I have had some real great stuff float across my inbox, twitter feed, facebook timeline and overall discovered from my never-ending scouring of the world wide web.  Thought I would share as some of this stuff is just soo damn good that we all need to be listening (if you aren’t already – you Slowcoustic readers tend to be ahead of the curve in the first place…let’s be honest here).

• Lotte Kestner is more than a musician, she is an “official” poet now!  She has a book of poems entitled ‘In the Night I Go Sailing’ and you can purchase HERE.  I also mention this as her words were recently put to the test as lyrics sung by none other than Damien Jurado.  Please swing by her Tumblr page and listen to the demo for “Blind Accidents” HERE.
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• Samantha Crain covered a Slowcoustic favourite Chris Bathgate earlier this year and it has turned up on her Halfway House Music Session.  Catch/Download her version of “Salt Year” over at Halfway House Music HERE.  Watch the video for it below:
  
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• Just a reminder that John Statz is releasing his next full length album with us at Yer Bird Records in January – check out the lead off track “Distance” from our Bandcamp page!
  
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• You have to watch one of the “Notes From Home” videos that features Trespassers William, Joshua Morrison and Tomo Nakayama (of Grand Hallway).  TW even cover The National’s ‘Fake Empire’!
  
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• As I was so impressed with the video above, I checked out both Joshua Morrison (find him here) and Grand Hallway (find them here) that I thought I should share some tracks from them as well!  The Grand Hallway track is the one that Nakayama performs in the video above called “Little Sister” and the Joshua Morrison track is “Bastille Day” from the benefit album Songs for Japan: A benefit for Red Cross (that Grand Hallway has contributed to as well)
  
  
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• Matt Arbogast, or The Gunshy has some new material in the form of a one track sampling that is classic Gunshy.  Listen/Download via Bandcamp embed below:
  
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• Just thought I would post a live track from Ryan Adams as it made it into regular listening this week.  The classic ‘A Bar is a Beautiful Place’ from a 2001 performance: ‘The Bar is a Beautiful Place’ – Ryan Adams
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That is all I got for now, hope you find something in there to enjoy!

~Smansmith

Sorry couldn’t resist the Patrick Bateman in headphones photo when looking for an “HQ” & “Music/Headphones” image.  If you have read the book American Psycho, you will know that when they get into describing music (regardless of style) you will know what it is like to be a music junkie.  But I digress…

Thought I would simply grab whatever is kinda new and playing around here up for perusal, listening and mocking.  You know, a Saturday playlist!

First off, the band responsible for one of my favourite albums in the last few years has a new song out.  Yes, The Black Atlantic has new material out from Beep! Beep! Back up the Truck over yonder!  While it has a new feel for the band, it is beautiful and brings a new facet of the band in my opinion.  There is a new EP, “Darkling, I Listen” that is practically done, so there is more to come.  Take a listen below to the first track;

The Black Atlantic – The Flooded Road by Beep! Beep!

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I have also been listening to the upcoming album from Rob St. John via Song, by Toad Records over in Scotland.  The album is called Weald and is in a word haunting and in another word intoxicating.  There is just something that hits you square in the face and drags you inside.  I get such a strong Ian Curtis (of Joy Division) vibe from St. John’s vocals on songs like “Domino” & “Sargasso Sea” but it eases up on more traditional singer songwriter cuts like “Acid Test”.  Maybe the Ian Curtis comparison is where I get the haunting impression from…so it may be misplaced, you tell me.

Rob St. John – Sargasso Sea by Song, by Toad
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Lately I have also been listening non-stop to the Chris Bathgate Kickstarter Reward Downloads.  One of the great things about getting all these songs (I think there was almost 40 of them in total!) was rediscovering the album “Silence is for Suckers”.  This album was always either my favourite or hovering in a close race for top spot the whole time, but listening to the Kickstarter remastered version brought it all back.  If you have it in your back catalog, please listen to “Cinder” in headphones right now.  Let’s help you, shall we:

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You might also want to check out Conrad Plymouth covering Strand of Oaks’ track “Two Kids”.  A little retro with the drum machine, but sooo good.  Visit the Conrad Plymouth Tumblr page HERE.

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Just to let you know that I can switch speeds and I am not a one trick pony, if you were looking for a great indie-folk-pop album from Canada (and I know you are) – check out the new album ‘The Hunting Party’ from Corey Isenor (see his bandcamp page here, that also includes his awesome “Frost” album).  There is also a nice infusion of banjo in it, so it has to be good right?  Take a listen to the first track (and one that has some of that nice finger picking banjo) now;

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Now go forth and listen this Saturday!

~Smansmith

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

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

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

~Smansmith

• Today is the release of William Elliott Whitmore’s “Field Songs” over on Anti Records.  If you enjoy your music on the rootsy side, banjo side and the folk country side – then this album is a no brainer.  The songs of Whitmore can be at times a tad too ‘raucous crooner’ but it is almost like he is taking a moment to breathe and the music is both powerful, a bit gritty and a worthy listen.  The vocals of Whitmore are perfect for this mid tempo folk country and they just hit the spot soo much on this album – his patented twang and warble just damn work on Field Songs!!
  William Elliott Whitmore – Everything Gets Gone by antirecords
• 
  
• Brett Detar recently released a video of himself attempting a cover song.  And by ‘attempting’, he did a fantastic job.  Watch him covering a classic in the form of Townes Van Zandt’s ‘Waiting Around to Die’ below:
  
  
• And for one of the best deals in town right now, you gotta swing by Ondarock to pick up the latest compilation, One Way Ticket to Nowhere.  This one is based on their ‘Outlaw’ series where artists cover an outlaw country/folk artist.  It is 2CDs worth of tracks from folks like Great Lake Swimmers, Chris Kasper, Caleb Coy and The Sumner Brothers (among many, many others).  Oh, did I mention it was completely FREE?  Yeah, so what are you waiting for?
• Keep your eye on that Adult Swim “2011 Singles Club” thingy as I believe that track from The Tallest Man on Earth is being released as a free download today sometime as well.  The page for the current and upcoming tracks is right here.  For now, stream ‘Weather of a Killing Kind’ below:
  

That is all I have for now, hope you enjoy it all!

~Smansmith

above photo art from here
banner ‘www’ taken from cover of La Revolucion de los Blogs

Today is a round up of things from fellow bloggers that I have been enjoying.  Since the Calgary Stampede starts today, what better time to have a ’round up’?  Damn, I am soo current.  Let’s get started shall we;

• I hope you all found the newest single from Canadian Singer Songwriter Fisticuffs via April over at Common Folk Music.  No?  Well, find it HERE.
• HearYa always getting the good stuff, featured a recent session with Trampled by Turtles (see here).  Currently loving the live version of “Widower’s Heart” – see the video below:

Trampled By Turtles – Widower’s Heart from HearYa.com on Vimeo.

• Captain Obvious had another installment of his staple Mixtape posts with the June edition.  Beirut, Mount Moriah, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & Will Johnson among others!  Definitely a must check out.
• Speaking of Captains and Will Johnson….Greg over at Captains Dead was enjoying some vacation time in Chicago and caught the Centro-matic show with an added bonus of going backstage with Will Johnson and recording an acoustic video of Devil on the Interstate Line.  See it below:
  
• Last but not least 1000x/minute featured the new (free) EP from Jesse Rifkin & Will Stratton.  This 4-tracker was released as a free download on Independence Day, July 4th.  See the post here along with a stream of the track ‘You Are The Blades’.

There you have it, go visit some good folks across the www.  Tell ‘em I say ‘hi’.

~Smansmith

“So recently I went out and took what was rightfully mine.  It doesn’t matter that they had it first!” – overheard while making this post…

Thought I would share a couple of songs that I have been playing that I found from other blogs.  I mean, I’m just like everyone else who visits blogs – always looking for some tunes and now that I have them I’m going tell you about them as well.   The blogs in question here are the fantastic Vocal Nerd Rodeo and the amazing 5 Score Pachyderm.  Lets look at the music they brought to me, shall we?

Ben over at Vocal Nerd Rodeo had a post on a band named Churchill and a song called “The Only One”.  It was simply good, it made me feel of spring and warmer days and it was getting a fair amount of play.  Maybe it was the crazy catchy chorus, the light hearted melody that took a sad bastard like me out of a funk, but mostly I think it was the accordion.  See the original post on VNR HERE and watch the video below:
The Only One

Churchill | Myspace Music Videos

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Next we have 5 Score Pachyderm with a mix-tape from early February that had a stand out track (for me) in the Jeremiah Nelson (w/ Heidi Spencer) track “Show to Show” from Nelson’s upcoming album “Drugs to Make You Sober” to be released this March.  The song is essentially a lone acoustic track and it is stunning.  It’s simple, but simply perfect – its a great compliment to the upcoming album because it isn’t exclusively a hushed folk album – so it shows the chops of Nelson.  Please take a visit to the original post for the full mix-tape on 5SP HERE and listen to the song below:

So take a listen to Churchill and Jeremiah Nelson as they both have upcoming albums and keep an eye on Vocal Nerd Rodeo and 5 Score Pachyderm for more great musical finds.

~Smansmith

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

Site News

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

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

Upcoming Albums

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

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

Listen: “Ghost Woman Blues”

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

Listen: “Stamp”

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

Just Stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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Enjoy your Saturday updates.

~Smansmith

So every once and a while I have a week where I find lots of stuff from others and simply need to pass it on.  It’s not really original but it helps putting a post out when I have nothing original to say myself.  nuff said.

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• Craig at Songs:Illinois gave me the heads up on the new Ben Weaver album and indicates that he thinks it is the Ben Weaver album he has been waiting for.  I think I have been waiting for it as well.  Check out the post on Songs:Illinois HERE.  Listen to a track that I grabbed via Large Hearted Boy as well:  “East Jefferson” – from “Mirepoix and Smoke” (visit Ben)

• HearYa posted an update on the upcoming EP from The White Buffalo and if it is anything like the previous, it will be one to keep an eye our for.  Visit their post HERE.  The video for the excellent Love Song No. 1 is below – go download the track at HearYa!  (visit Jake Smith/The White Buffalo)
  

• I (Heart) Music had a post on one of my new favourites, Gianna Lauren.  As I haven’t gotten together my post on her spectacular new album “Some Move Closer, Some Move On”, take a visit and see Matthew’s post HERE. Listen to one of my favourite tracks in the gorgeous “Stowaway”:  (visit Gianna)
  Stowaway by GiannaLauren

• One of my favourite artists, Anna-Lynne Williams (of Lotte Kestner/Trespassers William) has started her own record label and is working with Sergius Gregory to release his albums as her first priority.  This will be great my friends, if you don’t know or have never heard Sergius you are in for a Slowcoustic treat – Visit the new Facebook group for a sample HERE.  Listen to “Next of Kin” – Sergius Gregory, unreleased? (originally posted here on Slowcoustic, via Rock Torch interview with Anna-Lynne)
  

• Lastly, the UK come a calling with the first single to the upcoming Yusuf Azak album on Song, by Toad Records.  You will find a 60′s inspired psych-folk singer songwriter vibe by listening to the song “Eastern Sun” right here: “Eastern Sun” from the Nov. 15th, 2010 release “Turn on the Long Wire”.  (visit Yusuf)

Now go on, and find your own stuff!

~Smansmith

Wha?  What is that?  Yes, its exactly what you think it is.  Wait, what?  You don’t know what it is?  You disappoint me…

It is a curling broom, and it is not used to clean up after a curling game…it is used IN the curling game.  You know, the SPORT of CURLING?!

Okay, enough fun, I assume you all know of the game of curling and above is a recent picture of one of my fellow Canadian music blogger’s curling broom (My Aimz is True) and she is gearing up for the new season of drinking…er, curling!  Obviously as a music blogger and all around bad ass chick she will have to show her true colours with the above is an example of what I am sure are her many “points of flair”.

Amy, you take it to the button.

