If I have some new music that I want to listen to I expect I am not alone in listening whilst doing something else like surfing the net or whatever.
The Morakestra were playing in the background yesterday and I was trying to write an article and in the end I had to turn them off. Not because there was anything wrong, quite the opposite actually as they are so catchy, tuneful, and full of great guitar hooks and songs that they became a total distraction.
Which of course is a joy as I love those moments when you realise you are listening to something that connects home. OK the band themselves have been around for a while, indeed their web site adds 'Founders and key creative minds David and Will Mora are twin brothers who were proudly born and raised in the West Texas border city, El Paso, Texas. Fellow El Pasoan Jim Ward contributed to the rebirth of Morakestra via production and recording of the band's latest album, Witness to Connection, out June 2nd, 2009 on indie label Stratking Records'.
It was Texan guitar legends Mario Otero and Charles Teitsworth who first pushed the Mora brothers to turn their early compositions into a polished collection of songs, and before long, the boys had a debut album, “Live from Moraq.” Released in 2007, it showcased a variety of impressive session musicians, but it was the Moras themselves who handled all of the guitar work and vocals, and ultimately produced the album. The brothers spent the following months playing gigs with an ever-changing band to back them up, and buzz grew around the talented twins, who became known as “dueling guitar players.”
"The Morakestra's biggest selling points on Witness To Connection are the addictive guitar riffs that populate every track…Songs show both pop sensibility and a unique style that belongs solely to The Morakestra…Witness To Connection is a powerful effort." - Atlanta Music Guide
We are reliably informed that Daisy McCrackin was born in San Francisco and now lives in Los Angeles.
So what else can I add, well having read her bio on MySpace her original move to LA was to develop an acting career, with some notable Hollywood credits to her name including 3000 Miles To Graceland (with Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner.) She also had the honor of being one of Michael Myers teen victims in a Halloween sequel from 2002 (no wonder she switched over to a music career), however clearly her artistic yearnings eventually led her away from LA for a while as she slowly developed her song writing and guitar skills.
Having listened to her debut release 'Rodeo Grounds' I have to say there is something special about Daisy and her music. I would imagine she will appeal to both folk and indie fans alike, the comparisons are there (from Joni Mitchell to Beth Orton) however she has a unique and very intimate style that has a personal and charming edge.
Her bio goes on: Back in Los Angeles, Daisy moved to the fabled Rodeo Grounds arts collective in Topanga Canyon, where she bathed in the deep and salty waters of authentic expression daily. Inspired by the eclectic community of artists living by the beach, serving as a muse and creating by the moment, Daisy took up painting, and continued to labor at the guitar. Immersed in a supportive environment that encouraged her artistic exploration, Daisy wrote songs and improvised instant ballads ‘round the famed campfire, holding her fellow creatives captive while dazzling them with hilarious impromptu outpourings of quirky lyrics, sung to sweet, simple melodies. Still too shy to share her “serious” songs, Daisy stuck to modeling by day, and making her cohorts laugh by night. Finally, after an intense song-writing jag Daisy sang a somber, personal song to a close friend who advised her to quit her day job and dedicate herself full-time to music. She played her first live show in 2006, and was dubbed “an instant rock star” in an LA Weekly review, which reported that Daisy “stole the show.”
Julian Shah-Tayler is a solo artist who writes, produces and performs his own music. His EP - "Un Ange Passe" (dedicated to the memory of Christine Shroy-Hull) is released on 1st January, 2010. His debut album, “Coito Ergo Sum” is due for release spring 2010 on Impossible Thing Records.
Julian has played guitar in 'Whitey' co writing the smash hit “Wrap It Up” which has been featured in Whip It, GTA 4, Sopranos, Kyle XY and CSI Miami. He has also played keys & sang with Siobhan Fahey (Shakespear’s Sister), and played keyboards & sang on Joaquin Phoenix’s solo album among others!
Having listened to a number of his his songs, I reckon he could well break through in 2010, which would be deserved as his song writing and performance is quite stunning. The melodies and variety of styles he uses along with first class production have really gained my attention.
The debut solo EP “Un Ange Passe” in tribute to Christine Shroy-Hull who left us on the 6th September 2009 and features on the cover.
