You Take Nancy, For Me Loretta's Fine...

Well, I have to admit that I am not a huge White Stripes fan. I mean, I do have Elephant, but it just never hit heavy rotation for me. I think its probably because I appreciate a bit more melody than Mr. Jack tends to offer. But, I do agree that they are quite an influential band and do deserve most of the press they receive. So, how about a Loretta Lynn album produced (and heavily influenced) by Jack White? Its actually quite a combination. All the songs on the album are written by Loretta (apparently her first album completely written by her) and the mixture of her mature voice, seasoned lyrics, country melodies and Jack's rifs and production sense is very appealing. Has some real emotion rather than the sarcasm and/or anger usually conveyed by the White Stripes. I think this one will have a heavier rotation for me... Enjoy!

Loretta Lynn - Van Lear Rose

The Little Ones Are All Grown Up

Woohoo, they added this one a week and a day after release (I've been checking daily). I already own the CD as 1) I wanted it in my car and 2) (most importantly) these guys absolutely deserve everyone's support. They've had a rough run of it in the music business having been chewed up and spit out by a record company. But, after a "come to Jesus" meeting last year, they decided to keep at it and refocus their efforts on world domination. And thank God they did. They are one of the best live shows around and Jay Clifford has pipes of gold. The new album is very good. Definitely a good mix between their "Magazine" and "Vertigo" releases--upbeat in places, introspective in others. Left off completely from this album are the spoken-word pieces that tended to break the flow of their first two albums. I've never been a fan of the spoken-word songs, but the crowds at their shows sure to love them... I especially love the song "Dim and Dark"... love the way the drums were recorded, love the harmonies... Oh, and the band name is Jump now... they've dropped the little children... and no, not off at the pool... har har, you funny devil you. Enjoy!

Jump - Between the Dim and the Dark

Buy This CD Now... Go On... Go... Buy It... Now...

Ok, so I was meandering around allmusic.com and Rhapsody today and realized that a good friend of mine played guitar and sang background vocals on the latest Claire Holley CD which then led me to check up on what he's been up to... Well, I was quite surprised to see that he just released a new album (maybe I'm psychic or something). Very exciting. Justin and I sang together back in college and definitely developled a life-long friendship. Unfortunately, its been a little while since we've communicated, but its good to see that he's been extremely busy both with his own stuff and as a guest musician on others' recordings. Everyone who reads this (all 2 of you), please order his CD. He's about as talented a person as I have ever met and I promise you'll love his stuff. It has an inexplicable way of sticking with you. And if you ever get a chance to see him live, do it. He's an infectious performer and will blow you away with his guitar skills and his voice. And rumor has it that he's resurrected "Stump Justin" where the audience shouts out songs and he has to play them... truly amazing how many songs he has stored away in that head (its apparently not all hair up there)... Justin Rosolino - Wonderlust Go now... order it... I mean it... now.... thanks....

If Brad Sucks, Then Exactly What Does William Do?

So I was perusing the web, checking out some blogs, when I came across this guy... Brad... who apparently thinks he sucks. Or at least, he thinks his one-man-band sucks. He basically recorded his album completely on his own and then started giving it away online. Eventually started building up a following and is now getting a little notice. I first listened to his disc at Magnatune's website, which is a record label like no other. They basically give the artists half of the revenue generated by CD sales. Plus, the consumer gets to set the price. How cool is that? As you can guess, they have a pretty eclectic mix of artists, all of whom are anti-music industry types. Anyway, imagine my surprise when I searched in Rhapsody for Brad Sucks and they actually had his album... This is getting ridiculous... Rhapsody rocks. Its actually an entertaining album. He's a witty lyricist and does lay down some funky, head-nodding beats. Kind of Beck-ish, pre and post Sea Change. I especially like the first song, "Making Me Nervous." Enjoy.

Brad Sucks - I Don't Know What I'm Doing

m-m-must.... l-l-look... a-a-away... c-c-can't... t-t-take... t-t-the... p-p-pain...

Some things should be illegal...

Are You the Gatekeeper?

So I was doing my daily perusal of Rhapsody, checking out the new adds and following a few of the related artists links, etc... Well, I was looking at the Indie/Low Fi section and thought I'd check out who they have listed as the "Key Artists" knowing I'd surely know them all... And of course I came across names like Built to Spill, Belle and Sebastian, Pavement, Modest Mouse, Wilco, The Wedding Present (impressive!), Pinback.... uh what... who? Pinback? Who is Pinback? How could I have possibly not heard of a "Key Artist" in one of my favorite genres? Well, intrigued (and slightly annoyed, I must admit) I set out to learn more about them. Turns out that they are a San Diego band that was started in 1998 and who have released a couple of full lengths and a few EPs. After reading their profiles on allmusic.com and checking out some reviews, etc. I'd say I'd be hard-pressed to seriously include them in a Key Artist list of any sort... yet... But even so, I did give them a listen. I've included their two latest EPs in the playlist below. Check them out for a very quiet, subtle yet melodic sound that fits nicely in the indie pop genre... Maybe whoever compiled that Key Artist list is a big fan... or clairvoyant... Pinback - Offcell and Some Voices

More Jerry, Less Mickey

I've somehow not listened to this band very much even though they put out their first recording 10 years ago and each one since has been critically acclaimed. When it comes to my getting to know a band, critical acclamation can be a good thing but often it has led me to overlooking a band due to the fact that I like to listen to a band before they start getting too much press and the whole thing is blown out of proportion. But, now with Rhapsody it is a much smaller commitment (both monetary and time) to give bands a chance... so I gave this new release a listen and I REALLY like it. Kinda falls into my Neutral Milk Hotel, John Vanderslice, etc. CD bin. Interesting songs, varied moods, raw lyrics... A very well put together album. Give it a listen with an open mind. Enjoy! Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News

No, me first!