“The Ice and Snow Still Haunt Me Still” – Brown Bird (visit)
“Black Ice (Third Floor Sessions)” – Ohbijou (visit)

~Smansmith

p.s.  You can also see Autopsy IV’s post over on Nine Bullets for more curling coverage.

p.p.s.  In all fairness I don’t curl as I don’t have the thighs for it…

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2010/10/17/slowcoustic-sunday-sports-edition-canadian-style/feed/ 3 http://slowcoustic.com/2010/09/04/weekend-recommendations-blog-roundup-wisco-sam-quinn-cold-seeds-cap-obvious-wentworth-kersey-toothpaste/ http://slowcoustic.com/2010/09/04/weekend-recommendations-blog-roundup-wisco-sam-quinn-cold-seeds-cap-obvious-wentworth-kersey-toothpaste/#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:53:51 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=5040

above via toothpastefordinner.com

What is it that I am aware of and enjoying the world of music and music blogs?  Glad you asked.

• Did you download the Sam Quinn session at Daytrotter (HERE)?  If so, congrats you are accepted into the inner circle.  If not, get thee into the circle by downloading!  Current favourite track is the “just a bit too late for the new album” Oceans, so let’s listen: “Oceans”
• Did you see that compilation to benefit the Wisconsin Humane Society?  You know, the one that took 15 Wisconsin artists and had them record a song each to complete a tribute to Wilco’s “Summerteeth” album?  ummm, you need to check it out (HERE) and consider a donation (HERE).  Thanks to Muzzle of Bees for making it happen!  Current favourite is the Conrad Plymouth track, listen: “Nothing’severgonnastandinmywayagain” (but head over to MoB for the full 320kbps version).
• Captain Obvious blog is always able to come out of nowhere to give us one of his mixtapes and he does not disappoint.  See the August installment (regardless of posting it on Sept. 1st….hey, it was worth getting every last day out of August for the mix!).  Download it HERE.  Current favourite is the Dylan LeBlanc track.
• This one isn’t about music, but I think you should follow Drew who creates Toothpaste For Dinner on Twitter (FOLLOW).  He be funny.
• Did you know that Song, by Toad Records has a great release that combines favourites Animal Magic Tricks, Meursault and King Creosote into one nice little package (currently on VINYL & CD).  Well it exists and they call themselves Cold Seeds!  Listen to a sample: “The Perfume of Mexican Birds”.  Current favourite track is the sleeper “Soil” that has been sending chills since I first heard it.
• Wentworth Kersey has released their 3rd installment of the “O” series, ((O)).  It is once again more shoegaze Americana (and some of the best you will find).  Listen to a current favourite “Sun And Moon”.  Find out, listen, purchase more at their SITE and (damn slick) LABEL page.  Watch a video of another track below:

Well, that is all I have at the moment.  Hope it gives you all something to fill the long weekend!

~Smansmith

• Damien Jurado and collaborator Richard Swift have been BFFs for a while now and they have some new, free tunes for ya.  Check out “Other People’s Songs” and grab ‘em on their new Tumblr page HERE.  Listen: “If the Sun Stops Shinin’ (Chubby Checker Cover)” – Jurado/Swift
• I was listening to the Daytrotter session from Quite Scientific artist Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr yesterday and decided that this is the type of “summer jams” that I would recommend.  Despite 5 degree weather in the mornings here in Calgary, these still get this sad bastard going!  Visit and listen: “Vocal Chords” – from the new Horse Power EP (full LP to come soon).
• I listened to a well informed tweet from fellow blogger (@dirkler) from over at Dyson Sound (check the blogroll, son) about and artist he has personally worked previously.  Lo and behold, there was a cover of Bjork’s “Hyperballad”!  Glad I listened and hit the link, I think the original is an old school classic (for the most part) and Jay McCarrol does a great acoustic version.   Visit him as well as find a YouTube rip of said track here: “Hyperballad (Acoustic Bjork Cover)” – Jay McCarrol

So yeah, there’s that.

~Smansmith

“Record Store Application” by Toothpastefordinner.com

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

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

That is all I got today, so dig in.

~Smansmith

I wanted to update anyone who is reading about the upcoming compilation over on our record label side of things at Yer Bird Records. It is getting close, so we are increasingly excited and can’t help but have it spill over to our Slowcoustic personna. Sorry to pander, but seriously if you like Slowcoustic, you are going to love this project.

The CD & digital release will see the official light of day on July 27th (yes, less than 2 weeks!) and is so incredibly chock full of Slowcoustic favourites it isn’t even funny (18 tracks in total). We reached out to our own label artists and to artists that we are fans of and we got a very good group of folks that have donated a “new, unreleased or rare” track to the disc.

We are also working with Music 4 Hunger that assists in feeding children in local and worldwide locations. This is a basic need and often seems to slip past our daily thoughts but it is something that deserves more attention in order to end this tragedy. You can read a bit more on this part and see a note of our release over at Music 4 Hunger by clicking HERE. We will be donating a portion of each CD sold to the charity and hopefully our efforts can join in the cause.

For the music side of things you can see the full roster and track listing over on Yer Bird Records HERE. If you are lucky enough to have an iPhone, we recently launched our free iPhone app (click here to download or find out in the Apple app store) and we are currently streaming a sneek peek of the first 9 tracks from the app. See below for a list of the songs currently streaming for one week:

1. “My Girl Baltimore (Acoustic)”: Paul Masson – Paul re-recorded a solo acoustic version of his signature track from his previously released EP – crazy good.
2. “Sweetheart”: Lotte Kestner – Anna-Lynne Williams a.k.a. “Lotte Kestner” who you may know from the band Trespassers William, has donated her previously unreleased track for use – you may have heard it in her MySpace player, but find the official version on the compilation
3. “Little Wishes”: Strand of Oaks – Tim Showalter who records as SoO is a friend and amazing up and coming artist (new album “Pope Killdragon” will be out next week on eMusic) – find an unreleased track that will ever so delicately break your heart.
4. “Say So What”: Sharon Van Etten – the first of our Brooklyn ladies provides this “duet” with herself that has the perfect balance of lo-fi that she is known for.
5. “Winters Ruin”: Ghosts I’ve Met – Sam Watts & Company who form GIM provide another reason why Seattle creates some of the best music around. We have another stunning beauty from Sam along with Jenna Conrad – amazing.
6. “Ella (Live)”: The Black Atlantic – The foursome from Groningen provide an track from their Live EP available over on Beep! Beep! label and is the only track from that recommended EP that isn’t on their stand out debut release.
7. “Couch Surfing (Acoustic)”: Ivana XL – You will find Ivana at her best here (and coming in as our second Brooklyn songstress). This is a light and almost playful song with that almost sultry voice draped over parts and dancing over others. You will hum this one for days.
8. “Into The Deep Blue Night”: Nic Garcia – Nic is currently working on a new album and this brings his acoustic Midwest drawl back into focus. This is the kind of guy that you should not miss.
9. “You Fool”: Oweihops – Michael Metivier and crew provide a scratchy piece of Massachusetts that sounds like it could be a harmony direct from life in rural America.

That is it – go and get the iPhone app (if you can, steal a friends phone, do whatever!) and listen to all the above and if you like, swing by the store in a couple of weeks to get a copy! Don’t worry a full stream will surface for public for the release as well!

Also, Sharon Van Etten who comes in a track 4 also has an album coming out this October and her lead off promo track I feel bodes very well for the 7 track release on Ba da Bing. I also find it lends to the sound of the track on this compilation, so as this post has no song yet, how about one from Sharon? Enjoy “Love More” (mp3) from the upcoming album “Epic” from SVE.

~Smansmith

Recommendations (to me):

• Thy Courage Quail – acoustic lo-fi recordings from a BandCamp troubadour.  Some really good tunes from this guy – two albums (well, an album and an EP) for free download (and no emails, nothing – just a straight download!).  Some live radio takes that really work alongside songs from lonely roads and late nights.  Visit on BandCamp HERE.  Thanks Drunk Country for the tip!  Enjoy a couple of tracks to get you on your way:  “Down Down Down” and “Monk Song”
• A “new” Sam Quinn track called Oceans that is from a recording session a few months back.  I can’t figure out if it is new or not (as it isn’t on the new album), but it sure is nice.   Sent to me from a reader and from a blog called “Live and Breathing” – but the kicker is it is their last post since February – so that is why I am confused if it is new.  The track is streaming on their site, so visit now HERE.

Video Section:

A nice video consisting of live shots from the recent Arborea tour along the West coast of the US has sound tracked a new video by the band.  I have been a fan of Arborea for a while and this song is from a couple of years back, but it is such a great track and now has an accompanying video.  If you like psych-folk that you can get really lost in, this is it – stunning.  Visit them on their Blog for more info.  Check out their Robbie Basho tribute album that Buck (from Arborea) curated as well (info)!

Bonus: “Dance, Sing, Fight” from remastered “House of Sticks”

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A nice surprise from the Songs From The Shed site was finding American guitar folk hero (from the video, I just feel he is a bit of a guitar fiend…) Paul Curreri.  Curreri is on a tour in the UK promoting his new album “California” which is available from Tin Angel Records (here).  Enjoy a bit of “Shed action” below:

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Email Inbox:

• Something that I am VERY excited about is the new EP from Small Sur.  This one is sooo good.  It is called “Bare Black” and will be released on July 12th via Aural State Recordings (here).  I have loved Small Sur (Bob Keal and co.) for a while – his self titled album from 2006 and “We Live In Houses Made of Wood” from 2008 still get regular rotation and come very highly recommended.  How about a new track from this feat of an EP?  Okay:  “Weeds” – Small Sur
• So JBM (Jesse Marchant) is finally releasing his “Not Even In July” album which comes highly recommended for those sad bastards out there like myself.  It is beautiful, sombre and worth your time.  The lead off track is included below and look for a full album release on July 27th.   “Cleo’s Song” – JBM

The “While I Was Typing This” Section:

• Tart at Love Shack, Baby put a nice instrumental track from eagleowl up today from their new EP “Into The Fold” – see it HERE.
• Frontloader put a classic track (for me at least) from PJ Harvey in acoustic form.  ACOUSTIC!  Visit for a great download of  “Down By The Water” HERE.

Blog post of the week by someone other than Slowcoustic (a la Knox Road’s “pick of the week”):

• HearYa put a devastatingly good session of Jill Andrews (see how I brought Sam Quinn and Jill Andrews in the same post…see what I did there?).  Wow, I think I played this session continuously at work as soon as it went up!  Find the videos and full MP3 download HERE.

That is all I have for now…enjoy the weekend!

~Smansmith

I have been neglect in providing links to my brethren around the music blogging world.  There has been quite a bit of good stuff around lately, so you wanna know where to go?  My recommendations are:

• das klienicum has a nice Frontier Ruckus feature in conjunction with the European tour – a Slowcoustic favourite – check it out HERE.  I believe their new album should be out soon – listen to a favourite demo from a few years back: “Bethlehem (demo)”.
• It All Started With Carbon Monoxide had a nice write up on the new eagleowl EP and has a track from it – find it HERE.  Listen to an older track that was also used for a New Weird UK Sampler: “Blanket”.
• Tsururadio gives us notice that there is going to be a mixtape off.  Because its a real word!  You will also get a couple of tracks from Stornoway and The Acorn while you pick sides.  See HERE.
• Muruch gives us the update on the new Cowboy Junkies project with a couple of tracks!  See the post right HERE.
• Tart over at Love Shack, Baby posted some words on the pretty darn good new album from Sam Amidon.  Check it HERE.  You also might like the toad session as one of the tracks I am going to borrow right here made it to the new album: “Pretty Fair Damsel (Toad Session)”.
• Olivier is back to posting at You Crazy Dreamers (as I certainly have been neglecting it!), so take a listen to a track from new find Lindsay Phillips – listen HERE.  Think of his vocals as Antony with a baritone voice (at times) – pretty good imho.
• I do also have to mention the Daytrotter post from yesterday – a revisit with Horse Feathers – a Slowcoustic favourite – check it HERE.  If I posted one track it will be Mother’s Sick from HF first album from this Daytrotter Session (sooo good).  I tweeted yesterday that this session is one you should upgrade your listening and get the loseless – BUT I can’t find it there yet!!  So if y’all can persuade DT to move this session to the “Record Barn” so I can buy it, I would appreciate it (or if they did, link me up to where!).