It will be released on iTunes , all download sites and special edition CD mail order via Impossible Things Records on 1st January 2010
Anyone that buys the special edition EP CD from the Impossible Things Records website will also get a new recording for them by Julian. It might be a specially recorded song, a live favourite, a version of a song from the EP or something else, but available to no-one else in the world (unless they upload it themselves.. Ask for something specific, but be careful what you wish for!!
Some reviews so far:
“Wetter is Massive, It will make (Julian) a star” – Alan McGee (Oasis/Primal Scream/My Bloody Valentine)
“Very Impressed” – David J (Bauhaus/Love and Rockets)
“This guy has massive talent” – Boom Boom Chik
“An infectious solo release..steps away from acclaimed success” – Mojophenia
Shamelessly copying and pasting from their MySpace site here's the background on another band to watch out for in 2010.
'City Lightwas started by Seattle singer songwriter Matt Shaw with long time friend and bay area producer Nick Andre, who's releases have featured Gift Of Gab, Lateef, Lyrics Born and more. As the project progressed they called upon musician and producer Denver Dalley from Desaparecidos, Statistics, and Intramural and Seattle singer songwriter Andy Fitts from Airport Cathedral and Aqueduct. Together the four of them worked to create one record from three corners of the country that mixed genres of indie-pop, rock , and hip hop. The end result is a dark and unique pop record full of catchy tunes, experimental electronica, and driving beats'.
The album 'Burned Out Bright' is due for release on the 26th January 2010, and having just listened through, this one is going on my personal play again list. You can also here more over on their MySpace site. More album release details in due course.
Their PR adds 'Blending gritty, earnest vocals (ala Bright Eyes) with sunnier, subdued melodies and driving beats, City Light has struck the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. BURNED OUT BRIGHT is sure to please City Light’s existing fan-base, and will undoubtedly bring the group much deserved attention over the next year'.
“Expect hooks, melodies and reluctant angst of a highly enjoyable nature.” – Noise Pop
“…an album that will knock you on your ass.” -- Exoduster.com
Now I like quirky and different, and mention the likes of the Bonzo's or Monty Python and my 'musical radar' tends to activate! Patrick and Eugene are yet another reason to keep an eye on whats new in the world of music, especially in these troubled times where record companies are inclined towards nicely packaged conformity or well controlled and marketable rebels.
The UK press has stated "Banjos, bongos and alarm clocks, '20s jazz and '60s pop and sampled insect noises, Patrick & Eugene's irrepressibly eccentric summer romp has got it all." - NME
"Whimsically English songs where Dixieland jazz intermingles with Afro-Cuban rhythms." - Q
The Patrick & Eugene sound is comprised of banjos, ukuleles and sunshine pop vocals combined with whistles, bells and bongos to produce unique but accessible music for post-modern vaudevillians, with nods to Monty Python, Derek & Clive and even Woody Allen. Try to imagine Noel Coward on stage with the Duke Ellington Band at the Monterey Pop Festival and you’re getting close.
The album’s title track is currently being featured in a year-long TV campaign by Payless Shoes, and has been heard over the end credits of ABC’s Weeds and in Grey’s Anatomy. The opening song “The Birds & The Bees” got enormous exposure via a very successful VW Rabbit TV advertising campaign a couple of years back and the YouTube comedy hit “To Do List.” Patrick & Eugene’s songs have also appeared in the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading and the Mr. Bean trailer.
Their PR adds: Patrick Dawes (who found fame playing percussion for Groove Armada and Richie Havens) & Eugene Bezodis (who is infamous for setting fire to Patrick when one of his on stage magic tricks went horribly wrong) are two talented originals. Combining stellar musical ability, devil-may-care delivery and an innate desire to entertain, the duo's recordings and live performances are delivered with a passionate amateurism that belies their virtuosic talents. Highlights from the band’s previous releases Postcard From Summerisle, and Everything And Everyone include impious but infectious versions of Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love”, Simon & Grafunkel’s “59th Street Bridge Song” and The Arctic Monkey’s “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.” Their imaginative reworking of Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” is included on Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees).
Their last album was picked by Paul Heaton (The Beautiful South & The Housemartins) as his choice for the months 'Buried Treasure' feature in Mojo magazine. He described it as the "wild and comic sound of inner-child music and movement” and admitted that this was The Beautiful South’s favourite album to take the stage to!
