I just recently discovered The White Buffalo while trolling Last.fm of fellow friends and neighbors and I must say it has been a pretty good find.  I listened to a couple of tracks from his website and then immediately zipped over to eMusic and picked up his Hogtied Revisited album that was released in March of this year.

The video included below is for “Love Song #1″ which is from “The White Buffalo EP” which I believe is from 2005.  2005!?!  Yes, this guy has slipped past this Americana/Alt-Country fiend…but no longer.   This “White Buffalo” or Jake Smith as he is known to his friends is now on my radar.  This song is also streaming on his website homepage along with 2 others – so get a listen on and then zip over for an album if you enjoy it as much as me.

Visit The White Buffalo on the MySpace page and Website!

Pick up an album, why don’t you?:

~Smansmith

So “Song o’ The Day” is kinda my thing around here the last few weeks.  Sorry folks for the sporadic posting, life simply getting in the way for all of us!!

Well being the Canadian around these parts I always seem to be pushing my brethren, but that is because I keep being impressed by the talent from the “Great White North”.  Today’s selection is Matt Epp who I also might be attached to as he is from one of my hometowns of Winnipeg, Manitoba (he’s a “pegger”).  While I  tended to overlook what was in my own backyard while living there, I seem to see more talent now that it is no longer underneath my own nose.  Matt Epp has a new album coming out called “Safe or Free” this November and the track “This Old House” is the lead off single.  It is a bit of singer-songwriter with shavings of Alt-Country adorning his duet with Eliza Gilkyson.  It is also a Ryan Adams’ style ballad including a harmonica feature at midway (love that damn harmonica).  Hope you like as much as I do!

“This Old House” – Matt Epp – from 2009’s “Safe of Free”

~~~

So keep an eye out for the album this November by keeping in touch below:

~Smansmith

P.S.  Maybe pick up an album to listen to during your wait by clicking:

I think sometimes you have to challenge yourself as a listener to explore other genres or sounds and give them enough time to grow, not be put off by first listens or bad reviews. Not that has happened to Nurses as far as I can gather but it is certainly an album that requires more than one listen, in fact takes quite a few if only to ‘hear’ it properly as there’s so much going on. What strikes you first is the swirling vocal harmonies which are prominent throughout the album but after more listens you start concentrating more on the electronics or the piano which I read somewhere give the impression that the band are evolving as you listen and this is true, it’s ever changing but not too much so you lose interest, in fact the more listens you give it the more brilliance you find in it, I think they’ve created a masterpiece. It’s impossible to put this kind of music under any genre as it covers many, folk, Psychedelia, alt-country and pop, in fact it’s the pop side of it that I find works brilliantly, take a listen and see what you think.   Signed to the brilliant dead oceans label they are often compared to the likes of animal collective, yeasayer and Sunset Rubdown  but I hear a little bit of The Low Anthem in there too. They’re currently on a huge U.S tour, go see them. Available as a download, cd and vinyl either from Dead Oceans or your local independant record store. The mp3 available here you can also grab along with another one on the dead oceans website. Enjoy.

**This is a mirrored post from over on Slowcoustic.com – (because I know Olly loves this guy!).
The downloads included are a higher bit-rate over here as well!!

“The heart of a cur keeping time with her bedroom eyes.” ~JLL

The upcoming album from Jeffrey Luck Lucas entitled “The Lion’s Jaw” should be out any second and from the few tracks I have heard it is going to be another incredible album.  This is a top album in the “looking forward to in 2009″ for me and am glad it is about to surface.  Why this guy isn’t more famous, is beyond me.

Yes, I am being purposefully vague about the release date for the new album as it has not “officially” been set yet, but I have good authority that it will be available within the next couple of weeks.  The music industry can be an enigma in itself and a lowly music blogger simply wants the end product of a great album.  This particular great album cannot get here fast enough.  If anyone is familiar with Jeffrey Luck Lucas you will know that there is a theme/feeling/aura surrounding the work of Lucas: one of solitude, trying times and ultimately a mixture of hope amongst bleak times.  In going back and forth with Lucas (as you will see below in the interview), he is conscious of this mystique he conjures with his talent.  One that draws me like a moth to a flame, not blindly, but just something that consistently brings fulfilling music – not the one hit wonders or smash and grab singles that circle the world of music these days.

Lucas has 2 previous albums to date of which both come highly recommended for lovers of the sombre almost Americana crowd.  I say almost as his music floats around many genres but doesn’t make its home in anything specific – It has essence of a Matthew Ryan’s melancholy, Leonard Cohen’s storytelling and delivery.  I used those two artists as one brings to mind a mature established performer with the other bringing something more modern down-tempo, the blending of it all gives you a great idea of what Jeffrey Luck Lucas provides.  Another way to put it is to let you know the titles of the two previous album “Hell Then Divine” and “What We Whisper”.  So you get an aching performance of the down trodden with that glimmer of redemption only moments away (all the while being aware of oneself and being awake to some humour of it all).

Well, if I can say one thing, it is “The Lion’s Jaw” is going to be another notch on this troubadour’s belt and should make it’s way to your collection…soon.  Let’s dig into a bit of “Q & A” with Jeffrey Luck Lucas.

~~~

1. Who is Jeffrey Luck Lucas – introduce yourself to our readers – and is “Luck” really your middle name?

“Luck” is as real a name as any of mine, in my opinion, though I wasn’t born with it. I was christened with the name around a pool table in a great long-lost dive bar. It had a nice ring to it so I let it stick. I don’t know how to introduce myself. Maybe we’ll let the music do the introducing? I mean, it’s all there.

2. We are big fans here at Slowcoustic/You Crazy Dreamers and me especially as I am a jokingly described as a fan of “sad bastard music” – is this how you would describe your music?

Thank you… I do appreciate the support and encouragement to keep doing the dirty work. Though I do encourage others getting dirty with me.

I would say that the music is created by a sad bastard, but it isn’t all sad (and neither is the bastard). I think there’s a lot of beauty and humor drifting alongside all the emotional wreckage and debris. Not to mention sex and violence.

I think as more recordings surface the story will become more complete. It is definitely a living voyage that just happened to begin with a funeral march.

3. Now releasing your third album “The Lion’s Jaw” – When is it being released, where can we get it?

THE LION’S JAW will be released soon, this month I believe. It has been horribly delayed. The only bright side being that I’ve basically finished the fourth album (which I’m really really excited about) and that should be coming out this year as well. I don’t have a title yet, unfortunately.

You should be able to get THE LION’S JAW soon on iTunes and other online electronic distributors. We will also be doing a limited run of vinyl and CDs that will be personalized, numbered, etc. And it will have it’s own European label/release as well.

