Dawn Landes, A New Brand Of Folk & Country

Following in the footsteps of traditional folk/country artists and walking along side her contemporaries, Dawn Landes walks a line connecting Patty Griffin, Cat Power and Feist. She has honed her craft in bands like Hem and The Earlies, and also while working as a sound engineer for, among others, Ryan Adams. Her talent, born among the Kentucky bluegrass and nurtured in the concrete and steel of New York and on the road supporting the likes of Juliana Hatfield, Suzanne Vega, Jose Gonzalez, & Feist is ready to shine. Her new album, Fireproof, out now in Europe and due March 4th in the U.S., follows two E.P. releases and a her debut album, dawn's music, all three of which are now through various outlets, including iTunes.

Dawn is winding down her current gig opening for former Drive-By-Trucker, Jason Isbell, and Nashville blues rocker, Will Hoge. The tour rolls through Louisville, Kentucky tonight, February 29, and ends tomorrow night here in Nashville, Tennessee at The Cannery Ballroom. She opens a two week stint through Holland and the U.K. opening for Josh Ritter on March 21.

Dawn Landes - Bodyguard (mp3)

Website | MySpace | Amazon| iTunes

Queen Legislation

In election years, I often find myself thinking along the following lines: Should I ever get elected to office, I plan to introduce legislation that would ban any artist from performing anything by Queen/Freddie Mercury. I have just simply never heard anyone do the songs or the man justice. That includes the Paul Rodgers fronted Queen; not that they are bad. I even enjoyed the Foo Fighter's live takes on "Tie Your Mother Down." However, nobody can match the combination of charisma, energy, power and emotion that Freddie Mercury brought to the stage.

I approve this message.

Of course, this is but one reason why I am likely never to be elected to any office.

Here's a couple of my favorites.

Queen - Who Wants To Live Forever (mp3)
Queen - Under Pressure (mp3)

Having A Bad Day?

That's What Friends Are For.

New Velvet Underground Bootleg (1967) Surfaces

The Velvet Underground: Live at The Gymnasium, NYC

This originated over on The Libertines Forum. Thanks to FuriousWank for this gem.

I'm not into VU bootlegs really, but apparently this is a big deal. It's the ONLY available live stuff from 1967 and has only become available in literally the last two days. Recorded just after the release of The Velvet Underground And Nico and featuring the debut performance of Sister Ray (19 mins long) and the *previously unheard* song I'm Not A Young Man Any More. That's right, A NEW VELVET UNDERGROUND SONG. And it's fucking good too. This version of Sister Ray absolutely shreds and is what the Velvet Underground are all about.

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

http://www.mediafire.com/?9zcetzynbvo

1. I'm Not A Young Man Anymore (previously unheard VU song)
2. Guess I'm Falling In Love
3. I'm Waiting For The Man
4. Run Run Run
5. Sister Ray (debut live performance)

(feel free to pass this link around all you like - i think a lot of people are gonna be excited to hear this)

Now, there may or may not be more boots from '67, and I believe that this is the same live "Guess I'm Falling In Love" that was included on the Peel Slowly and See Box Set. Just enjoy this incredible set.

I'm Not A Young Man Anymore (mp3)

Cat Power vs. The Sisters Of Mercy

Let me preface this post by saying that I really like Cat Power's reworking of her own "Metal Heart" on Jukebox. That said, it sounds a lot like The Sisters Of Mercy's "1959." Decide for yourself.

The Sisters Of Mercy - 1959
Cat Power - Metal Heart (2008)

Mike Doughty Returns

Mike Doughty returns with another solid solo effort, Golden Delicious, on Tuesday, February 19. Like 2005's Haughty Melodic, the new album builds on Doughty's previous life fronting, the now-defunct, Soul Coughing. His delivery remains similar, if not a little softened, and the sound is more organic than that of his Soul Coughing days. One track, in particular, that stands out to me is the album's opener, "Fort Hood," a thoughtful song about war and it's toll, named for the Texas base and which also gives a nod to the musical Hair.

Fort Hood

Website | MySpace

Pink Floyd - The Wall Demos

Speaking of The Gutter Twins, bassist Scott Ford was kind enough to post a batch of Pink Floyd demos from The Wall sessions. It is incredibly interesting, for me at least, to hear the evolution of songs, both musically and lyrically. It is even more fascinating when they are songs I love and from an album that I consider an absolute masterpiece on so many levels.

I was surprised by something as I listened to this set. I was shocked that "When the Tigers Broke Free," was not included in the demos. I have always assumed that it had once been part of The Wall sessions since it bears a copyright date of 1979 and is featured in the movie, released in 1982. I just assumed that it had not made the final cut of (no pun intended given that the song was included on the 2004 reissue of; the oft-criticized, though unfairly in my opinion) The Final Cut. This is purported to be the 2nd demo, so there is a chance that it was tracked with the first set of demos, but cut by the Waters prior to recording this set.