Altogether Now (Birds Bees Flowers Trees) is the U.S. debut release from the UK’s Patrick & Eugene. The album was produced by band member Patrick Dawes and it’s being released by the Tummy Touch Music Group, distributed by ADA/WEA.
Having just listened to their current album 'The Monstrous Vanguard' I have to say Kittens Ablaze deserve all the praise and recognition they have received to date.
OK here's the setting. I have some sort of virus and am running a fever. I am feeling sorry for myself, and am not really in the mood for music. If I want to hear anything it needs to be gentle and soothing, however there is an album in my inbox & I feel obliged to give at least one song a listen. Half an hour later I am still feeling groggy but am aware that some kind of tornado has just ripped through the room thanks to a six-piece indie rock band with cello, violin, guitars, bass, piano, and drumming lead singer. The energy, passion and sheer pace of this band is something else.
So in a couple of days or so from now I am quietly confident this band will be blasting from my car speakers when upbeat & loud music is back on the menu!
The band was formed in 2007 among six friends from diverse musical backgrounds, spanning classical, folk-punk, indie rock… and metal. The Kittens released their debut album, a five-track EP in the fall of 2007. With help from producer Nic Hard (The Bravery), the band self-released its full-length album, The Monstrous Vanguard, in early 2009. The album has propelled them to be an official showcasing artist at 2009 events such as SXSW, NXNE, CMJ, and L Magazine's Northside music festivals as well as selling out venues around New York and out on tour.
The band has received mention in Vice Magazine, Rolling Stone, New York Magazine, Paste Magazine, Oh My Rockness, Brooklyn Vegan, The Music Slut, Ear Farm, The New York Times (by Mick Jones of The Clash), and numerous other indie music magazines and blogs. They're known for their wild shows and tight sound and have been named Artist of the Month by both mtvU and The Deli Magazine, been on the cover of Starved Magazine, and, with their music video for “Strobelight,” they became one of a few unsigned bands to receive regular rotation on Vice’s internet TV channel, VBS.tv. The Kittens currently live in Brooklyn, New York.
I have a lot of respect for Seattle's excellent radio station KEXP and so any artist who achieves 'song of the day' recognition is for me, worthy of a listen at the very least.
The fact that the promotion that dropped in my inbox a couple of days a go also mentioned the band are from Sweden was an added bonus !
Pixie Carnation are the band and I think they are pretty special. To quote KEXP a little further ...you don’t get any indication that the band is from anywhere but the U.S. as the vocal stylings come through entirely American in a way that even some U.S. bands somehow don’t seem to be able to achieve. Simply structured yet toe-tappingly catchy, “When Did The Lights Go Out” is the kind of rock song that gets its vocal melody stuck inside of your brain but you’re okay with it." -Brian Connolly, (song selected by Morning Show host John Richards), KEXP.org. Their debut EP 'Fresh Poems' is available now.
There promo states quite accurately 'The product of two years of musical experimentation has culminated in what is now Pixie Carnation, a Swedish based, and yet very American sounding band. From the time that childhood friends Ola Pålsson and Tobias Hellkvist reconnected a few years ago there was an instant artistic connection, and it was only a matter of time before their sound and the band’s lineup became what it is today.
Despite it taking about a year and a half for Pålsson and Hellkvist to find like-minded musicians, Pixie Carnation has now evolved into a seven-member band and made their first recording, Fresh Poems EP.
A classic rock influenced, Americana infused, musical tapestry with orchestral elements, Fresh Poems is already resounding in the ears of American music aficionados, as evidenced by their song “When the Lights Go Out” being named KEXP’s song a the day on November 2nd. Drawing comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, KEXP proclaims that when the music begins, “Immediately you start to think that maybe The Boss has entered the room.”
And as Pixie Carnation’s music reaches the ears of North America this Swedish rock group is bound to find welcome listeners and loyal fans'.
Keb Mo is a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose musical origins are firmly linked to the Delta blues.
His Grammy awards and nominations are testimony to his outstanding talent. Keb has a distinctive sound and yet embraces pop, rock, folk and jazz within his craft.
Having said all of that, his natural blues stripped down to just guitar and vocals is both refreshing and moving.
