~~

After listening to my brand new Dolorean vinyl for his newest album “The Unfazed”, I was kinda worked up and wanted more. Well, I started going over the fact that I had to post again on the nom de plume that is the Al James fronted band out of Portland.

Admittedly a bit late to the party on Dolorean as I have only been listening for a couple of years, but there are some crazy good slow burners (including the one in this post) from James & Co. that just stop me in my tracks. The new album that is currently creeping up my best of 2011 list is laid back country at its best. From songs like duet beauty of ‘Country Clutter’ (with Bosque Brown I believe) to the stunning ‘Fools Gold Ring’ and up to 70′s rock influenced ‘Black Hills Gold’ – it is a must own album.

But enough of the new album, the song of the day is from a split 7″ Dolorean did with Holy Sons a few years back and there is a bit of a story of first jobs, misread words, Springsteen albums that lead to this song. Read the story from the Dolorean site here. Such a great track – this is minimal & stark singer songwriter at its best. This song is a piano lament of love lost – tragic in its crushing beauty to say the least. A must hear.

Please visit and support Dolorean: Website, Twitter and Facebook.
Purchase on Partisan Records (North America) and Fargo Records (EUR).
Purchase the 7″ split with Dolorean & Holy Sons on the Pamlico Sound site.

~Smansmith

Damien Jurado - image by Sarah Jurado

I discovered/remembered the other day via a random search in my iTunes library about the Damien Jurado demo for “Nothing Is The News” on his new album, Maraqopa.  When I first heard the new version, it didn’t immediately strike me as the demo that we posted back in 2010 (see post here with a couple other tracks) despite the first 30 seconds being almost identical.  I now find myself expecting that electric guitar and percussion to kick in at about 35 seconds in…where the demo now feels “unfinished”.  I guess that is the idea behind a track’s journey from thought, to demo, to final album version.  Of course working with Richard Swift (as Jurado did with Maraqopa) you know that he probably would not allow a solo acoustic song anyway!

So with the new version of Nothing Is The News being over twice as long, you know it has made a longer journey than most songs from the demo stage – especially for an artist who is loosely placed in the ‘singer-songwriter’ genre.  So I look at both tracks being almost two separate songs now.  One the early morning shuffling around the house version and one the driving around the Hollywood hills just prior to sunset version.  I will let you decide which is which.

aaaaand the video for the album version:

Visit Damien Jurado: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Secretly Canadian.

~Smansmith

Song of the Day is from the great new album “Post-Empire” from Will Stratton.  I actually had it as my song of the night last night in general, so why not have it “officially” posted on the blog?  Why the album has not had a peep on this blog yet is beyond me (re: all my lazy ass’ fault) – so let’s start talking Will Stratton’s latest shall we?

The new album has actually been spinning over here for a surprisingly long time (as has Will Stratton’s music in general) and I don’t want to say this new album is the crown jewel in his discography, but it is the crown jewel in his discography…so far.  While not removing himself from the musical style we have heard from him in the past, he comes in with arguably his best & most complete album to date.  ‘Post-Empire’ is part finger picking folk, part retrospective alt-pop and almost a classic 70′s psychedelia.  That last reference might scare some, but is definitely subdued, but there is something that sounds older than Stratton’s years but I am not one to be able to pin it down….no matter how hard I try.  I think part of his album overview hits the mark for this album and Stratton’s focus on music in general;

“While some music writers may talk themselves hoarse about the dueling narratives of hype and authenticity these days, there will always be artists quietly making music impervious to buzz, telling real stories of decline, romance, hope, regret, and renewal.”

I have chosen the track “The Relatively Fair” for my feature song of the day from the album as it is the one that speaks to me the most.  It displays incredibly infectious hooks (well for a folk – acoustic based song at least) and immediately causes me to nod my head.  While many might say having ‘infectious hooks’ means a song of less breadth, they would be off the mark for the track.  With it’s backing strings and style of acoustic guitar, it treats you to the perfect mix of a catchy song and quality song-crafting.  Do me a favour and also follow along to the lyrics via his Bandcamp page – smart, poignant and actually have the ability to speak to someone.  Try that in the bulk in the music industry these days.  Listen below.

If I were a betting man, I would say that as long as you find yourself on this site, you will want to find yourself listening to ‘The Relatively Fair’ and ‘Post-Empire’ as a whole.  So why don’t you?

Find Will Stratton: Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter

~Smansmith

Hip Hatchet - Joy and Better Days - artwork by Markel Uriu

New album from Hip Hatchet due on April 10th!  If the lead off track that is currently streaming on his Bandcamp page is any indication we are in for a treat.  Philippe Bronchtein (the one they call ‘Hip Hatchet’) crafts mixtures of late night drinking, introspective moments and life changing themes into music and delivers in his deep, if not slightly gritty, delivery.  Songs that you can both sway together with a partner and sit alone and ponder what should have been or what will be soon.  I might be a bit partial to his style of music, so I would always tell you it is good for any situation…but that is just me.

This lead off track below, Sing Me A Reprise, was “written during a period of relocation from Vermont to Portland and navigates themes of transition, home, memory, and relationships”.  The song was recorded by engineer and producer Tim Shrout, it features Alex Lewis on the electric guitar, Charlie Freundlich on the double bass and Philippe Bronchtein behind the rest of the instrumentation.

So the album comes out on April 10th via Gravitation Records and you can find a bit more info and full track listing over on the Hip Hatchet Bandcamp page.  You can also find more on his Tumblr page and ‘like’ him on Facebook.

~Smansmith

Apparently we should be on the look out for a new Sergius Gregory album by the looks of this, so why not have a ‘cover-song of the day’ for it?

