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 »
September 2, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Bruce Springsteen – “I’m On Fire” Though Bruce is probably better known for his anthemic, orchestral rock sound (“Born to Run”, “Badlands”), fans have come to appreciate the quieter, brooding side of his work: this song, The Rising’s “Nothing Man”, and others. He has described it as a song born from his memories of being… Read more »
September 1, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
The Eels’ Tomorrow Morning is the final chapter in a trilogy of albums written around lead vocalist Mark “E” Everett’s divorce. Following 2009’s Hombre Loco and this year’s End Times, however, Everett seems to have found love again. On an album full of giddiness and the promise of a new romance, “Spectacular Girl” stands out… Read more »
August 31, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Band of Horses – “Laredo” This song, from Band of Horses’ third album, harkens back to late 70’s guitar driven rock, with lead singer Ben Bridwell’s haunting vocals taking center stage. The band, who gained acclaim with their debut Everything All The Time and the follow-up Cease to Begin, were formed in Seattle but relocated… Read more »
August 30, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Ben Folds – “From Above” This new song, from Folds’ upcoming record Lonely Avenue, features a collaboration with author Nick Hornby (About a Boy, High Fidelity). Folds took charge of the music while Hornby, a renowned music buff, wrote the lyrics. Hornby writes in Folds’ typical irreverent third person style, creating a song that fits… Read more »