His new contemporary blues album is quite appropriately named Live & Mo. It features six awesome live performances from notable moments on the road, and four brand new studio recordings, including the anthemic song A Brand New America, a band version of the inspirational Victims of Comfort, the funky sound of Government Cheese, and the back-porch rhythm and blues of Hole in the Bucket. If you already know the mood and style past releases Keb’Mo, you’ll dig “Live & Mo”.
Cheap Lullaby Records have released a couple of fascinating albums in the last week or so both very different and also superbly crafted.
Josh Ottum are from Seattle, USA and have just released 'Like The Season'. It's not just the Beehive that's giving them a rather large thumbs up and unashamed plug, The Seattle Weekly recently stated - "Like the Season is one of the more adventurous musical offerings to come out of Seattle in years".
I'm not going to draw comparisons with other bands, Josh Ottum have a pretty distinctive sound and for me sit somewhere between Indie and Alt Rock maybe even a few country 'tinges' here and there. Thankfully you can check them out below!
We seem to have escaped from Brooklyn regarding new music (just browse the recent recommendations & spot the trend) and 'remain' in Seattle for our second choice this week which is Ivan and Alyosha.
I really hope you take the time to give them a listen, particularly if you have a liking for uplifting indie or good old pop music. Citing influences from the extremes of Elvis Presley to ELO, or The Beatles to Bing Crosby, they are a real buzz. The promo adds 'Smooth, soaring guitar pop from Seattle duo that is plaintive and pristine' I tend to agree.
The new album 'The Verse, The Chorus' has just been released and will comfortably be in my personal top twenty for 2009.
Right then ! The inbox has been filling up with some great new or newish artists and albums so here is a quick pick of the best that has taken my attention in the last few days...
Kicking Off with Bottle Up And Go whose 'darker louder' hi energy blasts into your ears from the opening chord. Their Press says 'Crush up some shards of broken whiskey bottles and colorful confetti and put in a cannon and what bursts out is the raucous, uncaged bunch that is Bottle Up and Go. Comprised of singer and guitarist Keenan “Hot Pants” Mitchell, drummer Fareed “The Prince” Sajan, and saxophonist accompanist Andrew Carrico, Bottle Up and Go are a two-and-a-half-piece, lo-fi blues-punk band from primitive Brooklyn, NY'. Not a bad description at all!
Also heralding from NYC are Jupiter One who are currently touring with Regina Spektor (until the 12th November). The band have an excellent new album called 'Sunshower' in fact as I type I am enjoying a mixture of great and quite catchy indie pop and rock tunes that make up this new release.
Their biography reads - A Sunshower can be a rare occurrence, but when these opposing forces meet, magic and allure is in the air. This is exactly why Jupiter One chose the title (inspired by the Japanese short film, Dreams, by Akira Kurosawa) for their newest Ryko release, which hit the streets on September 15. Their far-out freshness mixed with timeless musical inspirations meshes together in a bittersweet indie-pop rock concoction—produced by the group and noted engineer Chris Ribando (Diamond Nights, The Black Crowes, The Fever).
This young quartet consisting of K Ishibashi (lead vocals), Zac Colwell (lead guitar), Dave Heilman (drums) and Pat Dougherty (bass), has a knack for unifying their contemporary style with a range of musical influences. Sunshower is the result of Jupiter One's experienced ear. For instance, the dancefloor-friendly “Simple Stones,” filled with handclaps and soulful riffs, boasts a bass line for all ages while blending ‘80s Rolling Stones and MGMT. The epic opener “Volcano” resurrects the youthful spirit of the Beach Boys with The Flaming Lips, while delivering one of the disc’s best choruses. And if Ishibashi conjures The Shins on “Find Me a Place,” then he drops vintage, finger-picking folk on “People in the Mountain”. Lastly but certainly not least, their current single “Flaming Arrow,” a shimmering acoustic folk tune, shoots through with a bumping bass line and New Orleans inspired drum groove. This genre-bending approach creates a hook-heavy opus well suited for our A.D.D. times.