Sergius Gregory creates atmosphere in(stead of) music.  It is partially ambient, partially folk based and it drips with the aforementioned atmosphere.  The Morrissey cover gives a more gentle drift than the truly downtrodden Morrissey lyrics provide on paper.   The lyrics in Gregory’s delivery seem more of an account of sadness instead of an internal self loathing that you might expect from this particular track.  Either way it is a beauty and bodes well for the upcoming album “Long Life” – ETA unknown.
seasick, yet still docked (morrissey cover) by sergius gregory

More info can be had on Sergius and his previous album can be found over at Saint-Loup Records or you can always follow him via the Facebook.

~Smansmith

Today’s song of the day is from Zachary Lucky and his track “Back in the Fall” from his upcoming album Saskatchewan (some say EP, some say LP, some say who the hell cares, just let us hear it already).

The song is simply fantastic.  Whether it is the lazy banjo, the pedal steel or the honest delivery (when his voice just starts to crack when he first sings “Back in the Fall” – it’s killer).  The song is seems like it is not necessarily a story about a past relationship rather than a mantra to himself about life moving on…and its okay.  It just also happens to be painfully gorgeous.

You can pre-order his album ‘Saskatchewan’ from his Bandcamp page HERE and find out if he is visiting your hometown via his tour dates on his website HERE.

Bonus for y’all is a live video I took of this song at a recent house show Zachary did here in Calgary about a month ago, enjoy.

~Smansmith

Andrew Sisk (Photo by Scott Munn)

Today’s song of the day is from one Andrew Sisk, who was passed on to me from Matt over at Pigeon Row (see them & their full list of clients here) and I am greatfull this brooding singer songwriter’s newest album is now with me.

The album, Treelines, was released on January 31st and is nine thick-with-character songs recorded “…in his apartment in Montreal with his son Elliott sleeping on his lap during vocal takes, and quietly watching him record classical guitar parts“.  The song “I Whispered It” is a stunning example of what what you would think from that last sentence.  It is a layered but still stripped down beauty – vocals just scratchy enough to feel worn in and echoing guitars in the distance causing texture.  The song both floats and digs into you at first listen.  My only ‘complaint’ is that it ends to soon.  So then, stop and listen for at least two minutes and seventeen seconds today.

Find the full album from Andrew Sisk over on his Bandcamp page.

~Smansmith

Today’s song of the day is a cover of the classic track ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want’ from The Smiths as performed by Pickering Pick.  Gone is the dramatically mellow angst only to be replaced by sombre aching alongside the ambient acoustics.  While we are not comparing which song is better and both are the same lyrically but give total different listens despite being the ‘same’ song.  Pickering Pick removes himself from the persona of Morissey and The Smiths and simply creates a great version of a classic song.

“Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want (The Smiths Cover)” – Pickering Pick
As part of the Rate Our Music #08 compilation “See You on the Other Side”  (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Visit and listen to more from Pickering Pick on his Bandcamp Page.

~Smansmith

Today’s (free) Song of the Day is from Noah Gundersen’s “B-Sides” one track release over on his Bandcamp page.  The track is Avalanche and is a recommendation for the hurt lover that pines from afar in all of us.  The song kind of makes you think that some of the most intense love affairs can happen between people that have never met.  Oh, and it’s an extremely pretty song as well.

You can find the above track as a free download (with email address) via his bandcamp page here.   If ‘Avalanche’ above does something for you, make sure you look into his most recent album “Family” as well as you will not be disappointed.

Find more on Noah Gundersen: Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp

~Smansmith

Kim Janssen (photo snagged from Last.fm)

Today’s song of the day is a beauty from Kim Janssen’s upcoming album “Ancient Crime” due out soon.  Okay, I don’t really know when, but I predict it to be fairly soon!  Some of you might know him from his “day job” in the band The Black Atlantic and some of you may know him from his great 2009 album “The Truth is, I am Always Responsible” (we had a quick mention and track back in early 2010 here).   The new song “Tors” is very reminiscent of his previous album, which is a good thing, and hence I have high hopes for ‘Ancient Crime’.  Just take a listen to the delicate acoustics and tell me you are not as well…

Make sure you keep an eye out for this one (as I am) and I hope to update you with more on the release very soon!

Visit Kim Janssen: Facebook | iTunes

~Smansmith

We/Or/Me - Photo by Bobby Aazami

Today is a quick post on a repeat offender around here in a song & video of the day from Bahhaj Taherzadeh (or We/Or/Me).  His most recent album is called Sleeping City and it came out midway through last year.  As you can expect it comes with great slowed down harmonies and almost lullabye infused folk.  Sounds about right for a man who now has twin girls at home…

Listen to “Sun Came Up” from We/Or/Me below:

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Sun Came Up by we/or/me from Ramin Eshraghi Yazdi on Vimeo.

You can find more from Bahhaj over on his Website as well as his Bandcamp Page (I recommend the CD bundle for Sleeping City with Ghostwriter!).

~Smansmith

p.s.  Ramin Eshraghi Yazdi who made the video above also did a more recent video from the same album “Across the Country” and he is apparently from right here in Calgary!  Nice.

May your pace be lessened and your guitar be unplugged.Have a Slowcoustic 2012 everyone!

— Slowcoustic (@Slowcoustic) January 1, 2012

Sean Hayes
“New Years Day” (mp3)
from “Outtakes & Alternatives”
(Sean Hayes)

Buy at Amazon MP3
More On This Album

This track has seriously been on repeat for about 2 weeks and qualifies for “Best New Music” already. You know him, but do you know him as a “solo artist”?  Ryan Boldt of The Deep Dark Woods looses none of the prairie roots magic with his own material in comparison to the DDWs.

The track is “Mary Hamilton’s Last Goodnight” and is a spectacularly slow and waning Canadiana track.  The signature vocals of Boldt that immediately bring you to those achingly beautiful tracks from his day job as lead of the Saskatchewan indie heroes The Deep Dark Woods.  I apologize for consistently mentioning the band as this track stands alone as proof of Boldt as a solo artist (even if he isn’t one).  Thanks again to Zachary Lucky & the Prairie Roots Revue for bringing this recording to my attention.  Everyone, enjoy your new favourite track, “Mary Hamilton’s Last Goodnight”.

