I’m not sure but I guess that except from that one track from Emily Loizeau, I’ve never found the opportunity to post (about?) a single french lyrics song. To renew this prowess – i’m a bit shameful – I needed to pick a track from this huge canadian pond, a band from Quebec : Auguste !
They’ve just released on May 6th, their first eponymous ep ; a too short 4 beautiful compositions high on emotions. Born from the ashes of a previous band (August and me) using english compositions, frontman Sébastien Pomerleau finally chose his mother tongue to cover some addictive melodies and delicate arrangements.

Band : Auguste myspace / facebook
Where to buy ? Où acheter : cdbaby.com

The most dense 2010 EPs so far.

Wise Children is  a musical project from the South Coast of England created by multi-instrumentist Robin Warren-Adamson. He released couple days ago (on April 7th)  his second ep “Absence & Reunion” a stunning 6 tracks collection. Don’t miss his previous one available as a free download on his bandcamp site ; this guy is gold.

Band : Wise Children (myspace / facebook)
Where to Buy : bandcamp
Who else to enjoy : Hey Marseilles, Ravens & Chimes, Matt Kanelos

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.

A great discovery that warmed me up during these cold winter months is The Brook Lee Catastrophe. The Weight of Waiting is the second collective effort from this Californian band : a collection of 11 powerful songs : simple and so efficient in both musical and lyrical expression …

“We look at the record as a whole, not just a package of songs. It’s a road, with dips and curves, and if every corner looked the same, the ride would get boring really fast. So there are surprises along the way.”

Thus explained front man and songwriter Brook Lee in an interview. And dealing with surprise, if the discovery of this band has been a great one, perusing through the whole album was full of rebounds…
‘A mountain of  Little Things‘ is the opening track : a soft string ballad with a delicate melody followed by a fully orchestral drummed catchy piece of chamber folk  entitled ‘Down‘. Then tone is level to a higher range with a 60s reminiscent of an unforgettable  ‘Love is All‘ : it’s ‘Everybody’s Asking‘.  And if these three tracks are already enough to leave you addicted to the band’s arguments ; you’re far from having reached the complete overview on their talents.  The whole album is just perfect from start to end, reaching a musical climax with the center two Constellations tracks and the pure acoustic ‘Big Nothing’ which highlights Brook Lee’s fluent songwriting talent.  Then, then… many other beautifully crafted tunes that will force you to loop this album indefatigably.

Artist : The Brook Lee Catastrophe
Where to Buy : cdbaby.com
More Appetizers : @myspace
Who else should to enjoy ? Gus Black, Emile Millar

Yesterday, I was listening to a recent Dan Mangan’s performance (Danapalooza! in Ottawa)  on CBC Radio 2 Concert on Demand enjoying this talented songwriter when Dan played a cover of  ‘See the Sunshine Through the Haze’ which captivate my full attention. A goggle search later, I was on the Urban Aesthetics website.

Their eponymous first EP has been released this last October and hold a fresh and joyful collection of 5 songs. This first release is full of catchy tunes that could remind me the power of the Kinks or the infectuous pop of a more recent James. If it’s pretty harsh to qualify their sound (from upbeat rock and folksy arrangements to chamber pop) as it’s seems obvious that this young 5 pieces band is still in the process of looking for their own sound ; no matter the path they’ll choose, sure they can rely on the talent of their frontman and songwriter Greg Janssen. This is exactly the kind of album that will make me dance and sing all the spring long while waiting for their second release.

Band : The Urban Aesthetics
Label : none
Where to buy : HMV, emusic.com
More Appetizers : @myspace
Who else to enjoy : Ravens & Chimes , MByronic Heroes

I’ve got few information about this french band and I’m not sure I want to spend more time seeking for. “Jil is Lucky“  just released their first full length and this video… Enjoy !

Don’t ya just hate it when you stumble across a band and find out that they broke up like years ago?  Yeah, I know!  First off you feel out of touch because you didn’t hear of them prior, then you feel bad as you are now living in someone else’s past.  Listening to what once was you could say.

One such band is Oakland, California’s “The Red Thread” who disbanded in 2007.  The band was formerly made up of Jason Lakis (guitars, vocals), Mike Schmiedt (bass), and Dan Martin (drums).  They had 3 albums through out their 5 years of togetherness and the albums ranged from melancholy strumming to and Indie-pop Alt Country.  That pretty much spans miles of musical highway, but from what I have heard they were not afraid to simply get out there and play music, to entertain.  Well, too bad for all of us, as I am sure it would have been interesting to see where they would be now – I was seeing a bit of an Alt Pop Grandaddy (the band not your family member) scene starting in their latter days.

Well if you are lookin’ them up to say hi, you might look at Lakis’ new band called Mist and Mast (myspace) or visit Dan in This Isn’t It (myspace).

So listen and wonder along of what might have been.

The Red Thread
“Spread Thin” (mp3)
from “After The Last”
(Badman Recording Co)

More On This Album

~
The Red Thread
“Tension Pins” (mp3)
from “Tension Pins”
(Badman Recording Co)

More On This Album

~
The Red Thread
“Wax Museum” (mp3)
“A Distance” (mp3)
from “Ship in the Attic, Birds in the Subway”
(Badman Recording Co)

More On This Album

~Smansmith

One of my favourite sites on the web is the brilliant Daytrotter. With a huge library of live sessions that they have recorded over the years you can easily spend  whole days or even weeks in there just browsing through and downloading what you like. One such band I’ve come across lately in there and I admit I’d never heard of before, is a band by the name of Cotton Jones. However, After searching the web further I discovered Cotton Jones is Michael Nau and Whitney Mcgraw from the indie pop band Page France who I also discovered split up in 2008 so he could fully concentrate on Cotton Jones. Although paranoid cocoon is Cotton Jones’ debut full length on Suicide squeeze records, they have released a couple of EP’’s when they were called The Cotton Jones Basketride before shortening it for this release. I wonder if Michael Naus favourite animal is a chameleon?

So we have ten tracks of gentle, dreamy, slightly psychedelic pop with some country licks thrown in. Whitneys slightly subdued backing vocals fitting in perfectly alongside Michaels more baritone vocal. I could list a whole load of influenecs you can hear in this record but if you like The doors with a little less trippyniess, Yo la tengo without the fuzziness then you will no doubt like this but as I say there are a whole load of influences in this record. This is no bad thing though as it’s such a beautiful, gentle album that you would be happy waking up to or accompanying your glass of wine after a hard days work. Enjoy.

Why is it we always want what we don’t have? My latest adventure was hitting the road with The Guggengheim Grotto and Tadhg Cooke, both who I’ve talked about endlessly here on YCD. As you may all know I’m a huge fan of TGG, they are by far one of my favorite Irish bands and I was so excited to have had the opportunity to not only see parts of Ireland but also be a part of their little Irish tour. I met some wonderful artist along the way and am delighted to share some of their music with you.

This will be a long post so bare with me and keep on scrolling. Below you will find a video I shot of TGG, live at De Barra’s Folk Club in Clonakilty, Ireland. The song is Fee Da Da Dee. You can stream the original version off previous link. They’ve made some changes to fit the live performance.

The Guggenheim are finishing up their Irish tour and coming to the States at the start of 2009. So for everyone who has eagerly been waiting their return this is your chance to see them live. Keep checking back to their tour page for more updates.  The album will be released in the States in 2009.  If you live in Ireland you can purchase their album directly from their website.  Shop here, for US customers you can buy the digital album here.

The wonderful Tadhg Cooke is currently working on a new album *crossing fingers* it get’s released in 2009. Follow him on his spiffy new official website for updates. Tadhg was the supporting the TGG on tour and I’m so happy I had the chance to see him perform live. I can’t wait for him to make his way out to the States.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Gavin Moore, a local singer song writer from Clonakilty, Ireland. We had an amazing late night session and we had the pleasure of listening to him sing a few songs. For more information on Gavin you can check out his official website or his MySpace page.

