One of my favourite sites on the web is the brilliant Daytrotter. With a huge library of live sessions that they have recorded over the years you can easily spend whole days or even weeks in there just browsing through and downloading what you like. One such band I’ve come across lately in there and I admit I’d never heard of before, is a band by the name of Cotton Jones. However, After searching the web further I discovered Cotton Jones is Michael Nau and Whitney Mcgraw from the indie pop band Page France who I also discovered split up in 2008 so he could fully concentrate on Cotton Jones. Although paranoid cocoon is Cotton Jones’ debut full length on Suicide squeeze records, they have released a couple of EP”s when they were called The Cotton Jones Basketride before shortening it for this release. I wonder if Michael Naus favourite animal is a chameleon?
So we have ten tracks of gentle, dreamy, slightly psychedelic pop with some country licks thrown in. Whitneys slightly subdued backing vocals fitting in perfectly alongside Michaels more baritone vocal. I could list a whole load of influenecs you can hear in this record but if you like The doors with a little less trippyniess, Yo la tengo without the fuzziness then you will no doubt like this but as I say there are a whole load of influences in this record. This is no bad thing though as it’s such a beautiful, gentle album that you would be happy waking up to or accompanying your glass of wine after a hard days work. Enjoy.
So I thought I might take a moment to peruse our inbox for musical suggestions, gifts, lottery notifications and offers to help a former doctor in Rwanda. Always a bit of a mish-mash in a blogger inbox!
There is an art to sorting a Blogger inbox, as you do get great musical suggestions, hear from good people, and readers/artists even send kind words of appreciation. You are a guru, you blogger you! Then you get PR emails, they are a good source of information, but always seem a bit cold. Lastly, you get “artists” who are trying hard to get heard and you want to help out but you simply don’t like their music. That last one is always hard, as I think I have good taste, I also think I am a nice guy, so how do you react?
Well, there are more difficult things in life than handling an email inbox, but I thought I would list a few items that I think are common sense items, but need to be said about sending an email to a blogger. Please read below, call me an idiot, call me obvious, simply read and move on…just sayin.
Only send email to blogs that you would want to see your music on: Why would you send a indie-folk blog your latest dance remix? Think about it.
Know thy blog/blogger: This is similar to the above, but generic emails get much less attention.
2a. Really know thy blog/blogger: Remember, some of us (myself included) blog on more than one music blog. What I am saying is don’t send your EXACT same email with only the “Name of Blog” changed. It is embarrassing for you and is not going to get you a post when you “…have been reading your blog for soo long and I have always wanted to be considered for “your” blog as you are my favourite blog…”
Attach media: I give more attention to artists who send a sample track and offer an album download for review. Yeah, I want your MySpace page address along with news, but include media and get online. On this topic, you must allow something to be downloaded…this is what readers want.
Be modest: Everyone can have talent, so be proud of what you have created, but everyone might not like it. Be honest about it and be humble in the hope that the blogger might like it as well. Don’t tell us we like it before we have even heard it.
One Follow email up is great, 10 is annoying: This one is just common sense….isn’t it??
*EDIT – LATE ENTRY* 6. Keep in Touch: If you are on the blog, we like you. If you have new projects or news, by all means send us an email with an update. LOVE to hear back from artists – makes everything warm inside…
Okay, so now we are on the same page and I apologize if anything seemed harsh, it is not meant to be. I always love getting music in my inbox – so keep on sending it to us! Now that I have said that, I have included a couple of recent artists who made the right decisions in their emails and hence, they are now on the blog.
~Firstly, I have Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles who are releasing a track each month (on the 15th to be exact) and offering a free download of it (and accepting donations for higher quality files, etc). Eventually it will be an aptly named album called “A Year of Song”. Great idea, great music. Visit Murdoch and crew on their website.
~Secondly, Trunks & Tales is a “Southern Alabama” group that just happens to be physically located in Pennsylvania. They draw an almost fringe folk via hillbilly rock – an Alt Country Mountain Goats if you will. Sound interesting, listen below and visit them on MySpace and Last.fm for a load of more free music.
~Smansmith
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Jon-Rae Fletcher is a Canadian singer-songwriter who grew up in Kelowna, British Columbia. Born the son of a preacher, Jon-Rae sang in his church’s choir by day and fell in love with the music of Kurt Cobain at night. Combining his passion for the sounds of country, gospel, rock, and soul, Jon-Rae Fletcher created a unique blend of music, which at times is minimal and soul bearing, and at other times a full-blown-rock-throw-down.
Stunning crowds with his resonating country voice, Jon-Rae’s cathartic, soul-stirring live show has helped build an ever growing following. Jon-Rae has recorded and released a number of stellar albums over the years, both as a solo artist and with full bands consisting of numerous talented friends from across Canada.
