fellow East Coaster Shotgun Jimmie and low and behold another 4 tracks materialized out of their sessions at the Marshwinds Farm.  What has surfaced is an indie folk-pop album that literally came out of nowhere for me.  This album is one that truly wants you sit there and actually try to sing along to the songs as they are so well done (I try this often and realize I am a music blogger and not an artist in any way whatsoever).  Right off the bat the title track “Frost” has such a harmony, builds perfectly through a few bridges and meets the chorus that evokes the singing by yours truly.  When the banjo kicks in during the chorus, it absolutely turns this folk track into something more than its five and a half minutes can convey.  It is possibly my “it song” for the year so far.

There is more than the title track to this album with additional favourites like the focused mid tempo “Release Your Crown” or the lush “Riverwoman” this album just has hooks that relentlessly draw you in.  It is a more down tempo album at it’s core, but not in the “sad bastard” way you might be used to hearing around this blog.  As a whole, the full album enjoys songs that bring hushed moments, well thought out song building and a maturity beyond this young Sackville, New Brunswick via Nova Scotia singer songwriter.  Maybe this is what keeps catching me, until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know there was a Corey Isenor and now I can’t believe I missed him (even with a mention over on Herohill for his previous EP).

He is also not a one trick pony, no sir.  I think he has the flexibility to go beyond my own personal musical niche and move into what I mentioned earlier as folk pop.  With songs like “Force of Nature” and “Meteor Shower” you hear more indie influences with visions of spring creeping into your world, things seem brighter when those songs come on – definitely leading to a summer mix-tape option for many I think.  I can also see a song like “Baby Don’t Go” being quite a great pub sing along that really gets the crowd into a frenzy – like those East Coast pubs are known for….I think…

Well that is what I got, a great album from a Canadian that I think is a winner.  Take a listen to two tracks and tell me you don’t feel the same way.  At this time I don’t have an actual link to get you to purchase the album – but please message him on MySpace and get him to sell you an album already!

“Frost”
“As A Ghost”
from 2010′s “Frost”

Please visit all things Corey Isenor

~Smansmith

Musical recommendations are the best.  Especially when they come in the “full circle” style.  I recommended (or posted on) hitide.lotide previously and in turn when a new EP came out, it was recommended back to me from someone I “recommended” them to.  You see where I am going with this, right?  Oh, and I say it is a “gift” as originally the EP was supposed to be for only family and friends, but alas – we are all family/friends now!!

hitide.lotide is Nate Gruber and his talented friends and they bring you acoustic folk that is soo fragile you fear it just might break if not held close.  As noted in my previous post on the great “The Forest” album (HERE) there are notes of Sufjan Stevens and even some Iron & Wine with maybe some flecks of soundscapes a la Peter Broderick.  Despite all this “sounds like” stuff, it still feels separate from his contemporaries and is in my opinion a breath of fresh air.  If you like dreamy folk with some orchestral moments and finger picking style acoustic guitar, then you will have to have this new EP.  Did I also mention that it is a FREE  DOWNLOAD over on Last.fm??

Listen to two tracks and tell me you don’t want more…go on, try to tell me.

“Cross Legged”
“Beaded Blood”

Visit and purchase hitide.lotide

~Smansmith

Ever since hearing “You Explained Away Everything” from Horse Stories 2006 album “Everyone’s A Photographer”, I have enjoyed the laid back melancholic pop of Toby Burke and he has been on my radar.

The new album just released is “November, November” and sounds exactly like the title might lead you to believe – it is a little slice of a fall season (or early spring if I had to say, as it does show more movement to the pop side of things at times).  I am not sure too much on what the lead off track is, but I think it is either the below video “Telephone Message (November)” or even “Hummingbird (We’ll Be Okay)” as they are perfect examples of the beauty Burke spreads across his albums.  Although I think he has super potential to turn to a hard-core folky as his voice just feels like it has lived a life beyond Burke’s actual years.  Songs like “The TV” and “Hole In The Head” really stand out for me personally with the slow moving beauty of his truly melancholic indie-folk-pop (is that even a genre?).  No, seriously grab at least a couple tracks if you can from Horse Stories you won’t regret it.

Everybody needs a little Horse Stories at some time, maybe “November, November” might be a nice February pick for ya.  Just thought it was a nice Wednesday recommendation for everyone as well.  Buy it from his site HERE, and check out the video for the great “Hummingbird (We’ll Be Okay)” while you are there too.

Telephone Message (November) by Horse Stories from Horse Stories on Vimeo.

Bonus: “You Explained Away Everything” – Horse Stories
from 2006′s “Everyone’s A Photographer” (highly recommended)

Visit Horse Stories:

~Smansmith

Just saying, that’s all.

This guy just seems to keep coming up on my daily listening adventures due to his great “Gets It On” album from a few years back.  It used to be available for free download from his website, that I just noticed is no longer up!!  This better not be a sign.

I recently thought about Patton again while talking to a good friend and he mentioned that an album that kinda went under the radar was from this “Bill Patton guy”, and I totally jumped up and said “yes, somebody gets it”.  It was a bit of a moment for me.  From what I can tell he is somewhat of a touring and studio musician for certain artists with most recently being a key  member of the J. Tillman 7″ single for “Wild Honey Never Stolen” from Western Vinyl (which is absolutely phenomenal and comes highly recommended).

You should swing by CD Baby and get yourself a copy of the album and at the very least head over to RCRD LBL for 3 more tracks from this lo-fi, singer songwriter gem from 2004, or 2006 according to CD Baby…I don’t have my CD here to look on the liner notes.  Regardless it is too long since that album, way too long.