4. What were some of the things that lead to or assisted in the creation of the new album?

A sense of growing strength. An ability to face the present with clear vision. Working through an emotional backlog. Being comfortable in the skin of the night. Giving-up black and white ideals. Coming to terms with never coming to terms. Eroticism and passion in the midst of hell. And new sources of inspiration from my friends and loved ones. From their music. And Desmond Shea’s co-vision… his ability to find diamonds in my bullshit. [please edit this at will]

I really view THE LION’S JAW as a door. It marks the end and the beginning, depending on which way you’re heading.

5. You are more than a “guy with a guitar” – you are known as a trained composer & cellist, how do these integrate into your albums?

I tried to plaster as much of my self and my vision as I could on these records. I love doing arrangements and playing any and every thing I can. I record demos for every song, playing all the instruments. I learn so much from doing that. BUT… now I’ve found some guys who’ve living the music with me… and they’re bringing something… so I think the next records will be a little less claustrophobic… more accessible in a purely collaborative/spiritual way. Jesus, did I just write that?

6. Any upcoming shows, festivals that you are appearing at – where can we see ya?

Well, we’ve been working hard to get a strong band that can handle the music, so you should be seeing us over the next few months. You have to let the record simmer for awhile before you go out to lose money in support of it. Seriously, though, we’ll be in Europe late Fall/Winter and start from there.

I’ll also have a pretty full schedule playing cello and other things with other artists like KIRA LYNN CAIN and JAMES FINCH JR. this Summer and Fall.

7. Who are artists that you have toured/worked with that have influenced you?

TINDERSTICKS, JOHN DOE, ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, THE WILLARD GRANT CONSPIRACY come to mind, as far as artists I’ve shared the stage with. My bandmates, JUSTIN FRAHM and JAMES FINCH JR. are amazing songwriters, along with KIRA LYNN CAIN. SEAN COLEMAN (now of Dublin, Ireland) is an amazing musician and an inspiration. And we wouldn’t be here talking if it weren’t for DESMOND SHEA, producer, engineer, 5th Beatle, etc. I’m probably missing a dozen or so. What the hell…

As far as influences that I haven’t had a chance to work with or share the stage with, I would say LOU REED, SERGE GAINSBOURG, SCOTT WALKER, NICK DRAKE, NICK CAVE, LEONARD COHEN, JOHNNY CASH, LAMBCHOP, IGGY POP, ITALIAN FILM MUSIC, etc. etc.

~~

There you have the great insight of JLL and please consider frequenting his sites to find the new album once released.  Prior to that, you can pick up a copy of “What We Whisper” (iTunes and CD Baby) and “Hell Then Divine” (iTunes and CD Baby).
You can also visit Mr. Lucas over on his Website and his MySpace page for updates on the new album.

~Smansmith

I first wrote about Tom and the boys here. At that point they had only released a single and were about to go off to Dallas and record their new album. Well not’s much changed in terms of releases since then but I have been informed by them that the EP release is imminent with the full album to follow not long afterwards. These are looking like they will be self released on their A little something label via their management team of Autonomy Music Group So to wet your appetite just a little longer here is another mp3 which I have been granted which was recorded in one of the emperor’s (Bobby’s) living room. In his own words,  ” It’s got a great feel, with some clarinet, mandolin and double-bass action going on, Tom in preacher-man mode and a nod or two to James Brown in the chorus. It’s about as close as we get to a fun song”

He has promised me that the Ep and  album has plenty of misery for us to indulge in though so that’s nice.

Please sign up to their webpage here where you can still get a free download and also be told of any further news. They have also granted us here at YCD an interview around the time of the EP release so if you have any questions let us know and I will ask away.

Finally, they have an intimate acoustic gig coming up on the 23rd July at the Hideaway in North London. More deatils of that here. I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing them live but apparantly these intimate shows are exceptional and not to be missed.

My favourite snippet of information is about them is this.

“You really get a sense that the Emperors are seasoned veterans of the London music scene and I can’t believe they won’t be playing much larger venues very soon, like Nick Cave jamming with Tom Waits playing in a Jazz Bar during a Tarantino movie… toe-curlingly good” – livemusic.fm

Watch this space kids.

The nine bands whose work is represented here span a wide Prairie landscape of music. The Deep Dark Woods mix traditional folk music with rock and roll, alt-country and psychedelia. Psychedelia is also an element of holzkopf’s work, mashed up with jungle, hip-hop, and eardrum-bursting feedback. Dumb Angel (Shaun Mason) centres spectral compositions around ethereal vocals and melodic, droning guitar. Pearson play intimate folk-core inspired by Grant Fuhr, Soren Kierkegaard and one-speed bikes; when their lovely lady strikes out on her own, she’s called A Gentle Forest. The practically orchestra-sized Carbon Dating Service make a joyful noise with voices, hearts and horns. These Hands (Michael Hanson) is deceptively understated and idiosyncratically catchy, in the vein of Lennon, Bowie and Drake. The Junior Pantherz have been a guitar-powered, cymbal-kicking, indie-rock machine since 1999. And the Western Canadian Music Award-winning The Blood Lines’ pop-rock is equal to any from Montreal or Toronto.

1. These Hands – We Will Be Born Again
2. Holzkopf – The Old Life
3. Dumb Angel – Two Leaves
4. Pearson – My Ghost Your Ghost
5. The Blood Lines – The End Of The World
6. Carbon Dating Service – Dead Dogs
7. Junior Pantherz – Class Action Lawsuit
8. The Deep Dark Woods – The Straight & Narrow
9. A Gentle Forest – The Moon’s Appeal
*(Artist – Song)

Becoming more and more known in the music scene, the good old city of Saskatoon is getting some decent exposure lately.  Having been there many times and living in both Winnipeg and Calgary, I have basically sandwiched this city by the river almost my whole life.  Who would have thunk it that I should have stopped halfway between the two cities and made Saskatoon my home??  While keeping the small town vibe but still being a growing urban area – it is well known to be one of the most beautiful prairie towns around – it is now the indie music scene that has come to the forefront.  Whether it be the awesome Alt Country of “The Deep Dark Woods” or the orchestral “Carbon Dating Service” and all the way to the stunning folk-core of “Pearson” and indie rock of “Junior Pantherz”.  Seems like there is a little too much depth for this little city, but that is the way they like it I’m sure.

Visit Killbeat Music (the remainder of the tracks not included in this post can be downloaded at Killbeat) and Saved By Radio for more information and pick up a copy of the physical CD at SBR HERE.

