New music: The Head and the Heart - "Down In The Valley"

I've been in Seattle for just over 12 hours and it's been quite a whirlwind.  Last night I found myself sitting in a bar around 5am Boston-time, listening to Curtis Mayfield and talking with a former member of a band that I was assured I "had to check out".  The band's name was The Head and the Heart.  A few short hours later, after some much-needed sleep, a strong cup of coffee and The Head and the Heart's "Down In The Valley" eased my hangover.  A mix of bouncy Beatles-esque pop with a folky edge, pop sensibilities and enough gruffness from Josiah Johnson's to avoid getting too cute.  The songs are carefully written, expertly arranged and lovingly executed - a fully realized piece of art, not your average debut album.  Not breaking any news here, the album has been out for months -- in fact, I'm pretty sure I had listened to a few tracks before now, but for some reason this just sounds perfect today. Enjoy "Down In The Valley" below...

The Head and the Heart - Down In The Valley

The Head and the Heart will be at the Paradise on February 19 with Dr. Dog.