Covers are a difficult thing to do well. The best pay tribute to an artist's work while making putting a unique stamp on it. But even with the best of intentions, it can go wrong for a variety of reasons - too close to the original, too drastic of a stylistic change or just a poor song choice. Here are four that I think got it right - great song, great performance: Conrad Plymouth - Two Kids (Strand Of Oaks cover) Strand [...]
Words // Scott Pingeton Photos // The Wild Honey Pie From the ashes of DeYarmond Edison, two bands emerged. Megafaun set an adventurous course, exploring the the more experimental reaches of folk music. And, of course, Justin Vernon went on to form Bon Iver to massive critical acclaim and commercial success. But, that isn't the whole story. One ember continued to smolder and now, five years on, is ready to burst into flame. The life, blood, sweat and tears that Chris Porterfield shares on his achingly [...]
Dudes, shit. I'm gonna be honest, this second beer is my only motivator to write something right now. Also, please note: the third-fifth beers will be the only motivators to actually finish something here on the interwebs. Don't worry 'bout me though ya'll, I've got a high tolerance. THAT SHIT IS IN MY DNA. Here are some things you should know about, if you like anything good at all. And I know that you do. It's why we're friends. ** There's a new Hip Hatchet jam which means a new Hip Hatchet album. The [...]
Words // Scott Pingeton I've fallen into a rut lately, and that has manifested itself as a lack of variety here on VV and in the social firehose that is twitter and facebook. Over the past couple months I've heaped a ton of gushing praise onto two artists in particular: The Wooden Sky and Conrad Plymouth. Both bands have new albums coming out in 2012, and I couldn't be more freaking stoked. Knowing that I need to use some discretion with how much I write about these bands, for fear of [...]
As I wrote just over a year ago in a 2-part feature on How To Be A Coverblogger [ Pt. 1 / Pt. 2 ], keeping a coverblog requires a touch of obsession, an itch to live the writing life, and a willingness to keep a keen eye on a select handful of trusted sources. But though we watch the other coverbloggers carefully throughout the year, we are folkies first and foremost here at Cover Lay Down. And - as we noted atop our year's end mix - some of the [...]
A list of our favorite albums of 2011. Below you'll find the records that meant the most to me this year. A smaller list than in previous years which is a result of these records remaining in heavy rotation all year combined with an equal amount of time spent listening to records not released this year. [Note: this list does not include releases from the artists I work with directly] Bon Iver | Bon Iver ( buy ) MP3: Bon Iver - "Holocene" [...]
If you haven't been downright impressed with the overflow of incredible genre crossing music this year you are either a huge Nickleback fan or you are Amish, there's no other logical excuse to complain about the status of music. Last year when I put the "Best Albums" list together it was one of the first [...]
#10.Crystal Stilts - Radiant Door ( Buy ) #9. Kingsley Flood - Colder Still ( Buy ) [...]
![[Listen] – Two New Songs By Grandpa Was A Lion – "Venus" And "Back To The Future"](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/3875302_lg.jpg)
Tweet One of my favorite artists of 2011 has been Grandpa Was A Lion . In the few months that have passed since first hearing " Whalestoe Tapes " I've grown increasingly in love with Justin D'Onofrio ; both as a songwriter which is what has impressed me the most about the music and for his layered minimalistic instrumentation that continues to become more defined in strength as well as purpose. If we step away from [...]
mp3 - Conrad Plymouth - I Am Not Waiting Anymore mp3 - Conrad Plymouth - I Am Not Waiting Anymore (live on WUWM radio) WUWM public radio posted a live recording of Milwaukee's Conrad Plymouth gripping "I Am Not Waiting Anymore" today. I had the chance to catch the band play a set infront of a packed house this Saturday at the Irish Pub, as a part of the Yellow Phone Music Conference. After seeing countless singer-songwriter/folk-esque acts over the past couple of years, it's easy to see [...]