Listen to a couple of quick covers (especially that Prince one – too short!) that I have already featured here on Slowcoustic and for frick sakes, please don’t tell the original artists so he doesn’t get sued!  Buy the album to find out why I say that.

“Kiss (Prince Cover)”
“Fairies Wear Boots (Black Sabbath Cover)”

Visit and Purchase:

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/28/who-needs-a-new-album-bill-patton-frickin-does/feed/ 3 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/25/songs-of-the-day-from-a-singer-of-songs/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/25/songs-of-the-day-from-a-singer-of-songs/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:37:24 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=3986

a singer of songs provides me with a double dose of my song of the day and in turn I am passing it on to all of you.  Lieven Scheerlinck (the singer of these songs) is no stranger to Slowcoustic as he was one of the first artists I featured back in September of 2008 (you can see it with a couple of early tracks HERE).

Lieven has just released his first full length album on HI54LOFI Records a couple of weeks back and it is definitely a hushed and intimate experience.  The album is overflowing with ballads meant to be merely whispered to the one next to you – and we get the experience wrapped up in 13 tracks of digital storytelling.  Often accompanied by a piano and/or a lone guitar strummed at half speed there is no wanting for anything more “slowcoustic”.   Songs like “Calvary Walks”, “Slow River” and “Lonely One” drift by you and almost melt into the walls around you, so don’t let them simply float away, you have to listen.  Many will feel like the album never really takes off as it does tend to stay in 1st gear, but that is the way of these songs – anything with more energy would shatter them I believe.

A real nice touch on this album is Lieven’s inclusion of vocals from 3 lovely ladies to accent the album and bring a duo harmony to some of the tracks.  They really do work and the ladies (Tiny Ruins, Ana Franco and Craven Canary) on the tracks “Road to Nowhere”, “Rabbit Hole” and “Wrath” respectively.  I have to say that these tracks stand up to the solo tracks of “Stray Bullets” and “Pretty Lies” and are among the strongest songs on the album.  I can keep going with classic comparisons on the album being meant for a rainy day or for soothing a recently bruised heart, but let a couple of tracks help you in finding just the right moment to soak in Old Happiness.

“Pretty Lies”
“Road to Nowhere”

Visit & Purchase a singer of songs;

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/25/songs-of-the-day-from-a-singer-of-songs/feed/ 4 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/24/the-moonband-guides-me-through-the-open-space-of-my-sunday/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/24/the-moonband-guides-me-through-the-open-space-of-my-sunday/#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:07:22 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=3978

The Moonband say something that resonates with me on their MySpace page in their description of “what we sound like”.  Essentially they indicate that they record alternative folk but let you know that folk is all encompassing – as is the sound of The Moonband.

The ‘sensational’ Moonband pseudo themed space odyssey is definitely rooted on the prairie farmlands and acoustic porches of wherever you would call home.  With a title like “Songs we like to listen to while traveling through Open Space” or “…Open Space” as it’s known, you know right away that there must be something going on here.  You may get the impression of some progressive post rock epic, but in turn you get a warm collection of acoustic folk and indie pop and even a touch of Americana to finish it off.   I even noticed that (for me) there is even a bit of kickin’ up the heels with a songs like “Roll On Blues” & “Top Of A Tree” – and while I tend to enjoy the slower moments such as “Devil Got a Piece of Us” and “In the Garden” you know that you aren’t getting a carbon copy of tracks that simply have different song titles but carry on the exact same song vibe from the previous track.    For a band out of München Germany, they could easily be compared to a dusty road folk band out of the southern US.

The Moonband are also an actual band (rare around this blog of singer songwriters, I know!) and this also helps the album bring a bit of a fuller sound to the late 2009 release.  There are up to 4 vocalists listed in the liner notes and it shows with numerous harmonies and layers in songs like “Tom Waits” and “Days to Live”.  I think it is also the fact that despite being fairly acoustic, they do not sit contently with a guitar but bring mandolin, Glockenspiel, ukulele, banjo, Lap Steel and stand up bass…you can’t go wrong with all these strings!  For this post I want to feature two songs that are quite stellar (no pun intended) that show the slow and aching side (The Hiker) along with a bit of German American folk (Boogeyman).

“The Hiker”
“Boogeyman”

If you have the time, I recommend a full listen (and a visit to the experience that is their website).  Something else I think needed mentioning is for you to order the physical CD – the images and “background” info is part of the charm of this release as well.  From the hints on tabs to play each song to the “space” theme of the challenge for us having 5 fingers in order to play an instrument with 6 strings….silly humans!

Visit The Moonband:

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/24/the-moonband-guides-me-through-the-open-space-of-my-sunday/feed/ 1 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/20/a-recommendation-to-me-now-for-you-all-olds-sleeper/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/01/20/a-recommendation-to-me-now-for-you-all-olds-sleeper/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:26:21 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=3948

Something I like is getting a recommendation for something and then realize that it has caught you off guard and kicked you in the teeth.  Olds Sleeper did just that – Fringe country at its best.

Recommended from one of my Last.fm group members and as they tend to know what I like due to me shoving my musical taste down their throat as much as possible.  So with that I knew it had to have some merit.  What the “catches me off guard” refers to is when you find someone who you might think is “only” a singer songwriter that seems a bit gruff country turns out to be lo-fi, experimental and a small pinch of noise troubadour.  Not the type of artist that will be making an appearance on the next Gossip Girl, but that is just another reason to dig your teeth into it.  It’s dirty, got guts, dusty jeans and includes a heart of gold on the inside – you just know it.

