Eilen Jewell - "Bang, Bang, Bang" Video

Here's a new song from Eilen Jewell's forthcoming album, Queen of the Minor Key, due out June 28th on Signature Sounds. "Bang, Bang, Bang" is a dark and humorous rockabilly ode to Cupid.

Eilen Jewell Website
Signature Sounds Website

Jay Nash - Diamonds & Blood

Jay Nash is a singer-songwriter who grew up in upstate New York in a small town called, Manlius. At twelve, he became influenced by The Grateful Dead and Cat Stevens, and, later after discovering the guitar, Bob Dylan. While attending SUNY Binghamton and then University of Vermont, Nash played in a few bands and performed solo around the ski lodges of Vermont. After graduation, Nash moved to New York City, where he began to write songs, recorded a six-song EP, and played some live gigs and experienced life and youth.

In 2001, he moved to LA and began working hard toward a music career. He eventually established himself at Bar F2, which later became Room 5, an intimate venue located above an Itaian restaurant on LaBrea Avenue, where he not only performed, but also did the bookings. While at Room 5 he booked such artsists as Colbie Caillat, Sara Bareilles, and One Republic. However, when the shows at Room 5 began getting more interest and crowds, Nash moved to the larger Hotel Cafe, which born its own musical identity.

Now, after touring and recording relentlessly, it was time to put his family first, so Nash moved from the demands of LA to a quieter lifestyle in Vermont, which brings us to his newly released sixth album, Diamonds & Blood. Produced by Chris Seefried, the record focuses more on Nash's vocals rather than his guitar skills, however this does not take away from the great music backing his full and rustic voice. Supported by a list of top-notch musicians like David Immergluck on lap steel, guitars and mandolin, Charlie Gillingham of the Counting Crows playing keys and organ, Chris Joyner who has played with Ray LaMontagne on percussion, and that's just to name a few artist contributing to the album.

Diamonds & Blood is an intimate, personal, and sometimes romantic record. The first track, "Till I Get Through" is perhaps the most romantic song on the album. The soft organ and mandolin add a nice touch to the sweet lyrics and Nash's soulful vocals. The next song, "Shake It All Off" is the anthem for anyone who is having problems communicating and understanding any kind of relationship whether friendship or romantic, male or female. Basically, Nash is telling us to let it roll off your back, shake it off, and try to move on or start over. There is more shimmering mandolin weaving through lyrics about hanging around for the perfect time to renew a tested relationship in "Hang Around." In the penultimate track, "Golden State Goodnight," Nash sings a subdued and soft goodbye to a complicated love - California. It's a bittersweet ending to the California chapter of his life. Finally, the last song "Unshakable" is a bit more rock-influenced with a powerful electric guitar solo which strengthens the track's lyrics about a rocky relationship that is so magentic and electric it's unshakable despite the pain it causes.

Diamonds & Blood is a great album. One in which you can listen to straight through without skipping around to the better songs. Nash is a wonderful vocalist with a rugged and soulful voice that girls dream of and most boys wish they had. And, why Nash hasn't made it into the mainstream like his colleagues he helped along the way is beyond me because his tone and style would fit nicely on country radio.

Purchase Diamonds & Blood on iTunes
Jay Nash Website

01 Till I Get Through by Jay Nash

Shake it all off by Jay Nash

Fleet Foxes Release New Video for "Grown Ocean"

With the release day slowly approaching and everyone awaiting with bated breath for Fleet Foxes forthcoming album, Helplessness Blues, the group has been kind enough to post their new video for "Grown Ocean" on their website, or you can view it below.

Although this isn't a ground-breaking video with wild special effects, its gritty footage of the band practicing, traveling, recording and hanging out does have a vintage feel which reflects the band's appearance.

Remember, Helplessness Blues will drop on May 3rd via Sub Pop Records.

Chris Thile & Michael Daves - "My Little Girl in Tennessee" and New Album

Sleep with One Eye Open, is the debut album from mandolinist Chris Thile and guitarist Michael Daves, due to be released on May 10th through Nonesuch Records. Recorded live over a four day period at Jack White's Third Man studio, the album is a collection of sixteen high-and-lonesome songs from bluegrass icons like The Monroe Brothers, The Louvin Brothers, Jimmy Martin, and Flatt & Scruggs. 

The album is now available to pre-order at Nonesuch Record's and Punch Brothers' websites. Anyone who pre-orders this album will get an autographed CD and also be entered to win a solid spruce-top Martin 000X1AE acoustic guitar. You can also enter to win by downloading the free track "My Little Girl in Tennessee." The winner will be announced after the May 10th release of the album. The duo will also be heading out on tour to promote Sleep with One Eye Open, see below for tour dates.

Tour Dates
May 10-12, Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY SOLD OUT
May 13, Down By The River Festival, Roanoke, VA On Sale Friday
May 17, Smiths Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA On Sale Friday
May 18, The Square Room, Knoxville, TN On Sale Friday
May 19, The Southern, Charlottesville, VA On Sale Friday
May 21, World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA On Sale Friday
May 22, Rams Head on Stage, Annapolis, MD On Sale Friday
May 24, Brighton Music Hall, Boston, MA On Sale Friday
May 25, One Longfellow Square, Portland, ME On Sale Friday

Rise & ReviewShine Monday: Ben Hall - Ben Hall!

Every Monday morning, I post a review on an attention-grabbing album submitted via ReviewShine, and this week I've had the privilege to review Ben Hall's debut album, Ben Hall!.

Guitarist Ben Hall is a native of Okolona, Mississippi. His Merle-Travis-style of guitar playing has won many awards as well as the attention of country legend Charlie Louvin. The fist time Charlie Louvin met Hall he asked, “When can you go to work with me?” Hall replied that he couldn't, he was studying music at Belmont University to which a slightly annoyed Louvin said, “You don't need to be in school, you are meant to be playing that guitar.”