~Smansmith

Tobacco Pat is the subject of this episode of “If You Haven’t Heard” and once again, you need to hear – but I guess that is the point of the series.  Well now that we are on subject, I was recently introduced to Tobacco Pat (and have previously mentioned him HERE) and now I hope to introduce you to Tobacco Pat, if you haven’t heard already.

Tobacco Pat, or Logan Farmer, is a Floridian with a sound that speaks from the belly of the South, just maybe not the south of Florida.  Not ever being in Southern Florida, I can’t say for sure, but the dark, foreboding Americana coming from Farmer is both gothic and gorgeous but doesn’t conjure up images of azure ocean and palm trees.

He has a couple of EPs – “The War” and “The Plague” out currently with a full length – “Everything Will Be Oklahoma” on the way.  So far his EP series follows different ways that this very world may end, in 5 storied tracks at a time.  While “The War” is a little more of a fuller sound and “The Plague” a bit more lo-fi, they both find themselves in common territory – downtempo goodness.  I am often biased, I lean towards the troubadour and I never cover artists/bands I don’t like – so this should be no surprise – If you haven’t heard Tobacco Pat, you must.  Head over to the YerBird Aviary of which he is a new resident or his MySpace Page for more info and downloads.  He has lots of additional tracks on his MySpace player including samples from the upcoming album that will be released in September on Feels Like Home Records!

You can also visit my duplicate post over on Slowcoustic that will have a couple other songs for listening and downloading.

~Smansmith

I’ve received on april 17th a mail from Jon Jackson about a new video available on vimeo. Days have rolled full of procrastination… and yesterday as I was cleaning my mailbox, Jon’s message went back top of the list… For the best of your day, give you the chance to click the play button right now and you will enjoy the result of a four months effort. Beautiful !

.

Silver Darling are new to me.  I discovered them while covering Garrett Pierce for my day job at Slowcoustic and while looking over the label page for Crossbill Records, I found another gem in Silver Darling.  There is also a Matt Bauer EP that is incredible with Crossbill, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.  From what I can tell this is a band that is just starting out releasing albums (2008, but Silver Darling has been in the works since 2006), gaining members and looking forward to continued growth, touring and albums.

While as I say just starting out, they still have two official releases to date and have grown from a trio to a quintet (that’s five) in the last few months.  A common theme when I start to really enjoy music is a sound that is usually folk, but one that seems acoustically inclined (at times) and have something that separates if from the sea of others.  Whether that is a unique voice, interesting inclusions of instruments or a sound that keeps it’s roots in folk but walks a fine line to gothic, indie Americana.  Silver Darling find themselves roaming comfortably throughout these territories.  Their website has the below description:

…Northern California based soul folk in action-Guthrie Americana-dark gospel musical group…

With “sounds like” from their MySpace page of:

‘77 sunburst Gibson Les Paul, ‘77 Rickenbacker Bass, ‘59 Ludwig 28″ bass drum, early ’60’s Hammond organ, ‘45 king 2b silvertone trombone, ‘82 Martin HD-28, voice (high tenor), voice (baritone)

Now you see?  There is a bit of everything with SD, you get the mellow folk acoustic tracks “Leave My Body Like a Stone” or “Land West of The Mississippi” and even folk rock of “Hanging Rest” – you have Kevin Lee’s lead vocals power through while still showing the fragility of just holding on.  You can actually feel and hear the incorporation of a fuller band from the first EP “Wrap Around My Heart” to the newer “Your Ghost Fits My Skin” – while the EP is more acoustic and southern gospel, the newer LP could be a group effort that brings the power of that South to the forefront (you can find this in tracks like “Roof and Seed” – swing by their website to listen for yourself).  This is what always attracts me and keeps me listening – great music, dark lyrics/discussion, a possibly a bit of twang from a pedal steel…if this is something that might intrigue you, take a listen below – you will find yourself a wash in a Southern Delta sound that while still finding its final signature sound, is doing a incredible job of playing great music along the journey.
~
Silver Darling
“Clothes Removed” (mp3)
“Land West of the Mississippi” (mp3)
from “Wrap Around My Heart”
(Crossbill Records)

More On This Album

~
Silver Darling
“Leave My Body Like a Stone” (mp3)
“Holy Oak, Muddy Banks” (mp3)
“Hanging Rest” (mp3)
from “Your Ghost Fits My Skin”
(Crossbill Records)

More On This Album

Visit Silver Darling on their Website for a few more songs to listen to and swing by Crossbill Records for a little label action and to pick up an album.  If needed, their newly restored MySpace Page is located here.

~Smansmith

]]> http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/04/19/silver-darling-finds-me-i-try-to-resist-but-cannotfan-created/feed/ 0 http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/04/18/steve-abel-the-chrysalids/ http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/04/18/steve-abel-the-chrysalids/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:35:59 +0000 Geordie http://youcrazydreamers.com/?p=1707
I was in New York last week and during my time there, as well as meeting my wonderful fellow blogger Laura I also found time to go to a couple of gigs in town. The first one I went to was Jolie Holland who was playing at a great place called The Housing [...]]]>

I was in New York last week and during my time there, as well as meeting my wonderful fellow blogger Laura I also found time to go to a couple of gigs in town. The first one I went to was Jolie Holland who was playing at a great place called The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe in Lower East Side (supported by the brilliant Ana Egge). I also won a guitar signed by Jolie at this gig but that’s another story.

During Jolie’s performance she invited various friends up on stage to sing with her and as well as Sam Parton (The Be Good Tanyas), one that really stole the show for me was the above mentioned Steve Abel. Originally from New Zealand where he was an active campaigner for Greenpeace and other worthy environmental causes he is now spread between his homeland, France, the UK and I’m guessing New York now too. Having released his debut album Little Death in 2005 to critical acclaim winning the New Zealand best alternative album prize and also  Pavement magazine calling it a a melancholic masterpiece,  he is now on album number two, Flax Happy. Steve reminds me of a mixture of some earlier Will Oldham (Bonnie prince Billy) with it’s sparseness and cut throat honesty, the looseness of the playing  of some Elvis Perkins and the dark, haunting lyrics of Nick Cave and surely you can’t go wrong with that? Incidentally, Jolie Holland also guests on the latter album and with titles such as Sad Girls, Cinders of the sun (Duet with Jolie) and Heart Of Misery you would expect a depressing album but It isn’t.  Sad? perhaps, but not depressing as the songwriting and musicanship is outstanding and not only that, what’s wrong with depressing music anyway? I’d much rather listen to someone spilling their guts out in front of me than someone pretending to be Mary Fucking Poppins, honesty from a songwriter is all I ever ask for, good or bad. Steve has a UK date lined up in May and I’m praying he adds more shows to that. I highly recommend both his albums, talent.