On the night before last that I flew out we were back in Dublin for the famous Ruby Sessions. If you’re ever visiting Dublin this definitely is a must do. Duke Special was performing last, don’t let the hair and make-up fool you, this guy is something special. Visit his MySpace page or official website for more information.

I’ll leave you with these few for tonight.  Enjoy!

Rings a bell ? Cherbourg could remind the ardent lover of music of a song on Zach Condon’s latest album. For the movie addicted, the city in Normandy could evoke memories of ‘Les Parapluies de Cherbourg’, the famous 60s musical comedy by Jacques Demy, for which Michel Legrand composed the score… High time for some revisions, for the benefit of your general knowledge as well as your musical one.

It was impossible to get acquainted with Geordie’s latest suggestion… and to not delve into that English alternative folk scene a bit deeper. After letting their music mature under the name of David Fiddle and The Lucky Egg, this four-piece band consisting of Andrew Davie (Guitar, Vocals), Phil Fiddle (Fiddle, Mandolin, Lead Guitar, Vocals), Kevin Jones (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Chris Maas (Drums, Vocals), now go by the name of Cherbourg. So, here’s for your musical culture!

“Last Chapter of Dreaming” is the title of their first EP which will be released on Feb 2nd next year. It will be a limited run of 500 vinyl as well as digital. For once, as you notice, I’m not stuck on past releases here. Actually, I’ve been rejoicing at this too short collection for the past days now.

It’s rare to find a band that give you the feel they really dig eachother’s backgrounds, resulting in wonderful vocal harmonies, mindblowing climaxes and melodic grandeur. Even if the lyrics deal with love and inevitable heartbreak, it’s amazing how this music lifts you out of your chair and you sing along as loud as you can. Go ahead, try!

Wish we had the opportunity to stream this full ep – thanks Chuck for granting us this early preview !
As usual when a release is so good from start to end, Enjoy Horses, the intro track.

Band : Cherbourg
Label : Chess Club Records / All On Red Management
Where to pre-Order : Roughtrade
Who else to enjoy : Band of Horses, Mumford & Sons, Jonquil
More Appetizers : @myspace

“The Cedar are for people who like:

• Dinosaurs
• Baking
• Games
• Buttons
• Feeling sad sometimes
• Feeling happy sometimes
• Music that sounds good
• Music that is good
• Music your friends will be jealous that you found first
• Lasagna”

And it’s exactly on this point that we totally agree: lasagna’s, ofcourse! In view of the recurrent parallels I draw between music and gastronomy, you will have guessed… I couldn’t escape from it.

Listening to this first album, The Cedar proved their ability to succeed in mixing together all ingredients to treat us to a delightful dish! After the promising EP “Grannies’ Knitting Café”, recorded in 2006, this collection has impeccable orchestration, garnished as much as your Arcade Fire or your Raven & Chimes but with such a difference: a faultless punctuation! And it’s fully enjoyable.
Leading by the lightening voice of Neil Gay – that could remind a Tom McRae timbre, backened by the cottony  vocals of Eleanor Murphy, this new opus of the Bristol band is one of the essential albums of the year.
Enjoy the listening experience of these two following tracks : for sure you could be jealous !

Band : The Cedar
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com / itunes
Who else to enjoy ? Raven & Chimes, Arcade Fire
More appetizers : @myspace.com

May not be your cup of tea, but wanted to share with you a local band from San Diego who’s recently had some success with their second album release “Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt”.

Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt is 10 studiously-chosen cuts of modern, melodic, piano-driven rock, informed by Layus’s love of classic pop/rock songwriters—from The Beatles to Tom Petty—and covering deeper subject matter than the band’s debut. “Still Ain’t Over You” is a love song in the context of a committed relationship, while “Dust,” with its a capella introduction, is the sound of Layus attempting to make peace with his religious upbringing. “Meet You There Someday” was inspired by Layus’s young daughter and his frequent need to leave her behind in order to tour.

The Band:
* Dan Layus: [Vocals, Piano, Guitar]
* Jared Palomar: [Bass, Vocals]
* Chris Sachtleben: [Guitar, Mandolin]
* Justin South: [Drums]
* John Vincent: [Keyboard, Vocals]

MySpace
Official Website

Cecilia ? Do you remember ? Simon and Garfunkel ! You’ve got it ? Are you able to sing it on your own ? ‘Cecilia, you’re breaking my heart, you’re shaking my confidence daily… Oh Cecillia… Well at least you’ve tried and so did I.

Small Town intro notes reminded me this old favorite but after checking to it carefully… it doesn’t pass the second test. May memory failed ?

No matter. If you’ve never experienced the music of Aaron Espe, this pseudo-memory is a good starting point. To help me describing his music here’s a quote from his sonicbids profile :

An alluring mix of folk and pop; lyrically deep and acoustic with catchy, melodic vocals.(John Mayer meets Nick Drake.) Music that displays truth and beauty. Captivating live performer. Powerful, lovely vocals and intricate guitar playing.

Songs from a Small Town is Aaron sophomore released early this spring, after the first cdbaby acclaimed ‘My Whole Life’ published in 2005.  I’ve bought these albums at the same time, and both are on a heavy rotation. It’s now your turn.

Artist : Aaron Espe
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com, emusic.com
More Appetizers : @myspace.com
Who else to enjoy ?  Joshua James, Joshua Radin, Justin Rutledge

You’ve surely noticed that my writings has been reduced to the minimal… I’m not on strike… just busy. Find below a short introduction to the third collection of  Corsica resident David Berkeley  ‘Strange Light’ as I’ve received this early morning his press-release !

Summer ’06 saw David Berkeley record his 3rd studio album at the legendary Engine Studios in Chicago with Brian Deck (producer of Iron and Wine, Josh Ritter, Modest Mouse).  The album, to be called Strange Light contains Berkeley’s smartest and catchiest work yet and features guest vocalist Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek. “Brian Deck was the perfect person to work with,” Berkeley offers. “He managed to capture the naturalness of my music, the rawness of it, while still pushing the songs into more powerful, more polished places.”

And that’s it : this brand new beautiful acoustic collection is here. I suppose most of you have already heard about this talented songwriter graduated from Harvard in philisophy and literature… If it’s not the case, I bet the listening of these two tracks will ruin your day ; yes, I’ve told you Strange Light is his 3 album and the two previous are both collectors.

Can’t resist to post Little Fists a track from the Live From Fez album … so you’ll definitly check David’s website for tour dates !

Artist : David Berkeley
Label : Ten Good Records
Where to buy : cdbaby.com
More Appetizers : @sonicbids.com / @mysace.com
Who else to enjoy : Fraser Anderson (it’s a Trini teaser…), Aaron Espe (a post about his new album is coming soon.. real soon).

Some of you already know my addiction for Vancouver Mark Berube’s rich universe. With The Patriotic Few his regular band or with the awesome Fugitives – I can’t imagine loving such a music -, Mark Berube is a captivating composer and songwriter. His talent is growing release after release. At least, I should say his capacity to deliver each time a unique melody (blend of folk-chamber-soul-pop ) which is a perfect illustration of the stories told, is getting closer and closer to the masterpiece…  Well, dealing with art and passion,  I should simply say that my appreciation of his music is growing songs after songs… But I’m just here writing about artist I love with no other claim than sharing passion & emotions…

Anyway. So, You won’t be surprise reading that I’ve almost got his full discography… and when I’ve learnt from his website, last year,  that his 2007 release ‘What the River gave the Boat’ will have a sister album either in shape, form, content or mood !  I already know that my patience will be suffering for a long year…. And here it is : ‘What the Boat give the River’ has been finally reaching my ears… Excitation then … contemplation and excitation !  Find below tracks 8th from both album !