While he has 3 full albums to download for free on his website (blogger icon below), it may take you 3 months to actually digest them – they are thick, cryptic, angry, sad and all ready for the open road.  The Catching Night Before Dawn might be more for the acoustic songwriter crowd, the Horseheads may be more for the dirty country folks and I am just listening to Rise and Rust now!  If you have the time to, listen, if you don’t, then stop and treat yourself to an escape with this old sleeper.  Oh, and don’t get scared if it goes sideways for a bit, it always rights itself and that is a bit of the charm of Olds Sleeper!

“I Knew A Mountain (Remix)”
“So Much”
~Taken from Catching Night Before Dawn

Cocaine, Pistols, Tequila”
“Devil by the Trees”
~Taken from Horseheads

Visit Olds Sleeper:

~Smansmith

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

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

“Roads”

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

“Stuck”

Visit & Purchase

~Smansmith

~~~

This track includes (Benjamin) LØZNINGER’S patented hushed delivery alongside a eerie journey through the past, memories, future possibilities or even alternate universe.  He creates atmospheric music that envelope every bit of space around you and in headphones it can be quite epic.  So not only is the video a great watch, the music to image factor is off the charts.  Look for a new album soon, this Canadian in France is a favourite.  Enjoy a bonus track from a few years back as well with one of his most familiar songs to those in the know.

“Sunday (I will play)” – LØZNINGER

Visit LØZNINGER:

~~~

The Quiet Revolution is not your typical band.  It is not even really a band at all.  The Quiet Revolution is (in thier words);

“internet project that features talented singer/songwriters singing songs written and composed by Tal More, a 31 year-old Israeli songwriter.”

The video above is for Parallel Me which includes the vocals of fellow Israeli Hadar Green and it is another great lesson in the audio to visual school of video making.  Stop animation that creates the feelings/emotions that the song is conveying.  For me it is the big eyes of the characters and what is a simple story that expresseses ultimate sorrow or loss.  I mean, if you are into that sort of thing.

“Parallel Me (featuring Hadar Green)” – The Quiet Revolution

Visit TQR:

~Smansmith

Just something in the form of Julie Fader’s “Outside In” album that was released from Hand Drawn Dracula this past September. It is a great album that I find comparisons of Julie’s vocals to a echoing Sarah Harmer’s “girl next door” vibe with still having a Sarah McLaughlin aura & mystique. So basically you know it will be both beautiful and something you can find yourself listening to anywhere and anytime.

In true Canadian music industry style, Julie had a bit of assistance with some appearances (vocally) from from Chad VanGaalen (she is also on Chad’s “Soft Airplane” album), Tony Dekker (of Great Lake Swimmers, of which she has recorded and toured with GLS for the last two albums), Brian Borcherdt (of Holy Fuck, and is a label mate at HDD with Brian), Sarah Harmer, and Justin Rutledge. Wow. Don’t think that this many contributors takes anything away from Julie, she is front and centre and the album comes highly recommended.

Like I said, just something that I’m listening to. I think you may want to as well.

~~~

Julie Fader
“Maps” (mp3)
“Goodbye Before Hello” (mp3)

from “Outside in”
(Hand Drawn Dracula)

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