If you are a fan of indie-Canadiana, you will have to bookmark “Camera Music” on AUX TV as they capture some of the best musicians in the wild.  The series is recorded by Scott Cudmore and follows various talents around city streets, parking lots, farm fields and wintery back alleys.  You  may get a bit more “real world” than you would on an official video for any of the tracks, but that is the charm, you get “should I stand here?” or “How does that look?” – there is a taste of the real world before the feature presentation.  Of the artists featured so far, you have Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers), Brian Borcherdt, Timber Timbre, Bruce Peninsula to mention a few. Head over HERE to check them out.

So I posted on Jon-Rae Fletchers’ “Oh, Maria” and I still stand by that this album as one of the most rich and lush releases in the last while.  The album is modern Country/Americana mixed with Singer-Songwriter Gospel and worth an extra listen at all times.  You can check out the post with a few tracks HERE.  For now, see what I mean for the newest installment of “Camera Music” and one of the tracks “The Sound” from his 2009 release.  You might have to wait a full minute until the music actually starts, but its worth it!

~Smansmith

Not a  write up or review here but just to let you all know that The Felice Brothers new album Yonder Is The Clock is released on the 7th April. I’ve said all i’ve ever wanted to say in the past about this great band to anyone who would listen and for me personally I still haven’t come across a band as good as these since I first heard them. They have everything in their music, tales of drunkeness, love, drug deals, friendship, rejection, hope, the lot. In Simone and Ian Felice we have two of the most amazing, poetic  songwriters around today.  Simone is now also one half of The Duke and the King who you should check out too and has also made time to write two books, Goodbye, Amelia and Hail Mary full of holes, the latter being Uncut magazines book of the month !

If the whole album is anything like this footstomping, swaggering track they are giving away on the Team Love record label website (Where incidentally they have a HUGE library full of free albums and mp3’s) then we are in for one hell of an album. Enjoy.

Since Kevin from ‘To the Dogs or Whoever’ quitted blogging, i’m no longer getting great tips about aussie bands, until… Until my browser loads this early morning, the bric-à-brac cdbaby.com new arrivals folk page… And for the first time, the very first click was the right one : Jess Ribeiro and the Bones Collector !

Alternative country folk from the tropical northern territory of Australia, with a diverse saddlebag of mature, enchanting, mesmerising and playful songs.

The opening track from this too short ep – the kind of frustration reminded me one of my best ep last year released by Jess’s fellow country songwriter Phillip Bracken ) is totally bewitching : an amazing voice à la Alela Diane is floating over a delicate  fullstrings composition. Then the first listening of “It’ll Come to Pass” leave me with no voice and confirmed – as the following two tracks – the extent of such a dazzling talent  !

Well I guess I won’t be the only one awaiting for the first full length which should be released later this year…  In the meantime, buy the EP, read and listen to her interview on ABC here.

Artist : Jess Ribeiro and The Bones Collector
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com
More appetizers : on her myspace page

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.

1. 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.
2. 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…”
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

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!

Visit Jon-Rae Fletcher on his Website and MySpace Page.

Jon-Rae Fletcher
“Downtown” (mp3)
“My Hands” (mp3)
“Oh, Maria” (mp3)
from “Oh Maria”
(Weewerk)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

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.

1. 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 17^th. 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.

]]> http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/02/06/the-deep-dark-woods-winter-hours/feed/ 0 4:09 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 ... 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.nbsp; When last years top albums lists came out many people had The Fleet Foxes as either top of their listnbsp; 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.nbsp; 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),nbsp; 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 vo... Alt-Country,,Americana,,Blue,Grass,,Country,,Folk,,New,Album,Alert thesix@youcrazydreamers.com no No http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/02/02/why-didnt-i-knowandy-wagner/ http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/02/02/why-didnt-i-knowandy-wagner/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:06:17 +0000 smansmith http://youcrazydreamers.com/?p=1456
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 [...]]]>

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

]]> http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/02/02/why-didnt-i-knowandy-wagner/feed/ 1 4:49 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.nbsp; He ... 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.nbsp; He already has two albums and has transitioned from Chicago to New Orleans and back again.nbsp; 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.nbsp; 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. Donrsquo;t worry darling, that was only a crow call. Donrsquo;t worry dear, this is only a love song. Chicagorsquo;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.nbsp; There is grit that one might not immediately perceive from his made for TV leading man jawline.nbsp; There is a bit of saloon influenced Alt-Country mixed in with this Louisiana guitar slinger at heart.nbsp; 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.nbsp; It has a slower cadence, a touch more production value and has the ache of harmonica (absolutely love the harmonica on "My Blue Sea").nbsp; His vocal delivery basically solidifies it for me.nbsp; He has Sunday morning after a rough night drawl.nbsp; 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 Bennettrsquo;s Pieholden Suite Sound studio in downstate Illinois.nbsp; Don't be shy and visit him on his Website or his MySpace page. ~Smansmith Acoustic,,Alt-Country,,New,Album,Alert,,Singer,Songwriter thesix@youcrazydreamers.com no No http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/01/14/if-you-havent-heard-magnolia-summer/ http://youcrazydreamers.com/2009/01/14/if-you-havent-heard-magnolia-summer/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:08:34 +0000 smansmith http://youcrazydreamers.com/?p=1368
Hey, if you haven’t heard….”Magnolia Summer”!   Welcome again kiddies to another installment of “If You Haven’t Heard” and the band in question – Magnolia Summer. This St. Louis based “rock” band (as they describe themselves) is a bit of a collection of friends that have been interchanged over the past few years under the moniker “Magnolia [...]]]>

Hey, if you haven’t heard….”Magnolia Summer”!   Welcome again kiddies to another installment of “If You Haven’t Heard” and the band in question – Magnolia Summer.

This St. Louis based “rock” band (as they describe themselves) is a bit of a collection of friends that have been interchanged over the past few years under the moniker “Magnolia Summer”.  The eye of this storm (does that make it sound bad?) is Chris Grabau and he is bringing the family back together for the 3rd and most recent release entitled “Lines From The Frame” out of the Undertow Music Collective stables.

The road Grabau and company travel is one that many of this ilk travel and Grabau’s themes in song crafting have been described as “...expressing a Kerouac-like love for the journey more than the destination…“.  While not a new concept to the genre, it is one that is tried and true.  This road of Americana recordings is one that one might find themselves traveling regardless of whether or not it is leading to a destination – but I guess that is the point previously made.  Enjoy the now, the journey, with your family of friends and some solid tunes as your soundtrack.  Why the hell not?