What else needed to be written ? Listen and do yourself a favor : Take the time to buy those two beautiful albums. This 90 minutes trip in Mr Berube’s world is an awesome ticket to free your mind !  I’m just eagerly awaiting for a live performance in France…

Artist : Mark Berube
Label : Redux/KBM ?
Where to buy : What the Boat gave the River is available @ cdbaby.com / You’ll have to wait for the 26th of september for the brand new companion album.
More appetizers : Stream the new album right from Mark Berube’s website / : @myspace.com
For the ones around Montreal :  CD RELEASE Party for What the Boat Gave the River on September 25th, 2008 at Cabaret Juste Pour Rire, 2111 Boul. St Laurent…

Procrastination is a word of mine when dealing to write couple lines about an artist i’m really fond of. This default proves to be a guarantee : i’m only writing about artists I love – I mean not only a single song ! And this is the case with Amber Rubarth. So, I won’t postpone for a new year this short introduction. So using the copy/paste function is an helpful easy way ! Here we go :

After 3 years of sculpting wood as an apprentice at a little shop in Carson City, Amber Rubarth had a late-night conversation with her mentor who told her the most important thing he had learned in life was for a person to follow their number one passion.  Amber said something along the lines of “Thank you, I am quitting and doing music then,” and off she went, trading her chainsaw for a guitar and teaching herself to write songs.

And what a gift to the music ! I’ve bought earlier this year – better later than never -, her first full length Something New (2005) and I’m now enjoying for couple weeks her new songs joined under the name of ‘New Green Lines‘. Amber is playing a delicious mix of folk, soul and pop and the more I’m listening to her music, the better this special blending invaded me. If you’re looking for a surprising, astonishing, fresh new and brilliant music… experience her last album. I bet you’ll be quickly addicted ! As, the release of her new album has been an epic adventure  ( read the full story )… please once again, click the where to buy links  !

Amber Rubarth: Sun Studio Sessions “Another Perfect Sunset”

Artist : Amber Rubarth
Label : None
Where to Buy : cdbaby.com / emusic.com
More Appetizers : @myspace / @lastfm

After his first collection ‘Until when we are ghosts’ (2005), and his beautiful sophomore  Goodnight (2006) it’s time for  the prolific Illinois songwriter, William Fitzsimmons to distillate a new beautiful slowcoustic collection : The Sparrow and the Crow which will be available by the end of september (30).

For the absolute fans, an ‘early birds’ pre-order form is available from his myspace page.

Artist : William Fitzsimmons (check his myspace below)
Label :  None / unsigned
Where to buy : Campus Customs /  itunes
More appetizers : @myspace

Rich ! It’s the first word which surfaced from my mind when thinking about sharing with you my emotions after 3 months long of perusing the third collection of my favorite Utah songwriter : Colby Stead.
‘So It Goes‘ is an intense and comfortable patchwork of Colby’s amazing talent. Based on a close canvas than his previous album ‘No’, most of the new tracks are delivering new colors and opening vast territories ; some paths recrossed, some discovered. Rich, I’m rich.
So, in the right catholic path that I’ve been teached ; I’ve spread the word to my dear fellow bloggers and bought them the album :  sharing…  They’ve granted me those following comments :

Kevin from the closed To The Dogs or Whoever

With the recent influx of male singer-songwriters on the market, breaking through or rising to the froth of the cup, or the cream of the crop as they say, isn’t so easy as those youthful days of Jackson Browne’s and James Taylor’s. One needs a little honesty and a whole heck of lot of luck. Scoring a slot on a recent popular prime time drama would help push things along.

‘So It Goes’ seems to be just that for Colby. Poised for some tastemaker to swipe a track off it and key it in as the backdrop for the lead heroine’s next introspective moment. But that’s the cynic in me folks and Colby maybe a little to good for my smart-assed analogy. There’s a striking sense of honesty in Colby songs and his clever, defiant word play and passion on a track like ‘Haunted Hole’ that breaks the deep sense of optimism, drenched in melancholy, that dominates the albums 11 tracks. This of course isn’t helped by the use of accordion and cello, which only add to the somber tone on most cuts. It borders on sugary sweet depression for me and one would be tempted to drop down and give up if it weren’t for Colby’s hope for the resolve… and I may just be resolved enough on the fact that Colby’s onto some great work here and this is a good start for me.

Key Tracks: Breathe, Haunted Holes, Plastic Poses and Keep Breathing.
Kevin

Smansmith from slowcoustic.com

“Breathe”
Maybe it is the slow and conscious delivery or the fact that it comes across naturally – almost like breathing – but I find the song “Breathe” to be the song of songs on Mr. Stead’s latest release “So It Goes”.   The blending of Colby’s and Amy’s vocals flow over you like many of the tracks of the album but on this one, they hesitate and ease into you as well.  I would feel like this track could make great use of old porch with one of those large two person rocking chairs, but with you draped over it lazily.  I especially enjoy the accordion (I think it is an accordion..) that in my mind is the third vocal with it seemingly in the background then coming to the forefront at various times throughout the 4 minutes.  Certainly a great way to spend 4 minutes… simply breathing.
Smansmith

Trini from youcrazydreamers.com

“Haunted Hole”
I’ve been a fan of Colby’s music from the very first moment Olly introduced me to him.  There is something so genuine, real, sincere about his lyrics.  Often times I feel as if he knows me and is writing these songs for me.  There are so many songs off this album that I love but it’s funny how these things happen and one really strikes out at you.  When I heard “Haunted Hole” for the first time I was like “wow” – “the tears that keep falling sideways and always never do they stop”  Songs are like horoscopes, everyone can interpret them in a different way, apply it to what is directly happening in their present life or past.  The lyrics – “how much can my head and my heart really take?  They both are compromising they soon will start rising quickly to the top – *sound pop*” – are so deep.  This song really struck a chord with me but there are many, many, many others that you will love.  I can’t wait to see Colby perform live.  Oh, and the build up in the end of this song, f-ing amazing…. .”please, please, please” you just have to take a listen.
Trini.

Me (as a good friend of mine, I can’t resist to share my owns ) from youcrazydreamers.com

“A Thought” (instrumental)
“I like floating in the clouds too much”. I’m sorry Colby to publish once again without your permission some of your words, But it’s exactly the meaning of this thought !  Oh, I love – as far as my english knowledge allow me – all of the words you lay on your music, but I really enjoy this absolute talent you’ve granted me : a track of freedom ; an absolute endless moment. Giving me the opportunity to lay a thought, a life, a whisper or just another breathe. Thank you so much !
“Fatherly Love”.
His previous collection entitled ‘No’ was cradling the fabulous ‘Motherly Love’.  ‘Fatherly Love’ song speaks to me in a really personal way : both as a father and a son. “There’s a thin line between a coward and a man”… resounds each time differently depending on which point of view you’re listening to the song. It also reminds me the famous Nick Cave’s ‘Wheeping Song’ and and and, and love …
Olivier.

Rich : You know what I mean ?
It sounds so deep…to me. Does anyone else agree? So it Goes…

Artist : Colby Stead
Label : Thoughtfull
Where to buy : right from the artist website / cdbaby.com / itunes
More Appetizers : @myspace.com / @youtube.com / @youcrazydreamers.com
You should also Enjoy : Fraser Anderson, Paul Tiernan, Holcombe Waller.