~~~

~~~

Visit Julie for more info:

~Smansmith

Oliver Thiessen made his debut on Slowcoustic in October 2008. We knew back then that Oliver was talent and we couldn’t wait for his first full-length album. Here is a little he said / she said from Slowcoustic HQ (meaning, the wife is a huge fan and wanted to be part of “Three Hills” part II).

She said….

I was really excited to hear Oliver Thiessen was finally going to give me more than four songs to pour over (to be fair he does provide a few extras on his myspace page but I was holding out for the full album). Volcanoes And Factories, released in 2009 did not disappoint.  Thiessen considers himself a searcher and someone who is always learning. When I listen to the album I see him as an observer.  There is a maturity to his new music that makes me think he has seen sorrow and felt heartbreak.

Thiessen uses his voice as much as his guitar and his lyrics together do more than create a song. My favourite song on the album is Chimney Company because it highlights his voice and the thoughtfulness of his lyrics. The indie artist is alive and well.

“Chimney Company” – Oliver Thiessen

~Judes

He said….

Well, so we know the wifey likes Mr. Thiessen (but she is known for having a crush on Canadian indie talent…I’m looking at you Wheat Pool).

I was also looking forward to Thiessen’s album as I did see here and there clues towards it’s imminent release via Myspace, etc but didn’t actually know until he emailed me to let me know it was finished.  I still don’t really know if it is “officially” released, but if not it will be shortly.  The album is for the most part a cohesive project with his patent delicate vocals over a steady strumming of an acoustic guitar.  He has brought in a few more elements to beef up parts of the album as being a solo performer it can get too sparse at times and this definitely brings an enhanced experience to the album.

Being a sad bastard at heart, I enjoy a truly down trodden acoustic track and I believe this is where Thiessen excels.  Songs like “Barcelona”, “Unions”, “Warrior” (tragically beautiful), “Bad State of Mind” (that last full minute is stellar with almost Jim James of My Morning Jacket falsetto finishing the track!) and even a touch of melancholic angst in “Smoke in the House”.  I have said it before and will say it again, the songs of loss, separation and the stresses of life changing decisions make for such good subject matter on Slowcoustic…

It isn’t all slow as molasses, crying in your drink music here – you can take refuse in the title track “Volcanoes and Factories”, “James Dean” and even “Norwegian Girl” which might not all be lighter context for meaning but he provides a lighter “plate” to serve his brand of lamentable folk music.

My chosen track is “Barcelona” which is a drifting story that floats you from start to finish.  There is a back vocal track of who I assume to be Thiessen humming along to the medley – it might sound like it is an odd choice, but it really works.  The track was originally featured on an international “Chill Out Acoustic” compilation from Quickstar and released last December (see it on iTunes).  It is also another good example of a great track from some of our “local talent” around Alberta!

“Barcelona” – Oliver Thiessen

Visit Oliver Thiessen:

~Smansmith

p.s.  If you are local and have the opportunity, please consider stopping by The Ship & Anchor on January 2nd to see Oliver!  Might be perfect to get you over the cold January in Calgary!

p.p.s. His Myspace has a bunch of festive tracks to stream.

p.p.p.s.  Bonus video of a great track from Oliver:

Fredrik – Vinterbarn from The Kora Records on Vimeo.

Bonus: “Blackfur” – Fredrik, from 2008′s “Na Na Ni” album

Visit & Purchase Fredrik:

~Smansmith

p.s.  You might want to also check out Knox Road blog as Lee over there is a supporter of Fredrik and you can also find the mp3 for the above track here.

Ever since one of my mates (I can say mate as he is from the UK, so there) turned me onto Stripmall Ballads I have been wanting to post something over here on Slowcoustic.  There is a great interview post over on You Crazy Dreamers HERE with Phillips Saylor who is the man they call Stripmall Ballads.

Not unlike his moniker, I find the music Saylor creates can have a bit of everything in an unassuming package – there is country, folk, noise, rock all mixed into a lo-fi package that really works.  The one “piece of work” that I have really enjoyed is “Since Jimmy Died” which was released last year and is 10 tracks of a man singing his very heart out.  Not in the sense that he can sing no longer, but in a sense that he leaves everything out there for you to ingest.  Let yourself take it all in and you will realize that this tragic sounding album is one of the most beautiful things you will hear.  I swear that this album breaks my heart just a little each time I listen to it and it isn’t entirely due to subject matter but the overall atmosphere the album creates.  If I was more aware of the album, it would have been placed quite predominantly in my best of 2008 collection.  Why he isn’t more well known is beyond me.

Saylor’s voice has just a little bit of the south peaking through, just enough cracking (or actually the straddling of a natural break between his higher and lower singing voice) to draw you in.  It isn’t polished and it isn’t supposed to be.  Polish wouldn’t work on Stripmall Ballads as this is one of those stripmalls in the industrial area of town that doesn’t have the flash and glitz but has everything you will ever need.  I know bad analogy but this acoustic folk album is just too good for you to let slip by.  Do yourself a favour and swing by and pick up a copy – to entice you, here are two stand out tracks below to get you moving.

“So Romantic”
“Freeloader”
~from 2008′s “Since Jimmy Died”

Visit & Purchase Stripmall Ballads

~Smansmith

p.s.  You can pick up another track from Stripmall Ballads alongside another interview over on Microphone Memory Emotion Blog.

You know you are here as you enjoy the hushed delivery and molasses cadence of some great music.  So when you receive notice on an album called “Lights Off, Headphones On”, either it is deep trance or some aptly named Slowcoustic jams and you know you should look into it.

Well folks, this is not your deep trance, although you may find yourself transfixed for at least part of your listen.  Jack James released this album of 10 songs that enjoy a pace I have become familiar with and a sound that finds a home around these parts.  The album is essentially an Americana tinged singer songwriter experience set to 3/4 speed.  Jack names influences like Neil Young, Nick Drake, Damien Jurado, Bob Dylan and the Great Lake Swimmers – good folks all around regardless of these being able to be quoted by numerous singer songwriters around today.  I personally think he did a pretty good job of mixing old and new sounds (including the influences listed) in the creation of his.

James hails from Glasgow and he does a good job of not sounding too European (you will notice his heritage spilling over in a couple of tracks including “Decisions” below) and for the most part could mix him in with a mid western folkster of sorts.   There might be a slight warble at points, but I think it might be him fighting his accent – what’s wrong with a UK Cowboy?  Well, the album is definitely going in the right direction and is currently available as a free download over at his Bandcamp page (see below).  So why don’t you just slow it down a notch, turn off the lights and get those favourite headphones and put them to good use.

“Decisions”
“West End Blues Waltz”
“I Am Ready Now” (James really shines in this one)

Visit and Pick up the album:

~Smansmith

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

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

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

“Father of the Year”
“Hometown”

Visit & Purchase Lucas Westcott:

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/11/27/a-litte-bit-of-folk-country-for-your-friday-lucas-westcotts-addition-by-subtraction/feed/ 2 http://slowcoustic.com/2009/11/18/song-of-the-day-and-new-discovery-times-ticking-from-isbells/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/11/18/song-of-the-day-and-new-discovery-times-ticking-from-isbells/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:55 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=3146

This new discovery and album is one that found its way to my inbox from one of my very good Spanish (EDIT, the actual friend is from Spain!!) friends.  I don’t know why Europe has such good taste in music and people (Do the Germans know my wife is German???  Maybe that helps…) but they seem to just be the right people to talk to when you are looking Slowcoustic.

This album “Isbells” is the self titled new release from Isbells (obviously) over on Zeal Records this past October 23rd.  Isbells are not Spanish or German like I might have lead you to believe, but are based out of Belgium (where my wife lived for a year) and is basically the nucleus of Gaetan Vandewoude who has settled down to create his own brand of folk pop/singer songwriter type recordings.  During the process of becoming a recording artist the band “Isbells” actually formed with the combination of Vandewoude and co-horts: Naïma Joris, Bart Borremans, Gianni Marzo.   I don’t actually know much more than this other than the album is quite enchanting and I have found it to be a nice end of year surprise.  If you enjoy a nice late night, or not so late night album of harmonies and great song crafting (i.e.  it is not the normal “overly dark and brooding” stuff I usually peddle around here) this is definitely an album to look into!

“Time’s Ticking” – Isbells

Please consider hitting up Zealrecords on MySpace to pick up an album via Paypal for a lousy 10 Euro (or 12 to us non EU folks), you can’t go wrong.

Visit Isbells:

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit and purchase Cam Penner:

~Smansmith

I simply wanted to put a couple of acts that hit me up for some coverage, I felt they just might fit into the blog and hell let’s get them on a post!  I have two today and both are a bit acoustic, readily available to be downloaded for the very low price of FREE and I am sure that they will be welcome in your library of slow and acoustic artists.