Hall reunited with Louvin at his 80th birthday and was asked to play with Louvin that night, and then on the Grand Ole Opry, and later on tour. Now, on March 29th, Ben Hall will release his debut album, Ben Hall!, via Tompkins Square. The record showcases his amazing guitar skills on classic country songs by Merle Travis, The Louvin Brothers, Roger Miller, Woody Gutherie, and J.D. Loudermilk as well as one original track.

On Ben Hall!, Hall is backed by drums and bass, but his distinct thumbstyle playing is front-and-center throughout. He uses a method named for Merle Travis where the thumb plucks the bass maintaining rhythm while the remaining fingers pick out the harmony and melody. And, this eleven-song collection is a wonderful homage to Travis and his other major influence, Chet Atkins. Each track with its retro sound transports the listener back to the gloden days of country. Produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (Ryan Adams, Freedy Johnston) and recorded with vintage analog equipment, Hall has created a flawless album that is delightful, nostalgic, and timeless. Ben Hall! definitely gives the listener the impression that Ben Hall belongs to another era, but as fate would have it, he was destined to bring the great sound of classic country to another generation.

Tompkins Square
Purchase Ben Hall! 

04 Mimi & Me - Ben Hall by commonfolkmusic

05 Windy & Warm - Ben Hall by commonfolkmusic

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West - The Holy Coming of the Storm

I've been listening to Cahalen Morrison & Eli West's new album, The Holy Coming of the Storm, almost nonstop for better than a week and was planning to post a review before their hardworking promoter, Devon at Hearth Music, contacted me and all I have to say is, it's sheer perfection. A genius blend of old-time and bluegrass music with fine harmonies, expertly played clawhammer banjo and perfectly picked guitar. I can guarantee the world hasn't seen nor heard this kind of musical kinship and musicianship since Flatt & Scruggs.

Being born and raised in West Virginia and spending some of my childhood in the Allegheny mountains of Virginia it's hard for me to believe that these boys are from Seattle because this album honestly feels like home to me. I grew up believing that this kind of natural, earthy music only came from the deep recesses of dark mountain hollers in the authentic Appalachians where most of the American music traditions began. Well, Morrison & West have proven me wrong with their reverence for the genre and traditions which shows throughout the album.

There aren't just a couple or a few highlights on The Holy Coming of the Storm, instead the album is nothing but standouts, so I'll only mention a few of my favorites. Morrison's rolling clawhammer banjo and West's scattered guitar riffs buoyantly drive “My Lover, Adorned” despite its wistful lyrics, while the melancholic longing for a roaming lover is only enhanced by the touched instrumentals of the mandolin, guitar, and fiddle in “Fleeting Like The Days.” The acapella in “My Bloody Heart” shows-off the boys' excellent vocals and awesome harmonies. And, “Over There” is wonderfully old-fashioned, the true sound of the mountains with quicksilver instrumentals and a Bill Monroe inflection.

I reckon these west coast fellas have a little bit of Appalachia in their souls, because listening to The Holy Coming of the Storm brought real joy to this girl's heart. The sincere respect they have given this music by showcasing its rural simplicities and complexities make this an outstanding album that every old-time music and bluegrass aficionado should have in their collection.

Purchase The Holy Coming of the Storm

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West Website

09 - Over There - Cahalen Morrison & Eli West by commonfolkmusic

04 - Fleeting Like The Days - Cahalen Morrison & Eli West by commonfolkmusic

William Fitzsimmons' Gold in the Shadow Spring Tour Dates

William Fitzsimmons will be going on a major US & Canadian spring tour to promote his new album, Gold in the Shadow, which was released March 22 via Nettwerk. This two-month North American tour will feature a full band and supporting act and friends, Slow Runner.

Tickets are currently available for pre-order on Fitzsimmons' website. As a special thank you, an advance ticket purchase will include a link to download two new songs from Gold in the Shadow and an option to bundle a copy of the album, all pre-orders will automatically be entered into a random drawing for an autographed tote bag and set list.

You can also read more about Gold in the Shadows here.

Tour Dates:
March 23 - Toronto, ON @ Horsehoe Tavern
March 24 - Wakefield, QC @ Black Sheep Inn
March 25 - Oswego, NY @ Sheldon Ballroom
March 26 - St. Joseph, QC @ Le Cercle **
March 28 - Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa **
March 29 - Sherbrooke, QC @ Theatre Granada **
March 30 - Portland, ME @ One Longfellow Square
March 31 - Keene, NH @ The Starving Artist
April 1 - New York, NY @ Canal Room
April 2 - Boston, MA @ The Red Room
April 3 - Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse **
April 5 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Brillobox
April 6 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
April 7 - Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head
April 8 - Vienna, VA @ Jammin' Java
April 9 - Vienna, VA @ Jammin' Java
April 10 - Raleigh, NC @ The Pour House Music Hall
April 12 - Charlotte, NC @ Evening Muse
April 13 - Knoxville, TN @ The Square Room
April 14 - Atlanta, GA @ Smith's Olde Bar
April 15 - Birmingham, AL @ Workplay
April 16 - Savannah, GA @ The Wormhole
April 17 - Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Lindsey
April 19 - Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone Cafe
April 21 - Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
April 22 - Dallas, TX @ The Loft
April 23 - Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald's
April 24 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's Bar-B-Q
April 26 - Newport, KY @ Southgate House
April 27 - Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
April 28 - Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall
April 29 - Chicago, IL @ Old Town School of Folk Music
April 30 - Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
May 1 - St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
May 4 - Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch
May 6 - San Diego, CA @ Anthology
May 7 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Cafe
May 8 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
May 10 - Eugene, OR @ W.O.W. Hall
May 11 - Seattle, WV @ The Triple Door
May 12 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
May 13 - Vancouver, BC @ Waldorf Cabaret
May 14 - Kelowna, BC @ Streaming Cafe
May 17 - Boise, ID @ Nuerolux
May 18 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
May 20 - Denver, Co @ Daniel's Hall
May 21 - Fort Collins, CO @ Avogadro's Number
**Dates Not Available For Pre-sale

Jeanne Jolly - Falling in Carolina EP

North Carolina-born, singer-songwriter Jeanne Jolly broke onto the music scene as the featured vocalist for Grammy Award winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. While with Botti, she toured throughout North America which afforded her the opportunity to sing with world renowned symphonies and at venues such as Carnegie Hall and events like the Monterey Jazz Festival.

