Weinland - "Sunken Eyes"

When your lead singer has a voice that gets comparisons to Neil Young and a band chemistry that is undeniable, chances are you will get some recognition. Such is the case for Portland, Oregon indie outfit Weinland. Led by John Adam Weinland Shearer, Weinland chart their course through the americana, folk, and alt-country musical landscapes. If you can imagine Neil Young doing his best Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) imitation, you are closely approaching the sound of Weinland. La Lementor was Weinland's first LP and was released in early 2008 to outstanding reviews. Their second album, Breaks In The Sun, is out now and is also very highly recommended.

Ironically, my brother Chip and his wife Audrey just had the opportunity to catch Weinland live in downtown Portland at the Muddy Boot Organic Festival. Sounds like fun and something my wife would have really enjoyed too (keyword: organic)! Maybe Chip and/or Audrey will let us know more about Weinland's show at the festival.

Here is the exceptional first track from Breaks In The Sun:

Weinland - Sunken Eyes

Finally, here is a video of them playing "God Here I Come" live from their album La Lamentor. I chose this video because it displays both the band chemistry and the humorous side of lead singer Adam Shearer.

A.A. Bondy - "I Can See The Pines Are Dancing"

Continuing in the singer-songwriter vain, another artist that is frequenting my speakers of late is A.A. Bondy. On his second album, When The Devil's Loose (released on 9/1), A.A. Bondy continues the rootsy/alt country style of his first album, American Hearts. Although Bondy, in my opinion, is reminiscent of an early Ryan Adams, his songs tend to be slow, or more accurately, unhurried and deliberate. This is not a negative as the words and emotions in each song are fleshed out and clearly evident. I'm fairly certain if you give a listen, you won't be disappointed.



Here is one of the faster songs from When The Devil's Loose:

A.A. Bondy - I Can See The Pines Are Dancing


Also, an excellent cut from his first album, American Hearts:

A.A. Bondy - There's A Reason

 

Langhorne Slim

Do you all know Langhorne Slim? I am wondering how I could just now be discovering this guy. Just heard his new song (from his upcoming and newest album), "I Love You, But Goodbye". This folk singer was born as Sean Scolnick and is originally from Langhorne, Pennsylvania (near Trenton, NJ). Pretty sweet name and one that sticks. It reminds me of another guy they called 'Slim' who I got to see play with Portland's Pagan Jug Band. Anyway, Langhorne's songs sunk their teeth into me from the beginning. He reminds me of a mix of Josh Ritter and a little-know artist from Montana named Aaron Parrett. Great songwriting with a nice blend of sounds and instruments.

Langhorne Slims newest album, Be Set Free, releases on September 29th.

Here is the video for his newest song, "I Love You, But Goodbye":



Here is one of the excellent songs from his 2008 self-titled album, "Restless":


Langhorne Slim - Restless

Obscurity Observed: Henry Pedro

Today I am starting a new section called Obscurity Observed. My aim in these posts is to reveal songs/artists long since forgotten, 1000's of miles off the radar, or just entirely under-appreciated. One of my thrills in regards to music, is hearing old and yet timeless stuff that is atypical of your run-of-the-mill classic genres.

With that said, I will break in this section with a song from Henry Pedro. I first heard this song on xm radio and it immediately stood out. After searching and searching, I do not know anything about this guy they call Henry. I do know this...Almost immediately, the song sparks memories of finding some unknown artist's record in my parent's cabinet, dropping it onto that old RCA record player, and hearing the scratches as the needle cuts its way across songs that will forever be etched in my mind.



So here is the song, "Midnight Sun" by Henry Pedro:

Henry Pedro - Midnight Sun

J. Tillman - "Year In The Kingdom"

One of the better singer-songwriters I have discovered in the last year, J. Tillman, also happens to be the drummer for indie favorite, Fleet Foxes. Yet in listening to his solo albums, it becomes quickly evident that songwriter he was first. J. Tillman returns with his fifth album, Year In The Kingdom, due for release in September. In comparing the few new songs I have heard to his last album, Vacilando Territory Blues, the sound has improved and his excellent voice stands out all the more. J. Tillman's music is most appreciated in a quiet setting coming through a nice pair of speakers or headphones. This guy has some talent and will most likely garner some much deserved attention for Year In The Kindgom.

Take a listen to the title track, "Year In The Kingdom":


J. Tillman - Year In The Kingdom

The Cave Singers - "At The Cut"

It has been over 5 weeks since my last post so it is high time we get back to some good indie music!

















 


Here is a brand new song from Seattle indie folk band, The Cave Singers. The song is "At The Cut" and is from there newest album, Welcome Joy, which was released on August 18th. Often described as a type of neo-folk, The Cave Singers' songs build upon themselves: simple guitar work and drums combined with unique and often intensifying rhythms make for a very interesting listen. It is certainly a group to check out if you are not familiar. I have my brother to thank for introducing me to The Cave Singers.