Well there is some Saturday morning linkage for ya.   I will leave you with a great video sent over from fellow blogger Adrian at I Pick My Nose blog – I am also posting as I will hopefully hear it tonight at the Tallest Man On Earth w/Nurses show tonight here in Calgary!  The first track from the below video is TMoE covering “Graceland”….Yowzah!  If any locals will be at the show – email or tweet me if you are going to be there!

~Smansmith

It’s been a few weeks (or month or so) since the last “new on the ‘nets” so I thought we could consider this your Sunday Slowcoustic newspaper edition.  Sit back, grab a steaming hot cup o’ joe and dig into some items I have noticed over that last couple of weeks that deserve a mention.

~~~

• Cover Lay Down, one of the best and most comprehensive folk cover blogs in the history of music blogging has a couple of posts you will want to follow up with.  Most recently his own “Josh” birthday post (CLD is 3 years old) and a bounty of tracks from numerous “Josh” artists like Josh Ritter/Joshua James/Josh Rouse, etc.   Love themed posts!
• Hopefully there are some still left, but Herohill has T-Shirts!  Posted last week, you can have your piece of the rock in the form of an original T from YoRodeo.  Get over there and pick one up!
• Speaking of blog birthdays, Agnes over at It All Started With Carbon Monoxide turned Two!  Go and wish her congratulations.
• Just this morning Knox Road advised of a Sufjan Stevens track from his latest that might be more what we expect from the avant garde folkster.  Check the song HERE.
• Tart introduces you to a local songwriter Brendon Losch and really wants you to know him to.  He is in “the gang” afterall!  ;-)
• Got some time to enjoy some videos?  We Listen For You has a collection all in one post from Sharon Van Etten (very nice) – see it HERE.
• Muzzle of Bees have a couple of posts on the Rural Alberta Advantage hitting Milwaukee – check the lead up and then the review (with photos).
• Daytrotter put two personal favourite sessions out lately – check out Little Wings and Timber Timbre and get your download on!

~~~

I recently told all of you about the great compilation from ondarock as it is chock full of great folky tunes, well who wants more free compilations??  I knew it!

Snowstar Records Compilation (available on BandCamp for free)

To celebrate the label’s 15th release, they have combined 10 tracks from artists they enjoy as an appreciation gift – so go show some support and appreciate it, it is a good one.  Enjoy a sample of one of my new favourites I Am Oak.

“Gold and Porcelain” – I Am Oak

~

All Creatures (A Sherman Compilation) (available at ShermanArts on Tumblr)

Sherman Arts is a West Philidelphia Based community for local music at local venues.  A great idea for a great area of talent – this compilation has 37 tracks people!  Bands include Boca Chica, Birdlips, The Baird Sisters and also an appearance from a Slowcoustic friend and favourite Strand of Oaks (check the photo of him, classic!!) – and listen below for proof.  Head over and look into it and if you are in the Philly area – get involved!

“Clear Recollections” – Strand of Oaks

~

~Smansmith

For me, I have been sitting back, feet up while other people put posts together for Slowcoustic.  No, seriously, it has eased my plate a bit to have everyone submit posts and at this time of year it just makes it easier to get through the holidays, ya know?  Big things planned for next year with me, so hopefully it doesn’t affect Slowcoustic too drastically – but trust me, you all will like it!

Just some items I have been listening to and enjoying this week:

• New Angus and Julia Stone video – beautiful, just like the song.  I especially love the very beginning with the Joanna Newsom inspired vocals…love it! (new EP available via iTunes)

• I posted the Luxury Wafers video for “Casualties” from J. Tillman (my favourite track from JT) over on You Crazy Dreamers a couple of days ago – god damn that song sounds good!  Visit Luxury Wafers to watch, read an interview and pick up 3 live tracks free!!  Highly recommended, a bounty of Tillman over there this week!
• I have a crazy good song of the week – Hezekiah Jones covers the Lemonheads “Drug Buddy” – it is posted on their MySpace page…soo good.  Bonus HJ track: “Nothing’s Bound”
• A lot of festive tracks flying through the inbox (and music blogs) these last few weeks.  Random track: “Merry Christmas Everyone” from unknown good samaritans.
• A nice surprise in the inbox the other day was Jason Ward’s self released album “Almighty Row”.  If you like dark acoustic atmosphere, you will love the influences of Radiohead, Ryan Adams and even Alice & Chains…Alice & Chains…not sure about that one.  Take a sample below and pick up the full album HERE.
  “Bottom” & “Hinting Towards The Door”
• Another band you will need to know about a bit more (and I will follow up with a full post shortly) is Evening Chorus who were recently featured over on The Waiting Room via WOXY Radio.  Drunk Country at TWR hit me up with the news and I have to thank him for it – take a quick sample of this young Cardiff based quartet.  They are one to watch in the next year – think the new side of UK folk like Mumford & Sons, etc.  Check out Tart’s post over on Love Shack, Baby as well by clicking here.  Take a listen:  “Decisions” from Evening Chorus.  Visit them on MySpace.

That’s all I have for now, let me know if you found anything recently that is warming this winter season…

~Smansmith

p.s.  The top photo is taken from HERE and is from a park in my old home town of Winnipeg.  Looks beautiful, feels frigid.

What’s new in my world?  Well, I think it officially became winter yesterday here in Calgary.  Snow, harsh winds and even harsher traffic.  We did have a bad traffic day due to inclement weather last Friday (Nov. 27th) which resulted in horrific 5 hour one way commutes home after work, but this was only the first sign as the weather did turn back a bit.  Now we here in Calgary have resumed our inevitable course to Father Winter territory.  Above is a photo of winter in Calgary, except it tends to often be overcast but overall we are fairly sunny with average to less snow than some Canadian centers.  I am not totally depressed by all this weather crap as I recently confirmed two trips to sunny destinations (Mexico in a little less than a month and St. Lucia in August for my anniversary – 5 years!).  Well enough about me, what is happening in music blogger world??

~~~

• Daytrotter has been supplying some great sessions lately (and via their new iPhone app) I have discovered two sessions that jumped up at me – Robert Francis and that JBM.  So head over and listen to some great music and if you have an iPhone – try out the app, it is really slick.
• Tis the season for lists, so if you missed it – check my brethren over at Knox Road for their best of the decade post – Anyone who knows anything will either agree, disagree or at least have an opinion.  Check it HERE.
• Matador Records debuted the new Shearwater track on their Matablog – looking forward to it very much.  Thanks to Frank at Chromewaves for the tweet that gave me the heads up!  Listen:  “Castaways” from The Golden Archipelago album (Feb. 2010).
• Also found via a Tweet heads up from The Music Slut – Jonsi from Sigur Rós has a solo project coming up.  The song is an average to okay track but I just like listening to an English version of Jonsi (and like I said on twitter, it is more a Sigur Rós lite, for you die-hards but definitely worth a spin or two).   Listen: “Boy Lilikoi” from “Go” (Mar. 2010)
• The good folks over at We Listen For You named Slowcoustic as their #6 Music Blog of 2009!  I guess we’re doing something right, check out the rest of the list HERE.  Don’t forget to visit next week as we will have a post from WLFY here on Slowcoustic with a list of more “Best of 2009″!
• Tsururadio also put a mixtape and best of list for part 1 and 2 for his 35 best albums of 2009 (and a great post in the first place, love Tsuru posts) – you can’t miss it, so go HERE to discover the top list and listen along.  And for heaven’s sake, play gapless!!
• HearYa also put a J. Tillman interview up yesterday – learn why Tillman doesn’t like to shave by clicking HERE.

~~~

Oh, and because it is December, the best of list and Xmas posts will be starting, so I wanted to officially put my first “Festive” track of 2010 on the blog.  And as usual I will not dissapoint – I have a uber melancholic show stopper from Scott Matthew – such a beautiful and tragic song…so…MERRY Xmas?

“Silent Nights (with Sia)” – Scott Matthew

Check out the video as well:

And I have a few more seasonal tracks that will surface over the next couple of weeks, so don’t be greedy.  If needed Craig over at Songs:Illinois always has a MASSIVE list of festive songs to dig into.

~Smansmith

It’s Friday today, so join me in sitting back and having other people provide you with all the quality music and coverage.  By the blog post title, I assume you gather what is going on here and yeah, I’m doing it.  Shameless post of other people’s hard work…even if it is because they are all doing a bang up job and only mostly making me jealous.  Where to start…..

Daytrotter!

If I have to tell anyone reading this what Daytrotter is, you must have made it here by mistake.  One of my all time favourite sessions just happened a little while back and was with The Tallest Man on Earth.   This “Man” is Kristian Matsson and he brings the perfect mix of folk and country and a extra serving of twang for the most part.  The song included here is actually a bit of a piano track and is phenomenal mixed with his trademark raspy voice.  The full session includes 4 tracks and ALL are keepers and can be found over at Daytrotter HERE.

“I Won’t Be Found” – The Tallest Man on Earth, Daytrotter Session

~~~

HearYa!

Again, HearYa is a great music blog and I almost even consider them part of my blogger circle (if that circle was ridiculously large), but just on a different level.  HearYa also has a silver bullet in their “HearYa Live Sessions” where they have various indie artists record (both audio and video), similar to Daytrotter.  The level of talent that goes through the Shirk Music & Sound Studios/HearYa crew is mind blowing.  Imagine Deep Dark Woods, Low Anthem, Horse Feather, A.A. Bondy among them.  I have picked the most recent as it is also with a good friend of this Blog in Timothy Showalter, or Strand of Oaks.  Showalter does this incredible cover of Bruce Springsteen and you have to hear it, but don’t forget the rest of them over HERE.

“Used Cars (Bruce Springsteen Cover)” – Strand of Oaks, HearYa Session

~~~

WOXY!

WOXY is a great radio station that puts together some pretty stellar sessions as well in their “Lounge Act” section.  The session that blew me away recently was the Mumford & Sons, who have crafted their new album “Sigh, No More” from various previously recorded tracks and half new tracks and is a top 5 album for the year for me.  This album makes my sing out loud and is something that you know can bring the house down.  Mumford can hush a crowd with some of the best ballads around and still slap you across the face with a banjo laden, foot stomping jam in only seconds.  The good folks at The Waiting Room turned me onto this recording…I think they had something to do with recording it….  ;-)  Find the full set (5 tracks total) over at WOXY HERE, you will not regret it.

