It would be useless to search for a deeper meaning of the picture and the song ; simply a synapse connection between what my eyes captured yesterday (woot woot ! snow is here… ) and my music library !
This song is part of the Jolly Beggarmen ‘40 Irish Drinking Songs’ live compilation : according to the low temperature (-7° Celsius), we’re facing, it’s a proper remedy ! Anyone would help me find some Russian folk collection for colder conditions ?

This one takes us back to the beginning of last year. I was already convinced by Isakov’s outstanding lyrical talent after listening to his ‘Rust Coloured Stones’ album and ‘Songs For October’ EP (both saw the light in 2005) but then, due to the new album in the pipe-line, I moved to other artists. When resuming the thread of my posts, the MySpace-friends-clicks and CD-Baby-albums-you-will-love, I found myself facing this Colorado based atypical folk artist  again: this time to discover ‘That Sea, The Gambler’: twelve songs of elegant simplicity recorded in 2007. How sublime they are! Yes, I like these forced rests, when the music leaves you with no other option than to stop all other activities : just listening…
Come and visit my Last.fm page. Take a look at my list of top albums and you’ll get an idea of my efficiency these past weeks, counting the listens to this album !

If like me, you missed this boat, don’t wait another second, no need to stop by the available song below just scroll down the post and leave your mouse click on the Where To Buy link.
If the works of Dostojewski come to your mind when hearing the name Isakov, click the button of the chansonette and subscribe to the ‘Psychology & Families’ magazine.
Third case, you’re a regular visitor of this site and Isakov arouses nothing more nothing less than a wild frozen country : well, have implicit trust, start from the start, song by song, and swim through them. I know Gregory does…

It doesn’t strike you at first listen? Try it over and over, in the end it will be the musical companion you always wished for…

Artist : Gregory Alan Isakov
Label : none.
Where to buy ? cdbaby.com
More Appetizers : @myspace.com / sonicbids.com
Who else to enjoy : Danny Schmidt, John Craigie

It has been a while since I have put a post up on You Crazy Dreamers, I don’t know why either, just busy with life I guess.  But wait.  I must do my best to provide at least some entertainment via recommended music and possible self deprecation.  Of the latter I am quite fond and familiar with.  But let’s concentrate on the former - musical recommendation.

As the title indicates, I am a big oaf - both for not showing myself around these parts and because I am a guy who sits around listening to music and apparently not sharing any of it.  So in stark juxtapose (wow, big words today in this post) to myself, I give you three lovely ladies who bring along with them some great music.

• ~Firstly, I give you “His Royal Shyness” and the bedroom indie folk track “Sickness unto Death” from the “Songs for your Sister” EP.  $3.00 for the EP - you can not go wrong!
• ~Secondly, I give you Pam Kapoor (of The Peptides) and her cover of the Aimee Mann track “You Know the Rest” which is actually when Aimee was still known as Til Tuesday!  Great Stuff.
• ~Thirdly, I give you Geri X and her punk-folk track “The Dance” from the 2005 “Radioactive Drool” album.  Visit Geri X’s website for more great music (and two albums just for giving feedback!).

There you go, have a great Tuesday and don’t say I wasn’t there when you needed me.  I promise to return with more suggestions and possibly more serious posts in the near future!

~Smansmith

And what if it was Sunday already?

Well, I dont want to stir your longing for the coming weekend but I should warn you: under no circumstance listen to the following songs when you’re on your job. You’d risk a letter of resignation or even worse the bankruptcy of your entreprise. That is the case already? Go ahead and risk the poetry and the spellbinding melodies of this 30 year old Englishman: Will Cookson. Not too unseasoned, not too smoked, just what’s needed to create a vintage.

Artist : Will Cookson
Label : Tinpot
Where to buy ? Amazon
More Appetizers : some b-sides and unreleased songs are available on Will’s site - @myspace.com
Who else to enjoy : Andy Whitle

Totally absorbed in interviewing M. Brownrigg, Trini forgot to provide us some all-important information concerning the inescapable Bon Iver. Some extra tour dates in Europe accompanied by the talented Sarah Siskind, as well as a video available on YouTube, are sufficient matter to add another layer.