Follow Ryan Boldt on Facebook and follow on Twitter already!  You can also find The Deep Dark Woods and their newest album (our #3 album of 2011) “The Place I Left Behind” HERE.

~Smansmith

Robert Deeble has a new single from his upcoming album “Heart Like Feathers” that found its way into my inbox yesterday.  So then, today’s song of the day is actually the “B-side” from that single/title track with the acoustic version of the song!  Surprised that I picked it, right?

The track is a great little finger picked number that really puts the focus on the Seattle singer-songwriters laid back vocals intermingled with the creaks and twangs of the guitar.  Its a beauty!  The new album is due out on February 7th, 2012 from Dead Letter Records.  For a bonus you can check out another track “Undertow” that also includes Slowcoustic favourite Lotte Kestner assisting on vocals here.

Robert Deeble – Heart Like Feathers (Acoustic Demo) by fanaticpro

Find out more on the album and Deeble in general by visiting him on his Website, Facebook, Twitter and Bandcamp!

~Smansmith

Today’s song of the day is from Balto and is from the UK version of the October’s Road album with the track ‘Gravestones‘.  Well, I am not sure it is actually part of the album proper but it is included as a demo/bonus track with their recent foray into releasing the album in the UK.

As Balto has shown with numerous examples from the October’s Road album, once again, we get great acoustics, melody and hooks that almost anyone could be proud of!   I recommend looking into song ‘The Railyard‘ via the Bandcamp link below as well (my favourite from the album).  ’Gravestones‘ as a song is essentially Daniel Sheron playing all instruments and it was even produced by Hip Hatchet (yes, that Hip Hatchet) so you know it is going to be Slowcoustic goodness!

Balto – “Gravestones (Demo)”

Find out more on Balto via the band Website, Bandcamp and Facebook!

~Smansmith

Today’s song of the day is the stunning ‘To Find This Home’ from the upcoming EP from Paul Otteson called “Fall Where They May”.  Well to be honest, it is available now for digital download, the actual physical EP will see its release in early December, so by saying upcoming, I mean that in the old school music enthusiast way…the CD is upcoming!

To say that Paul brings a calming sombre aura to song-crafting is an understatement.  His songs enjoy banjo laden acoustic gems, sometimes more “indie-pop” like the track ‘The Full Spectrum’, have a bit of edge like in ‘Nothing We Could Do’ and then stop you in your tracks with a stunning piano beauty ‘To Find This Home’ and a lullaby induced opening track like ‘Never Knight’.  This little 4 track EP has it all – for fans of a less ethereal Justin Vernon or even a less eccentric Sufjan Stevens…you can make your own decision.

Find more to listen to and purchase at his Bandcamp page HERE or you can swing by his website HERE.

~Smansmith

I don’t know Bry Webb.  I didn’t listen to his previous band The Constantines.

I now know Bry Webb and wonder what removed him from The Constantines.

aaaannyywayy…

The album ‘Provider’ from Webb comes in almost on a different planet (or different time in his life) than his previous material and to my ears this is a welcome thing.  Provider is hushed, subdued but powerful, heartfelt and just plain good.  As I mentioned my unfamiliarity with his full band effort in The Constantines (I mean I heard OF them of course, just didn’t listen TO them), I can’t help but think this guy was long overdue with this album.  Mostly recorded “off the floor” with just the basics to create immense but “simple” songs by the use of only a guitar, stand up bass, lap and pedal steel the result is something I wholeheartedly recommend.

Listen to “Undertaker” from the new album, get “Rivers of Gold” for free download HERE and when you pick up the album take “Zebra” and “Asa” for a long spin.

Undertaker by Idée Fixe Records
Visit Bry Webb on his website and on Idée Fixe Records (purchase)

~Smansmith

p.s.  I guess I would be remiss in not stating that Colin Stetson plays on Undertaker, so it is almost an indie Canadian must have!

The other day Elephant Micah put out word of the upcoming album Louder Than Thou on his updated website.  Despite there being no formal date (but early 2012), the news included the fact that there will be a limited LP (yes!) and a pay-what-you-want digital offering (I assume through Bandcamp).  This is great news.  Why?  Because after hearing the new song ‘If I Was a Surfer’ I am refueling on Elephant Micah!

The new track below brings more of Joe O’Connell’s signature guitar strumming alongside his warm vocals and, and…a female vocalist!  This isn’t unheard of but a new facet of his sound, she comes in around the 1:50 mark to bring in a stunning chorus and she also helps end off the track with even more goodness.  If you are a regular of Slowcoustic you know all I will say is good things about Elephant Micah, so there isn’t really anything else to say/type at this point.  You can just listen to the new track below.

If I Were a Surfer by Elephant Micah

Keep an eye on his Website and his Bandcamp Page for any new stuff and why not find out/listen to more while you are there?

~Smansmith

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

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

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

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

Without further adieu, your song of the day;

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

~Smansmith

photo by Bobby Aazami

Just a quick post of a Daniel Johnston cover from Bahhaj Taherzadeh (We/Or/Me) that was just completed for a lost friend. Songs mean many things to many people and some are shared specifically among friends. I don’t pretend to know the whole story behind the recording, but it is a great song, done well for a good reason.

From the Soundcloud page:

I recorded this song for my friend Gavin Welch a few days after he passed away. This week Marie helped me finish it up so that it could be shared with his friends today. It’s a song by the great Daniel Johnston–an artist that Gavin and I had many conversations about. It’s not a sad song. It’s a song of gratitude and of acknowledgment that the time we spend with those we love, is time that will be with us always.