“I Gave You All” – Mumford & Sons, WOXY Lounge Act

~~~

[Dog]and[Pony]!

Last but not least is a newcomer to me and have now wowed me with two great video of some of the best new indie acts around.  [Dog]and[Pony] is a creation of Nick and Krister from Portland (Maine, not Oregon) who feature great local talent.  The first instance I mentioned was a great live video of Blood Warrior (new album early next year!!) and now they have done a feature on Brown Bird who have a new album coming out on Peapod Recordings.  The video below includes some performances mixed with interview pieces and is something you should be watching and then purchasing next week when the album comes out!  Visit more videos from D&P on their website or over on Vimeo HERE.

~

~Smansmith

la·zy (la zee)
adj. la·zi·er, la·zi·est

1. Slow-moving; sluggish.

2. Conducive to idleness or indolence.
3. Depicted as reclining or lying on its side.
4. Resistant to work or exertion; disposed to idleness.

I have been very lazy lately – the weather is changing, trying to get into the new job and finding less and less time to blog.  This is a sad state friends!  I still listen to music, but simply have not been writing about too much of it.  I have been falling back into my favourites and listening to playlists via commute to and from work each day (what else am I supposed to do with those 3 hours in traffic?).  So I have been listening a lot to The Black Atlantic, Mumford & Sons, Laura Gibson, Matt Dill, Doby Watson and even The Cure!  So its been great just listening to music again.  Well enough of my boring and lazy shite, let’s look at others around my circle-o-bloggers who are posting great stuff.

Newcomer into the fray, and someone after my own heart – online bud “Orange” has started a Slowcore meets Folk music blog.  It’s Called Common Folk Meadow and its great!  Visit for some great tunes – notably the Haruko live and the Emilie Lund EPs, both of which are free!

Song, by Toad has the Mumford & Sons Video for “White Blank Page” HERE.  This track has been around for soo long and I am glad everyone is on board – this M&S album is frickin’ stellar and comes very highly recommended.  The Toad also was broadcasting a live show from Toad Headquarters (his home) – very cool.  I think I need a house party at my place…I could call it Folk the Cul-de-Sac or something!!

Did you all check out the extensive and overly long interview (HA, just kidding Tart) that Love Shack, Baby has with the Antlers?  For shame, check it HERE.  You Chicago-ians (and everyone else) need to bookmark – Tart is in touch with the scene friends.

Captain Obvious has his September Mixtape posted – if you follow them, you need to pick it up as it is full of talent such as; Miles Benjamin Robinson, Dan Mangan, Port O’Brien and more.   Visit HERE for the 14 (!) tracks.

Aquarium Drunkard posted an August performance of J. Tillman in Sacramento.  You can really find the new Tillman persona with full band, then stripped down sound – the guy is great.  Visit HERE for the show.

My East Coasters, Herohill posted on the new OX album “Burnout” – also loving it over in the West….  Visit “the rock” HERE for the low down.

I also received the “new” EP from The Rest called Walk on Water, a Canadian post-indie-rock outfit out of Hamilton, Ontario.  The EP is not exactly “Slowcoustic” but definitely epic and more than worth a listen.  There are shades of Arcade Fire with title track “Walk on Water”, the beautiful and powerful “The Close Western” in which I feel I need a pair of headphones while I sprint into the dusk, it just makes me want to move!  You can also slow it down with the late night pain of “Drinking” and the EP even has a cover of Robyn’s “With Every Heartbeat”.  WOW.

The band is now signed to SIC records and if you haven’t heard their sophomore full length, definitely pick up “Everyone All At Once” for more from The Rest.  This has been a band to watch for at least a year now and I hope to see what is upcoming for this troupe.  If you are in the London, UK area you can even check out a few shows in the next couple of weeks – dates on their MySpace page.  Enjoy a couple of tracks below!

“With Every Heartbeat (Robyn Cover)” – The Rest – Walk on Water EP
“Drinking” – The Rest – Walk on Water EP
“Modern Time Travel (Necessities)” – The Rest – Everything All At Once LP

Visit The Rest:

~Smansmith

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

~~

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

~~~

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

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

Check them out on their Website and MySpace.

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

~Smansmith

But alas, there are other places on the internet that know what they are doing just as much as I, so let’s dole out some blogger love and suggestions.

If you haven’t heard already, a new track from J. Tillman’s album “Year in the Kingdom” has hit the blogs (probably my most favourite artist recording today).  Check out some mentions on the good folks at Gorilla Vs. Bear and Rollo & Grady.

The 2nd track from the upcoming Bowerbirds album “Upper Air” entitled “Beneath Your Tree” has shown up on a few blogs of note, such as:  My Old Kentucky Blog, Obscure Sound and You Crazy Dreamers (*cough..cough, self promotion…cough*).

A.A. Bondy (I boldly use the periods, so take that AA fans!) premiered the first single from his upcoming album “When The Devil’s Loose” and you can find that title track on:  Brooklyn Vegan, Muzzle of Bees and HearYa.

Canada’s Polaris Prize long list has been announced (that is the Mercury Prize of Canada for those that need a reference) – check some coverage:  Herohill, Quick Before It Melts, NxEW.

So head on out and visit some great blogs and give them some love and say hi from me!

~~

I leave you today with someone who has really impressed me of late (mostly as I was not aware of her previously) – Tiny Vipers!  I just love the new album “Life on Earth” (pre-order) that is due out via Sub Pop on July 7th.  Jesy Fortino as she is also known creates atmospheric singer songwriter magic and I think it might be my favourite album right at this moment.  Take a listen to the promo track from the upcoming album and a track from her 2007 release “Hands Across The Void” (purchase).

“Dreamer” – Tiny Vipers, from 2009′s “Life on Earth” (highly recommended)
“On This Side” – Tiny Vipers, from 2007′s “Hands Across The Void”

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/06/17/stop-looking-here-what-you-want-is-elsewhere-mostly/feed/ 0 http://slowcoustic.com/2009/05/23/new-on-the-nets-this-week-13/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/05/23/new-on-the-nets-this-week-13/#comments Sat, 23 May 2009 17:49:58 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=2140

This stuff is the freshest and newest of the new this week – okay that might be a overstatement, but is still good stuff.  Not that “new” really means anything around here…some of the best stuff is newly discovered and not necessarily new in the sense of released.  This is kinda like the reason I have started collecting a bit of vinyl audio discs and haven’t found the right “record player” yet…(drop me a line if you have suggestions on that front).  Let’s get to some blog suggestions:

• Ahhh, Bowerbirds’ “Upper Air” leaked all over the interwebs this week – it is really good, more of their signature gypsy folk with some bonus production (which does work for the most part).  I Guess I’m Floating blog had a bonus track up for a few minutes along with a few notes – maybe you got it prior to the “take down”?   They approve of the new album from what I gather…smart folks.
• You Crazy Dreamers (my other home) hooked me up with some new talent in St Augustine – this is some mellow french singer songwriter (vocals in English folks, don’t worry) – check it out HERE.
• Raven Sings The Blues pointed out the one thing that bugs me about Tom Brosseau…the fact that more people are not listening to him!  Visit RSTB and take a listen HERE.
• I have started to chew tobacco, kick up dust and down sour mash by the gallon.  You may know this as listening to Scott H. Biram‘s latest album.  I discovered him via the Nine Bullets blog – so visit them (and Scott)
• Last but not least, the Captain has his new covers mixtape out, another winner – visit HERE.

I leave you today with a interesting band – Dark Mean.  They provide you with what could be music made for soundtracks – not literally, but it feels like there is scope to the sound, like it is more than simply music.  More than simply guitars, piano and a kick drum…they are building to something.  Maybe that is why they are issuing 3 separate EPs en route to their full album release.  You can visit them on their Website and MySpace page, drop an email address and get a download of the latest EP “frankencottage” or free.  Take a sample of the mellow “Lullabye” and the more up tempo indie folk of “Happy Banjo” (quite aptly named, me thinks).

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/05/23/new-on-the-nets-this-week-13/feed/ 0 4:30 This stuff is the freshest and newest of the new this week - okay that might be a overstatement, but is still good stuff.  Not ... This stuff is the freshest and newest of the new this week - okay that might be a overstatement, but is still good stuff.  Not that "new" really means anything around here...some of the best stuff is newly discovered and not necessarily new in the sense of released.  This is kinda like the reason I have started collecting a bit of vinyl audio discs and haven't found the right "record player" yet...(drop me a line if you have suggestions on that front).  Let's get to some blog suggestions: Ahhh, Bowerbirds' "Upper Air" leaked all over the interwebs this week - it is really good, more of their signature gypsy folk with some bonus production (which does work for the most part).  I Guess I'm Floating blog had a bonus track up for a few minutes along with a few notes - maybe you got it prior to the "take down"?   They approve of the new album from what I gather...smart folks. You Crazy Dreamers (my other home) hooked me up with some new talent in St Augustine - this is some mellow french singer songwriter (vocals in English folks, don't worry) - check it out HERE. Raven Sings The Blues pointed out the one thing that bugs me about Tom Brosseau...the fact that more people are not listening to him!  Visit RSTB and take a listen HERE. I have started to chew tobacco, kick up dust and down sour mash by the gallon.  You may know this as listening to Scott H. Biram's latest album.  I discovered him via the Nine Bullets blog - so visit them (and Scott) Last but not least, the Captain has his new covers mixtape out, another winner - visit HERE. I leave you today with a interesting band - Dark Mean.  They provide you with what could be music made for soundtracks - not literally, but it feels like there is scope to the sound, like it is more than simply music.  More than simply guitars, piano and a kick drum...they are building to something.  Maybe that is why they are issuing 3 separate EPs en route to their full album release.  You can visit them on their Website and MySpace page, drop an email address and get a download of the latest EP "frankencottage" or free.  Take a sample of the mellow "Lullabye" and the more up tempo indie folk of "Happy Banjo" (quite aptly named, me thinks). ~Smansmith 'round the nets, blogroll... no yes http://slowcoustic.com/2009/05/09/saturday-playlists-and-new-on-the-nets-a-duo-trio-post/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/05/09/saturday-playlists-and-new-on-the-nets-a-duo-trio-post/#comments Sat, 09 May 2009 17:26:50 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=2020

So I haven’t done a “New on the ‘Nets” post in a while, but I did post some recommendations on Thursday already…so, this may be a condensed version.  So in order to fill out the post, a Saturday Playlist is in order!!

Couple of items that I need to recommend:

1. Daytrotter posted their J. Tillman session from SXSW.  Very Nice – go sign up and pick up the 4 tracks!
2. Laundromatinee has their Great Lake Swimmers session posted as well.  Hit them up for some of the video and audio love.
3. The Music Slut has been premiering her Morrissey Covers Album “TMS Hearts Moz”, at the furious pace of one song per day.  Visit daily for more and catch up, she has posted 5 so far!!

Saturday Playlist (part one)*

“Apples Burning” – Princess Mabel (think of a better Sarah Mclaughlin with and indie edge)
“Way Back Down” – Mitch Elrod & CountrySoulHouse (Gothic Alt Country…mmmm)
“Nowhere” – Martha Kronholm (uber mellow songstress)
* All artists from Collar City Records – visit for more from each, including Martha Kronholm’s full EP free!  CCR just might be my new favourite indie label!

Playlist within a playlist (or part two)**

“Flowers on the Stones” – Mark Berube (this one is a cheering section of indie pop)
“Robots” – Dan Mangan (not as folktronica as others, but country folk rock emerges in its place)
“Spring Flower” – The Great Outdoors (toned down honky tonk, but not all the way toned down)
“Dessous Les Paves, La Plage” – Corbin Murdoch And The Nautical Miles (Indie Folk from the west coast – this one changes pace from celtic to southern gothic to almost radio indie – all with horns!)
“C’mon Baby Say Bang Bang” – Jane Vain and The Dark Matter (ethereal folk pop)
“Walk On Boy” – Jim Byrnes (All time classic bluesy folk a la Canada)
“Cabin Song” – T. Nile (Countrified Folk Diva)
“Dreamer” - Jenn Grant (One of Canada’s true young voices, stunning)
“Time To Lose” – The Western States (One of my hometown alt country heroes – GREAT!)

** All Canadian talent from the good folks at Killbeat Music – Visit for a massive amount of artists represented and all include samples as above – absolutely great roster that is chok full of great music.

~Smansmith

So I just had a long day and am just beat and…yadda, yadda.  Okay I don’t have a ‘real’ post yet today, but I don’t come before you empty handed.  Check out a few friends and what they have to offer as I simply cannot be depended on…

• ~Check my brother Olivier’s post on the new Gregory Alan Isakov Album “This Empty Northern Hemisphere” – The album is incredible, so go see for more info and a free track!
• ~Knox Road give a shout out to a shout out for The Woodlands new album (see our take on the album here).
• ~Go bug Hear Ya to put up their live session with Horse Feathers because I want to hear it.  I really want to hear it.  Browse their previous sessions here while you are at it!
• ~Have you seen the photo extravaganza that has been going on at Speed of Dark lately?  Somebody got a new camera!!  Visit them and browse your face off.
• ~Song By Toad discovers the Ghost Glacier EP from Breathe Owl Breathe (also recommended from yours truly) and by golly, he just may like it.  Check it out here.