After her time with Botti came to an end, Jolly fell back on her Southern roots – co-writing, co-producing, and recording her first country/Americana EP in January of 2008. Later that year, she was the 2008 finalist in The Next Big Country Star, an LA talent search. She then moved back to North Carolina in 2009 to hone her talents and solo performance as well as focusing on songwriting. Soon after she again found herself working with Grammy nominees, opening for such artists as Sam Bush, Maura O'Connell, and more.

In October 2010, Jolly released her new EP Falling in Carolina. It's a great collection of songs she has written since moving back home to North Carolina. Featuring Jolly's beautifully strong and soulful vocals which immediately engage the listener. She is undeniably a versatile singer with an amazing and rare ability to sing with the sophistication of modern jazz and the simple passion of an Appalachian Americana. Jolly has a gorgeous voice that isn't something you hear or happen upon everyday, therefore with pure talent like this, Jolly is destined to have a successful career.

Purchase Falling in Carolina EP
Jeanne Jolly Website

01 Here With You by commonfolkmusic

William Fitzsimmons - Gold in the Shadow

William Fitzsimmons turns from an indigo depression to a light blue melancholic optimist in his new release Gold in the Shadow. It's a beautiful electronic folk album with a theme of healing. Unlike his earlier albums which dealt with his marital breakup and divorce, Gold in the Shadow has a slightly lighter, happier feel. It seems as if this mental health counselor has finally turned the tables on himself  and began the process of dealing with and purging his own demons through the cathartic means of song.

Born to two blind parents who used music to connect with their sighted child, Fitzsimmons has become an expert at creating music that can be felt as well as heard. His gorgeously textured arrangements enveloped around his intimate, diary-like lyrics draw the listener into his taped self-therapy sessions creating a very unique listening experience for his audience and a unique experience for himself since he has made this healing process public.

The album starts quietly and exquisitely with two stand-out tracks, “The Tide Pulls from the Moon” and “Beautiful Girl.” A gentle guitar, subtle piano, and understated harmonizing warmly back Fitzsimmons' hushed, melancholic vocals on “The Tide Pulls from the Moon”, while a theme of healing is sweetly wrapped in soft folk acoustic guitar and tender keys on "Beautiful Girl." And, the upbeat instrumentation in “The Winter from Her Leaving” and “Fade and Then Return” uplift Fitzsimmons' whispered vocals without overpowering them. But, “Psychasthenia” is where Fitzsimmons issues and psychology background show up with his repeated request, “Cut me open, please.” Psychasthenia is an actual psychological disorder characterized by phobias, obsessions, compulsions, and excessive anxiety, and his disturbing plea may be figurative for the purging of this/these so-called “demons.” Nevertheless, its heavy, up-tempo electronica and alarming appeal take the song to another dimension. Then, the somewhat creepy track gives way to the most beautiful song on Gold in the Shadow, “Bird of Winter Prey.” On this track, Fitzsimmons' fragile, breathy vocals and dexterous acoustic finger-picking is supported by sweeping strings. And, in the lovely duet with Julia Stone, “Let You Break,” Fitzsimmons' fragile and husky vocals perfectly complement Stone's distinct, almost childlike voice.

Finally, the album closes with a dreamlike quality in “What Hold” and an overall feeling of relief as the burden of depression and darkness are lifted and replaced by a sense of hope and light. Fitzsimmons beautifully sums up the album when he sings, “you will see sunrise again.” And, though Gold in the Shadow is lighter and more optimistic than we're used to hearing from Fitzsimmons, there is still a sadness that lingers in the album's tone. Maybe Fitzsimmons was unable to rid himself completely of his demons during this healing process, which I have no problem with since I could never imagine him producing shiny, happy music. Anyway, isn't it unhealthy to be happy all the time?

Purchase Gold in the Shadow
William Fitzsimmons Website
 William Fitzsimmons - Filter Player by nettwerkmusicgroup

 

Sarah Jarosz Announces Upcoming Album

Bluegrass virtuoso Sarah Jarosz will release her second album, Follow Me Down, May 17th on Sugar Hill Records. Pre-sale information and cover art will be coming soon, so keep posted. Until then here is a behind the scenes video. The song playing is "Annabelle Lee," an adaptation of the famous poem written by Edgar Allen Poe.

Sarah Jarosz Website
Sugar Hill Records Website

Clips From Two New Ryan Adams Songs

Throughout the month, Ryan Adams has announced a Record Store Day release, a new album, and some European tour dates. Now, Paste has posted clips from a couple of songs rumored to be on the upcoming record.

Last October, Adams performed "Dirty Rain" and "Ashes of Fire" at a charity gig hosted by Judd Apatow and Dave Eggers. You can listen to the two songs by clicking on the song titles, and as far as I can tell, I think the Adams that we all love and admire is back. I don't know about you, and maybe this makes me a horrible fan, but I briefly jumped ship after his experimental, sci-fi, metal debacle, Orion. But, now, after listening to these clips, I'm happy to hear the singer-songwriter is back.

Summertime Kids - Table Manners

Earlier this month, Summertime Kids, independently released a debut EP Table Manners. It's a very mellow and comforting lo-fi post-rock album textured with a hint of folk acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and synths. And though the album is mostly instrumental, Roberts does adds his pleasant vocals to songs like “Know” and “Rain on My Parade.”

