“I’ve always loved the twang of hurt” – Thad Cockrell
Firstly, Please forgive me for the copy and paste of the description of Thad and his music but i’m so busy at the moment this saves me a hell of a lot of time.
North Carolina singer-songwriter Thad Cockrell hails from the old school of country music, the days before Nashville went pop. “There’s no ‘alt’ in my country,” says Cockrell, who possesses the kind of high-lonesome, wistful tenor that’ll make you long for a cabin in the pines, or set you to yearning for a long-lost love. But as a youngster growing up in Tampa, Fla., Cockrell didn’t have rock ’n’ roll or country records around the house. His father was, and still is, a Baptist preacher (as are his two brothers). His first exposure to the pure country sound came from listening to folks like Merle Haggard and George Jones on commercial radio. At home, there was always plenty of Southern gospel music.
(End of C &P)
A real, genuine son of a preacher man, he released an album with Caitlin Cary (Whiskeytown) called Begonias in 2005 and fans of Gram parsons/ Emmylou harris will enjoy that for sure, Their voices compliment each other perfectly. This is what i call Real country music, honest heartfelt songs of love and heartache, backed up by a pedalsteel, violin, piano basically everything you would expect in country music but brilliantly produced by Brad Jones who keeps it all tightly knit together, a pure gem of an album.
As for Thads Brand new EP To be loved, although country he seems to have developed a sound more akin to Royal Wood, some Ryan Adams and at other times old Troubadours like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clarke, (Who incidentally is now 70 years old and has just released on his best ever albums) and the recently departed genius John Stewart (The kingston trio). As it’s only a 6 track EP i’m only offereing one Mp3 ‘Country of my own’ which is a song of searching for a place he belongs to which seems to hit home given the current political climate across the world, not just in America. The song ‘Talk to the press’ which you can hear on his myspace is something i could imagine Paul simon singing, the comparisons on that are quite spooky. By the way this boy can sing, imagine blending Ryan adams, Paul simon and Gram parsons together and you get somewhere close.
In his own words he is trying to “Bring the hurt back into country music” and so far he’s doing a mighty fine job.
A couple of days ago an artist sent me his forthcoming album. I’m really grateful to him for offering me this gift, so I was looking to return my thanks. I was so enthusiastic by this act - and so by the music - that a single review wouldn’t be enough to prove my gratitude! This blog attracts more and more visitors each day, and yet we havent’ fallen into the pitfalls of growing huge egos!
So, we’ve decided to launch a contest ,but it won’t be a free one… here’s the deal. I’m planning to buy this album as soon as it will be digitally released in order to offer it to the first person that finds the right answer to the first contest’s question.
Here’s where the chain stuff starts : the winner of this first contest will have to offer a new album to someone else opening a Part II et cetera.
Let’s give it a go with the first question listed below. You’ll have the full week to find the right answer but remember, if you don’t want to share - offering a new album - please do not take part.
Comments will be close next monday !
Here are three clues to help you answer this Chain Sharing Contest Part I question.
Key 1 : C10H16O.
Key 2 : Album will be available on april the first. (This is not an April fools joke )
Key 3 : Listen to this following song
What are the names of the artist ( or band) and the album who will be offered ?
PS : Register our blog if you want to take part, it will be easier to send you the album ! Nota Bene : contest is also open to my fellow contributors !
After Chris Bathgate and Matt Jones, let’s add one more step on our little tour around the Ann Harbour area. Time has come to share one of the most talented female songwriter, i’ve discovered last year : Misty Lyn. I remembered back in July how astonishing I was to have found such a high quality in these two underrated and so inspired michiganders. As Matt Jones is part of the Big Beautiful, Misty Lyn band, i’m pretty sure there’s a kind of emulation between these fellows composers.
