Monthly Archive for September, 2007

Alison Krauss & Union Station

It’s been one of those days. I’ve been missing a friend and a few songs off this album “Lonely Runs Both Way’s” reminded me of that someone. If you find yourself in a blue grassy kinda mood today, click here or here.

 
 Doesn't Have To Be This Way: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Turin Brakes

The new album “Dark On Fire” from British folk duo Turin Brakes (Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian) was released this week in the UK and I’ve been patiently waiting to hear their new material for a long time. Patience is not one of my virtues unfortunately, so this release could not have come soon enough! Having given this album a few listens, I feel the boys are back on form when compared to their last release “Jack In A Box”…Don’t get me wrong, I did like the CD (they could make up a song and harmonize about a turd and I would probably still like it) and there were a few outstanding tracks but I feel they lost a little bit of the flow that was present on “The Optimist LP” and “Ether Song”. Ethan Johns is the producer on this album who has also worked with the 2 loves of my musical life, Ray LaMontagne *sigh* and Ryan Adams *sigh*…outstanding tracks for me right now are “Bye Pod”…”Otherside”…”For The Fire”…and the title track “Dark On Fire”…hell the whole album is fantastic. Buy it now!

Purchase it here

Check them out on MySpace here

 
 Otherside - Turin Brakes [5:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Bye Pod [4:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

King Creosote - Bombshell

Kenny Anderson aka King Creosote

For those who are addicted to Kenny Anderson (aka King Creosote) folk music for couple years, the new ‘Bombshell’ album is definitly a bomb. The previous release ‘KC Rules OK‘ launched in 2005 was already ignited this turn, bringing the new King sound that feed Bombshell, superbly produced by Jon Hopkins.

King Creosote - Bombshell CoverSo what’s the difference ? If couple critics are tracing a parallel between Anderson contract with a major - the Warner Records imprint 679, I prefer to join Jude Rogers from the Guardian who finally conclude that our scottish songwriter ‘has suddenly losing his shyness and becoming utterly fabulous’.

The prolific scottish songwriter who had released more than 24 solo reoords - in a small decade - is now ready to join the ‘Fence Collective’ members such as KT Tunstall and James Yorkston on the chart !

So forget about keeping jealously this jewel in your own world, it’s time to share and spread ! If the following tracks please, don’t hesitate to visit Fence Records for discography…

 
 Leslie [4:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Spystick [4:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Artist : King Creosote
Label : Fence Records - 679 Recordings
Similar Artists : Lou Barlow - Maximilian Hecker

Bon Appétit ???

Pedestrian - Ghostly Life

Pedestrian will be playing tonight at The Hotel Cafe. If you live in the area you should check them out. For those of you who don’t know Joel Shearer is the guitarist for Damien Rice. He is currently touring with him but he also does vocals/guitar for his own band, Pedestrian. I don’t have any MP3 to post but you can take a listen some songs on his myspace page or take a listen to his entire new album on his official page.

Damien Rice

Damien Rice

I know everyone is always talking, writing, blogging about Damien Rice but I have to say a little something. I went to see him perform last night at the Greek Theater it is such an amazing venue. I loved the fact that he didn’t stick to is usual I want to cut my wrist open until I bleed to death line up, although when he started signing “Accidental Babies” I did turn over to Susana and ask her for a razor. He didn’t finish the song, thankfully for me, my eyes were already starting to well up. He did however sing several songs that were not on any of his released albums. It’s always refreshing to hear new old stuff, if you know what I mean. He sang this beautiful song called “Insane” which I’ve only heard him sing once on KCRW. I’m attaching here for your listening pleasure.

Vyvienne Long, Damien’s cellist played her song “Never Leave You” it was much funnier live, a little unexpected take a listen here.

Overall a fantastic night.

