September 20, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
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 »
September 17, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope” It’s nearly impossible to place Janelle Monáe’s musical styling’s into a single category. On the Atlanta singer, songwriter and performer’s latest album, The ArchAndroid, Monáe culls from a wealth of influences, including jazz, hip hop, glam rock and folk – all with a touch of the space age. With her exaggerated… Read more »
September 16, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
tumblr_l8uj3y5N6f1qb97ja The The – “Love Is Stronger Than Death” From Dusk, one of the most critically-lauded albums of 1993, comes this masterpiece of introspective pop from Matt Johnson, who has collaborated with others under the The The moniker since 1979. Johnson wrote this song as a form of therapy following the death of his brother,… Read more »
September 14, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Deer Tick – 20 Miles Deer Tick – “20 Miles” Vocalist John McCauley may only be in his mid-20s, but his weathered voice and world-weary lyrics belie his age, and give Deer Tick’s music a gravitas often found in more veteran groups. Their third and latest full-length release, The Black Dirt Sessions, features delicate arrangements… Read more »
September 13, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
The Lightning Seeds – “Pure” English group The Lightning Seeds experienced their first taste of success in the UK and U.S. with their synth-pop hit “Pure” during the early ’90s. They managed to escape the one-hit wonder status other bands or artists experienced during this time, going on to release several hits, including “The Life… Read more »
September 10, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues Justin Townes Earle – “Harlem River Blues” The first track off of his upcoming third release Harlem River Blues, this song finds Justin Townes Earle investigating the sound of the deep South, complete with a full-on gospel choir. Though the rest of the record covers more country and… Read more »
September 9, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Peter Gabriel – “Solsbury Hill” This song, from Peter Gabriel’s first solo record, was one of his first solo hits after leaving Genesis. Renowned for its odd time signature and the feeling of anticipation it generates, it set Gabriel’s career in motion and has since found its way into hundreds of television shows, movie soundtracks,… Read more »
September 8, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Lissie – “In Sleep” This rocking live version of the track from her new record Catching a Tiger takes its cues straight from Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower”, complete with shredding solo at the end. Lissie, a 28-year-old singer and songwriter from Rock Island, Illinois, first struck fame with her song “Little Lovin”,… Read more »
September 7, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Pete Yorn – Precious Stone Pete Yorn – “Precious Stone” This song, from Pete’s upcoming self-titled record, came from relatively impromptu sessions with Pixies frontman Frank Black. Since his 2001 debutMusicforthemorningafter, Yorn has been creating his own brand of roots-rock, surprising listeners last year with his retro-pop collaboration with Scarlett Johansson. While Pete has described these songs as “more… Read more »
September 3, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Sahara Smith – “The Real Thing” This 21-year-old starlet just released her debut record Myth of the Heart, which was crafted under the watchful eye of Fort Worth native T-Bone Burnett. Her sultry vocals and understated, powerful band help create a stunning first record. She kicks off the KXT 91.7 Concert in the Square series… Read more »