Summertime Kids is the solo-project of Nick Roberts, guitarist for And The Giraffe. Roberts, a nineteen-year-old folk musician, recorded Table Manners on and off over several months mainly during the early morning hours of a previously stressful day and without much sleep. This could probably account for Table Manners' sleepy and calming tone. It's this lovely ambient quality that provides perfect background music for relaxing which could probably lull even a veteran insomniac to sleep.

Purchase Table Manners EP

Bon Iver Announces New Album

Bon Iver are set to release their second full-length album in June. As of yet, the record remains untitled but will feature ten new songs. It feels like it has been forever ago since their 2007 debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, but since that time they released 2009's EP Blood Bank, has toured, and recorded with Kayne West. Now, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver frontman) is shedding some light on his songwriting difficulties as well as what can be expected from his sophomore effort in a Rolling Stone article.

Vernon told Rolling Stone that in order to write the album he needed to learn how to write music again. He said, “Somewhere along the line I forgot how to write songs. I couldn't do it anymore with a guitar, It wasn't happening.” Vernon also added, “I brought in a lot of people to change my voice – not my singing voice, but my role as the author of this band, this project.”

Some of those artists Vernon is talking about are, experimental saxophonist Colin Stetson (Tom Waits, Arcade Fire) and pedal steel player Greg Leisz (Ray Lamontagne, Wilco, Joni Mitchell, etc.)

And, although the album still doesn't have a title, the first track will be called “Perth” which reportedly will be a “Civil War-sounding heavy metal song.” The song will also feature a “marching drum beat, a children's choir and wailing guitars.” There will also be an ode to Vernon's childhood entitled “Minnesota Wisconsin,” and the closing track, “Beth/Rest,” which Vernon claims is “definitely the part where you pick up your joint and re-light it.” Sounds interesting.
 
Blood Bank

Dan Petrich - Sycamore Tales

It's albums like Dan Petrich's 2009 release, Sycamore Tales, that gives hope to music lovers like me. It also proves that you don't have to be a skinny-jean-wearing hipster or a stoned mumbler to make a record worthy of praise. Pittsburgh’s Dan Petrich is a high school English teacher by trade, a father of three by choice, and a talented folk artist by design. Sycamore Tales is a catalog of sparse and beautiful narrative songs about everyday and sometimes extraordinary struggles of the average person. It is both introspective and perceptive yet always poignant.

Sycamore Tales is available to purchase either by contacting him on Facebook or via iTunes. He is currently working on a new album tentatively entitled The Silent Moon Sings. And, since the majority of the world has missed the release of Sycamore Tales, hopefully it will start gaining well-deserved exposure to propel his next release.

Your Horizons

Tommy Shaw Teams up with Bluegrass Greats for "The Great Divide"

Tommy Shaw, guitarist of legendary rock band Styx, is set to release his debut Bluegrass album, The Great Divide on March 22nd, 2011, through Pazzo Music/Fontana Distribution. The album features an impressive roster of guest masicians, including: Alison Krauss, Dwight Yoakam, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan, Byron House, Gary Burr and many more.

With this album, Shaw, a Montgomery, Alabama native, establishes himself as an authentic addition to the Bluegrass community. Born with a unique gift for music, a passion quickly recognized by his parents, he picked up his first guitar at the age of ten. From what his brothers remember, after Tommy's introduction to the guitar; “We never saw him again...”, as he would stay in his room for hours practicing day and night. His tenacity and intrinsic passion for Bluegrass at an early age implies that this new release isn't a casual endeavor, but a return to the music on which he was raised,. Shaw wrote or co-wrote every song on the album in addition to playing acoustic guitar, dobro/resonator and mandolin.

A perennial part of the rock scene since the mid-70s as a member of STYX, Damn Yankees and Shaw/Blades, Bluegrass may at first seem like a stretch for Shaw, but his transition to Bluegrass is seamless. Having been raised on the genre, Shaw has always been deeply enamored with Bluegrass' ability to connect to the listener through storytelling. “These are story songs,” says Shaw, an Alabama Music Hall of Fame Inductee. “I think songs that take you on a little journey are the best ones.”

This is the story of a Southern boy who made it “big,” but always held tight to his roots. “The Great Divide is a story of love and life; of happiness and hope; of loss and discovery,” says Shaw. “It's the story of a journey that spans generations and is ultimately about trying to find your way home. And I'm as proud of this story as any I've ever told.”

The legendary rocker proves to his listeners that although this may be his first Bluegrass venture, it certainly won't be his last.

The Great Divide was produced by Tommy Shaw, Brad Davis and Will Evankovich. It will be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats on March 22, 2011.

The Great Divide Website

Count This Penny - "Plymouth Duster"

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a sucker for A-body and B-body Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars from the late 60s and early 70s. Some may even know I have a collection of Johnny Lightning 1/64's which include nothing but Road Runners, Chargers, Challengers, Cudas, Daytonas/Super Birds, Super Bees, and, yes, even Dusters. So, you can only imagine the interest that was sparked when I spotted a track entitled "Plymouth Duster" sitting in my SoundCloud inbox, and like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to it. It would be wrong not to listen to the song at least once, and the very instant the track began to play, I was so glad I did because this is what I heard: warm harmonies, great vocals, and a brilliant banjo.

"Plymouth Duster" is the opening track from Count This Penny's first EP and release, Gone. This Appalachian-pop trio is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and, in keeping with today's Eastern Tennessee theme, Johnson City, proving yet again, that Eastern Tennessee is becoming a hot-bed for music.
 