That said, let’s get back to Misty Lyn. If I can only draw a single parallel with another artist, she’s definitly a new Sam Beam ! And it’s not a way to tease your curiosity. No, she doesn’t sing like Iron & Wine and her music is not a copy of him. She’s opening new directions in songwriting, arrangements like Sam did couple years back !
A friend of mine told me about her : “She seems very connected to a beautiful source…” while listening to The Fall. Everything is atypical in her songwriting and performance. She’s like a top cabinetmaker realizing in each song the best furniture : work almost accomplished, you already know you love the song. And like the best furnitures, each listening reveals a new detail, a single note, a tremor in her voice acting like a perfect polish.
If you live in Michigan, check right now her myspace page and book your ticket for the coming gig. If not, stick your browser on the same page and ask myspace for a loop button ! Yes, that’s the bad news : Misty Lyn is currently recording her first album : ‘For the Dead’. So we’ll have to wait. But patience, dreamers ! I’m already betting : this will be my 2008 top !
YCD : Could you please tell us your story about music ? Misty Lyn : I didn’t pick up my first guitar until I was 22. Didn’t write my first song until I was 24-25. Got on stage for the first time to perform when I was 25.
But I always knew that I would be a musician. In school I was always involved in choir. No one in my family is a musician…immediate or extended. Some parts of my childhood were very difficult and I always found comfort in music. It was the one thing I could always relate to and I was very passionate about the music I loved. It’s funny that you ask why I’ve “chosen” music as an artistic expression against poetry or painting. I don’t think one gets to “choose” the gifts they are given. I guess I can only speak for myself…I know I certainly didn’t choose music. It’s just what I do. It was the gift that was given to me to express myself and to reach out to people and relate to them. I feel like it’s the only time I’m eloquent.
YCD : So, you’re 26 ? Misty Lyn : Sure. That sounds good.
YCD : From what i’ve heard and read so far, for sure, you’ve received this precious gift. Between the past conscience and your current reality, a quest, lots of work, encouragements, doubts ? Misty Lyn : Well, thank you. I’m very lucky to have started playing and performing here in Ann Arbor, MI. The musical community here is very supportive of new artists, and right from the beginning I was encouraged to learn and grow. Of course, there is always a bit of doubt in my mind, I think that’s natural and it’s what keeps me reaching for the next level of my ability. As for work…hell yes! Lots of work! Especailly when it comes to the record.
YCD : Couple months ago, Matt Jones mentioned in the YCD interview that he wish he had written couple songs including famous songwriter such as Elliott Smith and Richard Buckner. He also mentioned your song ‘Rita Mae’ ? It’s an amazing compliment ! How do you feel being listed on the same line than this top songwriters ? Misty Lyn : I am humbled and flattered. Especially because it comes from, in my mind, one of the best song writers I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing: Matt Jones. He really is one of the most uniquely astounding lyricists and guitar players you’ll ever hear. I recognize the weight of this claim, and I stand by it.
YCD : Tell us more about this song… Nothing to deal with Rita Mae Brown ? Misty Lyn : Not at all. And I usually don’t discuss what my songs are about, but this one is special to me. It’s actually about addiction…specifically alcoholism. “Rita Mae” represents the alcohol itself and how alcohol is the love of a specific man’s life, even though he tried to love me. There are other things touched upon in the song, but that’s the gist of it.
YCD : Is there a song you wish you had written ? Misty Lyn : Oh! The songs I wish I’d written! The first song that comes to mind is “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. It’s just perfect in every way. I sort of have “new wave envy”, if you will. More along my genre lines I’d have to go with “Waltz #3″ by Elliott Smith. This is my kind of folk music. There is truth in every one of his songs. No pretension. I love that. Also, Gillian Welch can do no wrong. I wish I had written “Wayside (Back in Time)”…so good.