There you have it, I bring you nothing but provide you with much.  Swing by again as you never know when I might put something of my own up.  Upcoming items for the blog include a Jeff Zentner give away, new logo launch is on its way (who wants a Slowcoustic shirt/hoodie/sticker?  Everybody!!), Slowcoustic will be included in the iPhone app for “IHeartNewMusic” for it’s next update and lots of posts that need to be typed up, yadda, yadda…

~Smansmith

p.s.  Visit Portland Cello Project Here Pick up a CD or try a concert of theirs, it is truly interesting and amazingly good!

What is going on around in my fellow bloggers world that is of concern to me (and hence you)?  Well, I am glad you asked.  Let me drop some links for you for items of note for me (and hence you).

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• Captain Obvious has put up a post on Joe Purdy in light of his new album “Last Clock on the Wall”, which is quickly becoming a favourite of mine.  Great folk country from quite a prolific artist.
• My good friend Tim (aka Strand of Oaks) is hitting some venues on an Eastern US tour – check the dates, check the show!  Dates listed on his MySpace page.
• Thabombshelter did a great job of covering the Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy Show that took place in their neck of the woods – I tended to not do such a great job when I saw him last week.  So check out their photos, videos and rips of the tracks for consumption (but get there soon).  Of note they have the live version of “Champion” from the Chijimi EP that accompanied the “Beware” album – and just might be the better of the two, which is saying something…
• My East Coasters – Herohill – posted on the new Tom Brosseau Album that I am looking forward to.  The misunderstood troubadour might finally get his due.
• Now Blogroller (oh yeah, I did) – Hear Ya - has new John Vanderslice, some Deep Dark Woods from SXSW among much more greatness.  Go visit them…now.

~~~

Well, I leave you today with 3 very different tracks to ponder your Saturday morning (or evening depending on where ya at).

~ One is “Miss Me” from the aforementioned Joe Purdy album that the Capt. posted on, just couldn’t resist as the album is totally on repeat at the moment.  Great laid back folk with a country/Americana tinge.  This is a bit more folky than some of his previous releases (of which there are too many for me to just be hearing him now!), so go and listen, pick up an album from the man himself on his Website.

“Miss Me” – from Joe Purdy’s “Last Clock on the Wall” album (2009)

~ Next we have the lead off promo track “Convict Escapes” from local talent Pale Air Singers.  This Calgary/Victoria duo brings a bit of psych-indie to my ears, and I like it (thank you Flemish Eye Records).  The album (so far) is a mix of two sounds meshing to create something that includes introspective guitars, keyboards, organ and the perfect melding of two lead vocalists.  I say two lead vocalists as the Pale Air Singers is actually the combination of two bands – Calgary’s “The Cape May” and Victoria’s “Run Chico Run” – and is coming recommended.  Who says that all the Canadian talent is from the East??  Visit them on MySpace.

“Convict Escapes” – from Pale Air Singers self titled debut album (2009)

~ Thirdly, we have some instrumental (mostly) dreamy shoegaze pop that is just soothing (well, after the first and before the last 30 seconds at least).  It is in the form of “The Bow Song” from the band Perhapsy.  This is from the debut album from Perhapsy (or Derek Barber & co.) who has emerged from the Ohio/Michigan scene to bring is layered ambient post-rockesque project to a surprising location, Nashville.  Well, maybe the South needs more synth…who would have thought?  Visit them on MySpace and let ‘em know!

“The Bow Song” – from Perhapsy’s self titled album

~Smansmith

Apparently the above photo (from National Geographic) is “Spring in Calgary”.  Yes, it may feel like this at times, but seriously?!  I find we, as Canadians, fight the impression by the rest of the world that we are simply an ice field with beer.  I just wanted to say that the above photo is not “Spring in Calgary” unless Spring is in January after a snowstorm.  Sorry, just a bit punchy today.  Damn National Geographic.

Oh well, I did discover a great compilation “album” from Splice called “The Old Lonesome Sound” yesterday that I can’t recommend enough.  It is great jam packed full of great talent – come on…Deer Tick, Christian Kiefer, Radar Bros., Phosphorescent, Adam Arcuragi, These United States to mention a few.  The FREE mix is the first “Original” Compilation offered by the site – so sign up, download, tune out.

If you also get the chance (you know you will get the chance) – check out the RAM tribute album from Autumn Tone Records that is run by and available on Aquarium Drunkard’s blog.  Good friends “Travel By Sea” are included alongside Bodies of Water, The Broken West and Earlimart – and the band to merge these two albums: Radar Bros.!  Also consider a donation to “No More Landmines” directly from AD.  If you don’t know the “RAM” album is the 1971 solo Paul McCartney album that nobody really knows about, well almost nobody – not much gets past AD.

Well that is enough music to keep you going today, and to get those mp3 spiders working for their pay, check out a nice little Dylan cover that gives me a warm feeling to melt all that snow that apparently is in Calgary this Spring.  But seriously the track, “Not Dark Yet” is covered by “that guy from ELO” or you may also know him as Nathan Wayne.  I think he does a pretty good job, and while myself not being a huge Dylan fan, I know a good song when I hear it.  I also find Wayne’s version is not a impersonation of Dylan, but simply what one would think Dylan would sound like…without trying to sound like him…ya know?  I think is conveys the song well and makes me pine for some room temperature single malt, if ya know what I mean.

Well I am off to read “tweets” by all the SxSW bloggers while at work – what else am I going to do at work?

~Smansmith

Here we are back to the “New on the ‘Nets”, sorry for being remiss lately, I think it has been about 2 or 3 weeks!  Tsk, Tsk.

Well this week has a lot going for it, recently picked up some more good folks for the blogroll and while this feature isn’t necessarily always about what is new on my blogroll blogs, but this time it just mostly is.  I do agree that within the “blogger community” there just might be the need for a bit more emphasis on the “community” part, and this past week has shown me just that.  So I am here to say, go on, see what the below blogs are about, imho they are doing the right thing – so let’s see if you agree.

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• If you needed to know anything about indie mecca next week (also known as SXSW) – visit the crew over on Speed of Dark – massive amounts of info and updates, songs and ideas.  Highly recommended and extensive at 5 separate posts!
• Side One: Track One always has a playlist for you, and don’t be scared, there can even be some diversity in it (something I am still coming to grips with myself on my blog…) – Nice mention of Pree, The Daredevil Christopher Wright among others in the most recent items.
• AWmusic has some great coverage of Canadian Music Week, and while we tend to not have the turn out of SXSW, we bring quite a healthy cross section of talent.   Check out one of the premium Canadian Bloggers input on it, especially the Calgary talent that in their opinion was a “…definite highlight of the CMW’s” – or as we know him Chad VanGaalen.
• Stranger Dance out of San Francisco has some nice coverage on who to know with their “Buzz Band Round Up” plus the new video for Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – who I will be seeing here in Calgary in less than 2 weeks!
• Captain Obvious threw out a flurry of posts this past week including some nice coverage of Julie Doiron’s new album, Manchester Orchestra’s old album plus a great “get to know” of the band Other Lives and a new Doug Burr video….Yikes…soo much, soo little time…
• Non Blog roll (as it isn’t a blog) item:  YerBird Aviary has put up the new Basket of Figs EP – a 4 track release by this Toronto soon-to-be folk icon entitled “Oh Eye, Oh Night”.  It is absolutely great and up there with her original EP (she has a thing for EPs apparently).  Head over to the Aviary, sign up and dig in to both EPs, among numerous others.  Highly Recommended – already my favourite EP of the year!

~~

Today I leave you with a few tracks from the vast expanse that is my inbox – surprisingly not all ridiculous music??!!  No seriously, one of the best reasons for being a blogger is to find out about music that you may have missed – and hopefully I can ensure that you don’t miss out on it either.

To start off, I had to choose my song of the night the other day and obviously could not include two songs – so here is the other song by Eulogies that is also crazy great from their “Homespun Sessions”.

Eulogies – “Bad Connection” (Homespun Sessions)

Also, I tend to lean toward singer songwriters (wow, really?) and always want to give as much support to someone getting out there and doing it.  It also helps when they can carry a tune and are genuine about what they are doing.  It also helps when they are very much talented and end up doing everything on their own to get their music out there: play all the music, record it, finish it, package it, release it.  So who is this young phenom…well it is “Yeti Hands” or David Jordon.  He currently has a new release called “There May Be Giants” and it is 5 tracks of indie pop melancholy that puts him in the upper ranks of the MySpace army of artists.  Swing by his MySpace page to pick up a copy of the EP or even his Self Titled debut EP.

Yeti Hands – “The Future of Pants”
Yeti Hands – “First Place Winter”

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2009/03/14/new-on-the-nets-this-week-new-blogger-edition-ish/feed/ 1 http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/14/new-on-the-nets-this-week-12/ http://slowcoustic.com/2009/02/14/new-on-the-nets-this-week-12/#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:18:06 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=1417

The internet music blogger scene can be quite random and interesting.  It can be useful and even a form of discovery.  It can also be useless and tiresome.  Well, I have only the former items for your hyperlinking pleasure.

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• So I have recreated the “Subscribe to Slowcoustic” feature, I don’t know why I stopped.  Actually I do, old school Feedburner was a bit dodgy for me, I had a nice big post once and it said “too big foo!” and stopped updating.  Hmmm.  Oh well, click on the upper right had side (above the “search” feature) and receive daily email (if I update daily) of posts and media links.  Now in full colour gorgeousity!!  Somebody post in the comments if you subscribe and it does not function and bring me to you via electronic mail.
• Cover Lay Down had a post for the “Bittersweet Heart” – if not only a couple of days early.  First on the Scene over there I guess!!  Always a good read regardless.
• The Late Greats have some talent that we should be keeping an eye on (and I love that Canadians, The Deep Dark Woods are included) on their “9 to keep an ear out for” series.
• Muzzle of Bees had a bit of a blast from the past for current indie darling – Andrew Bird.  Check out a 2002 live performance with conveniently serving sized mp3s for consumption.
• Anyone who missed the Heartless Bastards “promo” track for “Early in the Morning (acoustic)” as it was pulled by the label – can still check it over on Herohill on one of their “Stingray of the Day” posts.  You can always count on the East Coast.
• And to end off the day with another Valentines themed note:  Side One: Track One posted the Death Cab For Cutie cover of The Cure’s Lovesong and even included a video of a slightly puffy performance from The Cure playing their original.  Check it here.

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I leave you today with an exclusive track from the upcoming EP from “Holler, Wild Rose!”.  The EP is entitled “Yarn” and is slated for a March release.  It is a collection of B-sides and Live Performances.  If you enjoy a bit of post-rock Americana, shoegazey, acoustic indie then you should be looking into this.  You can check out H,WR! on MySpace, Website (tour dates for March are up) and pick up a copy of their album on iTunes or eMusic.  You might remember them from a couple of tracks posted in December right here on Slowcoustic as well.

~Smansmith

Around the blogs, there was much happening this week, lots of good stuff.  I can only imagine if I followed more blogs!  Well just in my corner of blog watching, I think the posts of note are included below.

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• ~ Wow, The Deep Dark Woods were up for an interview and post on our sister blog, You Crazy Dreamers.  The new album “Winter Hours” could very well be the best album of the year at this point.  I know it is early, but this will be on the list come December, trust me.
• ~ My Old Kentucky Blog posted a couple of nice videos – One for the in studio session for Greg Laswell on the Laundromatinee and a new Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy video (got my tickets for the Calgary show on March 24th!!).  You might find a couple more videos to watch sandwiched between these two posts for Fleet Foxes and DM Stith as well…
