
Widely regarded as one of the most important vocalists of her generation, legendary award winning Irish musician Mary Black returns for her first UK tour in 6 years. Beginning at London's Union Chapel on June 6th, Mary's vocals will be filling venues in Birmingham and Gateshead before the final show at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. "It's been far too long since I've toured the UK and I am delighted that we're getting the opportunity to tour there again. I'm really looking forward to it." [...]
Ryan Adams: "Carolina Rain" (Live on Songwriters' Circle) Despite reports of a few awkward moments regarding the show's collaborative format, Ryan Adams, Neil Finn, and Janis Ian all turned in inspired solo performances for BBC 4's Songwriters' Circle last week. For his part, Adams dusted off 5 older fan favorites along with a pair of Ashes & Fire songs. His full set is online here , but singled out above is an excellent take on a personal favorite: "Carolina Rain," 29 's road-weary centerpiece. Given that [...]

The lovely as always Bluesbunny has written a nice little piece about my new EP 'O - part two of L.O.V.E' and given me four carrots to snack on! Thanks Bluesbunny! " O - Part Two of L.O.V.E" by Sofia Talvik is, as the title suggests, the second part in a series of fan funded EPs by one of the most affecting Swedish singer songwriters to cross the threshold here at Bluesbunny Towers. It could easily be said that there are no surprises here but you [...]

Other than a reverb not working on track #9, allegedly, all is done and good on Ani DiFranco 's 17th full-length album. There is word that it will see the light of day this June, but with Ani DiFranco's hectic touring schedule, everything could change. There are many new tracks floating around of Ani's that still need a home in form of an album. They are: "Zoo," "Promiscuity, "J," "Life Boat,"Splinter," "Hearse," " Albacore Tuna ," "Amendment," "See," " Gloaming ," "If You're Not," "Wow," "Smart," "Mariachi," "A New Bible" and "Unworry." Not to forget the cover of " [...]
Beat City Radio #580 Playlist Stream: Download (right-click, save target as): Beat City Radio #580 Bonus Video: Janis Ian at age 16 performing "Society's Child" on the Smothers Brothers show.
The Indigo Girls provide a holiday album that breaks the mold and offers a fresh take on the music of the season.
An indie music sampler from WFUV.

Youngsters will fail to see how LaMontagne carries out the lineage but it's all there: the funkiness of Manassas , plaintiveness of Neil Young , textures of Richie Furay , sometimes self-consciousness of Janis Ian . Yeah, Janis Ian. Others are trying (Iron & Wine, Phosphorescent) but LaMontagne is succeeding. A very good record that withstands multiple listenings. If I were Robert Christgau, I'd give it an A-. Here

Though I didn't see the original Jaws in the theater, I did catch the sequel when it came out during the summer of 1978. Five years later, though, I opted out of Jaws 3 - no Roy Scheider, no dice - and I somehow avoided seeing it until 1989. I watched it sitting at a small bar, poolside, on an island off the coast of Thailand. I sat there and watched it as I wrote a letter. It wasn't dreadful, rather, it was just there, taking up space [...]

Photography by Julia Davis ... HAHA! I LOVE it!!! Our little community of music freaks & geeks is joining in the old school fun! First Ari brought the DCFC heat yesterday , looks like Dorice has somethin' brewing for you, and now I get the pleasure to present a mixtape from Penguin ??? Love it!!! This time, it's a bunch of genuinely awesomely awesome oldies, but better to let Penguin describe [...]

AGNEWISTIC AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL? The Richard Davis Trio Song for Wounded Knee Flying Dutchman: 1973 RD, bass; Joe Beck, guitar; Jack DeJohnette, drums (on "Agnewistic" only). We're thrilled to offer a guest post from the esteemed Hank Shteamer , featuring excerpts from his recent interview with the great Richard Davis. Without further ado, take it away Hank.... Bass master Richard Davis [...]

Janice Ian: At Seventeen Purchase Something about becoming a father has made me the biggest sap in the world. My 24 year old self would beat the crap out of me, I'm sure of it. But when I listen to this song I'm moved by Janice Ian's open confessional describing the deplorable rules that govern the lives of what she calls "ugly girls". I learned the truth at seventeen That love was meant for beauty queens And high school girls with [...]
In 1975 Janis Ian finally released another album, Between the Lines. I'm still loving it. MP3 File yousendit
This is the title song from her 1975 album. MP3 File yousendit

Our previous contests this week - one to win Grey Fox Bluegrass day passes and some sweet bluegrass and cajun CDs, the other to win the Before the Goldrush tribute CD - have been successful, but there's still plenty of chances left. The Grey Fox contest includes over $250 worth of prizes alone, and there's FOUR chances to win, so don't forget to enter before contests close on Monday at midnight! But wait! Today, Cover Lay Down CONTEST WEEK comes to a head with an amazing chance to win [...]
Between the Lines is my favorite of her albums. It was released in 1975. MP3 File yousendit
Pardon the tardiness in my posting this set of selections. A small foray into France got in the way, as did this little election we had here in the U.S. and A. So I'll dispense of the pleasantries and get on with the songs. This was originally going to be two posts - one of story songs that are the pure fantasy of the songwriter, others telling true stories - but given the lateness of the month, I've decided to combine the two. So this playlist runs long - c'est la vie , y'know? [...]
The hit song from 1975's Between the Lines was At Seventeen, but this has always been my favorite. I can feel the loneliness. It's palpable. MP3 File
When I was in high school, I listened to a lot of chick singers. I would lay on my bedroom floor and listen to Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Sarah McClachlan, Suzanne Vega, Liz Phair and others and while writing terrible short stories about my angsty teenaged life. The chick singer phase continued into college, though to a much lesser extent (well, except for Tori, which I'm sure I'll end up telling you about at some point). One night after work about 10 years ago, I picked up a 3-disc compilation that Rolling Stone put out called [...]
In one week, oodles and oodles of "folks" will descend upon the Olde Pool Farm in Schwenksville. The Family Straw can't wait for this year's lineup. To get me and everyone else juiced up, here are some songs from some of the performers. (Get tickets and see complete lineup here .) Allison Moorer ∞ Daddy, Goodbye Blues Steve Earle ∞ Condi, Condi Amy Speace ∞ Two (w/ Gary Louris on vocals) BeauSoleil ∞ La [...]