Find the original via the Soundcloud link above (or here) and enjoy a nice big uncompressed download of the track.

Visit We/Or/Me: Website | Facebook | Bandcamp (he has a great new album).

~Smansmith

Today’s song & video of the day came out of nowhere, but from a familiar place – always nice when that happens.  Creeping on music forums is one of the best ways to find music – you tend to get a lot of suggestions and the people tend to know what they are talking about.  Then, I look into it and I find a video via the good folks at Love Drunk Studios (where I first ‘saw’ the band Kill County – another winner in this category).  The song is “Man Pt. 1″ from the one man band ‘South of Lincoln’.

On a side note, I actually drove through Lincoln on my honeymoon road trip and both me and my wife felt that it was the type of place we would love to live in.  Albeit from the 20 minutes in downtown getting coffee to the small divey motel on the outskirts of the town – we had it all figured out & decided!  I guess we now have more reason to revisit that plan of moving a bit further south…

Aaaaaaannnnyyyywaaaayy, this song of the day gets double treatment with audio and video – this is a good thing as well because you get the more produced version in the Soundcloud stream below and then you get a great fully acoustic version via the video.  This one man band is made up of the talented Max Holmquist who brings an ease of creating music that instantly creates a connection – you have to immediately enjoy the stark honesty and harmony that is provided in spades.  The sound can be described as a modern day storytelling folk country troubadour (I tried to fit in more words but it just got out of hand) and by his own admission gives influences of Neko Case, Damien Jurado & M. Ward – pretty good models to hone your craft if I had to say.  As I have literally just started listening to the album I can’t really make full observation on the early 2011 release, but from what I have heard – it is sounding frickin’ good.

South of Lincoln has a new EP that was just released called “The Monsters/Bathroom Sessions” but I can’t really find anything on it…so if anyone wants to point me in the direction to a purchase, I would be much appreciated!!

Please take a moment, listen, fall in love with it and then swing by the good folks at Hear Nebraska for more information and ‘Like’ him on his Facebook page to show your support for great music.  You can pick up the ‘Homes’ album via iTunes by clicking HERE.

~
Man, Pt. I by South of Lincoln
~

South of Lincoln: Man Pt. 1 from Love Drunk on Vimeo.

~

EDIT: The Monsters/Bathrooom Sessions on iTunes!!

~Smansmith

After listening to my brand new Dolorean vinyl for his newest album “The Unfazed”, I was kinda worked up and wanted more.  Well, I started going over the fact that I had to post again on the nom de plume that is the Al James fronted band out of Portland.

Admittedly a bit late to the party on Dolorean as I have only been listening for a couple of years, but there are some crazy good slow burners (including the one in this post) from James & Co. that just stop me in my tracks.  The new album that is currently creeping up my best of 2011 list is laid back country at its best.  From songs like duet beauty of ‘Country Clutter’ (with Bosque Brown I believe) to the stunning ‘Fools Gold Ring’ and up to 70′s rock influenced ‘Black Hills Gold’ – it is a must own album.

But enough of the new album, the song of the day is from a split 7″ Dolorean did with Holy Sons a few years back and there is a bit of a story of first jobs, misread words, Springsteen albums that lead to this song.  Read the story from the Dolorean site here.  Such a great track – this is minimal & stark singer songwriter at its best.  This song is a piano lament of love lost – tragic in its crushing beauty to say the least.  A must hear.

Please visit and support Dolorean: Website, Twitter and Facebook.
Purchase on Partisan Records (North America) and Fargo Records (EUR).
Purchase the 7″ split with Dolorean & Holy Sons on the Pamlico Sound site.

~Smansmith

Bryan John Appleby’s new album “Fire on the Vine” was released today via his Bandcamp page and I have just started listening and it is fantastic.  While I just heard this song performed live from over on the Sound on the Sound blog – the studio/album version of “Noah’s Nameless Wife” is just stunning.  It is your song of the day.

~~

The song is a classic pining singer songwriter lament with acoustic guitar over waning strings and Appleby’s steadfast vocals.  This is some great Slowcoustic-ness here folks.  Take a listen and swing by his Bandcamp page HERE to pick up a copy of ‘Fire on the Vine’.

Those of you in or around the Seattle area can head out tomorrow for the album release show at Columbia City Theater – info: Facebook | Tickets

~Smansmith

Discovered this little gem of an EP from the good folks over at Natural Beardy (thx NB!  See their post here) and thought I would share it with you as well.   So after listening over with the bearded ones, I immediately picked up the 2009 6-track EP ‘Shoes for Men and Beasts’ via their Bandcamp page and it has been playing all weekend at Slowcoustic HQ.  There also looks to be a new album that should be surfacing very soon (complete with sample track for streaming/purchase) via a recent successful Kickstarter campaign.

The song Cliffs Along the Sea track is a beautiful acoustic track that actually makes for a great live take…in a boat…or something…

~~

If you like the above track, you would definitely enjoy the tracks “Pride of Man”, “The Silent Shepherd” and “The Rider, the Horse, the Land” from the EP as well.  So what are you waiting for?

~Smansmith

The other day I picked up (after waiting much too long) the Mostly Midwest Sampler Mixtape #1 (find it here with a ‘pay what you want option’).  They were doing a push to raise funds for all things Midwest and it simply prompted me to get off my ass and actually “donate” with a purchase.  I had been aware of it for a while and also aware of Jeremiah Nelson as well, but I found another little gem of a track from the mixtape in a 2008 recording from Nelson, “Favorite Chair”.  The song originally was part of his album ‘Take Me Down the Interstate’.

The song is fantastic.  It’s a slow summer morning, with sunlight picking out the dust lazily floating in the air…caught in each of the light’s streams through the window.  It is a piano meshed acoustic ballad and begs for simpler times when you can just sit down and listen – plain and simple, its great and you should listen to.