I little while ago Olly, my fellow friend and blogging maestro sent me an email asking if i owned any Lucky Jim albums. When I replied I had pretty much everything by him he asked why I had been keeping him a secret? Well I wasn’t really but the reason I never blogged about him was because I presumed he was an extremely well known artist and probably didn’t need a little blog like ours promoting him. I don’t keep any eye on the charts but when you hear music this good it’s easy to presume that it’s already hitting a big audience. Also his song You’re lovely to me has been played on a commercial for the last couple of years now and this latest showing of it has put him back to the number one spot in the itunes folk category therefore allowing me to presume even more. However, I seem to be wrong in my presumptions, It would seem not so many people know him as I had thought. See, I live in Brighton and Lucky Jim (Gordon Grahame) was signed to Skint records (Fat boy slim ) which is a Brighton label. In fact he was the first non-dance act to be so and I guess because he was a name in Brighton I presumed he was everywhere else. I mean, don’t get me wromg, he’s not unknown but he’s not the big artist i presumed and this for me is a travesty. Sadly, and quite astonishingly, he is not signed at all right now. How can this be? Seriously, what the fuck is going on when a man this talented is not signed? One of the best songwriters I’ve ever heard in my life, certainly two of the best albums I’ve ever heard and his voice is so diverse, rather Dylanesque on the afore mentioned You’re lovely to me as well as others like Our troubles end tonight, Nick cave like on I know there’s a god from his latest album and elements of Leonard Cohen on his previous releases. There’s something about Lucky jim that you can’t quite put your finger on, like when you come across someone so talented you kind of try and work out where they get it from, do they know they are so talented? Thing is I think Lucky Jim knows he is and so he should do. I have complete faith that one day his music will break through to a much bigger audience and everyone will be able to come back and listen to his earlier work as well as whatever he will be releasing at that given time. One feeling I get when listening to this music is that he really puts his heart and soul into it, everything, especially on the albums All our troubles end tonight and All the kings horses, two albums that couldn’t be more perfect if you tried. I could randomly pick a song from either album to offer you as an mp3 and I’m sure you would love it. He has kindly sent me his new album, True North and I’m still indulging myself in it but two listens in it’s just as good as anything I’ve heard from him yet. To me it’s a real scoop to have him grant us an interview here on YCD. One day we will be able to sit back and read this when he’s playing packed out stadiums. I can’t tell you enough how much I love his music and how talented I think he is. I think a lot of people are talented, I think Lucky Jim is a genius, simple as that. Sorry it’s taken me this long to point you in his direction (I’m sure I mentioned him on the Ray board ages ago) but now I have I’m positive you will come to the same conclusions as I. Enjoy.

Lucky Jim – Oh my love

05- Lucky Jim – lesbia

11-Lucky Jim – ode to blue

YCD -  Hello Gordon, how’s it going?

LJ – Hiya,  It’s going fine , stick it in a pot , stir it around , see what happens

YCD – Ok, might as well ask you now, promoting anything right now or recently released anything?

LJ – I just put out a new album called True North , it’s the fourth Lucky Jim album and the first i done entirely by myself.

When Lucky Jim came out I released Our Troubles End Tonight which was planned and thought out then Let It Come which wasn’t then All the Kings Horses which was and now I’m being spontaneous again . Don’t let this put you off – the spontaneous ones are the most original.

I think the best songs on it are I Know There Is A God and El D’Orado – I wrote I Know… as it was recorded and didn’t give it any thought but El D’Orado was a considered effort and – I think – really gets to the heart of my deeply flawed personality

YCD – I see you made number 1 on the iTunes folk list. Must be chuffed are you?

LJ – Yeah . That is nice – it’s not the first time – because of the advert my track is on . As soon as I get heavy rotation on telly I go up the chart . Of course the down side is hardly anybody actually knows who the song is sung by and I hear David Gates is very happy.

YCD -  I also see you are currently not signed, I find this astonishing considering that I think you one of the most musicians I’ve heard, how frustrating is it for you and are you hoping this changes soon?

LJ – Tell me about it. I have had about four deals now so I wouldn’t say I’ve given up … but I do think it is a strange world we live in where instead of heaping the praise on Warhol we heap it on the soup cans .

Artists do change the world – not for the better – always for the worst.

And that is because they reveal a little more each time and the clever dicks bottle it and re-sell and re-sell and oh fuck I’ve lost my thread…

YCD – What are the biggest obstacles you feel an artist like yourself faces today?

LJ – Ego and the desire for wealth – there’s nothing funny here , it is simply true I am of course focusing on the word – Today –

Because it is a new phenomenon that , an artist , sees success as a very real possibility – and further more I mean artist in the broadest possible sense. And I also would like to add that I am talking about obstacles to the quality of the work…

YCD – What’s your guilty pleasure?

LJ – Smallville – totally addicted

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

LJ – I played a gig with an Israeli musician called Aviv Geffen in Tel Aviv – he was very much a fan and organised a string section for me and brought me on halfway through his set to introduce me and have me play four or five of my songs

He outsells U2 in Israel.

I was interrogated for three hours by airport security when I was leaving the country – I tried not to let it spoil the experience

YCD – Who’s currently rocking your turntable?

LJ – I just bought some Nico , some Steve Earl and some Santana?! but I have been listening mostly to Songs For Silverman by Ben Folds which for me is very up – to – date .

YCD – What band/artist would you most like to play with?

LJ – Any artist with any sense would have the same answer as me – and that is The Stones or Bowie . I would love to do a rock and roll album with Angus Young on guitar . This is a serious ambition – I have the songs – I just don’t have Angus .

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

LJ – That I don’t have enough time to Record my songs – when I say Record I mean that I in fact have done a hell of a lot of writing but I reckon recording is the hardest bit – let’s face it that is how we’re judged – not on the song – but on how it sounds .

I realised this when I was sat in a trendy bar years ago getting into Lenny Kravitz Mamma Said album – It sounded great but

I’d Walk Through Fire

Stand In the Rain

Go To Hell And Back

In A Plane

Ain’t to clever

If you’re gonna go to hell and back for a woman – don’t do it in a plane – it proves nothing – do it on your knees

YCD – What did you think the last time you looked in the mirror?

LJ – “Yes It’s True – How’s Your Blue Eyed Boy Mister Death – Ah The Lines Of Age – Have You Come For Me – How’s The Enemy? – Is There Time? – ” stuff like that

YCD -  I remember a while back reading your MySpace blog when you were having difficulties with a girlfriend and you stayed in the Abbey hotel for a while. I live in Brighton and know what that hotel is like, sounds like times were pretty rough back then. Better now?

LJ – Yeah . That was a lower point . Highly recommended for those of you who think going without breakfast is a hardship . Then again those of you whom have lost limbs , family members etc may wonder the great hardship in living in a Hotel

YCD -  And finally, are you working on anything at the moment? Tours, new albums etc?

LJ – I am recording 2 albums

One is a double called The Lovers

I have been sitting on it for Ten years and it is my Magnum Opus – I am releasing it for posterity .

Also I am recording another throwaway album ie spontaneous which you can hear demos from on www.myspace.com/luckyjimmusic

Many thanks for the interview and we here at you crazy dreamers wish you all the best for the future.

I’ve still got those aunts in my feet that requiring me to find something else than my alt-country / chamber pop /pseudo-blues stuff. So I won’t bother you, I’ll do it short… but if you want to move with me, I’ve just find some delicate tracks that can match our nights…

Influenced by Wilson Pickett, Brooklyn-based acoustic soul/folk/rock Benyaro leads by the great voice of Ben Musser released a 9 tracks collection last year that requires my mood attention. Comparisons have been drawn with Ray LaMontagne (hehe), Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (hehehe) ! And they’ve also had the opportunity to supported the legendary Malcolm Holcombe (!!!).

Here’re the occasion to feel the ryhtm of soul and enjoy at the same time the power of acoustic music.