But it would be quite arrogant to mention this in passing and to not go into Ms Siskind’s universe a little more. Chiefly because we count among the fans of this songwriter from North Carolina some big names like  Alison Krauss, Ron Sexsmith and Peter Bradley Adams…

“Sarah Siskind’s music is not easily explained or contained. She’s a singer and songwriter based in Nashville and grounded in Appalachian roots, but one who transcends category with a beguiling fusion of the traditional and the modern. Whether solo, fronting an electric band or in her harmony-laden side project Old Black Kettle, Sarah creates emotionally charged soundscapes that consistently delight and surprise even her long-time fans.”

Four albums to her credit, of which the first one was recorded at age 14, Sarah announced by the end of Summer, the forthcoming release of her next cd, still is in its mastering phase. So, you will have understood I had to be satisfied with the digital version of her latest double EP : ‘Studio . Living Room’. But what a satisfaction indeed!

If the original ‘Lovin’s For Fools’ version is of a rare beauty ; both Studio songs and Living Room ones deserved your full attention. Thinking Christmas !

Artist : Sarah Siskind
Label : none
Where to buy : cdbaby.com
More Appetizers : @myspace.com
Tour dates opening for Bon Iver :

• Decembre 3 Dublin, Ireland
• Decembre 6 Ghent, Belgium
• Decembre 7 London, UK

“Music with spirit. Music akin to roots, folk, blues, and country, Don Brownrigg is a musician’s musician…”

I’d like to take credit for finding this little gem but it was my lovely friend Chad from Canada that sent me this album along with a few others several weeks ago. We both have a love for music and more so a love of finding new talent that we can share with each other. I had Don’s album on my list of “albums to review” and never got around to it. I could kick myself now for not pushing play any sooner. This album is absolutely beautiful. It is a perfect melting pot of folk, blues, and country. He has a voice that stays with you long after the last tune has been sung. Needless to say he had me at the first chord. Thanks Chad and thank you Don for taking the time to do this little interview with us. I asked Don what song he would like for us to share with everyone and he said for me to choose…..ah the daunting task…they are all so good and I have my favorites but don’t just take my word for it, buy the album. (I’m having trouble uploading a song, will post it up later)

YCD: I was reading in your bio a quote that you are “inspired by people and natural things” and that you feel you are “living a generation or two too late”, is that still how you feel today?

Don: Yep, probably even more so! I’ve met a lot more people and have seen a lot more places since that first interview. I like the intimacy of simplicity.

YCD: Do you write your own music? What inspired the song “About Her”? When I first heard this song my heart skipped a beat. I wondered if anyone would ever feel this way about me. It’s truly a beautiful song.

Don: Thanks!
Yes, I write my own music. ‘About Her’ is an old song of mine. It was one of those songs that ‘wrote itself’. It just uses simple phrasing and chord progressions - but that’s all you need to get the right point across - if you are conveying the right mood and saying the right words. The song has connected with a few people on a different level and for that I’m very fortunate.

YCD: I always tell people I have an “A” job and a “Dream” life. Sometimes I feel that we are all in search of that thing that truly makes us happy and fulfilled. Would you say that music is your “dream” life? If you weren’t a song writer what would you be doing now?

Don: I am living my dream as my career. In a lot of ways, it is work and a job like any other - but there is not enough time in the day when you live your career. I’ve worked lots of jobs but that’s behind now. I’m lucky that I’ve discovered this thing that I can put all of my energy into and I can’t wait to wake up in the morning to work on it. I’d like for everyone to find that thing in their life. It’s tough. Discovery of that one thing in your life means you must take risks and just go for some things….step into the uncomfortable and un-ordinary, something you want to try, something different you need to do, etc. I hope more people do that. If I weren’t a song writer, I’d probably be something really practical, like a chiropractor or a carpenter.

YCD: What songs are you inspired by or cannot live without at the moment, yours or someone else’s?

Don: I am living in a city (Halifax) that’s known throughout the country as being a musical hotbed. I’m fortunate enough to be a part of this thriving community and I am inspired by the talent, vigor, and hard work of the musicians here. I’ve gotten to work on albums by Benn Ross, Rich Aucoin, Jesse Dangerously, Caledonia, and Tanya Davis. Each one of those acts aren’t anything like each other and aren’t similar to my music and that’s what makes this community beautiful and healthy. The support system rather than any sort of competition in independent music allows a person to be so comfortable in what they’re doing because they have such a support system in their colleagues - we know we have our friends there to help out in any way, be it professionally or personally.

YCD: Who has been the biggest influence in your musical career?