I have included two tracks from the new album below with “Diminished Returns” as well as the great “To Better Days”.  It will do you good to check out the sister post over on Slowcoustic for another great track “Bird Without A Wire”, it’s a great duet with Kelly Kneiser from the band Glossary.  All tracks enjoy a bit of an electric tinged Americana – with flecks of strings and a full band flare – this might be the album that the entire cast of Magnolia Summer finally got together to create.

Side Note: You might also note that Magnolia Summer contributed to one of my favourite projects of 2008 and the “Of Great and Mortal Men” 3 disc collection.  Magnolia Summer joins in with Christian Kiefer on the track “William McKinley (Czolgosz’s Dream)”.

Visit Magnolia Summer:  Website, Undertow Music Collective, MySpace
Purchase an album at:  Undertow, eMusic and iTunes

*Bonus* – Enjoy the lo-fi session with Magnolia Summer below:

~Smansmith

I’m going to start off this year with an interview from a band I wrote about here last year, The Sumner Brothers. Last year I wrote about In The Garage a week or two before the release of their self-titled album. Although the latter album has some of the tracks from the afore mentioned In The Garage, Pain, Both back and My Words being three, apart from a couple of A.P Carter tracks and an old traditional song called Yeah Blue, they have taken away the covers their music has obvious nods towards and have added more of their own compositions, Say You’ll always be mine and Two Hands being two but an obvious stand out track being Ticket to ride, A song I could imagine the late Johnny Cash singing on his last album just before he sadly died.

As i’ve said in the past I just love the honesty these guys show in their songwriting and that’s all backed up by the emotion you can hear in their voices. With another release to come in 2009 this band I’m sure are going to mature into one of the best country/folk/roots bands around, If they are not already.

So, If you have received a cdbaby voucher for Christmas or you are taking back a cd you already have, You will not go far wrong by picking up this album, infact why not buy both at the same time and play them back to back while you read through this interview that Brian has kindly granted YCD?

YCD – You’ve now released In the garage and your self-titled album,  How
were they received?

SB – they were both well received……we were a little surprised that our
first album “in the garage” was as well received as it was……. we
recorded that one in our garage with an 8 track and an assortment of
old beat up 58’s ……. we plan on making a string of “in the garage”
albums but i doubt they will ever sound like that one.

YCD – You seem very much in touch with the traditions of country music,
is this the kind of music you grew up with?

SB – not exactly……we’re suburban kids …we ended up listening to
everything……literally …hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, classical,
..you name it…….we really took to country music when Johnny Cash
started making his “American” recordings…..i think we adopted
country music for ourselves because of the simplicity of it…….we
liked the idea that you could write a song in the afternoon and
perform it that night……when it was still fresh….and that country
music is a lyrics first form…..since then we’ve met a ton of people
performing this kinda music and really started to learn the history of
it from the inside out…..from the storytellers themselves.

YCD – What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t making music?

SB – working a day job and trying to start a business…..i’ve had a couple
ideas over the years……but music takes all my time now……and i’m
happy with that

YCD – When a journalist told Townes Van Zandt that his songs were sad his
reply was that although some were, most were full of hopelessness. I
get the same feeling when listening to some of your songs like Pain or
Both Back, the latter I know is about wanting your grandfathers back
with you. Writing that, was it some kind of healing process?

SB – no…..it’s hard to explain …i’ve never found writing to help with
the healing process…..if anything ..eveytime i perform these songs
it hurts…..so it’s kinda like digging at old wounds….but the only
other option is to forget entirely and that doesn’t seem right
either…..my best friend passed away about a year ago and i never
wrote about it…….it wouldn’t help me to heal…..i’m better off
just not thinking about it.

there’s a difference between Townes outlook in his songs and ours.
Townes was depressed……and his sense of hopelessness came from there
My Brother and I love life……and despise death……and that is
where our sense of hopelessness comes from

YCD – Ok, first non- musical question. What did you think last time you
looked in the mirror?

SB - can’t remember ……something along the lines of ..women are %&^$%$^ nuts

YCD – If there is one song you could steal and claim it as your own for
ever which one would you choose and why?

SB – o holy night
it’s that time of year and that’s my favorite Christmas
song…….imagine the competition?

YCD – Given the amount of emotion and honesty in your music, is it
important to you that you write songs separately as I notice there
doesn’t seem to be any co-written tracks on either album?

SB -I think it would be difficult. …..we both want to say what we want
to say when we want to say it….we’re both stubborn and wouldn’t take
to well to someone telling us it doesn’t sound right….or it might be
offensive….etc. besides…………..
we spend so much time together working on the business of the band
….arranging songs and rehearsing…..drinking on weekends…. that i
think we’d be stretching it trying to put the time into trying to

write songs together….eventually………it’d be fun to try

YCD – What’s your best musical experience so far and why?

SB – We played a show in Portland a couple years back …..we were setting
up and couldn’t get the p.a. to work properly ….it started squealing
like mad and randomly….people were getting angry…shouting things
and eventually leaving…….we decided to forgo the p.a. and busk the
room……we just yelled out the tunes……it was a big room but my
brother and i have  loud voices …….by the time we had finished
everyone had come back from the adjacent room……i think everyone
got a kick out of it.

in reality it’s probably just drinking baileys and coffee then moving
on to beer …..working on new songs in the garage with my brother
i never get tired of it

YCD – What’s currently rocking your stereo?

SB - Phil Saylor Wisor – “Since Jimmy Died”
we’ve toured with Phil a couple times
he plays with the same conviction and passion whether he’s playing for
2 people or a hundred.

YCD -  You seem like a very close family unit, have you ever written a
song about each other, either privately or openly?

SB – can’t speak for my brother …..i haven’t ……it could be
dangerous….we’re both too honest…..and we both have faults

YCD – Another silly one now. If you could play any part in any movie
past or present who or what would it be and why?

SB – you should have asked me “if i had to”. …….i wouldn’t want any
part of any movie…..acting is hard work…i’ve had one
experience…….i remember being an extra once when i was a
kid…..it was a rain scene……the only way rain shows up on camera
apparently is if it’s raining un-realistically hard…….and
cold?……but everyone had to be dry at the beginning of the scene
and soaking wet at the end of the scene…. we had to change our
clothes everytime they had to re- shoot it ….they shot it all day
….for like 8 hours….it was torture.

YCD – What are your hopes and fears for you in the future, musically?

SB – I want to be able to play music and raise a family
that’s it. My fear would be that i wouldn’t be able to do that…..we’ve been
told that it’s almost impossible…. we don’t believe it.

YCD -There is a video on your myspace page of a song called I don’t care if there’s a
heaven which when I first heard I cried. It’s not on either album, any
particular reason for that?