~~~

Enderby’s Room is a lo-fi bedroom folk act and moniker of Dan Mayfield from the UK along with some mates (Fletcher Boote along with Ben and Tom Handysides) filling out the instrumentation/vocals.  This is the kind of band that you lean into in order to immerse youself in it – this stuff just might not get you out of bed in the morning and maybe you won’t regret it.  It also may sound like four people are too many to create such a lo-fi and intimate sound – but I say nay!  The sound is very balanced and besides being hushed vocals aside the plucking of numerous stringed instruments it is very much your Sunday listening material.  With 3 tracks on the website and the full 5 on the Last.fm page you can definitely get started on your new listening staple.

“Their There”
“Lakeside”

~~~

Tin Can Notes is another EP that can be downloaded free (this time from the Bandcamp page for TCN) and is a touch more up tempo and a nice transition into the actual Sunday morning to full on Sunday from Enderby’s Room above!   Tin Can Notes is Jack Matranga from Sacremento California and brings a bit of folky sunshine to the murky mornings – Matranga sings like he is bringing you out from the darkness if not only into that middle ground of melancholy.   You may find a bit more production and or instruments that “plug in” for this recommendation, but sometimes thats needed, no?  You can find out a bit more on the Myspace page and Last.fm page to TCN.

“She Had A Name”
“California In The Ether”

~Smansmith

So one to always cover labels that I think go out of their way to provide something a bit different but (almost) always chock full of talent, Western Vinyl are set to release “Houseboat” next week from Sleep Whale.

Sleep Whale are from North Texas and could be considered a bit of an amalgamation of shoegaze, folk, psychedelic, noise-art are definitely and interesting crew and I am finding myself oddly drawn to it.  Truth be told, I have only the two lead off promo tracks below and myself being a pretty straight forward singer songwriter guy, this stuff is really good.  “Cotton Curls” is thick and lush and with space sounds and muffled vocals – it is soo incredibly catchy, that even this sad bastard finds himself head bopping and toe tapping.  The second track is “We Were Dripping” eases you with a bit of nice acoustic guitar into a space rock journey that seems like it might only have chanting until those vocals come in and you tend to not know if they are saying ‘We Were Dripping’ or ‘We Were Tripping’ – but I think you know where I am going with this.  I have to say I am a bit excited to hear the rest of the album, next Tuesday is the release (Nov. 10th) with the good folks at Western Vinyl.

Sleep Whale
“Cotton Curls” (mp3)
“We Were Dripping” (mp3)
from “Houseboat”
(Western Vinyl)

More On This Album

Visit & Purchase:

~Smansmith

I have been a fan of Will Stratton for a the past few years ever since first listening to “What The Night Said” and some of the previously released tracks from it.  Such good acoustic singer songwriter with flecks of orchestral moments, indie pop style hooks and overall solid tunes throughout his material to date.  Stratton’s newest offering “No Wonder” hits the world today and should be something that you are looking into.

This album picks up where he left off with “What The Night Said” in the fact that Stratton continues his life vignettes to song.  His voice simply accents the music, he doesn’t overpower anything and isn’t trying to force himself into the song.  The songs are the music that accompanies his lyrics – neither is more important and in fact the album without lyrics could almost be a release in itself.  I also don’t want to be gotten wrong, with Stratton at the helm of the vocals, it only brings the whole package.  Stratton also has some assistance in the vocal department on this album with Jess Funston & Essie Jain (yes that Essie Jain).  I like the addition of harmony it brings, with songs like “For Franny Grass” and “The Country Clear” the addition feels natural – it isn’t actually a duet, just an accent.

The album also enjoys some growth on the inclusion of more strings (cello, viola) and even a bit of horns in completing the album.  While the entire album flows nicely, there is even one track that might stick out to the Will Stratton regulars and that is the track “If Only” which is quite upbeat and includes rocking guitars and full percussion.  While it is a bit of an escape from the album, I am still a bit torn if it adds a layer or takes away as an experiment – you can decide when you listen to the full album.  For me the stand out tracks include “Judas 1966″, “New Jersey” (total uber slow ballad, gorgeous), “For No One”, “Who Will” and the modern day Robin Hood tale of “Robin & Marian”.

“Who Will” – from 2009′s “No Wonder”
Bonus out-takes from the album:
“Judas, 1966 (Alternate Version)”
“For No One (Demo Version)”

~~~

Will was kind enough to answer a few questions about the album and what is going on with him, see below:

WILL STRATTON INTERVIEW

> * What was the inspiration for this album versus “What The Night Said” or was it just a natural step to the next album?

What The Night Said was a very easy record to make. I had already recorded an earlier version with most of the same songs, and they were songs that just came out of being in high school and feeling the way I did, and so when I was asked to come make an album in a studio it was just a matter of going over everything and improving a bit on it.