Comfortably Numb
When the Tigers Broke Free

Download the zip file featuring the entire album over at Scott Ford's little radio show.

http://fordradio.blogspot.com/2008/02/pink-floyd-wall-demos.html

The Gutter Twins Saturnalia Now Streaming

Still a couple of weeks away from the March 4th official release, but you can listen to the entire album NOW.

http://3voor12.vpro.nl/speler/luisterpaal/39261992

Plus, the tour kicked off last night at the Bowery Ballroom last night in NYC. Take a gander at the setlist (courtesy of Caryn Rose).




Website | MySpace

Listen Up! New And Recent Tracks I've Been Enjoying... And An Older One

The Whigs - Right Hand On My Heart
Bob Mould - Stupid Now
Reverand & The Makers - Heavyweight Champion Of The World
Allison Moorer - Ring of Fire
Sun Kil Moon - Moorestown (Live)
Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
British Sea Power - Waving Flags

Amplive's Rainydayz Remixes Sees The Light Of Day

After some time and some legal wrangling, Amplive has been granted permission to freely distribute the 8-track Rainydayz Remixes collection. The songs are based on source material from Radiohead's 7th album, In Rainbows, with contributions from Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, and Del the Funky Homosapien. If you've already worn the original record out, try a fresh spin on the tracks. Download the comp including front and back cover art at

Website | MySpace | Download Comp (zip file) | Artwork

Tracklist
01 Rainydayz
02 Video Tapez (ft. Del The Funky Homosapien)
03 Nudez (ft. Too $hort & MC Zumbi
of Zion I)
04 Weird Fishez (mp3)
05 All I Need
06 15 Stepz (ft. Codany Holiday)
07 Reckonerz (ft. Chali2na)
08 Faustz

The Replacements Must Have Boot

Great sound quality along with hilarious "rapport" with the audience between songs during stint opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers make this a 'Mats necessity.

Tracks 1-12 recorded at Lake Compounce, Bristol, Connecticut August 31, 1989 Opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Tracks 13-17 Inconcerated Live - Promo EP that coincided with the release of Don't Tell A Soul - recorded at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 1989
Tracks 18-23 recorded at Great Woods, Mansfield, Massachusetts August 29, 1989 Opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

1. Talent Show
2. 'Round And 'Round
3. The Ledge
4. Can't Hardly Wait
5. September Gurls
6. Another Girl, Another Planet
7. Within Your Reach
8. Left Of The Dial
9. Alex Chilton
10. Nightclub Jitters
11. I'll Be You
12. Bastards Of Young
13. Talent Show
14. Answering Machine
15. Anywhere's Better Than Here
16. Another Girl, Another Planet
17. Here Comes A Regular
18. Achin' To Be
19. Waitress In The Sky
20. Don't Ask Why
21. Unsatisfied
22. I'll Be You
23. I Will Dare

Get it before it is gone!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/503in0

Goodtimes Goodtimes

Franc Cinelli is the Italian singer-songwriter behind the moniker Goodtimes Goodtimes, a folk troubadour with equal parts traditional and contemporary country. The songs are simple and honest reflections of love and life that just happen to be pretty damn enjoyable. His debut album, Glue (from which the two songs below were taken), was released in 2007. Additional, you can download two more tracks for free at the Goodtimes Goodtimes website. You can also catch Goodtimes Goodtimes at a handful of dates through the first of March around the U.K. and also in New York. More will surely follow.

Kids

Sea Shanty


Website | MySpace | News/Blog

Easing Into The Weekend

Shawn Smith - Suffering (Live)
Isobel Campbel and Mark Lanegan - The False Husband
Concrete Blonde - Little Conversations
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - God Is In The House
The Replacements - Answering Machine (Live)
Dirty Three - Long way to Go With No Punch
The Twilight Singers - The Lure Would Prove Too Much

New Gutter Twins Update

They Gutter Twins have posted a new tracked on their MySpace page. "Circle the Fringes" is the third track the boys have decided to give a sneak peak at from their upcoming Saturnalia record. They have also announced that the touring band will consist of:

Mark Lanegan- Vocals
Greg Dulli- Vocals/Guitar/Keys
Dave Rosser- Guitar/Vocals
Scott Ford- Bass/Vocals
Jeff Klein- Guitar/Keys/Vocals
Cully Symington- Drums

Also, Great Northern will join the tour in support

The Gutter Twins
Website | MySpace

Great Northern
Website | MySpace

Scott Ford Radio
Website | MySpace

Bonnaroo Lineup Announced, More To Come

The initial Bonnaroo lineup has officially been released via the festival's website. Now in it's 7th year the collection of musicians continues to evolve, though I have to seriously question the selection of Metallica. Don't get me wrong, I still count their performance on the Monsters of Rock tour (L.A. Coliseum) along with the ... And Justice For All Tour (Biloxi, MS) as two of my all time favorites. However, I also consider their "Black Album" tour (Mobile, AL) as one of the lamest shows I have ever seen. And how quickly we have forgotten that Metallica signaled the death knell for the traveling Lollapalooza festival (which has since been successfully resurrected as an annual three day festival in Chicago). That said, I am still pretty excited about a lot of the remaining lineup, especially since it is just an hour down the road from mi casa.