Recently released album “Oh Maria” is another example that Canada is not the land of hibernation and could be akin to the dusty rural south. There is a lot of “Canadiana” coming out lately and it is all good (see The Deep Dark Woods only a few posts ago).
The story behind “Oh Maria” seems like an unfortunate series of experiences that led to JR recording the story. There has been struggle that JR has worked through on his journey – both across Canada in life and in creating this album. The presentation of these 10 songs is intimate, confessional and a storyline of recent life experiences that he/or his character on the album overcomes. Like many before him, life teaches and shows you its ups and downs, and this album is all about that.
The sound of the album is essentially a gospel country album at heart. There is many influences from soul, jazz, Americana wrapped up in a singer songwriter package. The use of horns in this album alone is worth mentioning – powerful, yet tragic sounding at the same time, gorgeous stuff.
Enjoy a few tracks from the album below that was recently released February 3rd, 2009 on Weewerk Records out of Toronto. He is in good company there with Great Lake Swimmers, Barzin and Elliott Brood to mention a few. The songs below show you two of the stand out tracks in “Oh, Maria” and “Downtown”, with the piano laded swing time that is “My Hands” included for good measure!
Well, I think you should know some of my (current) hometown indie-folksters. The Cape May from Calgary create the type of music that might need visuals to truly get the full experience. The music seems to have a life of it’s own, it is a member of the band and possibly the guys themselves are simply there as the music says so. I find the aura created by The Cape May to be something that engulfs me – great headphone music if I had to say.
Some Backstory:
The Cape May principal songwriter Clinton St John grew up in a town of 300 in Alberta and moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland in 2000. After a period of isolated song and fiction writing, Clinton moved to Calgary with a collection of songs and a clear musical direction. A band was formed with long-time friend Jeff MacLeod, and in 2005 they released their debut LP, “Central City May Rise Again”. In support of the album the band saw plenty of time on the road, playing across Canada.
For the follow-up, the band enlisted acclaimed engineer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Smog, Low, The Pixies), and recorded in Calgary and Chicago over several months. Layered with strings, keys, Theremin and accordion, the album breathes with Albini’s trademark earthy approach, from Clinton’s distinctive and sometimes otherworldly voice to the dark, sweeping arrangements that comprise “Glass Mountain Roads”. Haunting and surreal, St. John’s lyrics give a cinematic quality to the songs, finding Orwellian landscapes and dream-like scenes delivered with starkness and honesty.
The Cape May capture the singer songwriter mentality and mesh it with what could be almost orchestral elements. It is quite unique and very enjoyable, even if I am a bit biased as they are my Calgarian brethren. They are signed to Flemish Eye Records, that enjoys other essential Calgary talent in Chad VanGaalen and Women.
So my last two post have been Stripmall Ballads and The Sumner Brothers and to finish off this Canadian trilogy I present to you The Deep Dark Woods. Since they sent me their new album Winter Hours last week I can honestly say I must have heard it at least fifty times in that period and I can’t see myself stopping any time soon as it is an album that, for me at least, takes a few listens to really appreciate the craftsmanship at work. Stunning, spine tingling harmonmies, beautiful arrangements and the musicianship is out of this world. By far the best album I’ve heard so far this year and not sure If I will hear better to be honest. Blending country, folk, rock and bluegrass you can hear influences from Gram Parsons through to that other Canadian stalwart, Neil Young but also with harmonies this good a modern comparison could be The Fleet Foxes. Lead singer Ryan Boldt has a immense sadness in his voice that I think he could sing the phone directory and keep you interested, full of deep emotion. When last years top albums lists came out many people had The Fleet Foxes as either top of their list or somewhere very close and yet The Deep Dark Woods’ Hang me oh hang me was never even mentioned let alone in any best of lists and for me it was one of 2007′s best albums ! Scandalous.( I know its 2007 but some end of lists went from oct 2007 to 0ct 2008); Well here’s hoping that this new album receives more praise because as far as I’m concerned this is quite simply astonishing. I could piss myself with glee while listening to it as it so excites me that music this good is still around.
