Thanks to Trini, I’ve been pretty much obsessed with Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) these past few months. Had the pleasure of seeing Justin and his band this past Friday. Although it was a short set (5 songs, Justin was sick) and the sound in the bar was absolutely horrible, I was still pleased to see him perform. Looking forward to April when I shall get to see another performance.
For those of you who missed this gem of a show that streamed tonight on NPR’s All Songs Considered you are in luck…..the show will be archived as a podcast for your listening pleasure soon.
Check here for when the show gets posted for download on NPR.
Today is your lucky day. I’m in a music state of mind. Jesca Hoop was on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclictic this past September and left a pretty lasting impression on Nic Hartcourt, so much so that he named her album his #1 pick on his Top Ten Album’s of 2007. You can check out his other picks down below.
I’m really excited about where music is heading and in particular where women singer song writers are taking it. It’s been a great year of new albums and it’s fantastic to see that there are some talented woman out there brining the music to the forefront. Some of you might like this album and some may not. I found it to be different and somewhat refreshing. A fellow blogger describes this album perfectly:
First of all, what the hell is going on with “Kismet”? It is simultaneously one of the most unique, strange, interesting, engaging and challenging records I’ve heard so far this year. The girl has some serious musical multiple personality disorder thing going on, and somehow it all works well. Album opener “Summertime” is like a strangely looped alt-country hit, heading straight into “Seed of Wonder,” which has a very hip hop M.I.A.-like feel to it, mixed with odd Native American tribal dances. Then you get soft acoustic ballad “Enemy,” which is another stylistic shift. I could keep going through all 11 tracks, but then when you listened there would be no full-on surprises left. I’ll just say this much: you get pieces of gypsy/Eastern European dance, blues, jazzy elements from the 1940’s, tango, and drum n’ bass stylings- all of which manage to surprise and impress. It’s amazing how flawless the transitions are and how many curveballs get thrown at you over the course of the record. Adventure is the word I’d use in describing what it’s like listening to this. Foronheit
Head on over to KCRW and check out the performance if you like what you here, buy here album.
In what seems ages ago,my best friend Susana introduced this beautiful voice that is, Benjamin Costello, to me. It’s been several years coming (still waiting) for the anticipated release of his album, Start Again Tomorrow. He has one of the best interactive web pages that I’ve ever seen. Two weeks ago he had an amazing pod cast straight from his bedroom to mine. We’ll to everyone that tuned in, but I swear it felt as if he was singing to only me. This Thursday August the 13, he will be having his second installation of bedtime melodies, boy are you guys in for a treat.
I’ve posted a few of his originals and covers. You can download more mp3’s from his Official Web Page
“A musician from an early age, singer and songwriter Benjamin Costello has always found he best expresses himself through music. His introspective lyrics and complex, emotional melodies reflect his passion as well as his education and musical influences. After receiving a formal music education in piano, voice, and conducting, Benjamin is exploring his own compositional voice as he moves away from genres with a clear divide between performer and composer.
Benjamin rediscovered his love for performing after putting together an acoustic show of songs by his strongest influence, Radiohead. Other influences include Damien Rice, the Beatles, and James Taylor. Benjamin’s captivating performances offer a combination of originals and select covers that speak to him. Each of his selections feature his smooth vocals, described as “hypnotic” and “tender and beautiful,” with piano or guitar accompaniment ranging from delicate and intricate to passionate and powerful. Located in Ithaca, NY, Benjamin plays a variety of venues both locally and in the surrounding area.”
Big big Swell Season fan here as my fellow Crazy Dreamers know. I have the lovely Trini to thank for introducing me to them last year from a link she posted in the Ray LaMontagne forum.It was love at first listen. I was fortunate enough to see them perform twice, both times opening for Damien Rice back in December 06. They just blew me away….simple and beautifully haunting melodies.
For those who don’t know, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (aka “The Swell Season”) are the stars of the movie “Once” and bring their stunning songs to the big screen. It is a wonderful movie….so if you have not seen it, I highly recommend that you do. Recently listened to their performance on KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic which was recorded on July 31, 2007. You can listen to the stream and watch video of the performance here. Click that link to also watch a video ofan exclusive post-broadcast cover of Glen singing “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison.
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