Monthly Archive for July, 2009

Song o’ Day – Bahamas “Already Yours”

Published by smansmith on July 25, 2009 in Folk, Indie, New Album Alert, Singer Songwriter and Song o Day. 1 Comment

Bahamas

Bahamas (or Afie Jurvanen) is a bit of a workhorse in Canadian Music.  He has played with everyone, both behind the scenes on albums and on tours and everywhere else musicians find home.  Well, Bahamas is bringing himself to the forefront and in good fashion as well.  The new album “Pink Strat” is a collection of honest (but fun) singer-songwriter tracks with a bit of the rolling plains of Canadian prairie indie country folk.   He is a guy who just seems like the real deal, he clearly has talent and sings songs within himself and with all of himself.  After listening to “Pink Strat” a few times, he seems like the guy you wanna know at a party and would casually gain the focus of the crowd and end up leaving at the end of the night with the crowd as both his fans and friends.  That sure seems like a lot coming from a guy who hasn’t met him…  Well maybe I might have to rush the stage when he swings through Calgary with Amy Millan on October 20th during his album tour that basically starts tonight at the Hillside Festival in Guelph Ontario.  Catch him if you can!

Take a listen to “Already Yours” from the new album, which incidentally was the iTunes song of the week (iTunes Canada I believe) – so good on ‘em.

“Already Yours” – Bahamas – from 2009′s “Pink Strat”

Visit Bahamas on MySpace (full tour dates) and on Nevado Records here in Canada!
Pick up a copy or find links to purchase over on Nevado HERE.

~Smansmith

 

Song o’ Day: “A Thousand Men” from Joe Pug

Published by smansmith on July 18, 2009 in Acoustic, Americana, Folk, Indie, Singer Songwriter and Song o Day. 2 Comments

Joe Pug kickin' back

So not exactly new news, but just can’t stop listening to that Joe Pug EP that he is offering on his website – for free!!  My song of the day is the magnificent “A Thousand Men”.

The song is timeless and not so simply great, it is pug alone strumming his guitar while singing the fact that “…every good idea, kills at least a thousand men…” – and despite what you may think, the good majority of us all are still in triple digits and are not getting out without a fight.

Enjoy the track – also hit up good friend Adrian over at “I Pick My Nose” Blog for a nice live version HERE.

“A Thousand Men” – Joe Pug – from the “In The Meantime” EP

Visit Joe Pug over on & Or and

~Smansmith

 

Ray LaMontagne {Hollywood Bowl}

Published by Trini on July 14, 2009 in Concert Review, Folk, Live Performance and On Youtube. 2 Comments Tags: , .

If you’ve read our about section you know that this site was started by a few crazy dreamers that have a great love and admiration for all things Ray LaMontagne.

I’ve been following his music for several years now, through unreleased albums, three major album releases, intimate venues, times when Larry, CT and Ray were all you needed on stage, memorable conversations to now this … an experience like none other. I can’t tell you the countless times I’ve seen Ray live, but by far this was a magical experience. His voice was the best I’ve heard in a long time and the orchestra was simply beautiful. I swear he reads my journal because he sings about my life.

I made a comment that Ray had arrived in Hollywood, no joke. I spotted nearby Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, sat a few row up from Ron Livingston, Evangeline Lily and Reese Witherspoon walked right by me while I was having a smoke (don’t judge I’m trying to quite) oh and a few of the AI kids. Needless to say it was a night that brought out all the stars. How humbling that must be for a man that only ever wanted to sing a song. I will always consider myself lucky to have met him.

I still to this day will never understand the concept of people talking during a performance. Even as perfect as this night was there is always some idiot sitting in front, behind, or next to you that is clueless the magnitude of some performances. Stay home if you want to talk.

Growing up playing the cello I have a soft spot in my heart for an orchestra so having both my loves in one place, well it was more than I could handle. I didn’t have my camera with me that night, sorta wanted to hold it all in memory but I did find these two youtube videos, the sound is great but man it was just one of those night you had to experience being there. Words just can justify the feeling that man gives you when he sings.

I’ll leave you with a little cover of “Something is Wrong With My Baby” for download.

 

Cory Chisel live at Electric Lady Studios

Published by Trini on July 14, 2009 in Americana, Folk, Major Label, New Album Alert and Soul. 1 Comment Tags: .