Artists : Benyaro
Label : Mohinga Music
Where to buy : cdbaby.com / itunes
More Appetizers : myspace.com or check their EPK @ sonicbids

No ! I won’t promote a full rap-like album or I will ban myself from this blog forever ! But please, allow me to post a single song : rejuvenation is on my side and I can’t resist sharing it with you !
Taken from Wills and the Willings forthcoming album, Heroes & Villains, Lipstick is a thought-provoking track inspired by the London bombings of 2005. Main vocals are coming out from Tom McRae’s soprano voice.
By spending a mere buck you can help the victims/families of the London bombings of 7/7.

Where to buy Lipstick Single ? Itunes (do it once !)

Here’s the time for another exceptional cellist : Lindsay Mac. It Should be another summer effect, but I’m irremediably attracted by strings. I hope your screen his wide enough for displaying her picture, because I do not find a way to crop it !

With an amazing repertoire : from Rock to Jazz, from Jazz to Pop, and Pop to something dealing with modern country, and then through folk via electro-folk.. – let’s call it Alternative, Lindsay is a non-stop amazing artist. I’ve been listening all day long, before writing this post, to her first full length ‘Small Revolution‘, I was surprised each time the loop repeats !
No one makes me ‘fly’ with Peter Pan but Miss Lindsay Mac : an exceptional plucked insurgent cello player (she declined the classic way) ; gifted with a supreme (delicious, amazing and sometimes surprising) voice. Well, a complete performer who can count on a wide songwriting talent… add to these previous a (need to enlarge my dictionary) great ability for composing and dressing beautiful songs… (that’s enough !)
Well, you might have guess, Lindsay Mac is releasing her second solo album this coming september : Stop thinking, and except couple tracks I have no other information to share. So here are first song called Faith from this new opus and an ‘old’ favorite Lucy. Enjoy !

Low audio quality, but what an awesome track : Barbies & Broncos !

Artist : Lindsay Mac
Label : Taiga Records / Golden Rod Distribution
Where to buy : CdBaby.com, Golden Rod Distribution, Itunes
More Appetizers : sonicbids.com, myspace.com
If you love Suzanne Vega, Tory Amos (listening to Lindsay reminds me to Tory last hit of mine : Parasol), Sinead O’Connor ( for the electro-acoustic wise-range), Elvis Costello (for many songs but especially the parallels between Veronica and Lucy… ) (hum), Joe Jackson (undoubtly)…, Lindsay Mac should be your next favorite.
You should also enjoy : Mieka Pauley, Amber Rubarth (reminds me to bog about her), Me

I’m a bit anxious today ; I’m eagerly awaiting for Kelley McRae new album to be released. 19th of August was the deadline. Yes, I know it was today. I’ve connected the amazon.com album page early this morning – a page i’ve been visited at least a thousand times these last days expecting any publishing errors allowing me to buy the precious digits… And, at about 7.30, the buy option finally displayed ! Hip Hip Hurray ! Youpi Ya Youpi Ya Yeye !!!! – it’s a translated version of my current ‘I’ve got it’ hymn !
I’ve filled up my cart, updated my credit card, (please, note the rhyme) and then a damned bastard (rhyme here too) message told me that French are – cowards – not allowed to buy mp3s from amazon.com.buzzard ?
So you’ll have to wait for my review, you’re lucky… dollars !

This is a chance for us to evoke Kelley’s fellow records label : Ben Sollee. It’s rare when i’m writing about someone who’s counting more than one hundred thousand of visits on myspace, so I’ll make it short : his album has been launched this last June… and along with Colby Stead’s last release, it’s one of my never ending loop these last months ! Stuck somewhere between the earth and the moon, Ben’s 11 tracks collection is a magical trip through folk and soul classics. Power to stings from end to start ; a delicious promenade ! So here’s the intro track from ‘Learning To Bend‘ :

Artist : Ben Sollee
Label : SonaBlast Records
Where to buy : Amazon ? ne… those are #@&astards.., Sonablast, Emusic.com
More Appetizers : Live Performances @ archive.org, Ben Sollee’s myspace
You should also enjoy : Chris Garneau, Colby Stead

Now for something completely different from me but still in my opinion Brilliant. I always meant to write about this superb album when i mentioned Anthony in the other artists section over at the Ray board but for some reason never got round to it. British Ballads came out in December 2007 so we are not talking about a new release here but it’s way to good to miss out on. I am listening to it again while i speak after recieving a bulletin on Myspace of a one off gig in London that Anthony has coming up and I’m reminded once again of what a talent Mr Reynolds is and what a classic album this is. I wouldn’t be surprised that if in twenty or thirty years time this album is picked up and seen as a lost classic, it certainly has that feel to it.

The first thing that struck me listening to this album and every time i hear it is how well produced it is by Julian Simmons. The arrangements at times suck you right in and have you immediately rewinding to have another listen. Piano, swirling strings and Anthony’s voice which is like a mixture of Scott walker, Elton John and David Bowie, soaring majestically above it all. I can’t work out if it’s an album for hopeless romantics or the manic depressed, perhaps both? Where the dead live is one of the most perfectly crafted songs i’ve ever heard and at just over 7 minutes long is for me the stand out track on the album finishing with Anthony giving his absolute everything over searing arrangements. A close second is The Disappointed which is laden with strings and piano and is just under six minutes of perfection. It’s an extremely poetic piece of work that you can find yourself getting completely submerged in but still coming away wondering what it was all about, like some sort of trip but not in a psychedelic confused way but more in a floaty, dreamlike way, like you’ve been hypnotised. I seriously cannot recommend this album enough and urge you to get a copy asap. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Let me introduce you to Mr D, otherwise known as Paul Mclinden. This is his debut album and if you didn’t know he was from Glasgow like i’ve just told you, you would immediately presume he hailed from the sun drenched west coast of America. From the very first note on the opening track fools fall in love what we have here is sweet and lazy country pop at it’s finest. He’s picked a great day to grant YCD an interview as today looks like it could be the beginning of our so far awful summer. I’ve got this album blasting through my speakers, window down with the sun belting through and about to pour my first beer of the day, perfect. I would like to say there are bluejays singing their lonesome tune and lovers canoodling on the lawn outside just to put the finishing touch to this setting but the truth is there are seagulls going mental in someones left out garbage. Still, the music is loud enough to drown most of that out, hopefully more album sales will be generated from the whole of the street hearing it too.

This album has a real 70’s country sound to it with the Eagles being the first band that springs to mind especially on Island Girl, as an influence, also maybe some byrds too. If you wanted a more modern day comparison you would perhaps look towards The Thrills but where i think they maybe found country later in their lives i get the feeling Mr D has been listening to this stuff all of his. His soft gentle vocals are kept at  just the right level to compliment the lush acoustic melodies which are maintianed from start to finish and even the instrumental Ode to Geraldine keeps you interested with it’s heavier bass line, Strings and some great acoustic guitar work. The 10 songs on this album in total make up just over 31 minutes with the longest track coming in at a staggering 3.26 !! It’s actually quite refreshing to hear 3 minute pop songs again just like you did back in the times when albums that sounded like this were around. Anyway, rather than me try and describe to you the who’s, the where’s, the how’s and the when’s of this and other future albums let’s hear it from Paul himself.

YCD – Hi Mr D, How’s it going?

Mrd D – Hi it’s all going great at the moment…but for how long I wonder.

YCD – Ok, might as well ask you now, promoting anything right now or recently released anything?

Mr D – Yes I’m currently promoting my debut solo record ‘Wings & Wheels’ and am in the process of getting myself ready for the follow up.

YCD – So where can we get a hold of this?

Mrd D – It can be bought from all the usual places: iTunes; Emusic; Amazon etc. All the info is on myspace.com/misterdreadmusic or www.mrdmusic.com – to be honest though someone’s probably making it available for free somewhere else online but I’m not gonna help you find that.

YCD – You are from Scotland so what or who influenced you to make sunshine coast country music?