Count This Penny Website

02 Plymouth Duster by commonfolkmusic

Rise & ReviewShine Monday: The Black Lillies - 100 Miles of Wreckage

Knoxville musician and former Robinella and the CCstringband band leader, Cruz Contreras, have been making some amazing Americana with his new band, The Black Lillies. In 2008, Contreras (vocalist, guitarist, and mandolin player) teamed up with fellow Knoxville musicians, Tom Pryor (electric guitar/pedal steel) and Jamie Cook (percussion) to create The Black Lillies, and with the addition of Trisha Gene Brady (vocalist) and Robert Richards (bassist), this five-piece band has what it takes to rise to the top of the Appalachians.

The group's debut album, Whiskey Angel, produced by Sparklehorse drummer Scott Minor, brought the band national attention and recognition as well as performances at Bonnaroo, the Ryman Auditorium, and Mountain Stage. Their sophomore record, 100 Miles of Wreckage, due out April 4th and should garner the same amount of attention and praise. Another Minor production, the release is a stunningly crafted, inspired mix of country, bluegrass, blues, folk and soft-rock.

The opening track, “Two Hearts Down,” appropriately begins this album of Appalachian Americana with backwoods guitar, banjo and fiddle. The song tells the story of a drunken man, who with his father's rifle, killed his ex-lover and her suitor. An appropriate beginning for an album steeped in the prevalent themes of southern Appalachian music – death, heartbreak, anger, regret, and sorrow. In the rueful track, “The Arrow,” Contreras tells the heart-wrenching tale of the death of two lovers, while Pryor's gorgeous and mournful pedal steel conveys the song's pain and sadness. The deft finger-picking in “Same Mistakes” beautifully backs Contreras' apologetic verses. And, “Nobody's Business” offers a great vocal duet between Contreras and Brady, possibly providing the album's best vocal performance, while Pryor lays down some bluesy, rockabilly electric guitar riffs. In “Peach Pickin',” Contreras takes us deep into Dixieland with a warm blues-inspired country arrangement and a fun, catchy chorus. The longest track, “Tall Trees,” slowly builds to its climax as Pryor demonstrates his impressive musicianship with some outstanding and agile electric guitar playing. Also, the musical styles in the song seem to change beginning with a Neil Young-like sound then moving into a Southern gospel before shifting into some late 60s – early 70s psychedelic guitar rock. Finally, the last song, “Go to Sleep,” is a lullaby inspired by Sparklehorse founder, Mark Linkous' suicide which sadly happened toward the end of recording.

With 100 Miles of Wreckage, The Black Lillies have shown the world that they're one of the best in Americana. Contreras is a top-notch lyricist, musician, and vocalist surrounded by a group of equally talented artists proving that Appalachia and the Southeast – and, in this case, East Tennessee – is a well of talent and good music. Their excellent musicianship and vocal talents combined with their great lyrics and beautiful melodies have produced an outstanding collection of songs.
 
The Black Lillies Website
 
 
01 Two Hearts Down by commonfolkmusic

Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring for My Halo

After bursting onto the indie folk-rock scene with 2009's Childish Prodigy, Kurt Vile returns with his second Matador release, Smoke Ring for My Halo. And, despite its rave reviews, I find the album overwhelmingly boring and completely impassive. Since the release of the single, "Jesus Fever," I had been patiently, but very excitedly, awaiting the record. However, while listening to the album, my anticipation quickly turned into annoyance, because I sensed very little artistic growth from Vile. Smoke Ring is just a cleaner, more spacious production with an abundance of sonorous sonics and a wealth of cynicism.

Smoke Ring also marks the return of Vile's backing band, The Violators, who add layers and interest to his strummed stoner jams, thus creating a break from his grimy lo-fi past. And, although, the band's role was restrained, it was greatly needed to create a melodic flow for Vile's disjointed, stream-of-consciousness lyrics. The restraint also allows for Vile's jangling guitar to shimmer, but it really allows his lovely finger-picked guitar lines in songs like "Baby's Arms" and "Peeping Tomboy" to shine through.

Throughout Smoke Ring, Vile develops a theme of detachment, loneliness, and self-pity in which "Baby's Arms" and "Ghost Town" epitomize. There's also a sense of self-pity in the biting lyrics of "On Tour." The reference to Lord of the Flies alludes to the individual and catty nature of the business and the pressure to create music and going on tour becomes a burden. It almost feels arrogant and unappreciative. The track "Puppet to the Man" also falls into that same abrasive and bitter vein. But in the midst of antipathy and disconnect, Vile has found the cool, bright pop feel of "Jesus Fever" and "In My Time." However, this brightness is short-lived as "Ghost Town" aptly summarizes Smoke Ring for My Halo and leaves us with more boring self-commiserating when Vile sings, "Raindrops might fall on my head sometimes, but I don't pay 'em any mind. Then again, I guess it ain't always that way."

Purchase Smoke Ring for My Halo

Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever by aibrean

Kurt Vile - In My Time by ginobc


Ghost Town by refinery29

!! News Alert: City & Colour Announces New Album !!

Where in the world have I been and how in the hell did I miss this!? City & Colour (Dallas Green), my favorite solo artist, has just announced that he will be releasing his third studio-album entitled Little Hell on Vagrant Records, a follow-up to 2008's, Bring Me Your Love. 

Dallas Green, better known as the lead singer of Alexisonfire, will be hitting the music festival circuit with performances at SXSW, Coachella, and Sasquatch!. He will also be in LA, Chicago, and New York before going to Australia where his shows have practically sold-out. While on tour, expect Green to perform new tracks from his upcoming -- and, at least for me, highly anticipated album.

This is some seriously exciting news!!!

