Long Distance Salvation: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska

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Newport Folk Preview: Spirit Family Reunion LIVE

 

Words // Scott Pingeton

Spirit Family Reunion's recently-released, self-titled debut is one of my favorites of the year.  They don't make it that easy to buy or listen to, so why not check out one of their incredible live shows and buy it at a show?  Your next chance is Saturday afternoon at Newport Folk where they will kick off the weekend in style.  I can't wait, it's sure to be one of my favorite sets of the weekend and a launching pad for SFR.

I've seen them a bunch of times int he past few months, first opening for David Wax Museum in a church, and most recently at the "Road To Newport Folk" show we put on in Gloucester MA.  In the middle was the fantastic Brewery Sessions brunch show that you can listen to below.  Hear the entire house concert, documented in true Alan Lomax style for your listening pleasure.  Enjoy and please support the band by going to their shows, buying their merch and telling your friends.

Spirit Family Reunion
Boston MA - April 15, 2012

I Belong To The Band (?)
Alright Prayer
Green Rocky Road
Carry Me
No Separation
Leave Your Troubles At The Gate
Trouble (?)
Gazebo Song
On That Day
Unknown song
The Night Replaced The Day
When My Nname Is Spoken
I'll Find A Way
On My Mind (?)
Battle Hymn of the Republic

Full set download: mp3 zip

Newport Folk Preview: Alabama Shakes LIVE

   

Words // Scott Pingeton

To see Alabama Shakes live is to believe in the buzz.  They will convert you.  They will knock you on your ass.  If you see this band and don't believe in the power of rock n' roll, check your pulse.  Their show at the Paradise in April was hands down one of the greatest shows I've ever seen, and I've seen a few.  No doubt their set at Newport Folk will be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Complete live recording from the April 15 show at the Paradise in Boston is below.  Enjoy, and if you do, please support Alabama Shakes by buying their album and catch them at Newport!

Alabama Shakes
Paradise Rock Club - Boston MA
April 15, 2012

Goin' To The Party
Hold On
Hang Loose
I Found You
Always Alright
Boys & Girls
Be Mine
Worry'n Blues
Rise To The Sun
Mama
Making Me Itch
Hurricane Strut
You Ain't Alone
Heavy Chevy
--encore break--
I Ain't The Same
On Your Way
Heat Lightning
How Many More Times (Led Zeppelin cover)

Full set download: mp3 zip

TONIGHT: Andrew bird , Patrick Watson in Pawtucket RI

Words // Brian Hodge

Patrick Watson's Adventures In My Own Backyard is an album whose brilliance tends to sneak up on you. He opts for subtle sweeps of polished piano, soft colors, and sure-handed songwriting.  It is contemporary music that glows and grows in unexpected but not unwelcome directions, affording - as the title might suggest - interesting angles at the everyday. And if the video below is any indication, his live shows look just as appealing.

See Watson open for estimable Andrew Bird tonight, outdoors at The Met in Pawtucket, R.I., in what is sure to be a memorable evening.  http://themetri.com/events/andrew-bird/

Songs for Wednesday // Jeannot, RayLand Baxter and more

Words // Adam Sharp

'Tire Swing'- Jeannot
This song manages to be breathtakingly gorgeous and heartbreaking all at once. So, basically, perfect.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/Jeannotmusic

'Driveway Melody'- RayLand Baxter
Two and a half minutes of fun, summertime rock & roll.
Website: http://www.raylandbaxter.com/

'Hey Love'- Miner
You'll need 55 seconds to love this song. Maybe less. Either way, you'll love it.
Website: http://www.thisisminer.com/#!index/mainPage

Hey Love - Miner

'Los Angeles'- Northern Youth
I’ll never tire of people talking/singing/writing about that feeling
of home (and the search for it) in passionate ways.
website: http://www.facebook.com/youthmusicband

Los Angeles - Northern Youth

'Weekends'- Tiger Waves
This song sounds like summer.
Website: http://www.tigerwaves.com/

'Old Friend'- Sea Wolf
You won't do much better than listening to this song while taking in a sunset.
Website: http://www.seawolfmusic.com/

New music: Jacob Augustine - Bikini Island EP

Words // Scott Pingeton

As you've probably gathered, I've been hopelessly out of touch these past few weeks.  I'm finding it difficult to find any time to discover new music, let alone edit and post the 5+ live recordings I have ready to go (promise I'll get those done soon).  But sometimes great things fall in your lap, and today was one of those times.  A tweet from Jacob Augustine lead me to his bandcamp page, and one of my favorite new music discoveries in the past few months.

Augustine is based in the "northern woods of Maine", and his songs reflect the timbre of that part of the country. Music for deep woods meditation, paddling on a glass-still pond or sunset on the rocky shoreline.  Traditional folk is the common thread, around which experimental arrangements are woven. 

"Bikini" starts with slow, chanted vocals before opening up into a rousing harmonica and guitar stomp.  "God's Guns" features rhythmic percussion and a Middle Eastern melody, but Augustine's dynamic vocals are the highlight.  In fact, throughout these four varied songs, it is the lyrics and delivery that keep knocking me on my ass.  Augustine delivers each line with such passion, whether hushed or fervent, that I can't help be mesmerized. 

The EP, which clocks in around 23 minutes, ends with "Marathon Caribou".  It's a breathtaking song, fully orchestrated with strings and haunting doubled vocals.  It will draw comparisons to Bon Iver, and is more than strong enough to stand up to those comparisons.  This is one of the most accomplished EPs I've heard this year, Jacob Augustine is definitely a songwriter to keep your eye on.

Name your own price and grab the Bikini Island EP is available on Augustine's bandcamp page now.  You won't be sorry.

Songs for Wednesday // The Lighthouse and The Whaler and The Antlers and more

Words // Adam Sharp

'Venice'- The Lighthouse and The Whaler
You need a song for a summer mix? Here it is.
Website: http://thelighthouseandthewhaler.com/

'The Park'- These United States
People should really be talking about this song more- it's one of the finest I've heard this year.
Website: http://www.theseunitedstates.net/

'Drift Dive'- The Antlers
Dreamy and hazy, sure, but also light and refreshing. Like sitting in the heat and drinking a cold beer.
Website: http://antlersmusic.com/

'Welfare'- Tom Eddy
Tropical vibes, finger snaps and falsetto crooning sound so damn tremendous during the dog days of summer.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Eddy/157745187623506

'Knives'- Lemolo
Guys and girls: this new Lemolo album is one of the best I've heard this year. You need it in your ears.
Website: http://lemolomusic.com/
bandcamp: http://lemolomusic.bandcamp.com/track/knives

'July 4, 2004'- Jason Anderson
This is my favorite song I've ever 'found' on the internet. By far.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Anderson/64170803880

Mixtape: That Summer Feeling

Kitchen Sessions 26 // Delta Saints - "Jezebel"

Kitchen Session 26: Delta Saints - Jezebel from Kitchen Sessions on Vimeo.