Mr D – Well I think it’s no coincidence that I and a lot of my fellow Scots make music that’s influenced by the country/Americana scene. I reckon country music is very closely related to Celtic folk music and both use much the same techniques so it’s always seemed very natural to me. I try not to sing in an American accent though…

YCD – What are the biggest obstacles you feel a singer/song writer like yourself faces today?

Mr D – It depends really what you mean by obstacles. It’s always been quite a hard game to make any headway in but i don’t let that get me down to be honest. I think as long as you’re getting your music released you’ve managed to hurdle all the obstacles out there. Sometimes when i look at big star’s; their success seems to have become the biggest obstacle. Hard work is the key. As a great man once said –hard work only beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

YCD – Ok, I don’t know if you are aware but they have recently found an old law that says all musicians since time began are allowed to take any song from anyone they like from any moment in time and claim it as their own, Which one are you having then? Only one mind you.

Mr D – Well this answer would change every few weeks but right now id love to have written Owed T’Alex by Captain Beefheart. What a song!

YCD – What’s your guilty pleasure?

Mr D – Listening to ‘They Don’t Know’ by Tracy Ullman on repeat all night. Winston Churchill used to play the same songs over and over all night as well so I’m in good company.

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

Mr D – Sitting with a bottle of wine listening to ‘In the Wee Small Hours’ because it’s unadulterated Sinatra and never fails to impress me. Its one of my favourite ever albums.

YCD – Who’s currently rocking your stereo?

Mr D – Grauzone, Willie Nelson, Sluts of Trust, George Jones and many others.

YCD – What band/artist would you most like to play with?

Mr D – I was playing bass guitar for a guy who lives near me who is in my opinion a genius and I don’t use that word lightly. For various reasons he has withdrawn from making music just now. It’s very sad for me to think that the world won’t get to hear his music and if I achieve any sort of success I will be trying hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.

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

Mr D – My hopes are to be in a position where i can keep making music and putting it out the way i want to. I also feel it’s important that I make a better record than the last one each time. My fears are that someday that won’t be possible.

YCD – What did you think the last time you looked in the mirror?

Mr D – The last time i looked in the mirror? Oh that’s a hard one. I try and avoid eye-contact as much as i can – even with myself.

YCD – And finally, are you working on anything at the moment?

Mr D – Yes i’m working on my next record and hope to go in sometime before the end of the year to begin recording it. Think Billy Rae Cyrus meets Garth Brooks and you will be on the right track.

Many thanks for the interview and we here at you crazy dreamers wish you all the best for the future.

I can’t resist writing this small post about a band i’ve just discovered Balthrop, Alabama. They’ve just released a new EP called : God Loves My Country !

In 2006, Alabama-born songwriter-siblings Pascal (singer, songwriter, and guitarist) and Lauren Balthrop (vocalist and keyboardist) moved to New York City to start a band and ended up founding a town. “Balthrop, Alabama” (population 11 or so) is their bustling folk rock township.
Musically, the band straddles the fine line between antebellum and antifolk, reconstructing indie pop with songs of love, dead people, and dead people in love. In 2007, they released their double-album debut, “Your Big Plans and Our Little Town,” on the nascent End Up label, to be followed up by a series of EPs, of which “God Loves My Country” is the first.

Connect their website or their myspace page and buy their material or jump to their upcoming show – they’ve got few dates with Dawn Landes – damned nothing has been written here about her ? . It should be an amazing experience !

Band : Balthrop, Alabama
Label : End Up Records
Where to Buy : cdbaby.com, itunes

Like Olivier, please forgive the short post, busy times y’know?

Anyway, here’s a great pop/folk band i’ve come across from Iceland, Seabear. Signed to the Morr label in Germany (who also have the Brilliant Mum) Their album The ghost that carried us away has been on repeat now for a couple of days (Available on vinyl here). No sign of any influence of Bjork or the brilliant Sigur ros here, more influenced by the likes of Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens and that sweet mellow dreamy folk sound. You can also download their self released EP, Singing Arc directly from their website for free. The Scandanavians are taking over !! This band apparantly started off as just one person, Sindri Mar Sigfusson but has now increased to seven but he remains at the centre of it all with his songwriting. He’s brought in some glockenspiel, piano, harmonica and of course some acoustic guitar. Whispered harmonies to keep the dreamy mood intact at times it’s so slowed down you think it’s going to stop. Whatever you do do not fall asleep while listening to it as you will miss out on a superb album. Blissful ! Here also is some youtube of them singing their latest 7″ release of a cover of teenage kicks.

Seabear – Teenage Kicks

Seabear – cat piano

Seabear – drunk song

Ante Scriptum : for Trini, Laura, Susanna and all the girls reading this blog !

With a stunning debut album ‘Pirates & Cowboys‘ last year, California songwriter Wesley Jensen released this April a second high-rated collection with some of his friends : Jeremy Edwardson (The Myriad), Jonathan Berlin (Bernard), and Christie Dupree (Eisley family)… If you’re still awaiting for the summer sun, ‘Stories‘ EP will bring you the illusion of warmth, lightness, and the desire to jump in your car, all windows down ! It’s rare to have such a high-quality compositions on a 5 tracks EP – so don’t hesitate to buy his first album @ the same time !

Artist : Wesley Jensen
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com / itunes
You should also like : Chris Garneau, Sufjan Stevens

MySpace
Official

On AOL Stripped
Click Here to watch intimate performances of “Coffee Shop,” “Can’t Let Go,” “Great Companion,” and “Magnetismo.” You can also flip through some photos and watch exclusive interview snippets.

“The substance known as camphor has historically been used in religious ceremonies, as a moth repellent, as an ingredient in fireworks, for the embalming of the dead, and for medicinal purposes such as the alleviation of heart symptoms and fatigue. The music of Camphor has many of the same powers …”

Those are the words introducing the biography of Camphor on his website : an invitation to join this promising mixture.

I’ve contacted Mr Max Avery Lichtenstein about Camphor teased by “Confidences Shattered“, a catchy waltz abounding with numerous variations… that makes you feel like a half-drunken butterfly ! Max kindly gave me the opportunity to listen to the complete album. While listening to the opening song Daybreak, I had to double-check the name of the band, I was doubting the genesis of the track. The double take made me alert, I was then ready to play the complete 13 pieces collection, ears wide open.

Without a doubt, the album title helped me to draw this comparison. As I was listening, I was taken back to the days of sitting in front of my old toybox: Pink Floyd (Deconstructed), Talk-Talk / Mark Hollis (Daybreak), Peter Gabriel for the elders ; Elbow (The Sweetest Tooth), Calexico (Castaway) and Arcarde Fire (Immolation). Many of the ‘Drawn to Dust‘ tracks refer from a distant background to one of these great bands. In my point of view, the science of orchestration is the common denominator between them all.

If Max Avery Lichtenstein has already proved his producer talent (Mercury Rev , Timesbold, Whip among many others), his capacity of composing great tunes (Tarnation song was just an appetizer !!!); with his new Camphor project, he has reached a new dimension. Few album achieved such a symbiosis, it’s a perfect chef d’oeuvre : its structure could be easily compared to any classical masterpiece. Removing a track from its context gives life to another song living in its own entity. A real amazing talent!

It reminds me of Mark Hollis saying back in 1998 : “…don’t play one note unless you’ve got a reason to play it.” For Drawn to Dust, this saying is not only concerning each note, but also each instrument on each track, and maybe each words – as Max is a bit less prolix with regard to lyrics – : ‘pickaxe syntax chipping at the sweetest tooth‘ ?

Usually I would be writing a review while playing the album : “yes, I love this song, this one doesn’t match my mood, but that’s ok as the following one is so great…you know what i mean? ” Dealing with Drawn to dust I had to stop the music as it was totally captivating! I bet the following ‘Confidences Shattered‘ will have the same effect on you as it hypnotized me! In a different genre, Max’s path is similar to Daniel Lanois but both reached the top of what music is able to produce : when a talented producer, sound-engineer decide to cross the border… a gem will be born !