Website | Myspace

Bonaroo 2008
June 12-15, 2008
Manchester, Tennessee

• Pearl Jam
• Metallica
• Jack Johnson
• Kanye West
• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss featuring T-Bone Burnett
• Phil Lesh & Friends
• My Morning Jacket
• The Allman Brothers Band
• The Raconteurs
• Willie Nelson
• Death Cab for Cutie
• B.B. King
• Sigur Ros
• Levon Helm and the Ramble on the Road
• Ben Folds
• O.A.R.
• The Bluegrass Allstars Featuring Luke Bulla, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bela fleck, Edgar Meyer & Brya
• M.I.A.
• Umphrey's McGee
• Iron & Wine
• Yonder Mountain String Band
• The Swell Season
• Talib Kweli
• Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival
• Gogol Bordello
• Broken Social Scene
• Rilo Kiley
• Mastodon
• Lupe Fiasco
• Against Me!
• Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
• Pat Green
• Ozomatli
• Tegan & Sara
• Solomon Burke
• Drive-By Truckers
• !!!
• The Avett Brothers
• Israel Vibration
• Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck
• Robert Randolph's Revival
• Aimee Mann
• Ladytron
• The Fiery Furnaces
• Orchestra Baobab
• Ghostland Observatory
• Jose Gonzalez
• Dark Star Orchestra
• Minus the Bear
• Donavon Frankenreiter
• Lez Zeppelin
• State Radio
• Battles
• Jakob Dylan
• Two Gallants
• The Sword
• Vampire Weekend
• Little Feat
• Nicole Atkins
• The Felice Brothers
• Mason Jennings
• MGMT
• The Lee Boys
• Black Kids
• Serena Ryder
• Steel Train
• Grupo Fantasma
• Back Door Slam
• Bonnaroo Late Night Chat About with David Cross
• Janeane Garofalo
• Zach Galifianakis
• Jim Norton
• Brian Posehn
• Mike Birbiglia
• John Mulaney
• Michelle Buteau

Another Super Tuesday Song

I wasn't planning on posting another Super Tuesday song until I came across this gem on Analog Giant. Personally, I was already convinced, but maybe this will swing some votes Obama's way.

FMB - "Obama"

In Honor Of Super Tuesday

I give you this X classic.

The New World (More Fun In The Real World)

Website | Myspace

Duffy, The Next Great Export From The UK?

You've undoubtedly been seeing the name Duffy popping up a lot lately. She is the latest in a long and successful line of female singers from the UK. Comparable to Amy Winehouse in style, the Motown/Stax influences are unmistakable, though not a carbon copy by any means. The BBC ranked her second on their Sound of 2008: The Top 10 list and she also earned a coveted spot Spin's 2008 Who's Next list. Her debut album, Rockferry, is due out March 3 in the UK and two months later on May 6 in the US.

Stream her first single, "Mercy."

Website | Myspace

Joe Jackson Then And Now

In the almost 30 years since the release of his debut album, Look Sharp!, Joe Jackson has ranged from new wave and pop to classical to jazz and salsa. His songs have been covered by the likes of Anthrax and Tori Amos. His latest offering, Rain, was released earlier this year and features his original band lineup. One listen and it is easy to see that he is still in top form all around.

Is She Really Going out With Him (Look Sharp!)
20-0-3 (satirical song written in opposition to US & UK smoking bans)
Wasted Time (Rain)

Website | Myspace

The Jones Street Boys: Brooklyn Bluegrass

That is The Jones Street Boys. They are five guys from Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and New Jersey. They are also a fresh face on the Americana music scene, mixing elements of traditional country and bluegrass with rock and pop. These boys have it all, terrific harmonies backed by traditional country and bluegrass instruments with an edge. Check out their debut album, Overcome, out now on Smith Street Records.

Last Time
Tall Buildings

Website | Myspace

A Great Iron & Wine Primer

photo credit: Stephen Dowling

Some time ago, I came across an Iron & Wine compilation that someone had put together and posted. Despite owning the records I have kept the compilation together because it is a great pre-Sheperd's Dog sampler. Even if you have all the records, the demo version of "Jezebel" is a must have.