No Wonder took longer for me to write–basically, it took me all of my time in college to write and record something that I was happy with. I have been moving around quite a bit since the summer after high school, and so the sort of false consistency of my life up to that point is gone.  So at various times it was about different things, but I think it ended up being a mixture, a sort of compromise with myself so that I could be decently happy with the result and move onto something else.  After a certain point I would come back to it after months of being at school and not thinking about it, and I was just rewriting and rerecording everything–it had become a cycle of reevaluating everything, because of the big gaps between sessions, and I realized that if I didn’t put a stop to that, it would never get done. There are a lot of songs that I ended up throwing away, songs that are more story-oriented like “Judas, 1966″ and “Robin & Marian.”

I think at one point I was trying to make it a record about the folk song. But I think that most of the songs that are on the record as it is are about looking for home, and not quite finding it. What The Night Said was an album about home (in other words, about the town where I largely grew up, Basking Ridge, New Jersey), and No Wonder is about the process of figuring out what comes after that.  It is a strange record, at least to me.  As the album format begins to die, I find myself trying to hold on to it, and I think maybe that is where the strangeness comes from.

> * Do you gain inspiration from those you work with, music you listen to or does it simply come to you?

Partly, I just find myself humming or singing melodies during the day, and I make a note of them and try to put them in a song. Those seem to come out of nowhere, but occasionally I will catch one that sounds nearly identical to a song that I’ve heard recently, or an old song that I love, and I try to steer clear of those.  So I try to filter it down to melodies that just sort of arrive in my head without much effort, because I find that those melodies have a particular quality to them. But yes, as far as the actual sounds that make it onto my finished recordings, I take a lot of inspiration from other artists.

Albums like Scott Walker’s Scott 3, Big Star’s Third, Neil Young’s After The Gold Rush, His Name Is Alive’s Detrola, and dozens of other records all contributed to the sound of this record, in one way or another. I’m slowly getting closer to being more comfortable with my own sound, which I think will be more evident on my third record.  No Wonder is more of a bird’s nest sort of album, with little stylistic fragments brought in from all over the place.  Other people probably won’t be able to hear most of them, because in the process of paying tribute to the music that I love, it often ends up sounding nothing like what I intended.

> * The style of music you make would be considered laments and beautiful soundscapes. I noticed the new album has a pretty rocking track called “If Only” – is this a new sound or is it simply a song to mix it up?

I was in a lot of punk bands in middle school and high school, some of which were pretty embarrassing, but others were a lot of fun. If Only was originally a sort of dirge-like folk song, with a couple more verses, and I decided it was just too depressing and boring that way. So I ended up recording the guitars and vocals in about a half an hour on a whim, and then Kieran (drummer, label owner, co-producer) came in and I had him do some really visceral, simple drums, and after one take of lead guitar by the brilliant Aaron Tasjan, from the Madison Square Gardeners, and a great sort of Matt Freeman-style bass line from Rob Calder, I had a really un-Will Stratton-sounding track on my hands.

It was going to be a secret track but I decided I liked it too much for that. It’s actually sort of an old sound for me, in that it sounds a bit like those old bands I used to play in.  But yes, I do plan on making a lot more music that doesn’t fit whatever tendencies people currently ascribe to me, if there are any.  I want to make a noise record or two, and I’m working on a piece of chamber music right now that I writing some lyrics for.  It may be the first half of a double album–I’m not sure yet.

> * I see Essie Jane makes an appearance on the album, how did this come about?

I’m a big fan of Essie’s music, and I asked her to sing on a couple tracks.  The last Essie Jain record was recorded at The Buddy Project, where I do most of my recording these days, and I met her when she was coming to check it out with Jon Mizrachi, who played trumpet on both of our records, and who handles film and television licensing for both of us.  I met her again later on–she came to a show I played on the Lower East Side a couple years ago, where she and her husband live–and we all had some dinner after the show, and I thought I might as well ask her if she would sing on the record.  And she said yes! It was fun.  She came in and did it over an hour or so.

> * Your sound can be soo full at times but I consider you a solo artist. Are you actually a solo artist or is there a band/team behind “Will Stratton”?

I’m not sure if there’s a straight answer to that. There’s no band, at least not right now, but I always try to have a good set of people around to contribute.  Vile Bodies, a free EP that I made a couple months ago, and that you can get on my Bandcamp site, is just me. But No Wonder has a bunch of great musicians on it.  I already mentioned Essie, Jon, Aaron, Rob, and Kieran, so I should probably mention the rest–Dave Dunbar came in and  played viola.  He’s responsible for the great arrangement on “The Country Clear,” and the rest was done under closer direction from me.  Dan Bindschedler, a cellist, came in on really short notice and did some really skillful improvisation, which I edited a bit later on.  Kyle McCammon played upright bass on a few tracks and did a really solid job.  And my friend Jess Funston contributed some truly stellar vocals in addition to Essie’s.

Sometimes I know in advance whether a performer has a similar or a complimentary aesthetic to me early on, and so I let people try out their own parts, and then I edit everything until I’m satisfied with it during the mixing process, but occasionally I get more specific with people when I have something definite in mind from the outset.  Now that I’m getting some work as an arranger once in a while I’m starting to think more seriously about this.

> * What is coming up for you? New album release show, tour, relaxing?

After looking for a job for four months since I graduated from college, I finally found something part-time.  So I’m playing a show here and there in New York, I’m working on new recordings, and I’m trying to continue to sort things out–find more work, start to pay off my loans, get a place of my own, maybe join a band or two.

There’s no tour planned, not right now.  I don’t have a booking agent, and I have the naive idea in my head that a really good one will find me.  I will try to pop up once in a while in different places in the states and Canada, though, if I get a chance.  As it is, I get a lot more pleasure from the recording process than from performing. I’m slowly getting more excited about the idea of performing for people more frequently.  I just don’t know if my music always deserves the level of attention that it requires when I perform it by myself, and I don’t know if my music always thrives with an ensemble.