I can’t believe it’s almost going to be a year since I was first introduced to Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons via Miles Nielsen. Cory was on tour with Joshua James, as many of you know one of my favorite singers. Running late that night I missed Cory’s performance but had a chance encounter with Miles at the bar. Let’s just say that it’s one of those nights that goes down in the books. I don’t know if looking back now it was one of those nights that changes the direction of your life and you look back with joy or if you’d just wish you could have the last year back. In any case, the one positive thing is that at the end of it all I found some really great new artist and amazing music. Miles recently released his solo album, which by the way is solid, you must pick it up if you ever have a chance.

If you haven’t heard of Cory Chisel, prepares yourselves because you will. He’s scheduled to release an album this year (details below) but you can go to his website and download Brand new song “Born Again” available now here for a limited time. All you need to do is sign up your email in exchange.

“The songs on Death Won’t Send A Letter were recorded primarily at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN with Chisel’s backing vocalist/keyboard player Adriel Harris and “Little Jack” Lawrence (The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather) on initial tracking. Cory, Adriel and Little Jack were then joined by Jack’s longtime collaborator Patrick Keeler (The Raconteurs, The Greenhornes) on drums. With Patrick and Jack’s driving rhythm section the albums’ sound took on a grittier hue. And in Brendan Benson Cory found a writing and arranging partner that birthed the lead album track “Born Again.” Carl Broemel from My Morning Jacket also contributes on guitar.

The album, released on Black Seal/Sony BMG Music, follows up Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons’ 2008 live EP Cabin Ghosts, which Chisel co-produced with Tony Berg.

Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons’ Death Won’t Send A Letter will be released September 29th of 2009 in the US.”

New song from upcoming album “Born Again” MySpace


Watch the full concert at baeblemusic.com

 
 Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons - "Born Again" [3:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

Dawes

Published by Laura on July 12, 2009 in Americana. 1 Comment Tags: , .


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I can’t say I stumbled upon this band myself. A music buddy on last.fm recommended them to me a short while ago (Thanks Zach!). I am so very glad he did. Been listening to Dawes non-stop in my car on the way to work all this past week.

I am completely stunned, er infatuated umm IN LOVE with their gorgeous album called North Hills…incidentally they happen to be from North Hills, California. The band consists of Taylor Goldsmith, Wylie Gelber, Griffin Goldsmith and Tay Strathairn.

Beautiful harmonies and melodies…they got that sweet Americana sound that always breaks my heart. I know I always say this in my posts but do yourself a favor and go purchase this album immediately! LISTEN TO ME!

For those of you in Chicago, come out to the Empty Bottle on Wednesday July 15th to see them with Deer Tick. I’ll be there for sure.

Also head over to Daytrotter to download their session here.

Dawes Myspace - Facebook

Purchase on iTunes here

 
 Take Me Out Of The City - Dawes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 
 That Western Skyline - Dawes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 
 Peace In The Valley - Dawes: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

Cameron McGill & What Army – Warm Songs for Cold Shoulders

Published by Trini on July 10, 2009 in Experimental / Psychedelic, Folk and Indie. 0 Comments Tags: , .

Let me tell you a little bit about my year, needless to say it’s been one of a lot of reflection and a relentless tug of wars between my mind and heart. I think my heart is losing the battle, but do not fear the mind is still in full operational mode.

On a recent trip to Arizona I picked up this little gem and listened to it non-stop all the way home. It’s amazing how cathartic long drives can be at times. Road trips are great when the destination is clearly define, but at times a road trip with no destination can help clear the mind.

Well enough about me, let me tell you about Cameron McGill, first of all who could resist those amazing blue eyes, wowsers! All kidding aside, he truly has a way with the written word aka lyrics. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

I can say without a doubt that this has quickly become a favorite on the old play list. It’s found a nice little home on all my long clearing of the mind road trips. It was tough trying to pick one song to post up here for you to listen and immediately fall addicted to but I have to say that “Low Ways” and “Minor Suite” are two of my favorites. I’m sure you will all run to your local indie shop or buy online as soon as you listen, you won’t be disappointed.

You can also listen to him on his MySpace page

Well off to think some more. I’ve recently taken a hiatus from FB and Twitter in hopes to get back to the simpler things in life like music.

Like Cameron says “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)”
Be well all ~ Trini

 
 Cameron McGill [Low Ways] [4:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
 
 Cameron McGill [Minor Suite] [5:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

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