OK so we are definitely stuck in New York at the moment indeed back to Brooklyn for Peter Squires whose debut album 'Woe Is Me' contrasts totally with the above featured bands. Stripped back to guitar, vocals and a littler percussion his indie folk sound is both as refreshing as it is intelligent. His press rightly states - Peter’s direct and honest vocal delivery will make you think of contemporaries like Kimya Dawson and Luke Temple… or even legacy artists like Cat Stevens or minimalist composer Steve Reisch subtle productions while playing with emotions in the way Morrissey would or The Cure. Each song creaks beyond your shield and into your soul creating an album that is all heart, laid bare for our aural pleasure. The up-front honestly, heart on a sleeve Woe Is Me was recorded in Peter Squires Brooklyn bedroom. This stark look at one man’s journalistic view of heartbreak, complete with dark imagery and tender moments too, leaves us listeners with some amazing folk gems. Full of soul, fear, laughs, tears, broken dreams – Woe is Me is the perfect album for your own woe’s, your own story, your own life as you choose your own adventures.
Listen:
MP3: HERE. Website: Official Buy/More: Check out his website above you might be pleasantly surprised.
The Wooden Sky undertook a month-long tour entitled “Bedrooms and Backstreets” in August, The Wooden Sky are now eager to share their experiences with audiences everywhere. With the help of producer and director Scott Cudmore, a documentary capturing the beautiful and strange reality behind the unconventional tour is being released in ten parts, with Part One & Two accessible now on Vimeo.com.
When the Wooden Sky embarked on their summer tour beginning in Guelph, Ontario on July 19th, they were ready for the excitement and uncertainty they’d be sure to face along the way. Avoiding traditional venues and performances, the band continuously pleased crowds while performing old favorites along with new tunes from their album “If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone” (released on August 25th with Black Box Music/Fontana North). The documentary reveals personal insights of the Canadian musicians as they performed in unique locations, such as the hull of a boat, a canoe against rocky mountains in Banff, a gondola at the top of Whistler, and within a giant field of beautiful sunflowers.
Take a listen to the excellent 'Something Hiding For Us In The Night' from The Wooden Sky.
It's not only my opinion that Rubblebucket are one outstanding band, Seven Days Vermont named them best band of 2008, and others have equally applauded their excellent music and live performances.
Their second album (following up on last years debut 'Rose Dream') is simply titled Rubblebucket, and cutting straight to the point I absolutely love it.
This is one summary of the band that helps lift the lid off Rubblebucket:
Defined as a polyrhythmic dance/rock band, Rubblebucket is a nine-piece group that combines the sounds of various brass instruments with catchy rhythms and soulful lead vocals. The resulting sound has hints of dance, rock, and funk, and is anything but ordinary. The unique music that this youthful, energetic group has managed to produce is universally appealing, as it defies genre boundaries and combines true musical talent with a spirited, positive attitude.
Led by trumpeter Alex Toth and with the incredible vocals of Kalmia Traver their MySpace site adds 'Comparisons have been drawn to Talking Heads, Fela Kuti, Bjork and James Brown, but Rubblebucket's afro-beat inspired, trip-rock soul experience is beyond classification'.
If all of this is sounding like an over the top plug for Rubblebucket then I apologise, it's just that they are really, really one hot outfit. As things stand the new album may become my favorite of the year OK so it's still only October however as a contender, Rubblebucket have raised the bar considerably. The following track is just one dimension of the band, there is a lot more to them !
Introducing Brooklyn's (yep Brooklyn again , have they nicked all the new band fairy dust) Fugitive Soul who only formed in May of this year!
Well if you are regular to this site you know I kinda like a little bit of indie pop and rock, so I guess it's fair to say the these guys were in with chance from the start. That said there is an awful lot of 'stuff' out there so you still need to stand out, and the fresh breezy and vigorous sound of their new 'Strangers' EP does just that for me.
They have a few live dates right about now, so if you can check them out I am told they are well worth the effort. Tour Dates:
Oct. 12th – New York, NY @ Webster Hall’s The Studio
Oct. 19th – New York, NY @ Webster Hall’s The Studio
Oct. 21st – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool w/ Cale Parks, Lemonade, Little Girls and Takka Takka
Listen: 'Frames'
Website: MySpace HERE. Official HERE. Buy: Checkout their sites for details in due course. Plenty more to listen to over on MySpace
Hollands are from New York and have a new EP out on the 13th October called 'Mother'.
They are a mixture of rock'n'roll, strings, pounding drums, driving guitar, but add into all of that some cello, violin and some softer moments and you have Hollands.