SB – that song is almost universally misinterpreted………most people
think it’s an anti-war song……or an anti-american song….or
something along those lines…….it’s not…….the song is about a
very specific situation…..something that actually happened …..that
song.. for me takes place in a vacuum….i wasn’t trying to comment on
the bigger picture ..i wasn’t taking any of that into
account……….having said all that……..my brother and i have
hundreds of songs….when we go to make an album we record tons of
them….then we see which ones are working ……and which ones are
working in the context of the album…..i’m sure we will release it in
one form or another eventually

YCD – And Finally, what’s your plans for this year?

SB – we’re working on a new album……..we’re more than excited about
it……we holed up in a cabin for this one like we did for the
last……so it’s got that sound…. that intangible which really
helps to tie an album together…….i don’t think you can record the
sound of late nights…..booze….friendship……loneliness
etc……without actually being there……not that this is the only
way to record an album ….we’re just happy with it for now.

Thankyou very much for granting YCD this interview and we all wish you all success for 2009 and many years beyond.

As you can already grab Pain from my first post here, with their permission I am just uploading one track here, Just go buy the fucking album here will you’s, these guys are trying to make a living here !!

Within the songs of Justin Jones are stories from a life lived long enough to know heartache, loneliness, addiction, and lost love. But the 29-year-old Virginia native has not lost touch with a youthful spirit that imbues his music: raw excitement, romance, and optimism.

That description is from the MySpace page of Justin Jones & The Driving Rain.  It pretty much hits the spot for an artist among many in the today’s jungle of Alt-Country/Americana artists.  While that description would be used by many I am sure, it just might be a bit more true for Justin.

From North Carolina as a youth to the Washington D.C. area currently, Jones has been performing his style of true Americana to his growing audience.  The 15 years of transition engulfing North Carolina to D.C. include his roots playing guitar for whiskey soaked ears to successful tours throughout the I-95 area (for you Americans who know the area!).  While Justin currently records with his “Driving Rain”, he was a lone performer until at least 2002 and his move to Washington.  The move brought more performing and need for the inclusion of talent – talent he found to assist in filling out his sound – notably on his “Love Versus Heroin” album from 2006.  This album is ridiculously good for you “new country” fans.  The album worth it for the song “Dying With You” alone!

While I get ahead of myself, we can’t forget Justin only official solo release “Blue Dreams” which is described as both “Blues” and “Hillbilly Soul” – quite a description I must say, and also a great solo and mostly acoustic album.  Although I do often appreciate the lone performer more often, his group efforts are just soo strong.  This is most recently assured by his 2007 release “… and I Am The Song of the Drunkards” which definitely picks up where “Love Versus Heroin” leaves off.  The albums are full of up tempo country/bluegrass to the ballad crooning heart-breakers.

For the up and coming info, Jones is working on the next album out at the legendary Sunset Sound studio with producer Jamie Candiloro (from R.E.M. and Ryan Adams fame).  They will be in the studio this week, so we can hope for quick and successful sessions in order to get us more of this great sound in the new year.

I have included a track from last years “… and I Am The Song of the Drunkards” and a solo effort in the form of a Bob Dylan cover for “Boots of Spanish Leather” (recorded with Jones on guitar and Candiloro on piano).

Visit Justin on his website, pick up a copy of Blue Dreams, Love Versus Heroin or …And I Am The Songs of the Drunkards over on CD Baby.

~Smansmith

]]> http://youcrazydreamers.com/2008/10/28/justin-jones-the-driving-rain/feed/ 0 5:07 Within the songs of Justin Jones are stories from a life lived long enough to know heartache, loneliness, addiction, and lost love. But the 29-year-old ... Within the songs of Justin Jones are stories from a life lived long enough to know heartache, loneliness, addiction, and lost love. But the 29-year-old Virginia native has not lost touch with a youthful spirit that imbues his music: raw excitement, romance, and optimism. That description is from the MySpace page of Justin Jones #38; The Driving Rain.nbsp; It pretty much hits the spot for an artist among many in the today's jungle of Alt-Country/Americana artists.nbsp; While that description would be used by many I am sure, it just might be a bit more true for Justin. From North Carolina as a youth to the Washington D.C. area currently, Jones has been performing his style of true Americana to his growing audience.nbsp; The 15 years of transition engulfing North Carolina to D.C. include his roots playing guitar for whiskey soaked ears to successful tours throughout the I-95 area (for you Americans who know the area!).nbsp; While Justin currently records with his "Driving Rain", he was a lone performer until at least 2002 and his move to Washington.nbsp; The move brought more performing and need for the inclusion of talent - talent he found to assist in filling out his sound - notably on his "Love Versus Heroin" album from 2006.nbsp; This album is ridiculously good for you "new country" fans.nbsp; The album worth it for the song "Dying With You" alone! While I get ahead of myself, we can't forget Justin only official solo release "Blue Dreams" which is described as both "Blues" and "Hillbilly Soul" - quite a description I must say, and also a great solo and mostly acoustic album.nbsp; Although I do often appreciate the lone performer more often, his group efforts are just soo strong.nbsp; This is most recently assured by his 2007 release "... and I Am The Song of the Drunkards" which definitely picks up where "Love Versus Heroin" leaves off.nbsp; The albums are full of up tempo country/bluegrass to the ballad crooning heart-breakers. For the up and coming info, Jones is working on the next album out at the legendary Sunset Sound studio with producer Jamie Candiloro (from R.E.M. and Ryan Adams fame).nbsp; They will be in the studio this week, so we can hope for quick and successful sessions in order to get us more of this great sound in the new year. I have included a track from last years "... and I Am The Song of the Drunkards" and a solo effort in the form of a Bob Dylan cover for "Boots of Spanish Leather" (recorded with Jones on guitar and Candiloro on piano). Visit Justin on his website, pick up a copy of Blue Dreams, Love Versus Heroin or ...And I Am The Songs of the Drunkards over on CD Baby. ~Smansmith Alt-Country,,Americana,,Country,,Folk,,Singer,Songwriter,,Southern thesix@youcrazydreamers.com no No http://youcrazydreamers.com/2008/10/27/the-wrights-in-the-summertime/ http://youcrazydreamers.com/2008/10/27/the-wrights-in-the-summertime/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:26:37 +0000 Geordie http://youcrazydreamers.com/?p=1068
And so my country tastes continue. The Wrights are husband and wife Adam and Shannon and are now based in Nashville and have just released an album of covers of some of their favourite songs. Recorded live with no overdubs or editing in just a week in their basement using some old microphones this has [...]]]>