Don: Tough question. I’ve always been a very practical person so when I was getting more and more serious about music as a career, my parents could have been more weary but they weren’t at all. They urged me to follow through with this music thing - to do what I wanted - to work hard - to see how it goes, at least. In the early stages, I wasn’t really telling people who knew me that I was playing music, that it was my dream, that I needed it. Their support from the get-go meant a lot.

Also, a little dark and morbid as it may seem. I’ve had a few people in my life die well before their supposed ‘time’. Also, I’ve never thought I was to live very long and I’ve always had this dream to make music. So I guess having those people’s time end so quickly propelled me in a certain way. Make my time count for me, ‘go for it’, why not?

YCD: With all the changes and uncertainties going on in the music industry today, what inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing and why?

Don: I’m not sure. It is tough and a struggle in a lot of ways. Songwriters love and need the drama, don’t we? Like I mentioned earlier, if you’re living your dream as your career, a lot of the tough times can be absorbed easily. There are incredible highs and stifling lows. Each step is uncertain but once you’re confident the music you’re making is establishing a connection, it is worth it. The community of professional musicians I’ve surrounded myself with inspire me to continue. Fans inspire me to continue.

YCD: Wander Songs was released in 2007, is there anything new you are working on now?

Don: Yep, I’m still writing for another short while. In early 2009, I’ll start organizing for recording again. It’s a big process but I’m soon ready again. For now, I’m glad to be jumping in on other acts’ recording projects and shows when I can. I started off as a side-guy so I still have that. I also love to sing back-up and I’m doing more and more of that, on a more behind the scenes/supportive level. I need to support those people as they are supporting me.

YCD: For those readers who haven’t heard of you or your music before what would best describe your music?

Don: Organic, low-key, and created by one young unconfident fellow with a few good friends.

YCD: Thank you for your time. We are looking forward to sharing your music with everyone. I love your album it has such a timeless feel to it. I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite of our readers.

Don: Thanks a ton for having me!

Buy CD Baby
Official Website
MySpace
Sonicbids

Of all the available ways of expressing ourselves, Colby Stead singled out nakedness. His songs are barely dressed, merely a few guitar notes. At times they are warmed up by a female echo, sometimes by a moving cello or the breath of an accordion. In this way, he serves up an appetizing variety of ‘crudités’ for curious minds.

Today, by creating Mytunes, M. Stead offers us the possibility to crunch the apple once again: a collection of songs and spoken word you can download for ‘What’s it worth’.

Among these gems we discover his two latest albums ‘No’ and ‘So it goes’ in full, a set of home recordings, concerts and readings and others unreleased pearls like this one :

Artiste : Colby Stead
Label : Thoughtfull
Where to tune ? http://colbystead.com

Hello all you Crazy Dreamers….haven’t posted in a while as I am pretty much married to my job lately but I have not forgotten about my music buddies here on YCD!! Thought I’d pop my head in and say a few words.

My dream of seeing Jason Molina live was realized last Monday as I got to see Magnolia Electric Co. at the Abbey Pub here in Chicago. I pretty much think Molina is a genius so I was super excited for this show and MECO did not let me down. I was almost in tears when they played “In The Human World” as that is my #1 played song in my iTunes and favorite Mag Elec. song ever. This show will definitely go down as the best I’ve seen all year.

For those of you not familiar with Molina, he recorded under Songs:Ohia with a rotating cast of musicians until 2003 in which he announced on tour the name change to Magnolia Electric Co. You can find his discography here.

Set list:

London Bridge*
Love Letter from the Ace of Spades*
In The Human World
Rock of Ages*
Shiloh Temple Bell
The Farewell Transmission
Oh Grace*
Josephine*
Talk To Me Devil, Again
Thank You’s / Crowd
Whip-poor-wil
Blackbird
I’ve Been Riding With The Ghost
John Henry Split My Heart

Encore
======
There Will Always Be A West*

*titles not confirmed, all new non-album songs

download the whole show: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=520064

Buy here at Secretly Candian:

Magnolia Electric Co. - Songs:Ohia - Jason Molina

Nothing more to said but the song. Hope Sony didn’t support Mr. McCain.

Footpost notes for the non-american

Impossible to remember the reason why my browser landed on the the home page of Matt Kanelos. Actually, it doesn’t matter. I know now why I keep on returning to it: the piano, a strong sense of melody, an undescribable atmosphere which titillates the imagination, opening the door to fabulous mind blowers.