City & Colour Website

Tour Dates:
02-26 Halifax, NS – Celebration Square (2011 Canada Winter Games)

03-16 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03-17 Austin, TX @ St. David’s Historical Sanctuary
03-18 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s
03-19 Austin, TX @ SXSW
03-22 Los Angeles, LA – El Rey Theatre (SOLD OUT)
03-29 Chicago, IL – Park West (SOLD OUT)
03-31 New York, NY – Webster Hall (SOLD OUT)
04-05 Sydney, AUS – Enmore (SOLD OUT)
04-06 Sydney, AUS – Enmore- (SOLD OUT)
04-07 Melbourne, AUS – The Palace (SOLD OUT)
04-08 Brisbane, AUS – The Tivoli (SOLD OUT)
04-10 Adelaide, AUS – HQ (SOLD OUT)
04-11 Perth, AUS – Astor Theatre (SOLD OUT)
04-17 Indio, CA – COACHELLA
04-25 London, UK – Royal Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)
05-29 George, WA @ SASQUATCH (SOLD OUT)

Jen Lane - For the Night

At just seventeen, Jen Lane earned her first Prairie Music Award. At the age of twenty-four she received her first Western Canadian Music Awards nod, but just as she was gaining momentum, she was sidelined by an accident that left her with a badly broken foot. Now, she's back with For the Night, planting herself firmly into the Canadian roots scene.

  

In a sea of similar records and female artists, For the Night stands out as one of the best I've heard. The album proves that Lane is worthy of every nomination and award she has earned and those she will receive in the future – and, I predict that there will be a few. The country arrangements with classic instrumentation gives the record a vintage vibe that complements her warm, velvety vocals, and in each track she comfortably settles in with a familiarity of home, and, as a result, the listeners do too.

Every track on the album is great, but there are a couple of standouts like my favorite, “Lonely Cricket.” Its a sweet song with unusal lyrics about a lonely cricket searching for a lover while Lane's soothing voice comforts even the loneliest of crickets. The other highlights are the upbeat, twang-laden “Grey Skies,” and the simple yet intelligent thoughts on Elizabeth May and Canada's 2008 election in “Election Day." The track's political content reminds me of a 60s folk song.

While listening to For the Night, it seems that that once badly broken foot was just a small setback for someone so talented.  Now back on her feet, Jen Lane has hit the ground running as she is going on tour to promote her new album. After a recent performance at Canadian Music Week, she will showcase her talents at SXSW playing the Paradise on March 17th at 1:00 AM.

Purchase For the Night

Jen Lane Website

02 The Lonely Cricket by commonfolkmusic

The Wilderness of Manitoba - "Orono Park"

Fresh off their touted performance at Canadian Music Week, The Wilderness of Manitoba has just announced a New York City date on April 28th at Mercury Lounge opening for Lord Huron. They are also releasing the single "Orono Park" from their three-song EP, Summer Fires, due out March 22nd via tinyOGRE. In an attempt to avoid electric instruments the band relies on their natural talents -- warm harmonies and great melodies -- which can be heard on "Orono Park."

The band will release their upcoming full-length album, When You Left the Fire, on May 10th. The band's full-length When You Left The Fire is set for a 5/10 release

Pre-Order Summer Fires EP

"Orono Park"

Rise & ReviewShine Monday: Breakfast Blend

Every Monday, I write a review for one album submitted to me through the ReviewShine website, but this week I thought I would dig through my crowded inbox to see what albums I could come up with. This is what I found...

First, let me start your week with some hard rock Americana from Luke Dick. His new full-length album, My Blood, is a collection of twelve well-written songs with grit and wit from a well-educated, young artist who has lived quite a colorful life. Dick's country upbringing and childhood spent in broken homes combined with his unique work and life experiences definitely doesn't leave him wanting for material or drive. His dry vocals bolstered by layers of guitars reflect the rough, red dirt country he grew up in. From the very beginning of the opening track, “Get Through To You,” My Blood promises to be raw, rootsy, and rockin' and it delivers.

Dick's songs seem to focus on love and lust with religion and acceptance thrown in. In the irreverent "Don't Matter To Me," he sings nonchalantly about the end of the world in Petty-esque vocals. Resisting the temptation of a woman is the theme in "Walk On" while Dick makes a declaration of love and desire in the anthem "In This Room." And, he vividly describes the experience of visiting a family member in the Cleveland County jail in the title track. Now, I'm not sure if Dick has taken a page from his own life story or if this is just a song, but he earnestly sings this song and the album like he has lived it.

Purchase My Blood at BandCamp
Luke Dick Website

01 Get Through To You by commonfolkmusic

Next, is a captivating Chicago singer-songwriter, Haroula Rose, who has just recently released her full-length debut album, These Open Roads. Produced by Andy Lemaster (Bright Eyes, REM, Azure Ray, Conor Oberst), the album showcases Rose's gentle folk-pop arrangements, artful guitar picking, and sweet vocals. The record also features contributions from numerous artists and musicians as well as additional vocals provided by Orenda Fink (Azure Ray). This album is beautifully subdue and intimate with songs like the intricately-picked ballad “Love Will Follow,” haunting “New Year's Day,” and tender “Place Under the Sun.” But, the best song on the album is a gorgeous cover of Mason Jennings' "Duluth." Rose's version is very different from the original, putting her melodic touch on an already great song. The intimate nature of These Open Roads and Rose's beguiling voice charms without notice. Her delicate vocals float into the ether seeping into the atmosphere and mind, so when the album is over you'll find yourself listening to it again.    

Purchase These Open Roads at Amazon
Purchase These Open Roads at BandCamp
Haroula Rose Myspace

04 Duluth by commonfolkmusic

Finally, “out of the city comes the blues.” Well, not the blues per se, but Malcolm Holcombe.

After finding refuge at home in the mountains of North Carolina, Holcombe traveled to Austin to record his eighth album, To Drink the Water, released in February. Produced by long-time sideman Jared Tyler, To Drink the Water was recorded over three days with a collection of talented musicians from Texas and Nashville. The record is a live-studio recording of seemingly effortless one-take performances capturing the singer and the song in its natural state. The album opens with “One Leg at a Time,” an upbeat, breezy blues track reminding us to put our “britches on one leg at a time,” live life one day at a time and take things as they come with a smile. The rich bluegrass instrumentation on “Behind the Number One” and “Down in the Woods” is unobtrusive allowing each instrument to shine without competing. And, in “Becky's Blessed (Backporch Flowers)” Holcombe's gravelly vocals become sweet and soothing when he sings compassionately about Becky's kindness. Then, taking on the role of world-weary poet in “Comes the Blues,” his weathered voice reflects on the past.

