Month: September 2010

Bob Dylan – If Not for You

Bob Dylan – If Not for You Bob Dylan – “If Not For You” This song, from Dylan’s 1970 record New Morning, was part of the record rushed out after the brutally criticized Self Portrait. Finding Dylan in a more personal, introspective mode, the song’s whimsical reflections on love and partnership found a wide audience… Read more »

Ok Go – “White Knuckles” When they were in our studio a few months back, Ok Go mentioned that they sometimes feel pressure to top themselves when creating new videos. With this latest offering, they up the ante by featuring trained dogs and a full-size cup stacking routine, none of which obscures the wonderful synth-driven… Read more »

Ray LaMontagne – Beg Steal or Borrow

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs – “Beg, Steal, or Borrow” For this latest record God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise, Ray LaMontagne took the production reins himself, putting together a small band to support his aching, nuanced songs. This song, the first single, features brushed drums and pedal steel, highlighting the subtlety within… Read more »

The Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You

The Dandy Warhols – “Bohemian Like You” From their third record Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia, this song has served as an excellent Monday morning wake up since 2000. The impeccably named frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s sneering vocals and sharp guitar riff anchor the song, which hit college radio shortly after the release of the song and… Read more »

Paolo Nutini – New Shoes

Paolo Nutini – “New Shoes” This song, from Nutini’s debut record These Streets, was written and recorded when he was only 20 years old. Last year, at the ripe age of 23, he released the followup Sunny Side Up, featuring his endearing raspy voice and slurred yet soulful style. Putting Otis Redding through the filter… Read more »

Paul Simon – Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard

Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard” This track, from Paul Simon’s 1972 self-titled record, shows a hint of the world influence that he would later fully reveal on Graceland. After Simon and Garfunkel dissolved in 1970, he spent the summer of 1971 teaching songwriting at NYU and putting together this record, which… Read more »

Sahara Smith – “The Real Thing” Sahara Smith, who headlines KXT 91.7’s Concert on the Square tomorrow night, recently released her debut record, helmed by T-Bone Burnett. This track, the lead single, shows her smoky vocals and understated, bluesy style. Reminiscent of Lucinda Williams, Bonnie Raitt, and early Sheryl Crow, Sahara Smith is a rising… Read more »

Fate Lions – All You Do Is Crazy

Fate Lions – All You Do Is Crazy Fate Lions – “All You Do Is Crazy” Frontman Jason Manriquez’s smooth vocals highlight the throwback sound of his band on their debut release Good Enough For You. Fate Lions’ sound recalls vintage 60’s pop, with smooth harmonies, chiming guitars, and winning melodies. The band kicks off… Read more »

Buffalo Springfield – Bluebird

Buffalo Springfield – “Bluebird” This song, from Buffalo Springfield’s second record Buffalo Springfield Again, features lead vocals from Stephen Stills in his first attempt to work with Neil Young. By this second record, tensions were already high between the two, and Young was largely absent for the sessions. The two would later reunite with David Crosby and… Read more »