‘When You Walk It Makes No Sound‘, was the first track I had the opportunity to listen. A delicious suspension, scrolling a full year in a short 5 minutes composition : absolutely gorgeous. It was enough for me already to get addicted. It reminds me of one of those sweet Paolo Conte favourites of mine, floating between folk & jazz. A captivating melody that could simply convert a raging bull into a sweet ballerina…

Then was the time for a second track from this unreleased opus : ‘Peacock Dance‘. It starts like what could have been a Bach Piano partition -  or a Chopin Etude - , but then Matt’s sweet voice comes to the front: “We’ll stop in Babylon…” :  Absolutely stunning ! And so it goes on for the next song ‘Dying Star’

It took only a couple of minutes to download his first EP ‘Children Love to Dance’ at cdbaby.com, which was already released in 2005, but the time it will take to be sated by this very short collection seems infinite. Time appears to be standing still in the musical universe created by Matt Kanelos. So, if we need to wait untill next February for his new opus to be released… there’s no hurry really.

Artist : Matt Kanelos and the Smooth Maria
Label : none
Where to Buy : cdbaby.com
More appetizers : still on artist’s website / myspace.com
Who else should you enjoy ? Chris Garneau, Ben Sollee, Daisy Chapman.

Scarlatti Tilt is a four-year-old band from Bristol - UK. The band’s name is taken from a very short story by Richard Brautigan (see post footnotes below). The Trio is composed of Daisy Champan (Vox, Piano), Greg Simmons (Bass), Tim Smith (Drums). Last year they released their first full length album, ‘Gathering of the Haunted’. I’m a bit late pointing you on their music but I’m quite sure you’re not addicted to our blog for updates but for unique listening experience. And be sure, this collection is absolutely brilliant.

Imagine a sleazy night out with PJ Harvey and Nick Cave’s Bad Seeds in a dank, underground club where the air hangs heavy with smoke. This is the soundtrack to that night…and its inevitable comedown.

It’s simply impossible to mention this trio without introducing the solo efforts of Scarlatti Tilt’s voice : Daisy Chapman, et quelle voix !

“Stripped down to just piano and voice, Daisy’s songs weigh heavy with a haunting beauty and romantic intensity. “

The latest collection of Miss Chapman ‘And There Shall be None” is as irresistible as her performance with Scarlatti Tilt. Judge for yourself with the following samples.

Artist : Daisy Chapman
Band : Scarlatti Tilt
Label : Dandyland / Simmo Publications Ltd / Oh The Woe
Where to buy : cdbaby.com / emusic.com
More appetizers :  on band website, theirspaces here and here
Who else to enjoy ? Hum…. That’s a question that requires your participation. I expect your suggestions in the comments .
Post Footnotes : Richard Brautigan, “The Scarlatti Tilt” (the complete short, very short story…)
“It’s very hard to live in a studio apartment in San Jose with a man who’s learning to play the violin.” That’s what she told the police when she handed them the empty revolver.
(from Revenge of the Lawn: Stories 1962-1970)

PS : You might have noticed a slight improvement on syntax and spelling of this post. I admit, I didn’t sign up for an English course… let’s just say I got a little help from a friend, for the benefit of your reading experience.

Another artist YCD recently wrote about will be performing at The Hotel Cafe this Saturday, stop by and check her.

Recent Post on YCD Leerone

From Leerone:

Please join me for an early evening at the Hotel Café this Saturday night. I’m performing with an awesome string quartet!! My set starts at 7pm sharp!

1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd. (between Hollywood and Sunset)
Los Angeles, 90028

For my local Los Angeles people, Tom Schraeder is coming to town this Sunday, November 2nd at The Hotel Cafe. YCD wrote about him at the start of the year and if you haven’t had a chance to catch him live or buy his album now is the time to do so. Please come out and support him. Start learning the words to “When You’re Not Around” so you can sing along. Loved the EP Tom, can’t wait for the second half

A review courtesy of smansmith:

Lying Through Dinner by Tom Schraeder
Well this 5 track EP from Tom Schraeder definitely has a lot in it for only being 13 minutes long!  We run the gambit of the full band twang of Alt Country (Don’t Look Back) to late night crooning (Sorry My Dear) to a bar closing sing along (When You’re Not Around).  This release has it all and I mean it - this in fact could be the “Coles Notes” of Tom Schraeder.  While I tend to shy from raukin’ in the local tavern, I believe Schraeder is no stranger to this, but can shy away and keep the attention of the indie-melancholy in the very next breath.
While I don’t want to compare Schraeder to early Ryan Adams, I can’t shake the feeling that Adams may have tainted me for the sound.  I believe there is huge talent here and I also feel Adams and his ilk may have stolen the gaze of the crowds from some real artists like Schraeder, engulfed it all, then left a landscape of not quite country road kill.  Don’t take this as negative towards Schraeder’s performance on “Lying Through Dinner” in the least (or even RA as he has his moments), but I feel the EP needs its other half and I ask that you forward it immediately.