This album starts off with a rather chilling track called Farewell which may give you the impression that this is a reflection of what is to come and you’d be part right I suppose but with more upbeat tracks like Polly and Two Time Loser sitting comfortably in the middle it gives you a slight break before hitting you with the The Gallows which is a beautifully written song and then a storming final eight and a half minute track The Sun Never Shines, probably my favourite on the album. The best final track I’ve heard on an album since The Day Texas Sank to The Bottom Of The Sea from Micah P Hinson and the gospel of progress. A blistering guitar solo (what ever happened to the guitar solo?), It’s the perfect way to end what is an incredible album, their best yet and that’s saying something considering all three are superb. I think what tops this one is the production of Steve Dawson who also contributes on the album playing ukelele and banjo as well as other stringed instruments. it’s as if this is a long lost album from the mid seventies or something. I wish I could write a review that would give this album justice but as I’ve said in the past I’m not a reviewer, my mission is to put the word out about good music and for me it doesn’t get any better that The Deep dark Woods.
Winter Hours is not slated for release until 17th February but very kindly Chris has taken time to answer some questions for us, He’s informed me it’s normally Ryan who does interviews but he was having internet troubles, tell me about it.
Underneath the interview you will find Where have the summers gone form their first album, Rumble in the sky from Hang me Oh Hang Me and All The Money I had Was Gone from the upcoming Winter Hours. But please, buy the album(s), I know it might sound like they are being produced in some multi millon pound studio with loads of money behind them but they’re not, Their just fucking good !
Hi The Deep Dark Woods, welcome to the Youcrazydreamers blog, hope you are all well. Here goes.
So, you have now recorded your new album Winter Hours, do you have a release date yet?The release date of the album will be Feb 17th. That’s soon!
How would you say this album differs from your previous ones, if at all?
I’d say that the album represents the growth of the band. Better arrangements, better vocals, better playing. We did the beds, and lead vocals live on the floor, which felt nice, playing throught each song 1 or 2 times each…..and that was it. It helped being in The Facory, a wicked studio in Vancouver….not to mention working with Steve Dawson, who produced the album.
3. Are you the kind of songwriter that needs to write every day or do you wait until the songs come to you?
Not sure about Ryan, but for me a song has to come to me. Sometimes months in between. For example, the song “Birds on the Bridge” (my only song on the album) came to me, was played 2 times through, and was written.
4. Who were your influences when you were younger, musically or otherwise?
When I was younger I was a huge Smashing pumpkins fan….I had over 50 of their cd’s (including bootlegs). I even listened to them on headphones while sleeping.
5. Canada has such a great music heritage, something in the water?
Our water is full of hope, and good times.
6. If there is one song you could steal and claim it as your own for ever which one would you choose and why?
I won’t over think it…..but lets say “Goin’ to Acapulco” off The Basement Tapes (Dylan and The Band). Reason? I think the song is perfect, and it gives me an amazing feeling everytime I hear it, and has a wicked sound to it. If it were album, I’d say Gordon Downie’s “Coke Machine Glow”
7. Ok, first non- musical question. What did you think last time you looked in the mirror? I thought, “I’m a lot more tired right now than I’ve ever been”
8. You may have read The Sumner Brothers interview we did on this blog, you recently played with them. There is so much good music in this genre coming out of Canada right now, any ideas why?
Not really sure, but I can say that The Sumner Brothers are one of my favorite Canadian bands right now. I love their songwriting.
9. What’s currently getting a lot of play on your stereo?
Lots of Leonard Cohen. Mmmm good. Some Grateful Dead.
10. Another silly one now. If you could play any part in any movie past or present who or what would it be and why?
Can’t think of anything. Sorry.
11. What’s your best musical experience so far?
Actually, recording our last album probably tops it. We had a ton of fun in vancouver, and found that we really made something special. It boosted the confidence of the band. Other that that, last weekend we played a show in Nokomis, Saskatchewan with the incredibly talented Little Miss Higgens. Jamming with her on stage felt pretty darn good. The whole show was crazy fun.
12. So, where can we get hold of this new album? Any Vinyl release?
No vinyl release right now, but we plan on doing something soon. In Europe our album is being distributed by CRS (Continental Record Services)….so wherever they distribute to. If you can’t find it anywhere, just buy it online.
13. Finally, what’s your plans for this year?
We’ll be doing lots of touring in Canada, as well as going down to SXSW in Austin TX. In the summer we’ll be playing tons of great festivals across Canada. We really want to come to Europe, but are waiting for an agent to show interest in booking us there. Hopefully soon. Other than that, trying to make music that we really like.
The Deep Dark Woods, many thanks for the interview and we here at you crazy dreamers wish you all the best for the future.
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‘The Black Path,’ Jones’ debut solo album with producer Jim Roll (Chris Bathgate, Breathe Owl Breathe), is his own means of therapy as he reflects upon how his memories and experiences have shaped him. Jones stands with one foot in a history akin to the Smithsonian’s Folkway tradition and with another outstretched in the modern, darkened, beating heart of today, while managing not to falter in the least bridging these gaping distances. On ‘The Black Path’, Jones struggles to deal with how memories have distorted his view of the past and therefore may threaten to distort his current reality.
