When I first heard David Wax Museum's "Born With A Broken Heart" I was immediately reminded of the Guillemots. Back in 2007, their song "Trains To Brazil" was my most played song. Freaking loved it. Yesterday, news broken that the Guillemots are releasing a new album – Walk The River. Stream the title track below. Or go here , share and get a free download. The song is full of a variety of sounds. Kind of reminds me of a hot bath after a day spent in cold, March rain. [...]
I don't watch too many movies. But one that I watched recently that I truly enjoyed was Sweet Land . The music fit perfectly in the period piece about Norwegian bachelor fa rmers - and no, it's not based on something from Prairie Home Companion - and mail order brides and xenophobia. It's a great movie. Mark Orton composed and performed this music. It's great, old timey instrumental music. You can find out more about Mark at his website . Listen to the samples below. Maybe buy a copy - perfect music for playing cribbage. Listen [...]
Back in 2008, Thao and The Get Down Stay Down released one of the best songs that year – Bag Of Hammers. Since then, I have kept tabs on Thao. She's joined up with Mirah (and Merrill Garbus of tUne-yaRds) and recorded an album in two weeks. The two girls wrote the songs together. And from the sound of the song below, this will be a killer album. It drops on April 26 Listen: Thao & Mirah ∞ Eleven (ft. tUne-yaRds) Tracklist: 01. Eleven 02. [...]
Head over to NPR and listen to Alexi Murdoch's new album "Toward The Sun". It's a dreary, grey day in PA. Perfect album to listen to as the puddles trickle and rain drops drip from the bare tree limbs.
So every two years, I like to post a few musicians I think will make a splash in the coming year. I did it in '07 , when I said Amy Winehouse would be HUGE. Then again in '09 . So for this year throwing my prognosticating hat into the ring. Number Eleven: Priscilla Ahn – I blogged about her here . The new album comes out in May. I think she'll blossom into a household name in 2011. Number Ten: Peter Elkas – If [...]
...with this website - stay tuned.
The Watson Twins are releasing an EP in April called "Night Covers". A collection of songs by the likes of PJ Harvey, Bill Withers, Sade, The Turtles, Eurythmics and The Black Keys. The sisters channel their inner Beth Orton on the Turtles' track below. Hit their website for more info. Listen: What is your favorite this week? Leave a comment.
I could tell you all about David Wax Museum . History of the band, blah blah blah. But that kind of info never gets me excited to listen to music. I like reading about what the music sounds like before I listen. If the description of the music sounds interesting, then I'll listen. The Duke is hoping he makes DMW's music sound interesting enough that you listen. How about a track by track analysis? 1 - Born with a Broken Heart A perfect uptempo number to start the album. [...]
Big news about the band from Upstate NY: The Felice Brothers got signed to Fat Possum records and will release a new full length record later this spring. They're hitting the road, too. I've seen the band live a few times and can say they know how to put on a show. Their version of Americana translates well on stage. Plus, each member of the band has his own personality that comes out on during the performance making a truly unique concert experience. Exciting times for fans of the Felices. Go see them [...]
Last night, I was feeling kind of blue. Wondering if doing this music blog was worth it. Wondering if anyone reads any of my posts anymore. But then I got an email. An email about a new Waifs album coming out March 4th - Temptation. I've been a fan of this Australian band since I first saw them at Musikfest in 2003. Their album "Up All Night" is one of my Desert Island Album. So when they release a new record (about every three years), The Duke gets excited. The [...]
1996 was an eventful year for The Duke. I survived my first year of college. I met the woman who would become my wife. And I saw The Cowboy Junkies live in Minneapolis. Before the show started, I walked up to Gary Louris – guitarist for The Jayhawks – and told him how awesome I thought he was (embarrassing moment). The opening act for the Junkies was Vic Chestnut. I had never heard of him nor heard his music before that night. And now, so many years later, I wish I would have paid more attention to his songs. [...]
I made this mix back in 2007. Listened to it the other night and was impressed. Toss this on tonight post-dinner with your special someone. 1. Kaki King ∞ Nails 2. Beth Orton ∞ Safe In Your Arms 3. Pink Martini ∞ Aspettami 4. Sasha Dobson ∞ If Not For Dreams 5. Bebel Gilberto ∞ Samba é Amor 6. Dusty Springfield ∞ The Look Of Love 7. Corinne Bailey Rae ∞ [...]
My favorite retro-cowbilly-punk-girl-group band has a new album coming out ( pre-order it ). Listen to the single below, perfect way to start your romantic weekend.
Not sure how I missed The Wailin' Jennys releasing a new album this week. They got Mark Howard (Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams) to produce and have a whole slew of Canada's finest joining them: Bill Dillon (Joni Mitchell, Peter Gabriel), Kevin Breit (Norah Jones), Colin Cripps (Kathleen Edwards), Richard Moody (The Bills) and Jeremy Penner. Recorded in a nice looking shack near Haliburton, Ontario. Check the video below for a behind the scenes and listen/download to the mp3 from their record label ( Red House Records ). Listen: The Wailin' Jennys ∞ Swing [...]
I've been a fan of Peter Elkas since his 2007 release "Wall Of Fire". He's back four years later with a mostly self-recorded album that Peter worked on in his basement. (I can relate.) He worked with Ian McGettigan and calls the new album "buddy rock". Take a listen below and get ready to put Elkas on your "Laidback Sunday Afternoon" playlist. Repeat Offender comes out on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 on New Scotland Records. Listen: Peter Elkas ∞ Cool Thing To Do What is [...]
One of my favorite albums I still listen to from 2008 is Pricilla Ahn's "A Good Day". Her voice is smoother than creamy peanut butter on an Ambrosia apple (my son's favorite new snack). Her 2011 release comes out in May. "When You Grow Up" was produced by Ethan Johns, who ranks right up there with Daniel Lanois in the producer category. Pricilla asked a few friends to help her write a few songs: Sia Furler, Inara George, Eleni Mandell, and Charlie Wadhams. Sample the title track below. [...]
I dig Bossa Nova. In fact, it might be one of my all-time favorite musical styles. Which makes this new Putumayo release so exciting: "Bossa Nova Around the World" is just that. Read a little interview from Stacey Kent and Pierre Aderne. Then listen to tracks below.
Of the Chinese variety - year of the rabbit. Listen: Frightened Rabbit ∞ Swim Until You Can't See Land
I lived by Lake Superior for four years in college. This video reminds me of those cold and snowy years. But the sunny music brings relief from the current cold and snowy winter we are having. Go see them on tour: 02/01 The Crocodile - Seattle, WA # 02/03 Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA # 02/04 The Echo - Los Angeles, CA # 02/05 Tin Can Ale House - San Diego, CA # 03/04 Snow Ball Music Festival / Nottingham Park - [...]
If you aren't familiar with the Alexi Murdoch song "Orange Sky" you probably didn't watch any TV or see an Indie films during the '00s. That song, with its "In your love, my salvation lies" lyrics fit perfecting in any touching moment. He's back with a new album of extremely laidback folk tunes called "Towards The Sun". The album hits sleepy record shelves on March 8th. I'm looking forward to this one to mellow me out as winter winds down. Listen: Alexi Murdoch ∞ Towards The Sun
The Late Greats
Azealia Banks - '1991' [Listen]
Metric Debuts Album via Synthetica Hide+Seek, Tickets On Sale Now For Fall Tour
THE MASTERSONS — BIRDS FLY SOUTH