This band have my attention and the individual members have some very strong backgrounds in the music business, however for once no name dropping, just a strong emphasis on checking them out.
I personally reckon we will be hearing more about these folk in the coming months.
Secondstar is Liam Carey and a few other fine musicians.
With a new EP out called 'Teeth' which is best described as a mixture of alt-folk-rock with guitar, banjo, layered vocals, drums, cello and whistling and with bunches of harmonies.
Secondstar are in my opinion worth checking out if the above description gains your attention.
The band live in Brooklyn, New York, and a follow-up EP called 'Feets' should be out in a few weeks.
You can find out more about Secondstar at their MySpace site along with details of getting hold of a copy of 'Teeth', and of course stream a few more songs there.
Working my way through this weeks music inbox I came across The Dustys for the first time. It was one of those moments that when I started listening I found my self immediately stop everything else my attention grabbed. I like those moments so thanks The Dustys!
Part of their bio states 'The Dustys began as a new direction for veterans of the DC-area garage punk scene, getting together to write fuller, more power-pop and acid rock influenced tunes. Though they’ve always been in love with classic sounds like Big Star, Badfinger, Can, and T-rex, it was a revelation to finally get a chance to merge that sweet love with the muscle of the Devil Dogs and the stoner grooves of Fu Manchu or Red Sparrowes'. and 'The Dustys sound is classic without being nostalgic, psychedelic without being pretentious--banging enough to make you dance but intricate enough to take you on a roadtrip through the desert in every song'.
I would only add that I really like what I have heard so far and hope we get to hear a whole lot more before long.
The Bravery got hold off their debut EP last year and to cut the story short The Dustys are on tour with them in the USA & Canada throughout October & November!
There are days when bands like Hey Ocean! are madatory listening. Days when you need a boost, your spirit needs a little lift, or you kinda wanna jig around a bit.
Having just announced their Fall tour in Canada & the USA a good number of people are in for a treat as their live shows are reckoned to be pretty special. Quoting some of the detail (it's Friday I am intitiled to copy and paste a little! 'Often described as one of Canada’s best up-and-coming acts, Hey Ocean is a young band with an extraordinary talent for blending various musical styles into a brand of infectious pop that is uniquely their own. Together, Ashleigh Ball, David Beckingham and David Vertesi have created a musical repertoire that cannot be ignored – be it on radio, television or your neighbor’s iPod, Hey Ocean will soon be everywhere. What began as a very casual musical partnership on the beaches of Costa Rica, has now morphed into one of Canada’s most successful independent bands. Their rapid success can be attributed to their do-it-yourself attitude, which has recently helped build their self-owned label, Pop Machine. Continuously leaving fans in awe, Hey Ocean combines sheer talent, charismatic songs, and an undeniably energetic live show, making them a must see band for 2009! It’s Easier To Be Somebody Else is now available on iTunes. '
It's getting nearer to that time of year when the music biz tends to release what they hope will be big sellers (and the repackaged best of 'whoever' emerge of course), so it's great to see that there is still no shortage of new & newer bands vying for attention.
The Kora Records continue on their march for world domination with Sweden's Fredrik (pictured) who have their second full length album 'Trilogi' released this coming November 17th. Fredrik started out in late 2006 as the songwriter/sound artist duo of Fredrik and Lindefelt. The idea was to attempt narrative structures in music through the combination of electro acoustic composition and folk-infused musical form. Before the release of their critically acclaimed debut, Na Na Ni, the lineup was expanded to a 6-piece.
On stage the sextet could be seen playing banjo, clarinet, cello, wind up music boxes and hand made instruments along side bass, guitars and drums. The following 6 months saw Fredrik back in Malmö recording new material in the form of an EP-trilogy. Each one was surreptitiously self-released on highly limited 3" CDs in hand made origami packaging. Fredrik and Kora present the release of the EP’s as a proper full length entitled Trilogi. You can get a good feel for the band at their MySpace site.
Paper Garden records are also pretty busy right now and will be featuring a number of their acts at the Pop Montreal Festival on October 1st & 2nd.
We've featured Darla Farmer already here on the Beehive, and now its the turn of the fabulous Emanuel and The Fear.