• ~ I am Fuel, You Are Friends posted on her position of the (soon to take over) blogger crisis and that she made the change for the better (with extra links for a good read).  This is getting a little bit scary…
• ~ The Torture Garden posted some insight to Neutral Milk Hotel – personal note: “Oh Comely” is possibly one of my all time favourite songs…ever.
• ~ For the movie blockbuster nerd in me – if this is legit, it’s both funny AND ridiculous!

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That is it for now, a few good reads/views for ya.  I leave you today with a couple of live tracks from Anders Parker’s “14th & Division” album from last year or the year before depending on who you talk to (but actually recorded in 2005).  Anders is the kind of guy that you know should be much more important to the scene than actually is.  This is not a slight to him as the reason I say this is due to the quality of his work and ambition of his upcoming work.  The man has recorded and will be releasing 4 projects as some sort of un-named multi-disc affair.  It will cover everything – “Acoustic Anders”, “Electro Anders”, “Kickin’ Band Anders” and from what it sounds “Instrumental Guitar Rock Anders” – check his Website and his MySpace for more info on him and these projects.

Anders Parker
“Blackbird Fields” (mp3)
“So it Goes” (mp3)
from “14th & Division”
(Bladen County Records)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

p.s.  The “unrelated bonus” below – more information.

Kinda skipped a week for this whole ’round the nets post, so I have most likely missed a fair bit.  From what I can find, some highlights for me are listed below.

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• Untitled Records lets you know that they have love for Bon Iver, but not 100% love…see here.
• Captain Obvious dropped a January Mixtape that is practically busting at the seams with music that matters.
• Speaking of mixes (sort of), Motel de Moka always posts collections of music on each post…check out “Welcome to Alflolol” that also is spilling over with good tunes – even a nice little gem from “Dark Was The Night”.
• We All Want Someone To Shout For put up their praise of The Rural Alberta Advantage (plus tonnes of “new” posts – almost every post has something new or upcoming!!).  The RAA are a band I have never posted on (despite being great), even with me living IN Alberta….
• Herohill are covering the “In The Dead of Winter” festival and already have Day 1 and a preview of tonight covered…can’t wait for last night’s coverage due to a seriously great line up of Canadian East Coast talent!

I can’t even figure out the rest of the stuff I missed already…too much out there, and I shall endeavor to find it all and report back next week.  I leave you with some lo-fi goodness that I recently discovered – Caleb Hutton.  While Caleb might not be a household name, possibly for us indie folky types he just might become one.  While he has many original tunes available, I provide a psuedo theme by including 3 covers he has recorded – great versions of each if I have to say.  You can check him out (and find links to a crap load of more tracks) on his MySpace page.

~Smansmith

I wanted to touch on something that I am sure is discussed many times in the new era of Blogging.  The unfortunate, or not so unfortunate flare up of “Blogger Crossover”.  What I mean is when you see the same artist, song or whatever blogged by a million bloggers at the same time.  For us “slightly off the beaten track” internet denizens, it happens less, but still happens.  I mean how many times do you need to see the new Kanye West or MGMT remix on Hype Machine??

In what could be considered unfortunate to the musicians themselves, I tend to not post on a band if another blogger that I know or am internet friends with has recently posted on.  In a weird form of respect, I find myself saying “Well, you were Johnny on the spot, so this post is yours…” in a way.  For music bloggers, I am sure it is not exactly Bird Flu, but I try to stay away.  It is the proverbial dating of your friend’s ex-girlfriend…isn’t it?  This could be considered a bad thing, right?  But then again, is it even being “respectful” to the other blog or is imitation the sincerest form of flattery?  For example:  I blog on the same band the day after Stereogum does…do they consider it flattery, copying or do they even care?   Again, I try not to repeat content unless it is a must – like a favourite artist or something you were working on for a while, etc.

This leads me to the artist, are they receiving less coverage or support from me because I think I am respecting other bloggers/friends and not covering them?  Who am I to “ignore” (in the worst case scenario) a band that has gone through the task of recording/creating and now trying to get to the people?  This is my dilemma, I want to support the artist, that is why I am here….isn’t it?  This is why I will be posting a few tracks from bands/artists that are asking to be heard, but I simply didn’t post on previously as one of my fellow bloggers has already covered them.  I will not attempt a full “review”, but include some tracks, so the Internet spiders pick this up and hopefully provide a little bit more exposure from my little corner of the web.  With that I guess I apologize to the artists and offer a bit more blog love.  I will try to base more of my daily entries on the merits of the material, and not the “politics” of being the first to cross the line.

So, long story short, I have 3 bands/projects that are fully worth a post here and were covered by my fellow bloggers.  So read below, click over to check them out on the original post and enjoy.

Wintermitts: Great Canadian band (fully Canadian by being bilingual – I should get on this already as well) – I have selected two more down tempo songs, but this troupe can get their full band and multi instrumental party on.  Interesting fact is that they are named for a fantastic woozy song of Julie Doiron.  Visit them on their website for more downloads and some info/video!  Originally covered by Laughing Evergreens here.

Kingsbury: This foursome creates sound that floats large above you while at the same time allowing you to drink it all in.  Sound vague?  Well think of Radiohead mixed with actual guitar heavy shoegaze.  Powerful at times, quiet at times, check out the new EP “Lie To Me” and get on with your ambient post rock self.  Visit them on their website for more.  Originally covered by das klienicum here.

Joe Simpson’s “Almost There”: This one is from an artist, yes they are all artists, but Joe Simpson is a painter.  A painter you ask?  Yes, he has gathered 12 separate musicians that composed original songs for 12 paintings that follow a character on his journey to redemption.  Interesting, me thinks.  Check out the great website here.  Originally covered by Captain Obvious here.

So glad it is the weekend this time.  Long week (in my mind at least) and I just want to relax, maybe listen to some music, surf the net and possibly (re: most likely) enjoy a couple of pints of Canadian lager.  Just sounds like a great weekend to me.  Let’s see what went on around the blogosphere (or my blog roll) in the week that seemed soo long to me.

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• Good folks (no pun intended) over at An Inside Out Sock posted on a some “Scary Eerie Splatter Folk” in the form of the group Thinguma*jigsaw – visit this great find.
• Cable & Tweed posted on the new Laura Gibson from one of my favourite labels “Hush Recordings” – It’s called “Beasts of Seasons” and you can check a video they posted right here.
• Fellow Canucks Herohill posted on the AUX TV videos for Timber Timbre – Loved the Camera Music video “channel” ever since having Scott Cameron’s series on Brian Borcherdt.  Visit the rock for a viewing over yonder.
• Speed of Dark posted a “Finally Friday Acoustic” post with some nice tracks, tossed together a (Slowcoustic favourite) Death Vessel throwback and today posted on some interesting covers.  I am super impressed with SOD, henceforth to be on the ol’ blog roll.
• Captain Obvious had both The Tallest Man on Earth (via video) and Anders Parker on his site this week – I think I will eventually force Capt. to move to a full folk blog…yeah, that’s it.

So check it, blog roll love from your truly (and it is easier with my Google reader to find all this sh#t…), no seriously, I can’t recommend the blogs above more, so fly through the “ethernet” of blogs and enjoy more than enough music to keep y’all going for another week.

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Today I leave you with two artists that I have recently and not so recently come across.  Italian Folk artist “Black Eyed Dog” whom I was just introduced to, and Jacob Fannin who I have been listening to for a bit now.  A bit of a cheat sheet on both:

Jacob Fannin – introduced due to a post on fellow Wisconsinite John Statz.  While Statz is a bit more Americana, Fannin brings a lighter sound with use of guitar and piano in what he calls “Acoustic, Alternative Pop”.
Take a listen on his WEBSITE and his MySpace Page.

Black Eyed Dog – Italian label “Ghost Records” brings Fabio Parrinello’s singer songwriter persona named after a Nick Drake track to my inbox.  Nice stuff consisting of more guitar influenced piano folk.
Take a listen on his LABEL SITE and his MySpace Page.

While Black Eyed Dog being a touch more sombre folk than Fannin’s sombre pop, both compliment each other and could possibly be the opposite sides of the same coin.  You decide.

~Smansmith

What is new on the Interwebs this week or so,?  Well, let’s find out what took place over the at the HQ and what we have noticed around the web in the last bit, shall we?

• New Blogrollers hit Slowcoustic in the form of “Cable & Tweed” which is the graphic novel version of a great southern indie blog (or is it the other way around)?  Also we have an up and comer (hey, aren’t I just starting out, who am I to say “up and comer”?) in the form of “Laughing Evergreens” which has some great stuff and is becoming a regular ’round these parts.
• Is it or isn’t it?  The “new” Frightened Rabbit video surfaces….hmmmm – check Indie Music Filter for a quick see and post in the comments if you get confirmation.  Still wouldn’t be arse if it isn’t, me thinks.
• iTunes has dropped and is completely removing all DRM from the iTunes Music Store by end of the 1st Quarter – Great news.  I like the new plan, sure some tunes are more expensive, some are less – but now I can comfortably download and recommend iTunes on the blog.  Check Gizmodo peeps.
• Song, By Toad is getting his sh*t together with his site (HA, this isn’t disrespect, If you read his blog, this is what he would say) and it is looking good.  Especially his best of list being all in place.  See below for a track from his #1 album from Meursault that just so happens to be from his label.
• Everybody should go take a look a my Italian friend’s “best of 2008 list” on his site – Tracce di emozioni which include links to his reviews on Onda rock (come on, you can use Google translate on the Italian Pitchfork!).  Don’t forget his playlists, go back a month or so to find the lastest – always a great listen for free download.

Gotta go and work on my Last.fm members playlist for tomorrow, enjoy your weekend everyone.

~Smansmith

We all know that I love (and I mean love, honour and respect till death we do part) the Black Cab Sessions.  It always brings a smile to my face and a great tune to my ears.  They get some serious talent, do great recordings and you get a glimpse of some the artists in a real, everyday situations.  Well, if acoustically performing incredible songs is an everyday situation that is.  The below 2 sessions caught me the other day and I have to post them for you (albeit in YouTube form due to new “embedding practices” on VimeoPlus) in case you haven’t bookmarked it already and put a Google alert on it!

Enjoy everyone!

(for those that are too lazy, a simple audio rip of each video is below.  “Bonus” below is the new Ryan Adams session that you check here and DO NOT forget the Lambchop session here)

~Smansmith

Around the internet, what is new around the blogs, top news, and the like…more or less.

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• HearYa had a nice post on what to look forward to in 2009, and The Deep Dark Woods right after it!
• Yours Truly is making a splash – well, with my friend E over at das klienicum at least…but seriously check out the Theodore interview here, my new favourite ‘slow as molasses’ (mostly) Americana act.
• Kirkeby Kritikk has some ancient (well not ancient) mp3s from John Darnielle/the Mountain Goats – too bad about the reason for them being released…check it here.
• I am Fuel, You are Friends has a new location and look – check it (and set your bookmarks).
• The Rawking Refuses To Stop! has some feelings on the new Animal Collective and gives us updates on Akron Family – freak folk fans rejoice!

I will leave you today with what will be my eclectic playlist for the afternoon while I switch my music collection from my iMac to my external drive – I always end up having a totally unconnected playlist when moving music, as I see stuff that I haven’t listened to in a while and rediscover small portions of my music collection that have escaped me.  Enjoy some examples of cobweb cleaning at Slowcoustic HQ.

Cobweb mix 2009 includes (and look way down for links);
Goldmund
Mumford and Sons
Mariee Sioux
Pure Horsehair
Adam Selzer
Chad VanGaalen (sorry for quality, but still good, no?)

~Smansmith

So I have been out of the loop a bit with the holidays and such, and I have been a bit behind on catching up with what is going on in the world of music blogging lately, but here we go on another “New on the ‘Nets this week” post.