~~

Find more from Jeremiah on his website and Bandcamp page.

Check out the great duet with the amazing Heidi Spencer off his new album that was previously on Slowcoustic (via 5 Score Pachyderm) HERE.

~Smansmith

Song of the day.  Joshua James covering Sufjan’s classic ‘To Be Alone With You’ for the charity album featuring the Seven Swans album ‘reimagined’ by a different artist for each song.  Great idea, not all tracks really worked, but overall it is a pretty solid listen.  So, then, song of the day:

Find more information on the On Joyful Wings Bandcamp page HERE.

~Smansmith

Just thinking about this album today as they are announcing the long list for the Polaris Prize today (keep an eye out here).  If you are unaware, the 2011 Polaris Prize is the ‘best’ Canadian album to be released between June 2010 and May 2011 as chosen by music editors, sites, critics in Canada.  Slowcoustic is considered one of those Canadian music types and I voted for my favourite albums and this band may have been among the list….I ain’t gonna tell.

One Hundred Dollars new album “Songs of Man” is a strong contender for reaching at least the long list of the Polaris, but unfortunately I don’t see a more country/roots type band winning for some reason.  All I can say is that I hope that the whole process isn’t just an exercise in voting Arcade Fire for the top spot (despite it being a good album as well).  Lets all hope we see $100 represented today on the announcement for the competition to Canada’s ‘best’ album of the 2010/2011 season.  That is all I am going to say on this subject (at this time).  ;-)

One Hundred Dollars’ ‘Songs of Man’: While you can expect a bit of a country experience from One Hundred Dollars, you also get a bit of retro rock, folky moments all mixed together into a rambling rootsy album.  This may sound wishy washy and almost a bit thrown together, but it isn’t – it feels quite well assembled in all reality.  If a slightly tamer Janis Joplin decided to become an outlaw country act, then One Hundred Dollars should be on your listening “long list”.

Enjoy Black Gold as your song of the day:

“Black Gold” from One Hundred Dollars album “Songs Of Man”

Find more/purchase: Website, Outside Music, Facebook and Zunior (purchase).

~Smansmith

Today gets a great track I listened to a few months back and never got around to posting on it.  Sooo much music I guess.  Not really an excuse, I know – especially for a great track like this one.

Daniel Huscroft is a Canadian singer songwriter that is a little hard to classify into a specific genre – I want to say folkish, indie singer songwriter-ish, or along those lines.  Listen to the song below and you will understand where I am coming from.  Clearly a powerful vocalist and I think the polish on the great HD video my belie any gruff exterior he might show.  I am sure that was the point of the video having Huscroft in the middle of classical musicians with strategic blur and the like – nice little video for the song I think.

~
GONE by Daniel Huscroft
~

“Gone” is from his 2010 album “Here Is Just For Now” and you can find it on iTunes here or CD Baby here.  Lots of strings, acoustic guitar and strong vocals – what’s wrong with that for a Friday?  Nothing, now go into your weekend as this week is….gone.  [weak, I know]

Find out more on Daniel Huscroft on his new Facebook page or even his MySpace page.

~Smansmith

This song has been on constant repeat at Slowcoustic HQ.  Why?  Because it is absolutely stunning.  I am not overly familiar with the original but I fear that I might prefer the cover…is that really so wrong?

Well it might be wrong if you ask Ryan Tanner due to Steve Earle figuring predominantly in the “hero” category around Ryan Tanner HQ.  Well, we agree to disagree on the immensely powerful cover of “Goodbye” performed here.  While I have heard some live versions of the song by Steve Earle back in the day, they are also damn good (and possibly with a bit more twang than Tanner provides) but I stand strong with the fact that this song can stand on its own.  That is really all you can ask for a cover/tribute song – that it stands on its own.  Ryan Tanner’s “Goodbye” stands taller than most.

I recommend you start keeping an eye on this award winning songwriter’s solo persona (he was formerly in the band Atherton who enjoyed their fair share of notability).  While he is new to me, I plan on listening to him as much as possible – new album is due this year, which is great news.

Best new find in my book.  The new find, once again, brought to me from Adrian (my web brother) from I Pick My Nose Blog – cheers Adrian.  Let’s listen to the song that started this ramble.

“Goodbye (Steve Earle Cover)” – Ryan Tanner

Find more on Ryan Tanner on his Website, Twitter and his blog!

~Smansmith

*All photos on this post by Jed Wells

]]> http://slowcoustic.com/2011/04/15/song-of-the-week-goodbye-steve-earle-cover-by-ryan-tanner/feed/ 2 http://slowcoustic.com/2011/04/09/video-and-song-of-the-day-wore-it-deep-by-the-tree-ring/ http://slowcoustic.com/2011/04/09/video-and-song-of-the-day-wore-it-deep-by-the-tree-ring/#comments Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:09:08 +0000 slowcoustic http://slowcoustic.com/?p=5911

I get a lot musical recommendations on a daily basis.  Honestly at least 60% of them are just that, a musical recommendation.  They are simple recommendations that are music – not necessarily something I will like or find soothing to my slowcoustical ears.  But sometimes you get recommendations from those that actually know you and hand pick something for you that they know you will enjoy.  And its beautiful.

The other day this happened to me from good friend Adrian who you may know from his blog “I Pick My Nose” that was formerly based out of San Francisco – always a great place to find music.  Well he was on a bit of a sabbatical from his blog and he is now back in North America (but you should see his photos of South Africa!) and he is firing over recommendations to me and The Tree Ring were one.  Adrian is good people.

Soooo, then Song AND Video of the day!  Yes, its true.  I actually watched the video first and then followed up with the album version of the song – while the video catches the magic of the song, the “studio” version is still a more than worthy listen.  It is a wide open song that is soft & sparse in feel but full of beautiful strings, xylophone and percussion.  At its heart the song is truly focused on the dance between the cello’s waning and the pining vocals of Joel P. West.  Simply stunning (if not a bit melodramatic…in a good way!).