Only couple days left for the album to be released, April the 1st… so in the meantime, let’s play the traditional answers/questions with Max.

YCD : Hi Max, how’s it going?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : Fairly well… fairly well indeed.

YCD : Could you please tell us more about Camphor ?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : Camphor is a project that’s been simmering quietly since the turn of the century… I’ve always tried to make a little time in between film scoring projects and record production projects (both very collaborative kinds of work) to allow myself a bit of purely self-directed expression, but it’s tricky to get a lot done in those infrequent windows. So after I completed work on a film called The King in 2005, I decided it was a good time to devote a bigger share of my attention to songwriting, and the album “Drawn to Dust” is the result. The nice thing is that many of the artists I worked with over the years as a producer were happy to contribute their talents to the Camphor record, so in the end it was still very much a collaborative project as well.

YCD : and what’s about the ‘wabi sabi’ – the idea that greatness exists in the inconspicuous details of the world, and that heart-tugging beauty can be found in the imperfect and the broken – concept of this first full length – Is it another way to define limits in your songwriting such as the one you’re facing in film music ?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : That’s certainly an interesting way to think about it. I guess I like working with themes… they allow you to approach a single idea from different perspectives. You put the idea in a different light each time you address it, and then you can watch both the idea and your own relationship to it evolve as the exploration continues.

YCD : Camphor, first ep ‘Silver Gold’ has been released about 3 years ago… time to mature the concept or just a matter of time ?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : Oh, that 7″ is even older… I think it was released in 2000. It’s a bit of an oddity, actually… Camphor began as a sort of ‘invisible’ band that I would assemble to produce music for movies. I was working with my friend Jason Russo (from a great band called Hopewell) on some 70s-flavored instrumental rock music for the film Jesus’ Son, and while in the studio we decided to try our hand at building a song with vocals in a similar retro style, just for fun. Jason had this orphaned song “Silver Gold” that seemed to fit the bill, and so we started playing around with it. The resulting 7″ featured that song (sung by Jason) and two of the instrumental pieces from the film. It’s a nice little remnant of that particular film project… but probably not a good representation of the current state or sound of Camphor…

YCD : Is there a song you wish you had written ?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : Ah, that would be a dangerous wish… I think the truly great songs could only have been created by the unique person who wrote it. I’d just be happy to write a great song of my own…
YCD : Yes, I can witness it and the list is getting long !!! If you could share a stage with any band or artist who would you choose and why?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : Oh, there are lots… anybody doing something unique and honest is all right by me. But if I could really get a genie to grant my 3 wishes, I’d love to share a stage with Björk (’cause she is always aiming to do something new), Sigur Rós (’cause of the intense atmosphere they create) and Tom Waits (’cause he’s, well, Tom Waits).

YCD : What are your projects for the coming months : new soundtrack, producing, authoring ?
Max Avery Lichtenstein : I’ve just finished making a video for my song “Castaway” that I’m really pleased with, and I’m looking forward to doing another one soon. Recording-wise, I’ve started writing and tracking for the next Camphor release, and I’m nearly nearly finished producing a very creative debut album by a band called Mook, which is lead by the actor Paul Dano, whom I met while scoring The King. And for the whole month of May I will be on tour in Europe with my other band Timesbold. ‘Tis a busy year, so far… so good. Cheers!
YCD : Thank you so much, hope to catch you somewhere in Europe !

Band : Camphor
Artist : Max Avery Lichtenstein
Label : Friendly Fire Recordings
Where to Buy : From Label website clicking here or buy it right now on itunes.
If you’ve enjoyed : Arcade Fire, Calexico, Camphor will be soon a favorite

I love Mark Geary’s fine, well polished pop/folk tunes for couple years now. But since his last release in 2005, his home site seemed to be deserted. And while browsing my itunes library for searching some good Irish bands/artists : Mark Geary was on top of my list. So, I’ve reconnected my browser once again to his site. And here it is : a new home page and a new song ! So, a new album will be come soon : Opium will be delivered, april 11th in Ireland !
Mark first full length , 33 1/3 Grand Street was released in 2003 : a kind of confessional according to Mark’s own words of his myspace. It contains beautiful songs and not only the famous and high rated : Gingerman. ‘Ghosts‘ album has been released in 2004/2005 and you surely have in mind its title song ! In 2005, Mark wrote the soundtrack to the film Loggerheads.

Opium will be preceded by a single, “Tuesday”, which tells the story of “the day all the shit changes! The guy in the song – maybe me? – has to change all the shit and the baggage he has been dragging around. But change brings uncertainty that can be so scary that maybe you’re better off just living a kind of quiet hell?!” – quote from Mark’s website.

Artist : Mark Geary
Label : Independent Records
Where to buy : previous albums are available @ Itunes / Update this post as soon as we’ll have more information about Opium.

Went to see Shane Alexander last week at this record release show at the Troubadour. The turn out was great, the show was not long enough but I guess it never really is. If it were up to the fans we’d stay and listen all night.

I’m so proud of him, he totally rocked the house. It was also great to see all his friends come out to support him like AM, Shawn Pander and Candy Tangerine to name a few. All these guys have been living the dream for several years now and truly support each others successes. It’s not easy putting together a show but Shane managed to put together a memorable night. He was supported by both Chris Pierce and Dan Rockett .

If you missed his show he’ll be at Zoey’s in Ventura this upcoming week then heading out to SXSW in March. You can now buy his album at CD Baby. You can listen to a few of his songs on there as well. Enjoy and buy the album, you know I’d never steer you in the wrong direction.

Andrew Smith plays on a band called Paper Route, which I have to admit I have on my playlist, but they are a bit “Electronic” for my taste, however this EP is more stripped down along the lines of what I like. He has that kinda of voice I could just sit and listen to without getting tired of him. Check him out for yourselves.

I bought the “Across the Pond” cd a few weeks ago. I know, I know, how could I buy from Starbucks but I am very supportive of my friends the Guggi’s from Across the Pond so I had too. So I’m listening and now for weeks I can’t get this song out of my head. “Give me the song and I’ll sing it like I mean it ” … you’ve got me sewn … na na na na na na na “

- wow how cute are these guys!

Few information are available on the web about Aaron Thomas. Everlasting Records home page is outdated and this guy have no other home site but his myspace page. To be concise, Aaron’s an Australian songwriter who resides in Madrid. So Mr Thomas, if you read this short post, please contact us, it will be a pleasure to offer you a longer introduction. Anyway, his first full length album called ‘Follow the Elephants’ has been released couple days ago and is available to buy and download from emusic.com. It’s the most orginal release I’ve heard from the beginning of 2008 and I bet that it will be on my best releases list this year.

As mentionned on his myspace profile his influenced includes different artists as The Beatles, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Edith Piaf, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and more. Even if this list sounds like a good marketing recipe, the listening of his album confirms such a melting. I will draw one more parallel : his music is as inventive as Elvis Perkins or Mark Berube – but I wouldn’t be able to write closest comparisons between those artists… Of course : Talent !

Artist : Aaron Thomas
Label : Everlasting Records
Where to buy : Emusic.com

My find of the week (Found it on our own YCD site, Olly wrote about him back in Nov. of 07. What can I say sometimes I miss things on here) Chris Garneau – Album Music for Touris

From what I’ve read about Chris he’s been getting some comparisons to the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Rufus Wainwright and from what I’ve listened to so far, he too creates down tempo piano tunes full of sadness and woe like Sufjan and Rufus. It’s just what the doctor ordered for those gloomy rainy days. (sorry woe me, it’s raining in sunny so. Cali. rain = sad)

I was visiting The Artist Den website recently and found The Last Town Chorus. About a year ago I was introduced to their music by accident. I had fallen in love with the sound of the lap steel guitar, thanks to Ben Harper, and in my search of artist that played it I found The Last Town Chours band. They’ve had an ever changing line up but one thing or person who has remained constant has been Megan, and thankfully for them. She has a beautiful voice and can play the lap steel, I mean what more can you ask for.