One of my favorite songs FM Radio/Sunshine

News from Joshua James ( a little late, but better late than never):

Love to all of you first and foremost, we hope that you are all well. We are happy to announce that on September 23rd, Joshua released a 3 song EP digitally through iTunes called “Crash This Train / The Garden” EP. The song debuted at #1 on the itunes folk charts thanks to all of you’all out there showing support! There had been some clamoring for this song for quite a stretch of time, and we decided to go ahead and get it out there. The EP features a band version of “Crash This Train”, a new song called “The Garden”, and an acoustic verison of “Crash This Train” that Joshua recorded at his house. The “band” version of “Crash This Train”features the lovely Lex Land on back-up vocals who was out opening for Joshua on his summer tour. For any folks that have already ventured over to iTunes to buy the EP, we sincerely thank you!

Joshua was recently in Los Angeles putting some of the finishing touches on his 2nd full length album. We are all excited about releasing this record and will be getting it out there early in 2009. It is has been quite a journey getting the right songs down, etc, we are thoroughly excited… There will be an extensive Spring tour that Joshua and crew will be embarking on as well, so think “Spring, Spring, Spring!!!”.

As for the “holiday offer”… Some of you may already know about the holiday EP that Joshua and friends released last year called “Fields and Floods”. It is an album that Joshua recorded at his house which includes a group of holiday songs and one original “winter storm”, furthermore, we believe you might be missing out if you don’t have it. Throughout the months of November and December we are offering a free “Fields and Floods” EP (FREE FREE!!) to anyone purchasing a copy of “The Sun Is Always Brighter” on either CD or Vinyl. We have vinyl folks — it is deluxe 180 gram vinyl and includes an additional 7 inch record with the tracks “Winter Storm” and “Lovers Without Love”. Also a free download of the “The Sun Is Always Brigher” in high resolution MP3 format included with vinyl. So if you’re looking for a hard copy of “The Sun Is Always Brighter” November and December is the time to get one! Excellent gifts as well including an extra stocking stuffer
“Fields and Floods” EP with purchase.

And finally, we have the privilege to introduce to you an artist Joshua has been working with named “RuRu”. RuRu is a 16 year old singer-songwriter that wooed Joshua’s heart by playing around the utah frontier. Joshua and his accomplice of life, Mckay Stevens, sequestered RuRu earlier this year at Joshua’s home studio and recorded a debut album for this young maniac wonderboy. The album was named “Elizabeth” after RuRu’s mother who passed away a couple years ago from cancer. It is quite a compelling album with a depth of life experiences and emotions.You can go to Joshua’s label site Northplatte Records to learn more.

Thank you all for the continued support!!!! We wouldn’t be able to do this without you!

sincerely singing,

Joshua and brothers.

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

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.

I came across Travis Linville just recently while listening to my friend Shauns radio show on Totally radio. Shaun is the man behind Gilded palace of sin promotions here in Brighton and recently had the brilliant Hayes Carll playing (A show I should NOT have missed ) Well anyway, for the last couple of years Travis has been the lead guitar player in Hayes’ band and that’s how Shaun came to play him on his show. Before that he played with the Burtschi brothers. Kindly Travis sent me his debut album Hometown blues and his most recent album See you around which was recorded live in October 2007.  The former is a briliantly produced album with influences from Honky tonk to a more modern country pop sound but my favourite track being the western swing sounding Here she stands which is like stepping back in time to the country sound of the 1950’s but he also plays it on the other album solo acoustically.

The latter is just a gem. Guitar picking to die for especially on the opening track new light and lightening quick on the instrumental Doc’s guitar but is prominant throughout. If you like good solid country folk played majestically then buy this album, you will not go wrong. If I was some kind of writer I would no doubt be able to write a much bigger piece than I have but I’m not and so you’s will just have to make your own stuff up, Enjoy