These are things I am working on–maybe when I’m twenty five or so, I’ll have it all sorted out.

There you have an interview with this up and coming singer songwriter – I personally love that last line…It makes me feel very past my prime, but I won’t hold it against Will…

Bonus previous Will Stratton:

Will Stratton
“Katydid” (mp3)
“So Ashamed” (mp3)
“Sonnet” (mp3)
from “What The Night Said”
(Stunning Models on Display)

More On This Album

Visit & Purchase Will Stratton:

~Smansmith

This album released from few weeks back from Ah Holly Fam’ly feels almost fragile enough to shatter at first listen.  Described as “Avant-Folk” or as far as “Theatrical” at times and I am not sure where to place it.  It almost punches you in the face with not punching you in the face, ya know?  It’s a nice laid back affair.

It takes a few listens for this mellow affair to really seep into your marrow and then it realize it’s truly organic beauty.  With acoustic guitar, orchestrals, strings and the duo of Becky Dawson and Jeremy Faulkner at the helm of this troupe who now call Portland their home, I believe they have crafted a more than worthy album.  I think they would fit quite nicely between Horse Feathers (who were also on the Lucky Madison label) and Bowerbirds in your next playlist and you wouldn’t skip a beat.  So basically if I am putting them in the same vein as those two bands (who are currently in the upper echelon of Slowcoustic favourites), then you know this “Appalachian” folk troupe is something that deserves your attention.  Samples below:

Ah Holly Fam’ly
“Young Veins” (mp3)
“Rainstick” (mp3) – HIGHLY recommended
“All Unfolding” (mp3)
from “Reservoir”
(Lucky Madison)

More On This Album

Feel free to visit and purchase some Ah Holly Fam’ly:

~Smansmith

I was introduced to James’ music this past August with a demo he sent over that was recently mixed and he was itching to get it “out there”.  Well, by “itching” I mean politely and graciously offering a track that he was proud of and only hoped that I might enjoy it no strings attached, then itching he was.  Well, it became my favourite song for the month of September and still is on heavy rotation on my best of 2009 playlist (that is growing by the day!).  I am mentioning this as low and behold I have another track and it is once again intoxicatingly good.  I am clearly a fan of all things that consist of the unhurried tempo, but it still has to be good.  Sometimes when you listen, it happens to be great.  I found myself listening and immediately being drawn into it’s intimate, quiet but still “big” sound.  I was telling James that I found his music something that I didn’t have to try to get into as it was effortless, I liked it from the very first listen.

The only problem is his album isn’t out yet!?!  Well from what I am gleaning from the first two samples I have heard, clearly James belongs to a talented clubhouse that would consider Bon Iver & The Black Atlantic among its members.  I don’t enjoy comparing artists, but he is definitely in the hushed acoustic genre that I hold dear to my very soul.  The fact that he does most (if not all) his recordings alone with a mic and his guitar makes the music all the more real and powerful.  The new album should be out in December in Ireland (where he calls home) as it is just finishing up the final mixing.  I am eagerly looking forward to it over on this side of the pond.

James is also getting some good exposure as one of his songs is currently used in a commercial in Ireland for the Bernardos Help Change A Child’s Future” Campaign that is currently airing.  The commercial includes powerful images and with the backing of McMorrow the commercial is a very intense message and truly helps emphasize an important issue.

Visit James Vincent McMorrow:

Barnardos Video, consider visiting the cause if you have a moment.

~Smansmith

Artist/Music submissions come fast and furious at times and it is hard to keep up being the solo person around Slowcoustic HQ.  Why even mention this?  Because it’s my blog damnit!  No just kidding – I am wanting to let you all know about a project that showed up in the ol’ inbox a few weeks back that I thought you might actually want to listen to.  I always enjoy getting artist submissions – they just don’t always match up to what I have going on around here…but that is a whole different story.  It also can be hard just keeping up with all the music!  Oh, it’s hard for a pimp…