To Drink the Rain is Americana at its finest. Holcombe's perfect balance of folk, blues, bluegrass, and country makes this an enjoyable record that will please his established fans as well as impress those who have just discovered him, like me.

Purchase To Drink the Rain
Malcolm Holcombe Website

02 Mountains Of Home by commonfolkmusic

Rose's Pawn Shop - Dancing on the Gallows

Rose's Pawn Shop is a high-energy Americana band blending bluegrass, country, and rock to create a sound that is sometimes traditional but always contemporary. Touring the US since 2006, the band has played the main stage at such festivals as FloydFest in Virginia, Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival in California, SXSW in Austin, Americana Music Festival in Tennessee, and the Mountain Music and Jam Festival in West Virginia. And, over the years, they have also played with many first-rate artists like Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Junior Brown, Blues Traveler, DeVotchka, Old Crow Medicine Show, Levon Helm, Railroad Earth, The Raconteurs, and West Virginia's own, the Davisson Brothers.

Their self-released second album, Dancing on the Gallows, is out now. It continues the band's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink sound with a Celtic and bluegrass influenced reel “Dancing on the Gallows,” a hard rockin' Western swing in “Ball of Flames,” and the European flavor of the torch ballad “Strangers.” The simple lyrics about drinking, dying, heartbreak, and traveling are country standards, but the instrumentation is where Dancing on the Gallows really shines, showing off their keen musicianship.

Rose's Pawn Shop will be performing at SXSW this week. They will be at the Hole in the Wall on March 18th at 10:00 PM and at the Waterloo Ice House on March 19th at 6:00 PM, so go out and support them. They'll appreciate ya for it.

Purchase Dancing on the Gallows

Rose's Pawn Shop Website

01 Dancing On the Gallows by commonfolkmusic

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - "Codeine"

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit will release their second album, Here We Rest, via Lightning Rod Records on April 12th. You can download their new track, "Codeine," on their website for the small price of an email address. The band has also just announced US tour dates beginning March 12th through  April 23rd, including a performance at SXSW on March 17th.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit's Website
Lightning Rod Records

Yael Naim - "Go to the River"

French-Tunisian-Israeli pop-folk songstress is back with her new album, She Was A Boy, due out May 10th. You may recognize her from her song "New Soul" featured in the 2008 MacBook Air ad campaign. The first single "Go to the River," is a strange and catchy song made more addictive by her quirky style and unique voice.

Yael Naim's Website

Steve Earle Releases Digital Single in Support of Wisconsin Union

Steve Earle is lending his support to the Wisconsin public workers' union and their protests with a two-track digital single. The two tracks, “Harlan Man” and “The Mountain,” come from Earle's bluegrass album, The Mountain, which was recorded with The Del McCoury Band. Both are poignant and relevant songs about the lives of union miners and perfect reminders why unions exist and why they're needed.

In a statement, Earle said, “Unions are a fundamental component of Democracy throughout the free world. All eyes are on Wisconsin.” He also told The Boot, “Collective bargaining for working people is a fundamental component of democracy, and we can't afford to let it slip away.”

Not only are these great union songs, they are great songs in general. They are also a reminder of the tragic mining accident at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia last year.

All profits from the two-track digital single will benefit The America Votes Labor Unity Fund through the SaveWorkers.org. The organization contributes to activist campaigns in 11 states: Florida, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The organization also accepts donations from labor organizations and individuals. For more information visit Save Workers website.

On April 26, Earle will release his fourteenth studio album produced by T Bone Burnett, I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive, on New West Records. Earle will also release his first novel with the same title on May 12.

Download digital single HERE
Steve Earle's Website
Save Workers information

Robert Earl Reed - Carlene

Robert Earl Reed is a new artist emerging in Americana. His debut album, Carlene, was released in January on Hill Country Records and was produced by Jimbo Mathus and Justin Showah. His unique brand of Southern Gothic has been influenced by his life in Little Rock and the North Mississippi Hill Country. Carlene gives the listener a glimpse into small town southern life -- both the holy and the seedy --while the rawness in Reed's throaty vocals match the hard livin' and times he sings about. The stripped-down arrangements reinforce the honesty and reality of Reed's stories and its unpretentious style make Carlene a diamond in the Arkansas rough. This is an album that haunts with images of Cash and Van Zandt and I wouldn't be surprised if Robert Earl Reed called upon their spirits while making it.

Purchase Carlene
Hill Country Record's Website

01 Road to Hattiesburg by commonfolkmusic

Caliana - Blood, Sweat & Beers EP (Free)

Name affectionately after the two states -- California and Indiana -- singer/guitarist Johnzo West and guitarist/bassist Bird love and call home, Caliana was formed in the summer of 2010. The band has just released their first EP, a four-song alt-country album with rock-influence and subtle reggae beats, called Blood, Sweat & Beers. The EP is a nice introduction to Caliana before their first full-length album drops this summer and can be downloaded for free at Caliana's website. If you like what you hear, the band will be making an appearance at SXSW, playing the One-2-One Bar on March 18 at 5:30 PM, so go check them out.

Caliana's Website

 Heart of Stone

Alison Krauss & Union Station - "Paper Airplane"

Over the years, Alison Krauss & Union Station have single-handedly brought bluegrass back from the brink with their beautiful and fluid songs, and they continue to do so with the release of their fourteenth studio album, Paper Airplane. It has been nearly seven years since the group released Lonely Runs Both Ways, which honestly is seven years too long. Their first single and title track from the new record is a sweet ballad featuring Krauss' angelic voice and deft dobro work from Jerry Douglas.