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Enjoy this beautiful song and swing by the band’s website, Bandcamp and Facebook.

~Smansmith

Puzzle Muteson has his ‘debut’ album coming up from the fine folks at Bedroom Community.  The lead off single is currently a free download of the title track from the album and is absolutely stunning.  While Bedroom Community indicates that this is is debut album, it just might be his ‘official’ debut album as I seem to have a previous album of his from a few years back….maybe he didn’t actually release it as much as he gave it away…who knows.  Regardless, his new sound is definitely coming along with sweeping sound-capes and gorgeous arrangements.

This particular song is a fragile one and it features Muteson’s unique voice & delivery alongside some gorgeous finger picked acoustics.  It starts to build up about 3/4s of the way in, as if to say there is more behind this “enigmatic songwriter from the Isle of Wight”…I can’t wait to find out the entire picture this June when the full album is released.  I will be in line to purchase, how about you?

“En Garde” – Puzzle Muteson, from the single (May 23rd) & upcoming album (June 6th), En Garde

Visit Puzzle Muteson on Facebook, Bandcamp (grab the 320kbps version of the track here) and keep an eye on him at Bedroom Community.

~Smansmith

p.s.  Find an earlier post on Puzzle Muteson with a great video and earlier track HERE.

Brown Bird is a Rhode Island based band that has been on my radar for a while…and for good measure.  Well, they have a new EP that is now available on their shiny new Bandcamp page and we have a song of the day because of it!

While the official roster of Brown Bird has fluctuated over the course of the band, lead man Dave Lamb has settled in with partner in crime Morganeve Swain for this release.  Earlier BB work leaned toward the sparse & haunting while the ‘newer’ material is seeing Lamb & Swain coming out of the haze of previous half tempo folk.  The new EP “The Sound of Ghosts” is 4 tracks and our song of the day “Bilgewater” is the most reminiscent of the earlier days while the other 3 tracks find a bit more gothic folk rock with flecks of bluegrass and the sweet breezes of southern riverbanks.  Or something like that.  Let’s listen;

“Bilgewater” – Brown Bird, from the EP The Sound of Ghosts

Visit Brown Bird on their Website, Facebook, MySpace & Bandcamp
Purchase the new EP on Bandcamp (CD pre-order and immediate download)

~Smansmith

p.s.  They have a crap load of upcoming tour dates, so be sure to check them out.

Husband and Wife pairing Rue Royale bring some of the best folk-pop around with their new album ‘Guide to an Escape’.  The album has now been officially released (March 3, 2011) from this tag team album creation factory (hand creating 7500 CDs!!) and is well worth a hearty listen.  The pair, now based in Nottingham, collaboratied in the US on the road to becoming what Rue Royale is today.  While being a “band” for less than 5 years, they show immense potential and a well crafted sound that produces a truly harmonious album.  You cannot help but hum along on your first listen, it feels comfortable and almost familiar enough to allow it into your regular listening immediately.  Try out the track “Blame” as your song of the day!

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You can stream the rest of the album on their Bandcamp and even pick up one of the handmade copies!  Swing by the Bandcamp page or visit on their Website and Facebook today.

~Smansmith

A band I have been following lately is Small Houses out of Michigan.  I can’t exactly remember how I ‘found’ Jeremy Quentin’s recording works, but I have to assume it was those bastards at Mostly Midwest.  They taunt me with all their great music and location….and such.  Seriously though, I thank them for introducing me to this unique singer-songwriter.  As you are reading this in the first place, you will know the music is mostly acoustic and more folk inspired – but there is a bit of twang at times mixed with Jeremy’s vocals and in turn this mixture creates such a warm, interesting and engaging sound.  One of my favourite discoveries in a while…even if I didn’t actually discover him.

The upcoming album “North” was just funded via his recent Kickstarter which is fantastic as I am very much looking forward to the next full length.  If his previous album “Our Dusking Sound” is any indication, we are in for another great listen.  See a quick post that includes a track from that album here.  With a successful completion of the Kickstarter campaign, Small Houses has a pre-curser to the full length “North” aptly titled “Just Before The North”.   Take a listen to a song below and visit his page here for another free download from the release on his website.

“North” – Small Houses, from the EP “Just Before The North”

Visit Small Houses on his Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Enjoy your Friday and the sounds of the future of folk music in Michigan.

~Smansmith

“Rowboat”

Talons’ have a new album “Songs for Boats” to follow up from “Songs for Babes” which was such a great lo-fi bedroom folk album (see previous posts here & here).  I haven’t given this new one a full dedicated listen, but I know it is going to happen.  I am looking forward to enjoying the delicate and soothing sounds from Mike Tolan (or as you know him, Talons’.  See what he did there…see?).  If you enjoy your music so fragile it make break at any moment while it washes away everything around you, this is for you.  Recommended.
Buy at iTunes Music Store
More On This Album
MySpace

~Smansmith

p.s.  You can stream the entire thing on the Own Records Bandcamp Page (and even purchase if you like!).

Before I try to take any credit for finding this band, I didn’t.  One of my online friend and fellow fan of all things Slowcoustic, Ryan made mention of the album on a forum post and I took a listen and thought y’all might wanna hear it as well!

The songs on this self titled release are of the “indie-singer-songwriter-indie-pop” variety and catch you immediately.  While some are more upbeat and network TV ready, the album is a pretty good listen, especially the “Classically Trained” track among them.  Other stand outs for me include “Funnel of Love” and “Planted” as they tend to be on the shed-a-tear side of the spectrum.  Listen to why Englishman draws you in with ease:

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The album was released in late 2010 and was aimed to give you warmth during the fall and winter months – something I am sure this album can do quite easily.  It is definitely something to accompany a slight chill in the air and a need for comfort.  Swing by and visit the boys on their Bandcamp page for more samples and even order the disc for a measly $8.00.