Conrad Plymouth - I Am Not Waiting Anymore ( buy ) Moon High - Autumn Leaves ( buy ) Josh Ritter - Wildfires ( buy ) Brown Bird - Fingers to the Bone ( buy ) We Are The Willows - Somewhere, Virginia ( buy ) Real Estate - Green Aisles ( buy ) Grey Kingdom - Love Is Fast [...]
. . . 41st And Home - "Wilderness Eyes" [mp3] "Wilderness Eyes" is a song that from the first note I knew I was in love with. This is the kind of song I'm likely to hit repeat on and just let it play over and over. 41st and Home's sound is obviously Vancouverish. I [...]
Tweet Conrad Plymouth just put out an EP, "Comrade Plymouth," made up of B-sides from the upcoming full-length full-band album which is yet to have a title. With the promise of a more rounded sound in the works I'm enjoying this all the more. I find Christopher Porterfield to be one of the stronger solo performers around and would be just as satisfied if this were the finished product. "I Am Not Waiting Anymore," the opening track off of the EP, [...]
I'm starting to believe I may have the plague; 30 hrs straight in bed with no end in sight. At least I know who the douche was to give me this little gift of death, if someone sees that Shane Sweeting punch him in the face. Most people load themselves up on Nyquil and vitamin [...]
From what I gather, Conrad Plymouth has released some jams that he deemed not stellar enough for his forthcoming release. Colored in shades of Springsteen and Petty (Tom, not The King Richard, of course) on songs like 'Decision Day' and pre-Bon Iver Justin Vernon on 'Incommunicado' yet thankfully still retaining Plymouth's own unique sound, if these are the outtakes, the B-sides if you will, well. Save my place in line for the day this album makes it's appearance... ** Conrad Plymouth :: I Am Not Waiting Anymore [mp3] [...]
Christoper Porterfield is one of my best friends. I've watched Chris and his band Conrad Plymouth perform countless times over the past two plus years. Each time powerful and unique. Friendship aside, he's one of my absolute favorite songwriters. I started a label because I believe so strongly in his songwriting and wanted to do anything to make sure his music was heard. Tonight he users in the release of of Comrade Plymouth - a free, and "mostly first take solo clearinghouse for old and new songs." [...]
Tonight's the night. Roadside Graves are back in town. Conrad Plymouth's playing too. Make sure to arrive in time for Jeremy Benson's opening set. Roadside Graves :: Aquarium Drunkard Lost Session (August, 2009) MP3 : Roadside Graves - "My Father Sat Me Down" (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009) MP3 : Roadside Graves - "Liv Tyler" (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009) MP3 : Roadside Graves - "Ruby" (Aquarium Drunkard Session, 2009) [...]
Muzzle of Bees is proud to present Minnesota bluesman Charlie Parr at Linneman's in Milwaukee tonight. Tickets are $8 and Christopher Porterfield of Conrad Plymouth plays a solo set to kick things off at 8PM. MP3: Charlie Parr - "I Dreamed I Saw Jesse James Last Night" MP3: Charlie Parr - South Of Austin, North Of Lyle"
A little bit of everything for your Saturday today. I haven't done one of these "round ups" in a while, so I thought I would put one up as I wanted to get votes tell you some happenings around Slowcoustic HQ and ramble on...more or less.... Site News First off, do you ever feel like you really need to vote for us here at Slowcoustic? Okay, fine. Well, how about you listen to me ask you to vote for Slowcoustic? Better. We have been [...]
Since it seems the entire midwest is trapped under an old testament act of god, here's what's helping me stop myself from accomplishing anything remotely productive. 1. Eric &MaGill- Old Man Winter Michigan's history of bands that perfectly craft captivating minimalistic ambiant hyms is more than enough reason to give Eric and Magill a try, they far from disappoint. Plus Tim Showalter's been pushing these guys like it's his job (and for good reason) Eric & MaGill- Old [...]
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Madonna producer unloads on CD disaster
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Check Out: Antony And The Johnsons – “Rise”