And so my country tastes continue. The Wrights are husband and wife Adam and Shannon and are now based in Nashville and have just released an album of covers of some of their favourite songs. Recorded live with no overdubs or editing in just a week in their basement using some old microphones this has been on constant repeat since I received it. They are both amazing singers in their own Wright (see what I did there?) but when they harmonise, man it’s as sweet as some of that old cherry pie these kind of country folk eat. (no more stereotypical commenst I swear) Whereas their self titled 2007 EP has a more contempary sound to it, In the summertime takes these old songs from the likes of Tim carrol, Roger Miller and Steve Fromholz and not only gives us a fresh interpretation of them but gives them an opportunity to show off their amazing vocal talents when the songs are stripped down so much. Obvious comparisons to be made are Gillian welch and David Rawlings or perhaps Thad Cockrell and Caitlin Cary but some of these songs wouldnt have gone a miss on the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss album of last year especially the tracks In spite of me or Del McCoury’s bluesy bluegrass I feel the blues moving in. This is my favourite kind of country music, I love it. It may be an obvious choice to put the title track up but it really does show off their harmonies magnificently. Rewind is from last years E.P. Enjoy.

Well I must say I am a bit late in posting on this little project from Andrew Bryant, but better late than never!

Andrew Bryant has been circling the fringe of my listening for a little bit now – often due to musical suggestions from my good friends over at Yer Bird Records.  These suggestions lead me on a journey into finding some more of this talented countrified songwriter’s recordings.  My journey recently led me to his newly created website and with it brought access to his “Hurricane Blues” digital EP.   The EP is themed and recorded following the disastrous Hurricane Katrina which left a massive mess (both physically and emotionally for all those involved) in the southern United States.  This is the background to this 2 track EP, so expect no love for authority figures and unfortunate descriptions of those who had to live through the natural disaster.

“Hurricane Blues” is basically just Bryant and a guitar and has a bluesy, southern feel.  The content of the lyrics aside, you still feel like a true Americana recording persona from Bryant’s delivery – almost a drawl that he might be holding back on.

Mr. Bryant is starting to be quite the prolific singer songwriter in the last few years and look out for 2009 as he will be bombarding us with up to 3 more releases – sounds good to me.  Signed to Magnolia State Records which I believe is his own growing label and located there are links to all his albums with sample tracks for every single release!  While I will start you off with Hurricane Blues, please swing on by and check out some of his other works, as he delivers many more aspects of his Americana recordings than these sparse recordings suggest.

~Smansmith

Have you recently spilt with someone and need a soundtrack match your turmoil ? Are you still bitter about some past relationship and need to get it all out of your system? Maybe a fuck you to someone who may have broken your heart somewhere along the line and you are now ready to move on or perhaps you just want a perfect album to see in the Autumn and let it be those now long forgotten summer days that you heap these words upon? Then perhaps Donovan Quinns debut solo effort may just be the soundtrack you need. I just listened to this album three times over whilst out walking in the woods and I found it rather cleansing. Rather worryingly it made me feel I HAD split up with someone and I’ve been single (by choice i hasten to add) for three years ! But as I said, I found it all rather cleansing as I crunched the fallen leaves under my feet I took the opportunity to dust off some cobwebs which were, If i’m to be honest, pretty old, a chance to say goodbye to stuff that’s been lingering around like a bad smell for way too long. A new season along with this new album has perhaps brought a fresh perspective on life for me. It’s Autumn, it happens. Do you ever pause to question your own love? Donovan asks on Heathen honeymoon. It’s a good question and one worth considering.

Hailing from San Francisco and has been making music since 2001, firstly with Glenn Donaldson as the skygreen leopards and now under the name the 13th month, with at times, Jason Quever (Papercuts). Often singing in a slightly Dylanesque drawl he is slowly gaining a reputation in his home country as one of the best dark romantic singer/songwriters. With a little help from me on this blog I’m hoping that slow reputation becomesa little quicker and reaches this side of the pond too. Although this album is mainly country folk there is some room for some Californian sun soaked guitars all backed up nicely with keyboards on the track They’re going to pick us apart. You would think, given it’s subject matter, that’s it’s a really sad album and although there is a sense of sadness within it I mostly get the feeling, like me in the forest, of hope and new beginnings.

Signed to softabuse records you can pick up the cd here but if you want to hold on a week or two vinyl will also be available either from softabuse or roughtrade records. I will update this when vinyl becomes available. Some imminent US dates here and then to the UK next spring/summer.  Enjoy.

Two songs made me really cry so far this year : ‘A Thought‘ from So it Goes last Colby Stead’s release  and  ‘Line of Ascent‘ from Annabelle Chvostek’s brand new Resilience collection. Want to try and test your own resilience ?
Resilience ? Funny how things are sometimes emerging around you… Or may be, should I say : funny how  sometimes, we are able to give our mind the faculty to merge some multiple non-sense details surrounding your daily life into a single fact. From puzzling to evidence, maybe it’s just a matter of perception…anyway.
Dealing with resilience, I’m testing mine in both psychological and physical way, quitting smoking… oh my !

I’m quite fascinating by the fact that 98% of our 400 daily visitors are reading this blog without leaving a single comment… Aren’t you ? what ? dubitative ? Mysterious ways of modern communication… No i’m not awaiting for support… just trying to experiment this changing audience constituted by a majority of North-American people ; definitly coping with humour today ! Still someone around ?

Hum… I was supposed to introduce you last Miss Chvostek album…. yes, music is just a deluder…

Resilience ? Without a doubt, my favorite album this year in the female songwriter genre. My fellow Canadian blogger Smansmith should have been more prolix about this charismatic member of The Wailin’ Jennys, who received contributions in this new project from an impressive collection of talented friends amongst them,  Cockburn, Marie Gauthier, Ani DiFranco to name few..

As usual when an album is so good, let me tease you with the intro track…

Artist : Annabelle Chvostek
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com
More Appetizers :  @ Annabelle.org many mp3s to listen / @myspace as usual

October is just turning out to be such an amazing month for me already and it is not even here yet. With a planned trip to Madison, WI to see Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, the release of Ray LaMontagne’s new album, and 2 Ray shows I am attending in NYC and Chicago, I really didn’t think it could get any better for me. I’ve stated it before on this blog and I’ll say it again: these two men are the musical loves of my life! Adding to all this excitement for me is the confirmation that Ryan & The Cardinals are releasing Cardinology October 28th on Lost Highway Records. I pretty much spit my drink on the keyboard when I read the news.

The album will be produced by Tom Schick who worked on Cold Roses and Jacksonville City Nights with them.

This will be the band’s first album to be billed as soley as The Cardinals.