Paper Airplane is due out April 12 on Rounder Records. You can pre-order the album and download their single "Paper Airplane" free at Alison Krauss' website. The group has also announced some tour dates and will also be appearing at Bonnaroo.

Pre-Order Paper Airplane HERE

Wye Oak - Civilian

Let me start by getting the obvious Beach House comparisons out of the way. And, there have been a lot since both are from Baltimore, both are male-female indie-pop duos, and Jenn Wasner's voice is somewhat similar to that of Victoria Legrand's. However, the bands differ in the fact that Wye Oak is darker and louder than their Baltimore counterparts.

For the span of three years and three albums, Wye Oak has been flying under the general public's radar. If it wasn't for the internet and the blogosphere, I'm afraid the duo would have gone unnoticed and would not have experienced the minor successes they have had so far, and that's a shame! This is a duo who creates beautiful noise in which they have amazingly managed to keep understated. Not many can do that.

On Wye Oak's third album, Civilian, the duo searches for the meaning of normalcy and its existence. In a press release, Jenn Wasner stated, “I believe everyone wants to be normal, but no one truly is.” While this statement is accurate, the album isn't quite as definitive. In true Wye Oak style the lyrics are abstract and take the shape of poetry, however, on Civilian the lyrics are more realized rather than incomplete as was the case in previous albums.

Clearly, Wasner's voice is the duo's best instrument – delicate, smoky, dangerous, melancholy – and, no other song demonstrates this better than “Holy Holy.” Her rich and captivating vocals backed with a wall of fuzzy rock guitar is powerful and at times rapturous. In “The Altar” Wasner's voice becomes a quiet echo supported by bright keys and a brilliant guitar solo halfway through. While the title track showcases Wye Oak's new found lyrical prowess and delves into the world of interpersonal relationships and the complications that come with those relationships. By using odd imagery, Wasner is able to describe a flawed woman's desire to love a normal man – a civilian. I'm only speculating and I'm not going to pretend I know what Wasner means when she sings, “I still keep my baby teeth in the bedside table with my jewelry/ you still sleep in the bed with me, my jewelry, and my baby teeth.” I have no idea what baby teeth are suppose to symbolize, but here it seems as if they are a replacement for something more universal. There's a vulnerability in Wasner's voice and an urgency in Andy Stack's percussion that makes the listener automatically connect with the baby teeth and what they represent. The entrancing guitar and keys combined with Wasner's hypnotic vocals lull the listener to sleep only to be abruptly awakened during the chorus on “The Plains” while Wasner shows off her new found power and range on “We Were Wealth.”

Civilian is an expression and the full realization of Wye Oak's talents making it their best album to date. The lonesome and melancholy tone that pervades the album's discourse on normalcy resonates with the listener and its riveting and uncommon musical arrangements provide the personality needed to allow each individual song to stand out. And, so, it's all of these elements that make Wye Oak's quest for normality anything but Civilian.

Purchase Civilian
Wye Oak's Website
Merge Record's Website


Holy Holy
Civilian

Josh Ritter Offers First Chapter from His New Novel

We all know that Josh Ritter is a master storyteller through his songs, so could he be equally talented in prose? We'll soon find out. On June 28, Ritter will transition from songwriter to novelist with the release of his debut novel Bright's Passage.

He will be playing a couple of shows, reading from the book, and discussing it at SXSW. Details can be found here.

The book also has its own Twitter feed where random excerpts are posted.

Reversing Falls - Little Goodbye / Doom Beach (Free)

Last month, Montreal-based trio, Reversing Falls, released a two-song EP, Little Goodbye / Doom Beach. Produced by both the band and Mark Lawson, known for his work with Arcade Fire and Timber Timbre, Little Goodbye / Doom Beach is fueled by distorted guitars, catchy hooks, and drum machine beats. This little EP packs a big punch with its chaotic, pop melodies and is another great preview of what to expect on their upcoming, debut album.

Little Goodbye / Doom Beach is available for free through BandCamp.
 

Rise & ReviewShine: Daniel Romano - Sleep Beneath the Willow

Sleep Beneath the Willow may have just solidified Daniel Romano as a class-act songwriter, musician, and producer. The album follows on the heels of his "folk you" criticism of the music business in Working for the Music Man. It can also be seen as a huge departure from his previous gig as a member of the Canadian rock band, Attack in Black, but, in all actuality, it has been a natural and easy transition.

Romano's new release is a collection of timeless and polished country songs with late 60's, AM country arrangements influenced by such artists as Lee Hazelwood and Glen Campbell. The album is founded on genuine honky-tonk instrumentation – banjo, fiddle, acoustic and electric guitar – and great harmonies provided by Misha Bower (The Bruce Peninsula), Tamara Lindeman (The Weather Station), and Lisa Bozikovic.

Sleep Beneath the Willow has a vintage sound and sterling songs of life, love, morals, and ex-wives, all of which make for a great country song. The opening “Time Forgot (To Change My Heart)” embodies the whole album and shows Romano's range. I particularly like it when he hits his lower register. And, I'm aware that I have already made a Gram Parsons comparison last week, but on several tracks Romano eerily mirrors Parsons like in “Hard on You” and “Lost (For As Long As I Live).” The folk “Louise” tells a melancholy tale embellished with a lonesome fiddle and what sounds like an organ, while the playful “Hellen's Restaurant” adds fun with some word play. Finally, the album gently closes with retrained yet emotional “Nothing.” It's this song that makes me so happy Romano hasn't sold out. Instead of writing for the music man, Romano is writing songs he can be proud of, songs from the soul with soul.

Sleep Beneath the Willow is due out on April 5th on You've Changed Records, the label he runs in partnership with Steven Lambke.

Daniel Romano's Website
You've Changed Records

01 Time Forgot (To Change My Heart) by commonfolkmusic