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• Received my copy of A Singer of Songs new album “I Dig for Gold” which is readily available on his MySpace page HERE.  Simply drop him a line and get a FREE CD download, now come on you can’t beat this!  Check out a track below from said album…now, go.  Go get it!
• One of my new favourite albums is from Doug Burr and is entitled “The Shawl” – see my fellow Blogrollers You Crazy Dreamers’ post and Captain Obvious’ post for some good vibes.  This album is truly a beautiful sounding concept album, and honestly could have been in my top albums for 2008 had I only found it sooner.  Check out Doug Burr here.
• Speaking of Blogrolling – new inductee is KOKOMO WebRadio!  Nice little outfit from France who assists in getting you some music to stream.  Swing on by an say hi, why don’t ya.
• Fellow Canadian Blog Chromewaves posted links to all three of Portishead’s videos for their “Third” Album.  Of course you can all find them on Youtube, but here they are getting some good words and conveniently located links all in one place!
• For all you Comix lovin’ indie nerds, the good folks at Cable & Tweed have their top 10 for 2008 and only 3 posts earlier is the new X-men Trailer….now that is some good readin’!

Well that is all I can think of at the moment, hopefully everyone is not back to work yet (unlike myself) and still have the rest of the year to relax and drink in what is left of ’08.  The next installment of “New on the ‘Nets” to hit sometime in 2009!

~Smansmith

In more ways than one this post is not “new”.  I have decided not to do my weekly post “New on the ‘nets” this Saturday as I am working on a “10 things that WON’T be on my Best of 2008 list” post in it’s place and this band is not my discovery in any way.  In saying that, I was going to mention in my short insight to happenings on various blogs this week about the band Theodore that my good friend over at das klienicum had posted on.  If you are up on your German, you can check the post here.  I can’t recommend visiting das klienicum enough, there is constantly great selections, including this one – I will always find something completely new to me that is a must have!  Also, don’t miss out in the upcoming couple of weeks – das klienicum (among others) will be gracing the very pages of Slowcoustic with a “Best of 2008″ list to share – so there, you got your warning.

…and back to the band, I have to honestly say I hadn’t heard of Theodore previously and I am quite taken with them at this point.  They have that hazy, slide guitar country ballad feel.  This stuff is always a killer for me as I just can’t resist it.  It makes me want to have heartache just to just stumble over and crawl inside the atmosphere it emanates.  I definitely plan on listening some more and picking up an album (and the new one when it is finished in the new year).  They are now on Undertow Music which already has a stellar line up including many all time favourites so this must be a good thing.

Visit Theodore on their Webpage to pick up an album and see/hear a bit more of them on MySpace.

Oh, and a reason I know this band is the shit…they cover Damien Jurado.  Bad ass.  The cover is actually Justin Kinkel-Schuster (lead singer for Theodore) on a recent solo performance, but still bad ass.

~Smansmith

leftovers recipe from Phillyist

New on the ‘nets this week folks.  Other than secretly wanting a “safe” Black Friday and Thanksgiving (as you ‘mericans), I was mostly MIA this week.  So this week’s list may be a little weak, but still it’s more or less new to me…and it’s not weak.

• You Ain’t No Picasso put up a post on Noah and the Whale (RIP N.A. Tour) and their cover of a classic – “Girlfriend in a Coma” by the Smiths.  Covers always seem to be in style, don’t they?  Check it.
• Ooooh, Each Note Secure has done good by me again and posted the new Horse Feathers video for “Curs In The Weeds”.  Sit, Watch and Enjoy here.  That’s it, two “New on the nets” mentions  – ENS you are now elevated to Blogroll!
• This wasn’t really last week, but I meant to put it on last Saturday – NineBullets has a post on Canadian band The Sumner Brothers.  Glad these guys are getting more play, so check it out here.  I first heard them on a radio show my co-blogger on You Crazy Dreamers has – you might want to listen this Sunday – FTLFM – The Lonesome Drifter starts around 8pm/9pm UK time (or 1pm/2pm MST) – tune in and stream some tunes!
• Okay, seriousness and quality — pick up a copy of “Peace on Earth Vol. II” from the good folks at It’s Hard to Find a Friend.  Proceeds go to The Children of Uganda Fund and plus it is simply a good album – hell, pick up a copy of Vol. I while you are at it!

I leave you today with a couple of tracks from Jay Bennett’s newest release (yes, that Jay Bennett from Wilco fame).  I am a touch partial to Jay Bennett as he was actually on my very first playlist for Slowcoustic back in December 2005 with his “I Want You Back” from 2004′s album “Beloved Enemy”.   He still has his gritty delivery and classic songwriter talent, so no worries people.  Jay has released “Whatever Happened I Apologize” this year and it is a feature release over on Rock Proper.  All the power to Wilco, but I think at times they do need a bit more Bennett on the roster, ya know.  Well here are a couple tracks from the release, with “Wicked World” being a Daniel Johnston cover.

Visit Mr. Bennett on MySpace here.
Pick up the rest of his new album at Rock Proper here.

~Smansmith

Once again, what is happening, what is new, what is been offered up to the bloggers for consumption?  Let’s take a dip into the deep end shall we?

• Aquarium Drunkard posted on a Gram Parson’s tribute (very nice) and capped it off with the link to see/listen to a bit of acoustic Cardinology from Ryan Adams – so consider me in, so visit the post here!!
• 3hive is always pumping out great music suggestions and has been a staple for a couple of years now.  Anyone getting started into “Slowcoustic” needs to dig through the vault that is “Slowcore” at 3Hive – all the staples and hidden items you would have never found.  Go and visit here.
• Can’t Miss This – Shots Ring Out has posted the Damien Jurado Video for Caskets.  Damien Jurado is a legend around Slowcoutic HQ, so take a trip and visit SRO for a look see, here.  Freaking well done video.
• Free Music Alert – the good folks over at Eardrums posted on lo-fi/indie songwriter Jacob Borchand and the fact that you can pick up an album of music – gratis!  Swing through Eardrums here.

I leave you today with another Wisconsin talent, Mr. Eric Rykal or you might know him as “The Gentle Guest“.   I finally got around to ordering the first EP from TGG entitled “Our Little Ruckus” over on Amble Down Records and I can’t recommend it enough.  While some of you may know more of the newer full length, let’s not forget where it started with this EP.  A bit slower and folk-ish as compared to the newer up tempo bluesy folk of “We Are Bound To Save Some Souls Tonight”.  Take a listen to a track from each below.

~Smansmith

Our weekly routine returns my fair readers, hope you enjoy the only slightly behind the now updates.  Remember if you are already aware of my trivial news, please consider placating me.

• Andy Hull’s “Right Away, Great Captain!” project released another winner this past Tuesday.  Hull’s magic in crafting a cohesive album is jaw dropping.  This one is still growing on me, but I know it will soon be leapfrogging many spots on the ol’ “best of 2008″.  Visit the Captain (my hero and no pun intended) for fresh tracks.
• I don’t know why I just don’t have the Take Away Shows (from La Blogotheque) as my homepage already, but Each Note Secure made sure to remind me of the Fleet Foxes show, check it on ENS here!
• The combination of blogging and high school recordings – LaundroMatinee – has a great session with Canadian band “The Acorn” – check it here.  That MOKB is good in my books.
• Another winner from Motel de Moka with a playlist (of which there are massive amounts of over on the blog) that is accurately (or awkwardly) entitled “After taking a bath” – of which it includes great tracks from Little Joy, Ane Brun and The Middle East!

No breaking news submitted to Slowcoustic HQ this week, so the above is all I got around to (so far).  I leave you today with Dare Dukes who’s “Prettiest Transmitter of All” comes out next Tuesday.  Dare has more of an indie folk vibe that might be an updated R.E.M. to say the least.  When I say R.E.M. it is mostly as Dare’s vocals remind me of Mike Stipe but without the anger of social unrest (zing!).  No, seriously, Dare is a good guy with consistently good tunes, you need to swing by his website Here or his Last.fm page Here (grab another track for free download).  You can also sign up for his mailing list on the website Here and receive a previously unavailable track from the November 18th release!

~Smansmith

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2008/11/15/new-on-the-nets-this-week-6/feed/ 2 4:19 Our weekly routine returns my fair readers, hope you enjoy the only slightly behind the now updates.  Remember if you are already aware of my ... Our weekly routine returns my fair readers, hope you enjoy the only slightly behind the now updates.  Remember if you are already aware of my trivial news, please consider placating me. Andy Hull's "Right Away, Great Captain!" project released another winner this past Tuesday.  Hull's magic in crafting a cohesive album is jaw dropping.  This one is still growing on me, but I know it will soon be leapfrogging many spots on the ol' "best of 2008".  Visit the Captain (my hero and no pun intended) for fresh tracks. I don't know why I just don't have the Take Away Shows (from La Blogotheque) as my homepage already, but Each Note Secure made sure to remind me of the Fleet Foxes show, check it on ENS here! The combination of blogging and high school recordings - LaundroMatinee - has a great session with Canadian band "The Acorn" - check it here.  That MOKB is good in my books. Another winner from Motel de Moka with a playlist (of which there are massive amounts of over on the blog) that is accurately (or awkwardly) entitled "After taking a bath" - of which it includes great tracks from Little Joy, Ane Brun and The Middle East! No breaking news submitted to Slowcoustic HQ this week, so the above is all I got around to (so far).  I leave you today with Dare Dukes who's "Prettiest Transmitter of All" comes out next Tuesday.  Dare has more of an indie folk vibe that might be an updated R.E.M. to say the least.  When I say R.E.M. it is mostly as Dare's vocals remind me of Mike Stipe but without the anger of social unrest (zing!).  No, seriously, Dare is a good guy with consistently good tunes, you need to swing by his website Here or his Last.fm page Here (grab another track for free download).  You can also sign up for his mailing list on the website Here and receive a previously unavailable track from the November 18th release! ~Smansmith 'round the nets no no http://slowcoustic.com/2008/11/09/new-on-the-nets-this-week-5/ http://slowcoustic.com/2008/11/09/new-on-the-nets-this-week-5/#comments Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:22:38 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=632

So I must apologize for yesterday, my webhost was having a bit of a issue with keeping me and many others “online”.  What’s the big deal, who needs to be online…..er, ah, freakin’ everyone!  Okay, let’s get on with some “new on the ‘nets” shall we.  The below snippets have been pulled kickin’ and screamin’ from the very womb that is the WWW.

• das klienicum, always a venue for numerous discoveries of the musical persuasion, has a boat load of stuff including a write up on an Alela Diane concert and some Skygreen Leopards.  This is for everyone, of course if you speak German it may make a bit more sense…
• We all like cover tunes – the good folks from my blogroll have you covered (you see what I did there?) over on Captain Obvious and It All Started With Carbon Monoxide.  Pick up some music and play the game with loved ones – “Hey, guess what song this is?  AND who sings it??”
• Apparently there is going to be a shift in the Space Time Continuum due to a recent electing of a charismatic leader for the “free world”.  Yes, we can…listen to a soundtrack as well.
• For something completely different for the blog (and to let you know I have extensive musical interestes beyond an acoustic guitar) – The Hood Internet has the 3rd istallment of their Mixtape and if ya wanna get your groove on and still be cooler than the rest of your friends, check it out here.  Not really from last week, but I just found it last week!
• I meant to link to this last week, but apparently did not.  Gorilla Vs. Bear is a great blog, we are not always on the same page, but they do a great job and have a lot to read through.  This post on Beach House had the tag line of “Beach House Covers TLC“, but it is actually a fantastic live acoustic version of “Used To Be” with some waterfalls at the end – both awesome and funn-e.

That is all for now, I will leave you with an update on Great Northern – a band I am not completely familiar with, but with the track below, I am going to start to listen.  There is a new studio album in the works that is looking to creep into the light by April of next year.  There is an all encompassing feeling when listening to “Low is a Height” and it is both comforting and powerful at the same time.  You can check out their first release “Trading Twilight for Daylight” over on Eenie Meenie Records.

