Monthly Archive for December, 2007

Andrew Sweeny - Rain of Arrows

Published
by
Olivier
on December 7, 2007
in Acoustic, Folk, French, New Album Alert and Singer Songwriter
. 0 Comments

Andrew Sweeny“Un candadien errant, banni de ses foyers parcourait en pleurant des pays étrangers…”
This quote from L. Cohen to introduce you one of his wandering fellow Andrew Sweeny, a canadian poet and songwriter who lived in France for couple years. Sorry for this easy quote teased by some common musical influences - I’m quite sure Andrew have no reason to cry here in France ! If this blog is not the place to discuss about France new immigration policy, so much could be said about it ! Such a shame… sorry I can’t resist.
I’m so proud my country could welcomed a talented artist such as Andrew. But what’s about the less talented ones ? and the untalented ??? Stay in their home land… France, land of Human rights ? I guess we no longer are.

Let’s get back to our interest.. So I have received his press release couple days ago and the best I can do is to spread it :

“The latest Andrew Sweeny Album is avaliable to be downloaded for free. It has been certified by doctors: “Good for your Karma” - Rain of Arrows is offered as a free gift to whoever wanders this way… It is free with the conviction that music cannot be measured only in monies and it is for the listener to consider its worthiness. If you feel that this music feeds your soul in some way, we accept donations, for our bellies and our souls …
Each song is released like “chapters”, with commentary, poems, photographs, a pod-cast and blog - adding spice to the song and insight into the artistic process. We hope that the site will allow the listener to appreciate the narrative of each song and give feedback.”

A 80 MB download and couple album loops later, I’m definitly addicted. It’s time for me to click the donate button and check his previous release.

 
 Rain of Arrows - Andrew Sweeny [6:16m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Time is Lie - Andrew Sweeny [3:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Thanks to my friend Ralph from Berlin for forwarded me this press release !
For those who are not familiar to L. Cohen discography, first quote is from one of his rare French lyrics song : Un Canadien Errant (The Lost Canadian) from the album ‘Recent Songs’ published in 1979 - damned !

Artist : Andrew Sweeny - Rain of Arrows
Label : Travelling Music
If you love Leonard Cohen, Andrew Sweeny will be a favorite.

Christian Kjellvander - I saw her from here, I saw here from Her

Published
by
Olivier
on December 7, 2007
in Acoustic, Alternative, Country, Folk, On Youtube, On iTunes and Singer Songwriter
. 2 Comments

Christian Kjellvander

More reviews have to be written before “charting” this great musical vintage. Released November the 7th, the new Christian Kjellvander full length will be part of my yearly top - as each Kjellvander album.

Christian Kjellvander - I saw her from here, I saw here from Her

This new 10 tracks collection titled ‘I saw her from here, I saw here from her‘ is a great balance between his first critically acclaim solo effort ‘Songs from the Two room Chapels‘ and his more intimate ‘Faya‘ 2005 release. Oscillating between soft piano ballads and deeper alternative-country tunes with banjo and even pedal steel to some more power songs such as first single ‘Two Souls‘ with trompet and cornet, Kjellvander’s songwriting and composition are both dense and varied : seemly delectable ! Let’s also mention the appearance of Karla-Therese Kjellvander as vocals on ‘When the Mourning Come’ is simply irresistible.

 
 Poppies and Peonies - Christian Kjellvander [4:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 While the Birches Weep - Christian Kjellvander: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

With Jose Gonzales, Kristofer Astrom, Jens Lenkman, Loney Dear, and finally Christian Kjellvander, Swedish songwriters have been really prolific this year !

Artist : Christian Kjellvander
Label : Startracks
You should also enjoy : Kristofer Åström, Doug Burr, Timesbold, Anders Parker

Robert Plant/Alison Krauss - Raising Sand

Published
by
Trini
on December 4, 2007
in New Album Alert, On iTunes and Rock
. 2 Comments

I was watching a special on the Grammy’s the other night and was thinking what happened to all the great duets. I’m almost afraid to admit but I am a closet Barbara Streisand fan .. I know, I know, I know … but I have to admit I love her music. There’s a point to this, what was it? Oh, yeah great duets they had one of Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand that got me thinking what happened to duets?

Well this may not be for everyone, but I don’t know a single person who at one point wasn’t, still is, or secretly listened to Led Zeppelin. I recently wrote about Alison Krauss, she’s been known to do a lot of collaborating with different artist, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find her doing one with Robert Plant. I say it shouldn’t but I am quite surprised non-the less. You can find all the information on the new album called “Raising Sand” on their official website. You can also stream and buy the album there as well. I think this album has answered my question. This goes far beyond just a duet, it’s a perfect collaboration.

 
 Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) Robert Plant & Alison Krauss [3:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bon Iver - New Update

Published
by
Trini
on December 2, 2007
in New Album Alert and News
. 1 Comment

Just received this wonderful piece of new from Bon Iver’s myspace page:

Album Release Date, Artwork.

Hey Everybody!

It’s been a while and a great deal has been happening!

We’ve been getting lots of emails in regards to how/where to get the album! Well, here’s the latest:

For Emma, Forever Ago is set to be released nation-wide on Jagjaguwar Records on February 19th, 2008.

And, here’s the artwork:

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bill Patton - Get’s It On

Published
by
Trini
on December 1, 2007
in Acoustic, Folk, Indie and Singer Songwriter
. 3 Comments

billpatton-714449.jpgSome of you are probably wondering who the hell is Bill Patton? Wonder no more according to his myspace page :

Bill Patton is a sad-bastard singer-songwriter (SBSS) who lives in Seattle, as so many of them do. His record is called “Gets It On” and was recorded at Bipolar Production by Justin Gerardy. You can buy one from CD Baby.com. We are excited to report that “Gets It On” has been played on over a hundred radio stations. Patton plays solo sometimes but lately has been playing with his new band, Bill Patton and the Credentials, featuring Jason Merculief (drums) and Don McGreevy (bass). Bill Patton also plays guitar and pedal steel in Weary, The Stares, The Wet City Rockers, James Whiton and the Downtown Apostles, Smile Project, Electric Chinese Orchestra, The Captivators UK, J.Tillman, and sometimes with Tim Seely, Karen Pernick, The Mean Streaks, and Winston Jarrett. He also is a composer and music teacher.

Again by chance and a little bit of research I was able to find this incredible treat that is Bill Patton. Laura recently wrote about J. Tillman, by the way I’m totally digging him, well Mr. Patton so happens to play guitar and pedal steel with Tillman. Bill is listed under Tillmans “Band Members” section. There are so many talented singer/song writers out there playing on other peoples bands, I try to make it an effort to find out a little more about other members of the band, which lead me to Bill Patton. You guys have to check him out. You can buy his album of CD Baby. I love this song “Dirty Woman” - “ooh I Need a dirty woman, ooh I need a dirty girl”. This cover of Prince’s “Kiss” just proves that everything sounds better folk. Just saying ;)

 
 She Love's You (Beatles Cover) - Bill Patton [3:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Dirty Woman - Bill Patton [2:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 
 Kiss (Prince Cover) - Bill Patton: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download