September 27, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
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 »
September 24, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
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 »
September 23, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
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 »
September 22, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
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 »
September 21, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
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 »
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 15, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
On her sophomore release, Actor, Annie Clark ( a.k.a. St. Vincent) continues to woo listeners with her rich voice and lush orchestration. But don’t let the ethereal facade fool you. Clark’s lyrics reveal stories of dishonesty, anxiety, hurt and paranoia so beautifully, you may not immediately sense the dark undercurrents of her words. On “Actor… 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 »