~Smansmith

photo from Mindful Seeing (please visit)

So what do you know this post Halloween Saturday?  What new and exciting items happened to the musical landscape?  With a few quick glances, I have gathered one small corner of the interwebs below for your perusal.

• I did include a track from the new J. Tillman – Vacilando Territory Blues on yesterday’s playlist, but the album was more or less leaked this week – but pick it up next Tuesday over at the Western Vinyl shop.
• The Perm & Skullet has a list of all their podcasts that are available – so visit and subscribe.  TONS of good music that should keep you busy for those long days in class/work detail.
• New Blogroller – Womenfolk – has a very nice post on Ane Brun for her recent releases.  I just picked up “Sketches” yesterday due to their heads up.  Nice work over there.
• Chromewaves brings a massive amount of indie updates on a daily basis – recently enjoyed their feature on Emmy the Great.  How do they get soo much stuff??  I am going to have to quit my job to even try to follow in their footsteps!!
• Last but not least, I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has a great write up on the Ray LaMontagne show in Boulder – wish I was there.

I will leave you today with what is apparently a themed weekend for Western Vinyl – I think I am just looking into the label a bit closer and only now digging into their library.  This all ends up being fairly new to me and if it is new to you as well, then great discoveries all around.  The band is Balmorhea and they are what you might call an instrumental, acoustic, strings heavy indie style band.  The music is all encompassing, and worth lying on the grass…staring skywards for hours while listening.  The local Calgary photo selected at the top of this post captures the sound of Balmorhea for me – something of natural beauty.  Enjoy tracks from this Texas outfit’s “Rivers Arms” album from December of last year.

Balmorhea
“The Winter” (mp3)
from “Rivers Arms”
(Western Vinyl)

More On This Album

Also as a bonus, check out this great performance from Vimeo on the Retread Sessions.

Balmorhea “Untitled 2″ from Retread Sessions on Vimeo.
~Smansmith

So what’s going on out there, what little gifts of news and music do we have?  I often get to neglecting the internet for things beyond my control and miss out – so if anyone wants to assist, send me something you think is Slowcoustic News-worthy and maybe we can post it here each Saturday.  Just email admin@slowcoustic.com with your news.  After that request for part time help here on Slowcoustic – I bring what I have found or noticed this week below;

1. Before the news starts – did you check out the Elbo.ws blog rankings for last week?  I think not (as even I almost missed it) – but yours truly hit the #32 for the week.  Hey for a 2 month old blog, that is pretty nice – isn’t it?
2. My good friends over at You Crazy Dreamers have made me a believer of Aaron Espe with their recent post.  Wow, I missed this guy completely – so if you are like me and about the acoustic singer-songwriter – head over for a listen!
3. The new album from Frontier Ruckus “The Orion Songbook” is available on eMusic as a pre-release item.  This means on eMusic you get it before it hits the street – I picked up a copy last weekend.  The reworkings of their previous demos and releases to create this album is definitely worth a purchase.  Pick it up here.
4. Mangum???? The mystery continues on the ever elusive character.  A little overhyped, but that is why we LOVE him.  Just provide me with a completely solo, acoustic only, hushed version of “Oh Comely” and I will provide you with anything in my possession of value.
5. One of my new great reads (that includes some good music almost as a bonus) – is Songbytoad.com – check out one of the latest posts that is capped off with Dylan and King Creosote.  Sweet.

I thought I would change it up a bit and post a track by someone who might not be considered truly Slowcoustic in her stylings.  Jes Kramer is a great indie-electroacoustic performer (often a one woman band with such a full sound, it is amazing).  The song I selected is from her upcoming release “Mint Extract City” and is simply Jes and her keyboard, it is called “You Never Lost Me” – her voice is intoxicating, so honest it hurts.  She can be found on MySpace and Virb – so go be her friend, listen to her “Casio-style” and pick up an album!

~Smansmith

So I did it again, got all caught up in my life and ignored the blog on a Friday.  Sure there was the day job, sure there was a going away party for a colleague in a downtown hotel, sure I live about an hour drive from downtown.  This does not warrant a snub to the blog, does it?  Well apparently it did yesterday.

Well let’s get back to business and take a small look into what was going on this past week – I didn’t get much interweb time this week, so it might be a bit light as well!!

• Well if you didn’t catch the leak of the new Ryan Adams and the Cardinals album “Cardinology” you might be one of the only ones!  Check out my favourite new track from the album over at the Swill Merchant Blog here.  Its very nice if I do say so myself.
• Have you seen the latest Hype Machine “popular blog tracks” page today?  The Top 25 blog posts/tracks has 12 appearances from Kanye West and mostly his newest single…is this what we need – the guy is good, but come on people!
• I Guess I’m Floating put up a post on Ivana XL – (one of my favorites that I only have about 7-8 songs from) – so definitely check it out – also take a read through the “Music Alliance Pact” post, some interesting stuff.
• Did you see this release yet?  Ummm, I am a bit of an Apple fanboy and tech nerd….
• I apologize now for referencing Pitchfork, but they sometimes do very good things – see the review on Lost Wisdom from Mount Eerie with Julie Doiron and Fred Squires.  nuff said.

Well that is all I got for now, I am sure I will post an incredibly similar post in about a week or so – as I know you were about to ask.  I thought I would leave you with someone who’s music is not really “new on the ‘nets”.  I have really enjoyed what I have from this artist over the last couple of years, and he is without an actual release (yet??).  The guy is called “Dry Still” and I have 2 tracks for you – of which both are basically some of the best slowcoustic tracks you will find.  So go to his MySpace page and hound this guy to release an album or just become a fan – we need more of this thick as mud Americana.

~Smansmith

Another week down people, success – it’s the weekend!  As a matter of fact it is a long weekend in Canada due to the real Thanksgiving weekend (no offense to my American Readers!).  There actually was a fair amount that was pumping through millions of miles of Ethernet cable this week for all you internet music lovers – and this is only a small portion:

• So The Mountain Goats have a new EP with Satanic Messiah.  Swing on by, donate a few bucks and get some new tracks from Mr. John Darnielle (my own personal hero) as the EP is really, really good – for the TMG fans at least.
• So….Mr. Ray LaMontagne’s “Gossip In The Grain” leaked (well a mainstream leak at least) – so I assume a flood of tracks will come through various blogs soon.  It is pretty darn good, as I am sure we all expected.  This album is very highly anticipated, and I am happy that RLM is getting his major recognition.  And no…I am not posting tracks prior to the release next week.
• Brian Borcherdt’s new album “Coyotes” was released on Oct. 7th and it is top 3 for the year in my books and may work it’s way to the top spot.  You may know Borcherdt from his work with Holy Fuck, but this is definitely not to be mistaken for that…no, not at all.
• J. Tillman posted on his MySpace blog that “Vacilando Territory Blues” will be released digitally in 2 weeks!!  Oct. 27th it hits the proverbial shelves.  This will be great as usual (the re-working of “Firstborn” on his MySpace player sound good to.)

Well all this talk about great music is making me think of great all time music.  With that being said, I am going to post something that might be considered great for all time by you listeners.  I am sure this song (albeit a cover version) is considered “best of” in many circles – “I See A Darkness” from Mr. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy / Will Oldham – you decide if that circle encompasses you (I think it just might).

~Smansmith

Well some may know, but for the most part most will not.  The Slowcoustic new site turned “1 month” this last week!!  I know, I know, maybe a bit early for parties and movie deals yet, but congrats to us anyway!  I have to say that the last month we did quite well for a fledgling blog (with a help from a few friends – thank you!) despite only minor hiccups.  I mean I don’t think a blog of this music genre is going to crazy popular as readers of Slowcoustic would tend to be a bit more, how do I say, a connoisseur of the slow tempo.  We ain’t gonna hit top of the charts people, but that is the way we like it!

With that being said, what was going on around the WWW other than our 1 month anniversary you ask?  Well I have a few items of note below;

• You might want to swing by the “So the Wind Won’t Blow it All Away” for some nice tunes – especially recently with Boduf Songs.  I kept meaning to post on Mat Sweet (Mr. Boduf Songs himself) but didn’t hear back from him or his people – ;-(
• The good folks over at Untitled Records Blog have a little write up on Slowcoustic Fav Damien Jurado (is this another Jurado “round the ‘nets” post….DAMN rights).
• Not really this last week, but I found it this last week (does that count?) – but Peer Validated from good ol’ Wisconsin has a track “Hazelton” from Justin Vernon (“post” DeYarmond and “Pre” Bon Iver) – this guy cannot do wrong!
• So the next attempt to bring mainstream indie into mainstream was released – Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist – the movie opened.  Clell Tickle would be proud.  One pleasant surprise was Mr. Paul Tiernan and Mr. Richard Hawley making the soundtrack.  Do you think Band of Horses and Vampire Weekend got into a fight to make sure their song was in the opening credits??  HA, just jokes people!

That is all I got, but enjoy another track from Paul Tiernan to ease you into your weekend.  Enjoy.

~Smansmith

So another great week across the blogosphere and internets and I have looked to see about some of the best of it.  Hope you like ‘em!

• Blogroller – Herohill – has a post on the new album from Brian Borcherdt (of Holy Fuck fame) that comes out on October 7th.  Swing on by the East Coast blog for a tasting “Scout Leader”, very good.
• So Much Silence – has reminded me of the Black Cab Sessions with their post on the great episode for Damien Jurado!  How they get the quality of the music in the back of a moving cab is beyond me…
• Long time blog Songs:Illinois is looking for some traffic, so swing on by and maybe listen to some classic folk, bluegrass, honkey-tonk or just some good music – this one is old school, one of the first blogs I frequented when beginning my journey into folk music.  So go, go now!
• My good friend over at das klienicum has posted on the Eardrums Music Compilations that brings along with it oodles and oodles of free music in the form of a 2 part Autumn Compilation.  Not necessarily Slowcoustic, but some great tunes and come on, free music people!

There you have it, another week of the WWW.  See ya next week.

~Smansmith

• Our good ol’ boy over at Aquarium Drunkard posted some great live tracks and interviews of Fleet Foxes from BBC 2 and a bit of a gem in a lesser known Ryan Adams balladeer track.
• The ever-connected Daytrotter studios have had Alina Simone in for a session and she performed the incredible Gunshots and a few others…but listen to Gunshots, over and over again.
• New Blogroll inductee “It All Started with Carbon Monoxide” has a nice post on some Lanterns On The Lake and a few of their “Shoegaze” tracks to fade away with.
• Last but not least I received my email alert on the new Frontier Ruckus coming out on the 6th of November with Quite Scientific Records.  There will also be a couple of EPs coming out this winter and they have revamped their website (very well done as well I might add) – Make sure you check out their new site as they also offer quite a few demos for free download (I had “I Am The Water You Are Pumping” my top EP from 2007 by the way).  Enjoy a sample of some of the ‘ruckus below.

• Hearing about Bon Iver’s reworking of 4 tracks from his album for MySpace Transmissions.  Yes, the album is getting a bit long in the tooth for the die hards, but still makes me happy as I try to emulate Justin’s singing voice…
• Finding out William Fitzsimmons is having a new album from our good friends at You Crazy Dreamers…I didn’t know…bad music guru wanna-be!  Check it out here.
• Captain Obvious has a great “covers mix“, has thoughts on the new Horse Feathers album and discovers great things in general – (thanks Cap!).
• Receiving my copy of Chad VanGaalen’s “Soft Airplane” and listening to the CDR copies for “In The Molecules”, “Bones of Man” and one other track…someone tell me what it is called (it isn’t the vinyl extras, the cd release extras)!!  I am posting it until someone tells me in the comments of this post (Sorry Flemish Eye records – I am not labelling (well obviously) it so it shouldn’t be that “searchable/download ready”)

I am sure there are other things that are new (like realizing Chicago and area has crazy talent for musicians!) but I can’t think as I am only on my first 12 oz. coffee…  Give us a shout on what is new with all you.

~Smansmith