We here at You Crazy Dreamers have been fans of Matt Jones for a while now – check Olivier’s post AND interview from 2007 here. The new album is released next week and Matt’s tour to promote starts this weekend, Feb. 7th at The Elbow Room in Ypsilanti, Michigan. While the album is available on various online merchants, I always recommend the physical CD for the good ones, and this one falls into that category.
The Black Path has the slow and steady songwriter base, with inclusions of strings, piano and that voice. Tracks that fall into the melancholy family include “Missing Vein”, “Nothing Joyful” (find an early version on previous YCD post linked above) and even the rambling “One Cotton Shot Short”. As mentioned you will get a bit more than the standard singer songwriter here – check tracks like “Waltzing With Lady Dawn” for a bit more upbeat feel and even a touch of orchestral flare. If you needed more of this new sound of Matt, don’t miss “Threadlines” that starts with some ominous strings (the violin is great in this track) then moves to a thumping folk track that could be a reworked 1940′s anthem.
Well all I can say is you should pick up this album so we can ensure the world has more Matt Jones around. If you can, check out his upcoming tour, dates below:
Feb. 7: Elbow Room – Ypsilanti, MI *The Black Path Album Release
Feb. 8: Annabell’s – Akron, OH
Feb. 9: Morning Glory Coffeehouse- Pittsburgh, PA
Feb. 10: The Saint – Asbury Park, NJ
Feb. 11: Union Hall – Brooklyn, NY
Feb. 12: Sidewalk Café – New York, NY
Feb. 13: McGillicudy’s – Ardmore, PA
Feb. 14: The Fire – Philadelphia, PA
Feb. 15: The Velvet Lounge – Washington D.C.
Feb. 17: Broad Street Café – Durham, NC
Feb. 18: West End Wine Bar – Chapel Hill, NC
Feb. 19: Village Tavern – Charleston, SC
Feb. 20: Flicker Theater – Athens, GA
Feb. 21: Pilot Light – Knoxville, TN
Feb. 22: C.P.R. – Lexington, KY (Early)
Al’s Bar- Lexington, KY
Feb. 23: Rumba Café – Columbus, OH
Feb. 24: Cinemat – Bloomington, IN
Feb. 25: The Music Joint – Chicago, IL
Feb. 26: Frequency – Madison, WI
Feb. 27: 331 Club – Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 28: The Dav – Kingsford, MI
March 3: The Record Lounge – E. Lansing, MI
March 4: Lager House – Detroit, MI
March 5: Rubbles Bar – Mt. Pleasant, MI
For a taste of your next favourite artist, find a few tracks below from “The Black Path”, and visit Matt on MySpace.
~Smansmith
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I have to honestly say that I didn’t know Andy Wagner before the good folks at Rock Proper introduced me to this Chicago troubadour. He already has two albums and has transitioned from Chicago to New Orleans and back again. Now settled back in Chicago, he is looking forward to his new album set to be released in February.
The new album, “Those Who Forgive”, will be released via Rock Proper on Monday, February 23rd and from having been listening for a couple of weeks already, this is a great late night experience. I say this as there is a bit of an intro on his website that just might make you think the same thing:
The sheets are crumpled at the foot of the bed and the blinds and orange dawnlight draw telephone lines across her sleeping face. Don’t worry darling, that was only a crow call. Don’t worry dear, this is only a love song. Chicago’s Andy Wagner writes, performs, sings and records dust and smoke and morning songs to wake to, unashamed.
Don’t let his good looks fool you (yes, I said it), this guy has chops. There is grit that one might not immediately perceive from his made for TV leading man jawline. There is a bit of saloon influenced Alt-Country mixed in with this Louisiana guitar slinger at heart. You will find the toned down rocker follow up a more up-tempo song with a pained rendition of lost love – with an almost Calexico feel (you might hear it in “Nothing to Defend” below).
The new album I feel is outright darker, at least by listening and taking it at face value. It has a slower cadence, a touch more production value and has the ache of harmonica (absolutely love the harmonica on “My Blue Sea”). His vocal delivery basically solidifies it for me. He has Sunday morning after a rough night drawl. This is like the good Ryan Adams stuff, if I dare say, as it has the solo and band backed tracks to fill out the full package. Click on the album image below to visit his Rock Proper page, bookmark it, return on Feb. 23rd for a free download of the entire album.
Take a few older tracks, some newer and some fresh from the recording boards of Jay Bennett’s Pieholden Suite Sound studio in downstate Illinois. Don’t be shy and visit him on his Website or his MySpace page.
~Smansmith
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