YCD : You’re currently recording your first album ‘For The Dead’ with Jim Roll in his new Studio ? Could you please tell us more about it ? Misty Lyn : About the album….hmmm…It’s been quite a frustrating and elusive project. One thing after another keeps it from being completed. Everything from illness to over-booking…I’ve had 2 artists back out on me after months of thinking they were going to do it. The songs are good. The record is really very cohesive and I know once it’s done I will be very proud of it. I just cannot say when everyone, including myself, will get their jobs done. Some of the songs are being mixed right now, some of them still need bits and pieces recorded.
YCD : According to your current myspace. com page, you’ve recently switched your current styles to indie/gothic/country ? Misty Lyn : My style is now indie/gothic/folk. I threw the country out because i really despise “new country” and don’t want to be associated with it at all. I threw in “gothic” because there is a darker side to my writing that I think makes it a little different from other folk or country material. Someone once called us “gothic country” and i liked the sound of it…things like “americana” and “roots music” are definitley part of what I do, but I don’t think those genres encompass all of it. I guess “gothic”, for me, describes the feeling I have when I write most of my songs…and the mood I think they may create in a person. Sorry if that’s a bit nebulous. It’s difficult to explain.
YCD : Thanks for your time answering these questions. Hope you’ll be back soon on this site for the release of your album.
I love Mark Geary’s fine, well polished pop/folk tunes for couple years now. But since his last release in 2005, his home site seemed to be deserted. And while browsing my itunes library for searching some good Irish bands/artists : Mark Geary was on top of my list. So, I’ve reconnected my browser once again to his site. And here it is : a new home page and a new song ! So, a new album will be come soon : Opium will be delivered, april 11th in Ireland !
Mark first full length , 33 1/3 Grand Street was released in 2003 : a kind of confessional according to Mark’s own words of his myspace. It contains beautiful songs and not only the famous and high rated : Gingerman. ‘Ghosts‘ album has been released in 2004/2005 and you surely have in mind its title song ! In 2005, Mark wrote the soundtrack to the film Loggerheads.
Opium will be preceded by a single, “Tuesday”, which tells the story of “the day all the shit changes! The guy in the song – maybe me? – has to change all the shit and the baggage he has been dragging around. But change brings uncertainty that can be so scary that maybe you’re better off just living a kind of quiet hell?!” - quote from Mark’s website.
Artist : Mark Geary Label : Independent Records Where to buy : previous albums are available @ Itunes / Update this post as soon as we’ll have more information about Opium.
FAQ : How is Tadhg pronounced? Answer : It’s pronounced like “tiger” without the “er” sound”…..
Tadhg is currently working on a new album and will not be on the road until it’s completion. A shame for everyone on this side of the pond, but you can catch him gigging (is gigging even a word?) around in Dublin. He will be playing at the infamous Ruby Sessions on April 1st, you can check his official website for any live updates. If you’re not fortunate enough to be in Dublin, you can always catch some live performances on YouTube. Oh - and of course demand him in a town near you.
I’ve known of Tadhg through some mutual friends and recently had the pleasure of doing a little interview. In the spirit of all things Irish this month here is one Irishman you’ll want to get to know.
YCD: What was the first record/album you ever bought?
Tadhg: Metallica - Metallica. I was railroaded into buying it. I actually really liked 4 of the songs on the album. That’s about as far as my love affair with metal went though. (The rest of my childhood was spent listening to The Kinks, The Monkees, James Taylor, Neil Sedaka, Joni Mitchell & David McWilliams… )
YCD: What are you currently listening to?
Tadhg: Sharon Jones and the Dap Tones. A good friend of mine played me some of their stuff the other day. The songs sound so authentic and old. I love it. I’m not even sure what album I’m listening to, but I like it very much. Apparently they record using all the old STAX studio equipment.
YCD: Who or what inspired you to start making music?
Tadhg: I don’t remember ever being inspired by one particular person or event. Long before I was even conscious of wanting to make music, I was moving in that direction. There are photos of me as a child with an acoustic guitar lying on my lap, with me just listening to the sounds of the open strings as I hit them. I was also told that I would never watch the children’s programs… I used to listen and join in for the theme tunes, and then lose interest as soon as the song ended. That was probably a sign!