Some of you may recognize her by the song “Modern Love” it was in the t.v show Grey’s Anatomy last year. I guess one good thing that can come out of these shows is that who ever is choosing the music is doing a great job.

You can preview her latest album “Wire Waltz” below Buy iTunes:

1. Wire Waltz -| mp3
2. You -| mp3
3. Modern Love (Written by David Bowie) – stream – mp3
4. Caroline -| mp3
5. It’s Not Over – |mp3
6. Understanding -| mp3a/>
7. Boat -| mp3
8. Huntsville, 1989 – | mp3
9. Wintering in Brooklyn – | mp3
10. Foreign Land – | mp3

Philly born, LA transplant and now living in the U.K., Catherine Feeny is one girl you should keep your ears out for. It seems like I’m missing my old stopping grounds The Hotel Cafe, what a wonderful place to discover new artist.

Catherine played a lot at the Hotel Cafe until she decided to move across the pond and start recording. She recently re-released Hurrican Glass. You can find it on Amazon, iTunes, and her official website.

Independent Review:

This is a re-released version of a great album that came out last year. Decent female singer-songwriters are ten a penny but there’s something about this album that stands out from the crowd: it’s definitely Feeny’s unique brooding and melancholic voice but also the dark and acerbic lyrics which often have as their counterpoint gentle, sweet melodies. Hush Now, Mr Blue and Radar are all examples of the above. I hope it finds the audience it deserves.

Upcoming Shows

Jan 19 2008 8:00P
Centre Culturelle, Courcelles Courcelles
Jan 20 2008 8:00P
Tey, Belsele Belsele
Jan 21 2008 8:00P
Spirit of 66, Verviers Verviers
Jan 22 2008 8:00P
Ancienne Belgique, Brussels Brussels
Feb 1 2008 8:00P
Celtic Connections – Oran Mor Glasgow

Olly recently wrote about Mieka’s album “Elijah Drop Your Gun” which got me thinking about another singer Meiko. She is a local singer/songwriter that plays often at The Hotel Cafe, as a matter of fact you can find her there this Wednesday night at 10 pm. Many around town have been singing her praises, including Paste Magazine :

“I arrived in time to catch a gorgeous set from Meiko, a waitress at Hotel Café and from what I heard last night, my pick for their next big success story. If Nic Harcourt hasn’t begun to champion her yet on his ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ show, it’s just a matter of time.” -Josh Jackson, Paste Magazine

I mention Maika because I think they have similar music in style, feel and emotion. So if you dig Meika you might just like Meiko.

[CDBaby] [Amazon]

It finally arrived ! At the end of October, the postman left in my PO box a small pack from Miss Mieka Pauley. Driving the kids home from school, we were already singing out loud ‘Run, Run, far beneath the sun, Elijah Drop your gun‘ : the precious pack attracted all the kid’s attention, it moved from hands to hands … ‘Papa il est signé ! exclaimed Morgane – I have to confess that I was more than proud, like a young fan ! We were all eagerly awaiting to insert the cd in the computer drive…

Two weeks later, ‘Elijah drop your gun’ is at the top of my autumn playlist : all tracks rated from 5 stars – All The Same Mistakes and Run – to 3 ! I was under Mieka’s charm while discovering her website, streaming the available samples and buying her first album and EPs. Now I am totally addicted.

Mieka’s style is so personal that it’s a risky challenge to draw comparisons even if a couple tracks such as ‘Fate Day by Day’, ‘Run’, or ‘Left to God’ shared the same soulful folk vein as a “Ray LaMontagne” has previously explored in the “Trouble” album… 7 years after her first release, changes are things such as piano, cello, drums, bass and percussions. Mieka’s songwriting has gained in maturity without loosing an ounce of sincerity. ‘Devil’s got my secret’, ‘Be like a Man’ or ‘9:45′ are simply great rock composition. The album intro song : ‘All The Same Mistakes’ is a perfect summary for her new release both spellbinding and rocking !

Hope I have found enough arguments for convincing you. Both your ears and her voice deserve more than this simple audio-streaming !

Artist : Mieka Pauley
Buy : Elijah Drop Your Gun

After couple years of silence, Dale Grundle, the ex-leader of the Catchers is back this year with the unexpected release of a trilogy! Under the name of ‘The Sleeping Years’, the Northern Irish singer songwriter, gratified us with three 5 tracks EPs : ‘You and me against the world’ in March, ‘Setting fire to sleepy towns’ in June and ‘Clocks and Clones’ this late October. Three remarkable limited editons Eps mailed to you, dedicated and with handcrafted sleeves… Don’t wait too long !

Dale confessed in an interview to Attica, that the name of his new band is a wink to his past years of pause. It appears that the recovery is really prolix as a first full length album is only awaiting for a label to be launch early 2008 !

A voice rather close to Andy Whittle’s, a purified pop – solo work forced, turns his new composition into a real folk sound with predominance of cords and piano. : sure you will enjoy !

Artist : The Sleeping Years
Label : None
You should also enjoyed : Andy Whittle, Chris Garneau.

Ravens & Chimes is a band from Brooklyn NY, formed in 2005. They released their first album sooner this october on Better Looking records. According to their myspace page, they like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen… Well let’s give it a try !

Amazing ! Explosive ! Be sure to buy ‘Reichenbach Falls’ as each track fully deserves it : this album is a rich, eclectic and powerful collection of tones, environments and atmospheres. Selecting these two songs was a really difficult choice, and I hope it will reach its goal. Last time, I felt so seduced with a complete pop album, it was for the Arcade Fire debut. In my point of view, Ravens & Chimes has produced the best 2007 alternative records !

Band : Raves & Chimes
Label : Better Looking Records – album is available on label website / also on itunes.
Same mood : Arcade Fire, Migala.

Better later, than never, it’s time to sponsor a wonderful voice on the female singer-songwriter scene. Mieka Pauley is releasing her second full length in the coming weeks… enough time left to be first served.

“Elijah drop your gun” is currently in the duplication process. Two dates are planned for celebrating the launching : November 1st at the Living Room in NY and November 2d at Johnny’s D’s in her Boston hometown.

Listen to those following songs as an appetizer and click the pre-order banner !

If you’re still starving, Mieka previous releases are available from her website as downloads from itunes or snocap download system.

Artist : Mieka Pauley
Label : none
Artists you should also enjoy : Misty Lyn, Mirah, Mary Gauthier and Aimee Mann (i’m in the M mood) .

It’s so refreshing to see that not all young woman are following in the failing footsteps of today’s poor representation of a “pop” star. No need to mention their names it would be an injustice to Alison Sudol.For those who don’t know, Alison Sudol is the beautiful voice behind, A Fine Frenzy. She is only 22 years old, and her single, “Almost Lover,” off her debut album, One Cell in the Sea, has been haunting me for days. I wake up singing this song in my head and I find my self humming it through out the day. If I was breaking up with someone this would be my anthem song.

In the upcoming months she will be touring with Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright, not too shabby. She’s definitely on my to see list for this year. I hope you enjoy her music as much as I do. If you like what you hear please make sure you support by buying her CD or seeing a live show.

Download:

A Fine Frenzy

From One Cell in the Sea:

Tracks:

01: Almost Lover (Must Download)
02: Ashes and Wine (Edited Version)
03: Rangers (Edited Version)

*A Fine Frenzy’s Myspace**A Fine Frenzy’s Official site*

“Almost Lover” VideoUpcoming Tour Dates