Slower version of Insane on Youtube

Lyrics: Insane

Should I speak?
Should I bother shaking hands?
Am I weak If I leave it as it stands?
I’ve submerged
And I’ve surfaced with the blame
I guess I’m no good
I guess I’m insane

Should I go
If she calls out my name?
And if she bleeds
Should I wipe up the stain?
And if I’m low
Can I drown in this rain?
I guess I’m no good
I guess I’m insane

And I hate when you say
That I never fight for you
Sometimes you breathe
All over my skin
And you always end up
Closer than close
That’s where I give in

Should I confess
The actions of my hand
In my mind
I’ll betray you once again
Why should I climb?
What is there to gain?
This is no good
This is insane

And I hate when you say
That I never fight for you
Sometimes you breathe
All over my skin
And you always end up
Closer than close
That’s whenre I give in

You’re taking
You’re taking
You’re taking me down
You’re taking
You’re taking
You’re taking me down
And you always end up
Closer than close
That’s where I give in
That’s where I give in
That’s where I give in

 
 Insane [5:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Benjamin Costello

Start Again Tomorrow

In what seems ages ago,my best friend Susana introduced this beautiful voice that is, Benjamin Costello, to me. It’s been several years coming (still waiting) for the anticipated release of his album, Start Again Tomorrow. He has one of the best interactive web pages that I’ve ever seen. Two weeks ago he had an amazing pod cast straight from his bedroom to mine. We’ll to everyone that tuned in, but I swear it felt as if he was singing to only me. This Thursday August the 13, he will be having his second installation of bedtime melodies, boy are you guys in for a treat.

You can also find him on myspace .

I’ve posted a few of his originals and covers. You can download more mp3’s from his Official Web Page

“A musician from an early age, singer and songwriter Benjamin Costello has always found he best expresses himself through music. His introspective lyrics and complex, emotional melodies reflect his passion as well as his education and musical influences. After receiving a formal music education in piano, voice, and conducting, Benjamin is exploring his own compositional voice as he moves away from genres with a clear divide between performer and composer.

Benjamin rediscovered his love for performing after putting together an acoustic show of songs by his strongest influence, Radiohead. Other influences include Damien Rice, the Beatles, and James Taylor. Benjamin’s captivating performances offer a combination of originals and select covers that speak to him. Each of his selections feature his smooth vocals, described as “hypnotic” and “tender and beautiful,” with piano or guitar accompaniment ranging from delicate and intricate to passionate and powerful. Located in Ithaca, NY, Benjamin plays a variety of venues both locally and in the surrounding area.”

 
 Walk Away - Original Song [4:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Original Song - Childhood Places [3:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 No Surpises - Cover of Radio Head Song [3:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Such Great Heights - Cover of Iron and Wine Song [4:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jeffrey Foucault Live @ Schubas, Sept. 8, 2007

I’ve blogged about Jeffrey a few weeks ago (see post here) but I got to finally see him perform for the first time last night at Schubas in Chicago. Amazing amazing show…I can not stress enough that this guy is a MUST SEE if he comes through your town.

Took a video of him performing “Train to Jackson”

Tour info:

9/13 CAMBRIDGE, MA Atwood’s Tavern  
9/14 BRATTLEBORO, VT Hooker Dunham Theater  
9/18 ALBANY, NY Valentine’s  
9/26 SITTINGBOURNE, UK Fulston Manor School  
9/27 LONDON, UK The Green Note  
9/28 TREORCI, WALES The Parc & Dare Theatre  
9/29 BEDFORD, UK The Ent Shed  
9/30 LEICESTER, UK The Musician  
10/1 BIRMINGHAM, UK Tower of Song  
10/2 BRIGHTON, UK Komedia  
10/3 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Ancienne Belgique  
10/4 TILBURG, NL 013 Popcentrum  
10/5 AMSTERDAM, NL Paradiso  
10/6 GRONINGEN, NL Take Root Festival  
10/7 OTTERSUM, NL Cultureel Podium Roepaen  
10/27 CANTON, CT Roaring Brook Nature Center
10/28 NEW YORK, NY Joe’s Pub  
11/1 BOSTON, MA The Ellsworth Theater  
11/2 CAMBRIDGE, MA Passim Center  
11/3 LEWISTON, ME The Maple Room  
11/4 PORTLAND, ME One Longfellow Square  
11/13 BIRMINGHAM, AL Workplay
11/14 JOHNSON CITY, TN The Down Home
11/16 CHARLOTTE, NC The Evening Muse
11/17 ATLANTA, GA Eddie’s Attic
11/18 ASHEVILLE, NC The Grey Eagle
12/12 FORT ATKINSON, WI Cafe Carpe  
12/13 FORT ATKINSON, WI Cafe Carpe  
12/14 FOND DU LAC, WI The Windover Center for the Arts  
2/23 MORCENX, FRANCE Festival de Guitar