Let’s dig into a project and get you listening to (hopefully) new music that you will love and hold over the heads of your friends because you have it and they don’t.  {I think I am a bit punchy today, no?}

~~~

We Are The Willows (Amble Down Records)

This one is well worth a listen, believe me (the American version of me, Lee @ Knoxroad, had a mention as well).  There is a free EP “A Family. A Tree. EP” and an upcoming full length on November 24th entitled “A Collection Of Sounds And Something Like The Plague” that have been playing quite regularly around here.  Anyone who has been around these parts for a while know that I can have a bit of a thing for unique and interesting vocals.  Lets be honest, for a pseudo folk singer songwriter the vocals can make and break you.  Many have been singled out for having what I believe Peter Miller has, the distinct ability to have a voice and delivery that will make you love it or hate it.  If you are worth your salt in my books, you will love it.  If you have read this far and haven’t listened yet, press play on the YouTube video below now and then read on.

You will find obvious similarities to the late Jeff Hanson (RIP) and Joel Thibodeau of Death Vessel – Miller could be the folk version of another favourite, Windmill, to if I had to say…  It can be unnerving, but the combination of the great acoustic/ambient/electro backing with perfect combination of true singer songwriter and performance art brings the full bloom of this experience.  I find it intoxicating at times, it can be one of the most delicate things you can listen to and even strangely heartbreaking (songs like “Karate” from the EP and “A Funeral Dressed As A Birthday” & “Norwalk, Iowa” from the upcoming LP).

There can be a bit of over ambient mixed in for the straight laced crowd, as Miller can provide additional audio layers with an impression of the world around us…you could say.  This is created by We Are The Willows recording most of the album with his laptop & microphone while touring his native Minneapolis to create the album but I still believe it works.   Don’t get me wrong, it can get away from him a little bit at times, but overall he reigns it in to keep it from going to over the top art house noise pop on us.   Take a bit of a glimpse into the world of WATW below;

“Karate”
“Isabel’s Song”
from A Family. A Tree. EP

“A Funeral Dressed As A Birthday”
from A Collection of Sounds And Something Like The Plague

You can stream the whole upcoming album at both Amble Down Records and the We Are The Willows Myspace page.  You can also pick up the entire “A Family. A Tree. EP” at both for a free/donation download.  If you needed to listen now, you can pre-order the album and get the download immediately – that seems like something to get your weekend started correctly, doesn’t it?

Visit/Purchase We Are The Willows:

Bonus Video:

~Smansmith

Well not to sway into oncoming traffic too much, this post is actually a heads up to enjoy a great EP from “Talking to Turtles” that you can find absolutely gratis!

The EP consists of 5 tracks and is full of indie pop, some ballads and has just enough “quirk” in it to make some people dislike it and make sure it doesn’t quite fit for mainstream radio.  That is good in my books as I find myself singing along to it at random parts – when listening to it, you will know which parts I am singing to…trust me!

“Beam Me Up Scotty”
Straight forward acoustic guitar and percussion with some piano accents.  Basically an escape story of a track, completely catchy and doesn’t get away from you.

“A Car, A Beer, Cigarettes”
This one sounds like it might be a bit of a party by the track title.  It has that guitar again, a nice harmony and one thing that I can appreciate – a distinctive voice.  You will find a bit of a tragic lead vocals, sparse at times, slightly off key but great.  Florian Sievers is responsible for the vocals and he should be thanked.

“Lobster’s Riot”
Again that distinctive voice – Sievers cracks his voice like a 13 year old in this one and its great.  There are little things in this song that contribute (is that children’s toys in there?).  By the end of this track TTT builds it up to almost a chant for the last minute only to end it delicately.

“Monster’s Teeth”
Aptly named, this track seems like it is stalking you.  It doesn’t have quite the bite that the title suggests, but it is more like a dark walk through a field built by Conor Oberst.  This is the longest track of the EP and it becomes that chant were left wanting for in Lobster’s Riot and even ends acapella!

“Notice My Oh Ohs”
Well with a title like that…  This track is truly the lullaby that has been lingering in each song prior.

The EP can be downloaded in its entirety at full 320 kbps from the Verein Ehemaliger Nachbarn Net Label by visiting their release page HERE.  Don’t forget to swing by their MySpace page by clicking below as well!

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/10/22/i-like-germans-free-music-i-like-talking-to-turtles-end-random-sentences/feed/ 3 http://slowcoustic.com/2009/10/21/what-album-review-did-i-miss-for-its-release-yesterday-tim-williams-careful-love-damn-it/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/10/21/what-album-review-did-i-miss-for-its-release-yesterday-tim-williams-careful-love-damn-it/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:51:57 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=2947

So the last couple of days were just lazy days for me, what can I say…the PVR was calling my name..

One album that I was meaning to post about yesterday was the Tim Williams album “Careful Love” – a nice little release with 10 tracks that range from jangly indie pop (“Right All Along”, “I Hit Another Wall”) to darker, melancholic ballads (“Murderous Air”, “All In”).  There is something to be said about an album that you can put on and simply listen to it – this album can be a full affair, no real weak tracks aboard.  The other thing that I eluded to is that you are not confronted by 10 tracks that are all slightly different versions of the same formula – he is a singer songwriter at his base, but this album specifically is bringing in a fuller sound (lots of brooding piano at times) and it shows that Tim Williams is coming into his own.

I have listened to Williams in the past, mostly his 2007 release “When Work Is Done” which you can find 4 tracks used for his Daytrotter session as well.  That album was similar to “Careful Love” and can be seen as a true predecessor to Careful Love – which is nice, you don’t want to find something that you like and then you listen to another album and it is in left field comparably.  This Tim has his head screwed on, me thinks.  You might find the true indie diehards a bit harder of a sell on Williams sound as it can get a bit “pop”, but you know they are tapping their toes to it while pretending to be looking for obscure bootlegs.  This is another thing about the album, its accessible and will find a home in many different homes.  Don’t shy away if you feel you need lo-fi or if you need more grit…this album (and Williams in general) has its own force, while not for everyone you can’t deny it.  I admit that his power-indie ballads are more to my taste, but some of up-tempo tracks are great – not to over the top, just catchy enough to still be a good listen.

I have an approved track from Dovecote Records below and you will most definitely find it stuck in your head after listening, but I urge you to find your way to listening to the slower, darker moments as well (mentioned above) as they are were Williams does excel.  Take a listen to both sides of the album below;

“I Hit Another Wall” – Tim Williams, from 2009′s “Careful Love”
“Murderous Air” – Tim Williams, from 2009′s “Careful Love”

Just a note that the album cover above is not only a cover but a symbol of Tim Williams’ recent life experience and album inspiration.  From his MySpace page:

“Tim Williams had a change of heart–literally. In May 2008, Williams underwent intensive open-heart surgery that left him bedridden in recovery throughout most of the fall. Once out of the hospital, Williams immediately began writing/rehearsing new material…”

Visit/Purchase Tim Williams;

*Bonus video of “I Hit Another Wall”

~Smansmith

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

A bit about the album recording;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit & Purchase Brown Bird

~Smansmith

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

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/10/16/did-i-say-that-i-was-anticipating-the-new-brown-bird-album-well-i-am/feed/ 4