~Smansmith

Mp3: “Woman, When I’ve Raised Hell (FD Acoustic Session)” – Josh T. Pearson

Josh T. Pearson’s upcoming album “Last of the Country Gentlemen” is a gut wrenching experience of an album.  It is hard to describe, but this is “essentially” a country album that sways into deep dark corners, digs out remnants of things not to be spoken of and delicately splays everything in front of you.  The album is stellar…dark…slow…straining…rambling and it’s going to be a contender for album of the year.

The song of the day today is “Woman, When I’ve Raised Hell” and I cannot stop listening to it.  The video and above mp3 is the FD Acoustic Session (audio is simply just a rip of the video, sorry for quality) and it is a great representation of the album as a whole.  Please join me in waiting in line to purchase this album this spring (March 14th in the UK at least).

You can sign up on his website mailing list right now (here) and receive the piano version of the first single “Country Dumb” that will be released Sunday Feb. 20th.

Find more about Josh and the upcoming album via Mute Records UK:

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~Smansmith

Uncles had a pretty good introduction (to myself at least) with their album “Replacing Words with Other Words” from last year.  Brought to my attention from the good folks at Ampeater (and look out!  Two new tracks for download from Uncles on Ampeater HERE) so they gotta have some cred.  Now the New York based foursome is preparing their next release slated for this summer I’m told and they have a lead off track.  Details are a little sparse on the new album in general but with a song as gorgeous as M4W below it doesn’t really matter right now.  So keep an ear out for the new album as I am sure it will be required listening!

“M4W” – Uncles

Find more Uncles: Website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace
Get their previous album (on CD) via Amazon or download it for free on their website

~Smansmith

Caleb Stine is the perfect musician to provide a Friday Feature track.  Caleb provides music that fits like 2 year old work gloves, it is not only familiar but feels like you have always had (and needed) these songs.  To listen to Stine and not mention that echoes of Townes Van Zandt are heard in his music would be complete misdirection in the style of music here.  While there are many artists that would provide a cover of a Townes track to show you the influence on them, Stine provides his own songs to place beside some of the greats of Townes – this is honest and damn good Americana.

While this post is featuring the promotional track of “My Service Isn’t Needed Anymore”, there are numerous tracks that stand out like “The Last Curtain Call”, “When She Comes” and “Ain’t Nobody” that will soon to be counted on as Stine classics (this being his 5th full length album).  Essentially I really like this album and it actually caught me a little off-guard and out of nowhere…but I am glad I found it because it has quickly become an old friend.  Listen below;

“My Service Isn’t Needed Anymore” – Caleb Stine

Find out more on Caleb: Website, Facebook
Purchase I Wasn’t Built For A Life Like This: iTunes, eMusic, Amazon

~Smansmith

p.s.  Don’t think the “Small Sur” t-shirt wasn’t lost on me either…this guy does little wrong!

Small Houses is Jeremy Quentin out in Michigan (my second home) and he is the driving force behind what is “Small Houses”.  Quentin creates acoustic folk-pop songs that follow the guidance of suburb life in Flint, Michigan.  Well, I’ll have to take his word for it…  I must say it doesn’t sound so bad in Flint, pun intended.  Seriously, his unique delivery and often hushed acoustics, he creates beautiful sounds that can be perfect for Sunday afternoons with warm coffee…or a live show…like at Woodruffs in Ypsilanti…

“When It’s Morning” – Small Houses, from 2010′s “Our Dusking Sound”
(purchase: iTunes, Amazon)

Small Houses also has contributed a track to In The Orchard Of Osiris which is a compilation of artists that span shoegaze, Midwestern indie-folk, experimental music or atmospheric post-rock compiled by Peter Richards (of the band Stargazer) and sequenced & mastered in Michigan as well.  It is quite a sonic project and can be purchased via the Bandcamp page.  Listen to the Small Houses contribution below:

If you like what you hear, what are you doing reading a blog from Canada!  Get to Mittenfest today for the Small Houses set at 5:00pm today.

Visit Small Houses: Website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter

~Smansmith

Admittedly the whole “Bright Works and Baton” EP from Cast Spells as a whole is not exactly “Slowcoustic” but this particular song does stick out and I find myself enjoying it quite a bit.  Just a great mellow track for the day before New Year’s Eve.  Listen below:

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For good measure, you can find a great ad-hoc video of this song from a NJ show that includes our very own Hezekiah Jones playing back up.  Ya gotta like that.

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Find out more about Cast Spells on their website and Bandcamp page.

~Smansmith

p.s.  On the Bandcamp page, please check out the split EP with Good Old War as well – good stuff.

I was going to try and lie to you and say this is an actual Xmas themed post, but simply due to the title of the song “Merrily, Merrily” I thought I could squeak it through as “festive”…

Lisa Will Insult You, Darling has been on Slowcoustic prior (see here) and Sebastian Jegorow is back with another 9-track album he is offering for free on his Bandcamp page.  The music created by Jegorow is lo-fi and it is perfect for really listening to (like with headphones) as it seems that much more raw and, for me, makes it that much easier to connect with an artist or their work.  The album is definitely for the sad bastard crowd and it is full of gems like this particular song below as well as “Among the Communists”, “I Will Die (again)”, “On Request”, “Kill Your Love” and a nice Little Wings cover of “Light Green Leaves” for good measure.  So if you like your Xmas with a little bit of down trodden whiskey drinkin’ acoustic – then you are in luck, this album is for you and you won’t be disappointed.