A Tired Symphony: The Best of Iron & Wine

1. Woman King
2. Free Until They Cut Me Down
3. Freedom Hangs Like Heaven
4. Naked As We Came
5. Lion's Mane
6. Passing Afternoon
7. Minor Piano Keys
8. Her Tea Leaves
9. Waitin' For A Superman
10. Love And Some Verses
11. The Trapeze Swinger
12. Sunset Soon Forgotten
13. Jezebel (Demo Version)
14. Blue Leaves
15. Such Great Heights

Website | Myspace

Wild Sweet Orange

So I was flipping through an issue of Entertainment Weekly a couple of months ago dying to see which celebrity was pregnant, entering rehab, divorcing, etc. when I came across a small write-up on a folk-rock band out of Birmingham, AL called Wild Sweet Orange. Thank you EW, because I have been enjoying their music ever since. I am far from being on the forefront of this band's wave, but I am certainly enjoying the ride now. The intensity and emotion pours out of each song regardless of the tempo. It would be easy to classify them as another southern folk/roots/rock band, but you might miss out on some of the other elements. I can hear strains of bands like The Cure and The Waterboys at the same time as I hear The Old 97's. If you, like me, don't watch Grey's Anatomy and you haven't heard them yet, then I HIGHLY suggest you take a listen and keep a watch out for their debut which looks like a Spring release on Canvasback Music. If you like what you hear, get out and see them on their current tour (dates below).

Wrestle With God
I'm Coming Home

Wrestle With God Video

Canvasback Music | Myspace

Fri 02/01/08 Greensboro, NC Greene Street
Mon 02/04/08 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
Tue 02/05/08 Toronto, ON The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern*
Wed 02/06/08 Montreal, QC Petit Campus
Thu 02/07/08 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
Fri 02/08/08 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar
Sat 02/09/08 State College, PA Pennsylvania State University
Mon 02/11/08 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern**
Tue 02/12/08 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theatre*
Wed 02/13/08 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre*
Thu 02/14/08 Urbana, IL Canopy Club***
Fri 02/15/08 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig
Sat 02/16/08 Pontiac, MI The Crofoot
Mon 02/18/08 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
Tue 02/19/08 Indianapolis, IN Birdy's
Wed 02/20/08 Nashville, TN The Basement
Thu 02/21/08 Atlanta, GA Smith's Olde Bar
Fri 02/22/08 Athens, GA 40 Watt Club
Sat 02/23/08 Orlando, FL The Social

*with The Whigs
**with Tom Schrader & His Ego
***with Dusty Rhodes & The River Band

The New Pornographers and Okkervil River Spring Tour

The New Pornographers and Okkervil River have announced a 13 show Spring tour beginning April 9 in Toronto, ON and closing April 22 in Cleveland, OH (full listing of dates below). A limited number of pre-sale ticket will go on sale Saturday February 2 at 12 pm local time at http://thenewpornographers.ducatking.com/

The New Pornographers
Myriad Harbour (mp3)
All The Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth (mp3)

Website | Myspace

Okkervil River
Savannah Smiles (Demo) (mp3)
(Shannon Wilsey On The) Starry Stairs (mp3)

Golden Opportunities Mixtape, Recorded live on tour, 2006-2007
(ZIP file, MP3 format, 192 kbps)
Printable Artwork and Liner Notes
Printable Artwork and Liner Notes (Alternative Version)
Printable Artwork and Liner Notes (Black and White)

Website | Myspace

Tour Dates:
Apr 9: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
Apr 10: Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot Ballroom
Apr 11: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Apr 12: Munhall, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead
Apr 13: Ithaca, NY @ The State Theater of Ithaca
Apr 14: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Apr 16: Richmond, VA @ Toad’s Place
Apr 17: Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
Apr 18: Nashville, TN @ The Cannery
Apr 19: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Apr 20: Chicago, IL @ Riviera
Apr 21: Madison, WI @ Orpheum
Apr 22: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom

New Sun Kil Moon Due April 1

Here's another reason to circle April 1 on your calendar. Former Red House Painter, Mark Kozelek, will release his first Sun Kil Moon album of original songs, April, since 2003's Ghosts of the Great Highway. His tribute to indie favorites Modest Mouse, Tiny Cities, was released in 2005. You can pre-order April now at Caldo Verde Records. Exactly 2,008 copies of the album have been hand numbered and signed by Kozelek and will also include a 4 song bonus disc which will not be available for download. If the first song made public, "Moorestown," is any indication, fans will not be disappointed.

Click to stream the incredibly beautiful "Moorestown."

Sun Kil Moon - Carry Me Ohio (Ghosts of the Great Highway)

Sun Kil Moon - Space Travel Is Boring (Tiny Cities)

Website | Myspace