June 28, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Peter Wolf – Tragedy (With Shelby Lynne) Peter Wolf – “Tragedy” (Featuring Shelby Lynne) This track from the fedora-sporting former frontman of the J. Geils Band finds him in a more country-soul form, bringing crooner Shelby Lynne on to flesh out the horns-driven Stax sound. Though the Geils band has been reuniting in recent years,… Read more »
June 23, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
One Eskimo – “Amazing” This band, fronted by 27-year-old Kristian Leontiou got its first break with the hit single “Kandi”. This follow-up contains more of the soulful vocals and warm sonic arrangement that graces most of their debut self-titled record. They supported Tori Amos on tour in 2009 as well as releasing animated videos to all… Read more »
June 22, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Cowboy Junkies – Stranger Here Cowboy Junkies – “Stranger Here” This track, from the Cowboy Junkies’ latest release, Renmin Park. The album, inspired by guitarist and songwriter Michael Timmins’ three-month family trip to China, continues the band’s signature sound of haunting, alt-country rock that they’ve created for 25 years. Renmin Park is one of four installments… Read more »
June 21, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Jack Johnson – “You and Your Heart” Hawaiian Jack Johnson has made a name for himself with his brand of chilled-out folk rock. On his latest effort To The Sea, his bandmates Merlo Podlewski, Adam Topol, and Zach Gill (of Animal Liberation Orchestra) give his established sound a more melodic facelift to mirror his live… Read more »
June 17, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Buddy Miller – Worry Too Much Buddy Miller – “Worry Too Much” Americana elder statesman Buddy Miller has kept quite busy in recent years, with his guitar playing, background vocals, and production work showing up on records by Patty Griffin and John Fogerty, and on Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand tour. This track,… Read more »
June 17, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Doug Burr – “Red, Red” Though the hushed vocals and rattling percussion might remind some of Sufjan Stevens’ banjo-fueled odysseys, Denton’s Doug Burr adds a strong Texan edge to this haunting song from his latest, O Ye Devastator. After gaining some acclaim with his last record, On Promenade, Burr chose to quietly release The Shawl,… Read more »
June 16, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Siouxsie and The Banshees – Hong Kong Garden Siouxsie and the Banshees – “Hong Kong Garden” Siouxsie and the Banshees didn’t quite fit into any preconceived genre when they formed in 1976. Their first show at an English punk festival consisted of a 20-minute improvisation based on The Lord’s Prayer. The band would ultimately be… Read more »
June 15, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Various Artists – The Avett Brothers – Spanish Pipedream The Avett Brothers – “Spanish Pipedream” From the upcoming John Prine tribute record Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows, North Carolina’s Avett Brothers put their signature stamp on this classic, which finds a “level headed dancer” giving a valuable life lesson to a “soldier on [his] way… Read more »
June 14, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Blitzen Trapper – “Heaven and Earth” When their diverse third record Wild Mountain Nation gained some steam in 2007, a lot of fans were not sure what to make of Blitzen Trapper. Their 2008 release Furr recast their experimental folk with a heavy dose of Dylan, especially the title track, which recounted the story of… Read more »
June 11, 2010 by Jeff Giddens
Hacienda – Hound Dog Hacienda – “Hound Dog” Hailing from his native San Antonio, Doug Sahm would be proud of Hacienda, who carries on his tradition of mixing tex-mex music with blues, rock and roll, and soul. On their latest record Big Red and Barbacoa, they show other influences in Buddy Holly, the Beach Boys,… Read more »