“Merrily, Merrily” – from Lisa Will Insult You, Darling, taken from 2010′s “Jingle Man”

~Smansmith

Discovered due to my love and recent post on the Photographers (see here) – John Hanson being one half of that duo and he has a fantastic “gratis” EP on his Bandcamp page.  If you like things a bit Slowcoustic, and I think you do, you will not be disappointed.  This officially gets song (or three) of the day!!  Listen below:

*For those of you on your iPhone and can’t see the Bandcamp player: “Caroline” (mp3) – (make sure you swing by his page to grab the other 2 tracks: Blue Sky and Red Rock as well).

There you have it, a must have for those who enjoy hushed finger picked acoustics – John Hanson!

~Smansmith

p.s.  I did mention he is part of the band Photographers, so obviously he is actually a photographer; so check out his fantastic Flickr page here.

Caity Fisher was recommended to me recently so I thought I would pass it along to you all.  Also, since I had some Edmonton love yesterday with F&M, I might as well keep it with even more Edmonton talent with Ms. Fisher.

Caity’s music can almost be classified as Gothic Americana with a folk vibe to it.  So it essentially hits the mark all over the place for this blog.  It is a bit downtempo, a bit dark and that’s how I like things for the most part.  Just a really good listen from some more Canadian talent!  The album this track is from called “Only The Wind” was released at the end of August of this year from Old Ugly Recording Co.

Enjoy the track via her Bandcamp page along with the video!

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Swing by and visit Caity on her Bandcamp page (pick up two other free tracks from the new album) or see her on MySpace.

~Smansmith

“Landscapes”

Whether you like Gregory AND the Hawk or Gregory & the Hawk, you can rest assured that the new album “Leche” is full of great pixie-pop as you would expect.  Consistent as most G&tH releases are, you can’t go wrong with any of their/her albums, so I can resist having another track from Meredith Godreau on the blog.  Despite the PR on the album trying to dismiss the “pop” aspect, I say embrace it – when done right it really works, just take a listen.

Buy at eMusic Delivery
More On This Album

~Smansmith

I have been having a bit of a “Scotland Folkie” weekend and it might start making itself evident in the next few days with various postings on this blog.  I don’t know why I always feel attached to the country (outside of the fact both my father and grandfather were born there and apparently that makes me somewhat of “Scottish Heritage”) – but I think it is just the fact that I think they have their fair share of great bands.  Or whatever.  Regardless, I thought I would ease y’all into a current track favourite from The Savings and Loan: “Met (a storm)”.

I don’t pretend to be overly familiar with the band from Glasgow (an apparent “sometimes band” of Andrew Bush and Martin Donnelly) but I did look them up a bit and easily started to enjoy at least the track this post mentions right off the bat.  I first listened to the demo and if you know me you would be very aware that I tend to enjoy the stripped down version of almost any song, but the original isn’t too far off and so it is just a fantastic track all around.  The hollow strum of guitar, the borderline baritone of Donnelly, a tale of love gone slightly askew…how could you go wrong?

Take a listen to both versions of the track below (don’t worry the Bandcamp version is the track, it just doesn’t say so on the widget):

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And the demo from their website goes a little something like this:
“Met (a storm)” Studio Demo – The Savings and Loan
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There you have the song of this day.  Be sure to keep an eye out for more love for my ancestry soon.  Until then, visit The Savings and Loan on their Website or MySpace.

~Smansmith

“Twilight”

I know they have a new album, but some of the “older” stuff is pretty darn good to.  Ghost Glacier is a fantastic album and so is their Canadian Shield album.  This album is a keeper though and a must have if you enjoy the band – a good place to start is by getting the 8 track “EP” version that lead to the 13 track full album by visiting eMusic HERE.
More On This Album

~Smansmith

I recently started “really” listening to Dolorean.  I mean, being a music blogger that enjoys the style of music I do, I have clearly listened to a few tracks from this Portland band previously.  I mean Buffalo Gal is crazy good, but I never considered myself a die hard fan.  Sure I liked them, they play a great tune but I never knew why I didn’t really listen to them.  I am starting to give it the effort and low and behold, it doesn’t take too much effort at all…its pretty damn good.

Well the new album “The Unfazed” is out in January on Partisan Records (see more, stream a little here) and it sounds freakin’ good – again, why am I not listening to more Dolorean??  I have learned my lesson and am now starting to consider myself a “fan”…now listen to a track and come to the same realization.

“Ghost of David (Damien Jurado Cover)” – Dolorean, from the split 7″ via the 2005 tour.
Download the 320kbps version including the Damien Jurado Cover of “Traded For Fire” HERE.

Visit Dolorean: Website, Partisan Records, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter.

~Smansmith

Well this song of the day isn’t really mine, but taken as a recommendation from someone who I already admire.

I read a music recommendation over on Rock Torch that came from Lotte Kestner (Anna-Lynne Williams) and it really blew me away – it is soo good. The recommendation as you can tell from the title of this post is for Sergius Gregory who I really wasn’t aware of and now I am kicking myself. To not steal any more thunder from Ms. Williams, please check out her recommendation on Rock Torch HERE.

“Next of Kin” – Sergius Gregory

Visit him on MySpace.

~Smansmith

p.s. You can also find Lotte Kestner HERE and pick up her FANTASTIC China Mountain album on Silber Records HERE.

Song of the day is from Land of Leland – if you like moody indie pop, then you are here at the right time.

“Macedonia” is the lead off track to Justin Keller’s new digital EP from his moniker as Land of Leland.  I have featured him prior (see here) for a great song “Winter Tune” which also makes the cut on this EP and I think he is growing on the sound from when I first listened as this entire EP is damn solid.  Justin’s ebb and flow throughout the EP is great, he brings you to a sing-a-long and then hushes everything in the very next verse – stunning stuff here.

“Macedonia” – Land of Leland, from 2010′s self titled EP

Find Land of Leland on MySpace, Bandcamp and Facebook.

~Smansmith

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