My Favorite Song This Week

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Duke of Straw

Don’t get me wrong, I like Obama. I was just hoping to watch Raising Hope last night. So I was a little sad to see the State Of The Union take it’s place. BUT some good news hit my inbox while he was getting applauded.


Martin Sexton released an EP yesterday – Fall Like Rain. Six songs that tackle today’s unsettle climate, including a cover of the Buffalo Springfield classic “For What It’s Worth”. So it seemed fitting that I got word of the release during the State of the Union address. You can get the EP here. And as Martin adds, the EP costs the same as your morning “soy latte”.

Listen:
Martin Sexton ∞ Fall Like Rain

Watch:

See live:



ComScore

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My Favorite Song This Week

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Duke of Straw


I heard this one on the radio the other day. I was impressed by the Arcade Fire meets Rusted Root meets (slight hint of) Animal Collective on Yo Gabba Gabba vibe. Don’t know much about the band. But this tune is a perfect way to warm up on these cold January days.

Listen via SoundCloud:
Saw You First by GIVERS

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Party Tunes Tuesday ∞ First Aid Kit Party

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Duke of Straw


Some musicians below in a different time period. Some below in a different country. Sweden’s First Aid Kit (sisters Klara and Johanna Soderberg) sound like they should have been making music in So-Cal’s Laurel Canyon in the ’70s. Their new album drops next Tuesday (1/24). Love the music although the videos don’t do much for me.

Title Track:

Second Single:

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My Favorite Song This Week

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Duke of Straw


I’m addicted to this bossanova inspired version of the 80s classic. Rebecca Zapen is from Florida and takes this Robert Palmer song to a whole new country.

Listen:
Rebecca Zapen ∞ Addicted To Love

Bonus mp3:
Rebecca Zapen ∞ Lakewood

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Album Review ∞ Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Duke of Straw


I’ve been a fan of Kathleen’s since her wonderful debut album. She has always approached music with a swagger not often found in females. She is not afraid to take risks or piss people off. She does it her way. So when she enlists everybody’s favorite indie-Wisconsinite Justine Vernon to produce and record her fourth studio album, one must really take her seriously.

Overall, there isn’t a whole lot of straying from Kathleen’s previous work. She still has kind of a roots-rock, Americana, alt-country feel to her sound. She still writes excellent songs with great metaphors and lovely melodies. What Justin adds is some street cred. Hopefully, by working with Mr. Bon Iver, Kathleen will get a little more of the exposure she deserves. Voyageur comes out January 23rd.

Listen via SoundCloud:
Kathleen Edwards – Change The Sheets by Kathleen Edwards

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Live Milk Carton Kids!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Duke of Straw

Credit: Brendan Pattengale


One of my favorite records from 2011 was “Prologue” from The Milk Carton Kids. They are kind of a cross between Gillian Welch and Simon and Garfunkel. They recently did a superb set for Mountain Stage. Listen here. And then get that record for FREE from the band.

They’re hitting the road:
01/07 – New York, NY, Rockwood*
01/11 – San Diego, CA, Anthology
01/12 – Los Angeles, CA, Largo
01/14 – Ventura, CA, Zoey’s
01/15 – Ventura, CA, Zoey’s
01/17 – San Francisco, CA, Cafe Du Nord
01/18 – Portland, OR, Doug Fir
01/19 – Seattle, WA, Tractor Tavern
02/29 – Boston, MA, Cafe 939
03/01 – New York, NY, Joe’s Pub
03/02 – Philadelphia, PA, Tin Angel
03/03 – Easton, MD, Night Cat
03/05 – Vienna, VA, Jammin’ Java

*Free show for APAP

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Album Review ∞ Ani DiFranco – ¿WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Duke of Straw

Everyone these days is all about wrapping up 2011. Best of… Worst of… Yadda yadda yadda. I’m looking forward. To 2012. To January 17. Ani DiFranco will be releasing her new studio album. There was a time when Ms. DiFranco was knocking out an album a year. It’s been three years since her last studio endeavor. It’s 12 new songs (including the re-worked Pete Seeger classic which givens the album its name – listen below). It’s Ani being Ani. From the opening driving rhythm and slightly distorted guitar of “Life Boat” which casts an interesting tale in song to the long list-song of “Amendment”. My personal favorites: the reggae infused “J” and the clever “If Yr Not” – which goes “If you’re not getting happier as you get older than you’re fucking up”. This is Ani’s best work in years and well-worth the wait. Pre-order it now.

Track list:
1: Life Boat
2: Unworry
3: ¿Which Side Are You On?
4: Splinter
5: Promiscuity
6: Albacore
7: J
8: If Yr Not
9: Hearse
10: Mariachi
11: Amendment
12: Zoo

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My Favorite Song This Week

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Duke of Straw


We might not be getting a white Xmas in Minnesota. BUT at least we have this incredible version of “Frosty The Snowman” a la Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush”. It comes from the Zunior Holiday album.

Listen:
Mike O’Neill ∞ Frosty The Gold Rush (via I (Heart) Music)

PS – Happy Winter Solstice everyone!

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