Preorder Cardinology on vinyl: here

This vinyl version includes a bonus 7″, a comic book and a digital download code.

Track Listing:

1. Born Into A Light
2. Go Easy
3. Fix It
4. Magick
5. Cobwebs
6. Let Us Down Easy
7. Crossed Out Name
8. Natural Ghost
9. Sink Ships
10. Evergreen
11. Like Yesterday
12. Stop

First single “Fix It” will be digitally released to radio Tuesday, September 23, while “Stop” will receive a sneak premiere in the Tuesday, September 30 episode of THE CLEANER on the A&E network (check local listings).

In other news from Planet Cardinal, Infinity Blues, Ryan Adams’ first ever collection of non-musical writing will be published March 16, 2009 by venerable independent house Akashic Books. Infinity Blues will be available for pre-order through Akashic’s website beginning Monday, October 6 at

http://www.akashicbooks.com/ryanadamspreorder.htm.

Pre-orders will include a signed hardcover copy of “Infinity Blues,” with a bonus poetry chapbook by Ryan Adams titled “Sad American Mythology.” The limited edition signed and numbered chapbooks will be available only through the Akashic Books website as part of this pre-order

This album had already been reviewed on many sites but I can’t resist ; nothing really original to comment, always a matter of sharing. On September 2th, The Low Anthem released their third full lengths “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin“.

Set the sails I feel the winds a’stirring
Toward the bright horizon set the way
Cast your wreckless dreaming on our Mayflower
Haven from the world and her decay
And who could heed the words of Charlie Darwin
Fighting for a system built to fail
Spooning water from their broken vessels
As far as I can see there is no land
Oh my god, the water’s all around us
Oh my god, it’s all around…

These are the first verses opening the new collection with the Charlie Darwin song. In a recent interview granted to The Providence Journal, Low Anthem, Ben Know Miller says “I think we pushed the hard things a little harder and made the soft things a little softer. The poles and the swings are a little wider”. After a first loop, I do agree. The two slowcoustic intro tracks are followed by two devilish folk tunes (almost traditional country) including a Tom Waits/Kerouac cover “Home I’ll Never Be”. Then another low rebound with the sublime ‘Ticket Taker’. And so the album is flowing with these unique textures (almost 30 instruments without counting voices have been used) already evoked in their sophomore brilliant opus ‘What the Crow Brings‘. This album is like the wind offering sweet breezes to stormy gusts ; a delicious balance between white, colours and black.
Low Anthems co-founders and multi-instrumentalists Ben Miller and Jeff Prystowsky have been joined by  Jocie Adams and Cyrus Scofield. The Band is on tour all this september month check the schedule.

Please, as usual, support the band on tour, at your local retailers or your online store.

Band : Low Anthem
Label : none
Where to buy : lowanthem.com / cdbaby.com
You should also enjoy : Camphor, Chris Bathgate
More Appetizers : @lowanthem.com – @myspace.com

I’ve been listening to the songs of Ben Rogers for the last six months. And no matter how good are the brand new songs flowing from this blog, I’m returning to Ben Rogers.

Everyone always asks me why I always write about the past or set my stories in the past. Truth is, I can’t relate to anything today: computers, television, even the wars we’re fighting. It’s like I always say: “out with the new, in with the old.” That’s not to say I’m oblivious, I’m just not finished with the past and I’m in no hurry to catch up. I’m wandering along dormant railroads strangled by tall weeds in the time of cowboys and Indians. I’m lost somewhere along the Wakarusa River, but instead of a rifle in my hands, I got a ‘63 Gibson guitar and aside from a few cuts and scrapes, I still have most of my skin to speak of.

This is an excerpt from Ben Rogers’ page at Dragline Records. The Vancouver artist is a talented songwriter who is about to release his second collection. ‘The Dawn of a New Error’, his first album released at the age of 19, is covering a wide range of styles from Rock to Folk including some amazing tunes. I’ve collected some media coverages and If this young opus received some comparisons with L. Cohen writings, others crucified. I have to confess that I’ve been listening  to the 2 minutes samples streamed on the cdbaby.com at lesat a ten times as the album is permanently on the ‘out of stock’ status. If some titles such as ‘Jesus and a Jacknife’ or ‘Night on the Ghost Town’ and ‘I Hate to Say This’ – I’ve finally found a way to download some demos – are really great tracks as valuable as the recently blogged Lucky Jim, others could be received the terms of premises ; a quest that could remind me a young Geldof.

Now, 4 years later, Devil Take The Hindmost, is almost done – but the deadline.  Most of the orchestral style used in the previous album have disappeared to produce a pure country album where voice and guitar are playing the driver’s role and harmonica is from time to time a welcomed hitch-hiker and so the mandolin (?). Influenced by the likes of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Rogers is a true storyteller. From start to end – only the fourth track is missing to my library – this album is a pure gem and a must have. Ben Rogers gritty voice ; “a voice of smoked damaged velvet soaked in Tennessee Whiskey” is hypnotizing and so the stories told.

As far as I can get through lyrics – you know how this Vancouver accent is quite harsh to understand for the froggies ears – this following song is dealing with a game called Cowboys and Indians …“and she cried oh oh oh!”

Artist : Ben Rogers
Label : Dragline Records
More Appetizers : CBC Radio 3 , Herohill review
Where to buy : Not yet available
Post Scriptum : Yes, any album deadline / any further information will be welcome…

So I have recently been introduced to “The Donkeys” who hail from San Diego, California by a good friend in Rosenheim, Germany…figures I have to hear about some good alt-country from some German!  All kidding aside, thanks Pip for keeping your eye on the ball!

This is not your father’s Donkeys from the 60’s/70’s, but the new breed – wow, that sounds awkward…breeds of donkeys…  Well, let’s just get back to the music, shall we?  The Donkeys bring both the slowed down Americana alongside some mid tempo alt-country.  For the un-initiated this may sound like the very same thing…no so my friend.

I have chosen two tracks that display this very phenomenon – “Dolphin Center” brings us a mellow Alt-Country ballad featuring some piano and great guitar accents (I dare say guitar solo even) – this is not your father’s Country music.  Then we have “Boot on the Seat” which has a mid tempo (it does actually reach mid-tempo near the end there), and a truer Americana sound with use of slide guitar, simple bass line, harmonica and some southern drawl.  Okay, maybe Alt-Country and Americana can be interchanged for both tracks…I almost had you for a bit though.

You might even remember them from their appearance on Daytrotter from 2006 (2006!!!!) that includes “unreleased” tracks at that time that have made it to this album.   So take a listen and once you have the feel for this album then head over to Dead Oceans and pick up a copy upon its release on September 9th!

~Smansmith