From Brooklyn, New York this 11 piece band are a little bit Arcade Fire, a tiny bit Polyphonic Spree and pretty much their own thing as well.
Both Darla Farmer & Emanuel and The Fear have been drawing the attention of the likes of David Byrne, TV On The Radio, and Apples In Stereo, and if you are in or around Montreal here's a chance to catch up with them.
I have of course featured The Dimes here before and not to long ago at that. The band have a new album scheduled to be out on the 24th November 09 entitled 'The King Can Drink The Harbor Dry'.
It is a mixture of modern folk meeting sixties pop, with influences ranging from Simon and Garfunkel to The Beatles' White Album, my goodness we are name dropping today!
Anyhow from what I have heard so far it could well be the Folk-Pop album of the year, but as always don't just take my word for it, here is the opening song from the forthcoming album.
The new album form Brookville is out on the 29th September the third and some time since the last his bio explains why. 'After releasing two critically acclaimed albums—2003’s Wonderfully Nothing and 2006’s Life In the Shade— under the Brookville moniker, musician and producer Andy Chase didn’t think he had another in him. Whatever it was that had inspired those albums seemed to have disappeared and Chase, who also plays in the critically-acclaimed band Ivy, assumed that his tenure with Brookville was complete.
Turned out that after the release of Life In the Shade and a North American tour with French pop act Tahiti 80 - whom he produced - Chase simply needed a break. Simultaneously playing in three bands, producing Juliana Hatfield and Trashcan Sinatras, being a partner in New York’s Stratosphere Sound recording studio, signing three new acts to his label Unfiltered Records, and trying to maintain a ‘normal’ life as a husband and a father can do that to you'.
Seems a reasonable enough explanation for me. Anyhow this remixed version of one of the forthcoming songs arrived in the mailbox on Friday, and as I liked what I heard he gets the Beehive thumbs up.
Finally just one piece of news. WNYC's Soundcheck hosts the premiere Performance by Rosanne Cash of Her Upcoming Album 'The List'.
Rosanne Cash and her band will debut several songs from the album live and over the airwaves at 93.9 FM on WNYC's popular chronicle of music and culture, Soundcheck, on September 23 at 2 PM, giving the world intimate insight into one of America 's best loved musical families. Her performance will simultaneously stream live as a videocast.
*UPDATE* The link for the video stream on Wednesday 23rd September 2pm (New York time) is www.wnyc.org/thegreenspace
Hope you enjoy some of the recommendations, new music is alive and well!
It would appear that Kora Records are going all international, having recently signed up Stricken City who are from London.
Well good for both of them and from what I have heard so far Stricken City are gonna be checked out some more by my good self when the debut album lands.
I quote what the promo says and I would add its pretty much on the mark.
'Defined by their clattering guitars, the scattergun pounding of the drums, basslines bursting with hooks and the strikingly voiced melodies of otherworldly front woman Rebekah Raa; SC produce an indie-pop of hitherto untapped gems drawn from influences Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, Young Marble Giants and The Slits as well as those lost sources of alternative melodica Life Without Buildings, The Sundays and Bow Wow Wow'.
OK so I am a sucker for this kind of music all I would add is I think I can hear a little bit of Siouxsie in there somewhere, in a very positive manner that is.
They have been getting some attention here in the UK both on national radio, and through live shows, so who knows what may follow!
The album 'Songs About People I Know' is due for release in the UK on the 5th October and Stateside on The Kora Records on November 3rd 2009. (The US release will have a couple of bonus tracks, and will also be on 180gms colour vinyl & CD).
“Warm Cozy Songs that Hark Back to Late 70's Van Morrison” – New York Times
“The roots offspring of Jackson Browne and Ricki Lee Jones”– Boston Phoenix
“Jazz-infused songs reminiscent of Moondance-era Van Morrison.”– Time Out New York
Clarence Bucaro on reflection, is bound to have these comparisons made, he does carry some of those styles in his music, however he is most definitely a singer songwriter in his own right, and a very good one at that.
His new album 'New Orleans' is due for release on Hyena Records on the 13th October 09, and comprises of a set of ten timeless songs brought to life by the 28 year old with his stunning falsetto vocals.
If I have some new music that I want to listen to I expect I am not alone in listening whilst doing something else like surfing the net or whatever.
or CD's at 