YCD: If there was one song you wish you would have written what would it be, and why?
Tadhg: Oh, there are so many! McCartney’s “For no one” from Revolver is a real gem. It’s so short and perfect… I love simplicity in writing. Strangely, it’s very hard to achieve that appearance of effortlessness. That’s why so many songs appear clumsy. People give up the fight so easily. Lyrics should flow and be natural, like poetry… That’s why when I hear a song like “for no one”, I have to bow and show my respect to what must be one of the finest songs ever written. I absolutely adore the mournful horn solo… it reminds me of all the gritty old English dramas set around the coal mines in the north of England. For McCartney to even use that “old” instrument in a pop song was fairly experimental.
YCD: If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing now? Tadhg: I have a degree in computational linguistics… so I’d probably be either working as a translator, or working as a programmer in MT (machine translation). I am a little bit of a nerd in that respect! I do love writing though. If I wasn’t a songwriter I think I would be a very prolific blogger (not necessarily a good one though!). I’ve always looked after my own websites, so I have a bit of an outlet there. I like writing to people. I like correspondence of all kinds. I think my dream job would be to have my own column in a newspaper supplement - where I’m allowed to write about whatever strikes me that day. It’s probably not all that glamorous a job in reality…but then it’s a DREAM job, so who says I have to face reality?
YCD: Is there anything new you are working on now?
Tadhg: I’m currently recording my new album (provisionally entitled “the thick of things”). I made my first album in Germany, so it’s great to be making this one in Dublin and to have the luxury of calling in friends to work on the songs. We started rehearsals with Paul from BellX1 on drums and Dave Redmond from David Geraghty’s band on bass, but Paul’s off recording and touring with BellX1 now, so we have the wonderful Sean Carpio stepping into Paul’s shoes. They’re all such wonderful players. It’s great to have the opportunity to play with these people, never mind record with them!
I’m also doing some shows with David Geraghty’s band over the next few months. Dave has taught me a lot over the years, and recorded (and played drums and bass on…) the original EP version of Sparks. Playing as a sideman, rather than the front man, has forced me to acquire new skills. Which is always a good thing. The day you stop learning in this business is the day you should really quit. Every day’s a school day.
YCD: For those readers who haven’t heard of you or your music before what
would best describe what you and your music?
Tadhg: I was told by a guy from New York that I was in the “dark folk” genre. I had never heard the term before, but I really like it.
Thank you Tadhg for taking the time to talk to us and for providing everyone with a free MP3 of Sparks off your original EP.
-If you like what you here please support the artist by purchasing the album. You can buy at CD Baby.
If you’re checking our tag clouds on the right sidebar of this page, here are the main hits : songwriters (???), Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Ray LaMontagne… So you might think, i’m not going to find something that really rocks with these crazy dreamers ! Partly true, partly false : depending on what you mean with rock ! An that’s why music is so great… sometimes it rocks your soul, sometimes your body. In this early month of March, it’s time to ride the seasonal attraction : spring is almost there and my ears are requesting their yearly dose of rejuvenation !
I’ve found the right cure, the one that match my need : a perfect spring band for my mood.
Fasten your seatbelt, destination : Knoxville, Tennessee !
Diacon-Panthers is the name of this awesome band, i’ve been pointed to from Berkeley Place. Right after listening the two tracks available there, I’ve been more than seduced… How hard is trying to qualify their unique sound. Punk ? Garage-Punk : no and yes. But not only… Rock ? yeah rock for sure. But not only… Southern-rock hugh may be… Then I’ve browsed diacon-panthers site to check how those guys are self-defining their music. Well, I’m still laughing but I do agree : healing & easy listening.