I've really been enjoying this one for a couple of months. It's definitely in the alt.country genre primarily, but add in some spacy moods and instrumentation (yes, even some synthesizers) and you come out with something very different. Delicate yet rootsy at the same time... Plus, the songs are catchy and creative. A great listen on a lazy, breezy day. Enjoy! The Elected - Me First

WARNING - Non-Rhapsody Post! Please move away from the application and no one will get hurt!

I know I said that the posts will have Rhapsody links, but I have a little band I want to write about that is not in Rhapsody and probably won't be for some time. They are out of Pittsburgh, PA and are just now starting to generate a little bit of a buzz. I actually heard a song of theirs on NC State's WKNC one morning. That's the station we have the radio on for our alarm... and luckily now there is a DJ most mornings (I think his name is Jacob or something like that) who plays great stuff. He was definitely not working this morning as I was ripped out of my slumber by the pulsating of hip-hop beats... grrrr... But anyway, the other day the good DJ played a song by this band and I was struck by how beautiful it was. So I went to the computer and tried to find it... I usually overcome these challenges with a little perseverance but this time I just couldn't find anything anywhere for that song. So in desperation I posted to the wknc.org message boards and wouldn't you know it the good DJ responded in about a minute. With this information I went to the band's website and purchased their CD, received it a few days later and have been listening to it all week. Interesting band. Guitar, bass, drums and keyboard (usually set to "piano") comprise the band but the biggest impact is the lead singer's tenor voice. From a peripheral listen, this music may come off as a bit cheesy but the songs are interesting and the lyrics are heartfelt. They do not bill themselves as a Christian band, but many of there songs have a religious focus or reference. You can tell that the band has been influenced by brit pop (especially Coldplay) but generally they avoid the brash British guitar sound that Coldplay will throw in every now and then. Instead, they keep things a bit more lush and sweeping... Anyway, its still a new listen for me so we'll see what kind of staying power it has... Monarch - The Grandeur That Was Rome P.S. The band played at the SXSW Festival this year (kicking myself for missing yet another...) but then apparently got into a bad car accident traveling to their next show... ugh... Looks like they'll be back on the road soon though...

Donna Summer and Robert Smith's Lovechild Surfaces!

Ok, I give in. I like it. And no, its not because so many critics are telling me I should like it. I really do enjoy listening to this disc... now. Took me a while to get to this point though, I have to admit. I remember the first time I heard "House of Jealous Lovers" (I think it was on Subterranean... or maybe a CMJ Sampler... not sure) I thought to myself "You've got to be kidding... they'll give a record contract to any noisy band with repetitive lyrics, won't they?" But then I kept hearing that song... and kept seeing good reviews of the disc... so naturally I kept giving it a listen to see if I would grow on me. And dagnabbit, would you believe it finally has? Can't help but tap your foot, or maybe even get up and dance (if no one is looking) to those ripping bass riffs. Officially classified as "disco-punk," I'd say that's about as close a description as you could get. Punk screaming and howling over distorted, harsh guitars with a disco beat and electronics. Definitely an interesting listen at the very least, even if I doesn't grow on you the way it did on me. Enjoy! The Rapture - Echoes

My neighbors in Jersey had snowmobiles... and a beagle who barked a lot.

Ok, one of the best parts of using the blog is that I can make 3 posts in the same day... You'd think I don't have any work to be doing, but au contraire mon fraire! its piling up as we speak! I listen to music while I work and sometimes I just gotta talk about this stuff I'm listening to... This album just came out in the States on Tuesday (Rhapsody comes through with yet another day-of-release addition) and I have to admit that I approached it with a little hesitation. This band has a little of that nasty "hype" word associated with them, especially unfortunate these days if you're from the UK. Nearly impossible for most hyped bands from across the pond to escape the endless Coldplay and Radiohead comparisons. This band from Belfast, Northern Ireland, however, shies away from those influences (although few bands can completely escape them) and tends more towards the upbeat indie rock scene that would have caused me to place their origins somewhere in our lovely country if I didn't know better. So, this album is winning me over... and I'm fighting it all the way. But everytime my mind starts to wander back to my work I am pulled back into their songs by either a driving, pulsing guitar riff or a bit of interesting instrumentation or a hook so catchy no lip is safe... Would love to hear what others of you think about this one. Its rather accessible in places so who knows? maybe they'll hit it over here. Enjoy! Snow Patrol - Final Straw

Organic intensity

While running through the ever growing list of artists in my Rhapsody library, I seem to be returning to this disc frequently. At first listen, it is very mellow, acoustic, organic... but as you listen further the intensity of this album becomes the focus. The instrumentation keeps the songs interesting and the writing is truly inspired. And Sean Beam's voice will drawn you in... very subtle, very warm. I really can't enough about this one at this point... keeps growing on me. Enjoy! Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days

Back from the dead...

Ok, I am going to start using this blog again to ramble on about the music I am listening to these days. This way, I won't keep filling up the inboxes of my good friends with this drivel. The difference now is that there will be a Rhapsody Link included with my posts as I am an avid Rhapsody listener... or perhaps the better term would be addict... Anyway, here goes. I noticed but overlooked this album last year (in my pre-Rhapsody days). I was looking around on the awarestore.com site today and noticed that they are about to release their 10th Aware Sampler. I breezed through the clips and enjoyed what I heard of this group's entry. Catchy pop with an edge. Good stuff. Very listenable. I'll tell you soon if it is forgettable or has staying power. ;-) Enjoy! Mae - Destination: Beautiful