Their first full-length album : ‘Make it Feel Better‘ is powerful and really fits my demand. Even if I’m not a fan of the intro track which is a bit too psychedelic for me… the second song titled ‘Actress‘ and the transition with ‘Tennesse Dancing Nights‘ is simply joyful ! And this feeling won’t leave you until the two closing tracks : Joyful Bis - ‘jouissif‘ is the right French word I was looking for ! Both songs are exceeding the regular format - 7:32 and 6:39… but not enough to be replete : all you have to do is replay ! And be sure, your enthousiasm will grow on each loop !
And then crossing my daughter’s suspicious glance, I realise that my 40th birthday is approaching…
Be sure to listen these two tracks in the correct order… Check their site, double check their myspace… I can’t imagine how this band is live !
Today is not the day… to f@k with Gus Black!
Yep, here’s the complete title of Gus Black forthcoming album ! His fifth full-length will be released March, the 20th. Few information available from his site, but already two promising tracks are streamable from his myspace page. ‘Autumn Leaves’, his previous release is still playing in my library with numerous songs highly rated ! I guess it’s not too late to listen to it from Cheap Lullaby . Trini has already written a post about ‘Unicivilized Love’ here. You can also listen to its KCRW session recorded in may 2006. Find below his first new single : ‘Little Prince Town‘ and a great cover of L. Cohen : Hey that’s no way to say goodbye ! Yes, yes yes ! I’ve finally get the opportunity to post my first L. Cohen track on this blog ! Thank Mr Black. We’ve got couple pairs of ears on your new release !
christianlove : Yo chaps
Hows it going?
Well I just thought I would introduce myself.
My name is Ray
Im 20 years old..
My favorite food is gyro
Im a <a href=«link» stiandating.u.yu ku.com>christian </a> for life lol
I work at amarni express
I guess thats enough of an intro lol
Nice to be here! Nice to meet you guys!
Olivier : I'm listening to 'All the king's horses' another perfect album ! I can't imagine !
Olivier : Let's make sense Geordie : how is it possible you keep those Lucky Jim for your own ears !
Olivier : French singer-songwrite r Jean Ferrat had a beautiful old french song called : 'La Montagne', check it on youtube and you'll know exactly how to pronounce it...
Laura : it is pronounced "la-mon-tain"
Guest_4583 : how exactly does one pronounce lamontagne lol
Sean : sorry i broke the link www.crabsarescav engers.com/thete legrams.htm
Sean : hello i play guitar in the knoxville, tn based band the telegrams. we just finished a new album and wanted to see if you would be interested in giving it a listen. you can download the entire album here: www.crabsarescav engers.com/thete legrams.htm i look forward to hearing from you
Guest_4325 : Hi, my names Zak Smith, I don't know if you accept music submissions, but in case you do you can go to my website at zaksmithlive.com to hear some songs off it. If anyones interested in posting about any of the songs email me at «email» and I'll send some mp3s. Thanks. zaksmithlive.com to hear some I just independently released an album, feel free to post them if you want to. If you want me to send you the whole album just let me know. Also you can go to my website at zaksmithlive.com
neabbeple : "Siazno queste parole d'addio"?
questa NON ?? UNA DOMANDA...
volevo solo "esortare" a dire qual'?? la sorpresa...ma ho dovuto postare una domanda perch?? non potevo dare risposte(le ho esaurite)...
sicilianu? nu misteru...!!!
________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ____________ <a href=«link» neochat.info/>ch at</a>
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Their first full-length album : ‘Make it Feel Better‘ is powerful and really fits my demand. Even if I’m not a fan of the intro track which is a bit too psychedelic for me… the second song titled ‘Actress‘ and the transition with ‘Tennesse Dancing Nights‘ is simply joyful ! And this feeling won’t leave you until the two closing tracks : Joyful Bis - ‘jouissif‘ is the right French word I was looking for ! Both songs are exceeding the regular format - 7:32 and 6:39… but not enough to be replete : all you have to do is replay ! And be sure, your enthousiasm will grow on each loop !
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