So take a listen and enjoy!


The Cave Singer - At The Cut

Bibio - "Ambivalence Avenue"

When I have the fortune of chancing upon very innovative artists such as Bibio, I am thankful for the indie music blogging world in which we live.

Bibio is the recording moniker for England music producer, Stephen Wilkinson. Bibio's fifth album, Ambivalence Avenue, was released on June 22nd. So very idiosyncratic and diverse, Bibio's sound defies classification. The best way to describe it from what I have heard is a style that slants towards a fusion of electronic and folk music. Although you can find Bibio listed under the genre folktronica in Wikipedia, I'm not a huge fan of classifying, er, pigeon-holing artists. Regardless of what you call it, the music being generated by Bibio is impressive. One of Bibio's central influences is experimental electronica band, Boards of Canada. If you are familiar with Boards of Canada, you will certainly hear similarities in the sounds Bibio incorporates. But further than just this resemblance, Bibio has developed a distinct style by combining field recordings, found sounds, electronically tailored guitar melodies, and monotonous synthesizer sounds. He also does sing and it fits wonderfully with the nature of this album.

Bibio's love for sound and noise led him to the study of Sonic Arts at the University of London and ultimately to an unparalleled way of shaping music. Do not miss Ambivalence Avenue!

The first song on the album is title track, "Ambivalence Avenue". Upon first listen I was immediately engaged, and the momentum carries through the rest of this exceptional album.


Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Driving to work this morning, I heard a sweet song on sirixmu by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros called "Janglin". This sparked a memory of a March NPR podcast in which they reviewed the days spent at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. It was during this podcast that they significantly hyped Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros. So I quickly typed (not while driving) the band's name into The Hype Machine and came across an even better song called "40 Day Dream". To this point, I don't know a lot about them except that they are led by IMA Robot's Alex Ebert. What I do know is that the music is seriously infectious. Reminds me of a mix of Gnarls Barkley and Arcade Fire. Can't stop listening to these songs!

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros have an EP out now entitled Here Comes. Their full length debut, Up From Below, comes out on July 14th.

Here are the two great songs I mentioned above.


Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - 40 Day Dream

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Janglin

The Low Anthem - "To Ohio"

On The Low Anthem's third album, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, this Providence, Rhode Island outfit cover an impressive gamut in terms of both style and instruments. The music is a broad brush of Americana, with harmonious folk songs reminiscent of Fleet Foxes ('To Ohio', 'Charlie Darwin') and Appalachian style stomp songs you might have heard during the Civil War era ('Home I'll Never Be', 'The Horizon Is A Beltway'). Whether the songs are trickling gently or erupting there is no shortage of instruments employed. From banjo to mandolin, tongue drum to Tibetan singing bowl, every device enriches the listening experience. Despite the diversity of the songs, Oh My God, Charlie Darwin has a beautiful flow that is more fully realized with each repeated listen. On Oh My God, Charlie Darwin, this trio that makes up The Low Anthem continues to lay the groundwork for what I expect will be an exceptional future.


















Here is one of the best tracks on the album 'To Ohio':

The Low Anthem - To Ohio

The Gaslight Anthem - 'The '59 Sound'

The Gaslight Anthem is a band that is most certainly on the rise. They hail from New Jersey which also happens to be home to one of rock's greatest icons, Bruce Springsteen. However, it appears that this is more than just a fun fact when the band describes their sound as "Bruce Springsteen singing for a Cure cover band, with a tinge more aggression." As someone who acquired a deep passion for The Boss while growing up, I can certainly hear his influence in the music of The Gaslight Anthem. I also hear a touch of Arcade Fire in their sound. Considering The Gaslight Anthem to be a mix of these distinct but brilliant artists is no knock in my book. I guess the only question that remains is will my 2 year old son find this song as danceable as he did 'House of Mirrors' by Doves.

Their second album, The '59 Sound, released in August of last year.

Here is the video for the title track. The mp3 version of the song is directly below the video.





The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

New Doves - "Kingdom of Rust"

One of the most under-appreciated bands to come out of the UK are England's own Doves. They steadliy follow in the wake being left by fellow UK bands Radiohead and Coldplay. Yet what separates them is their distinct blend of atmospheric sounds and melody. The environment their music creates puts you in almost a magical place.

It seems like another lifetime when I initially heard their first album, Lost Souls, in 2000. However, with their exceptional and incomparable sound, I clearly recall being convinced that they would be a band to watch as the years marched on.

Nine years and three albums later Doves have added another outstanding LP to their repertoire in Kingdom of Rust. I had been passing up this album for a couple months and my avoidance is now proving to be one of ignorance. The more I listen to Kingdom of Rust, the higher it ascends my 'Best of 2009' list.

Here are two excellent songs from Kingdom of Rust:

Doves - Kingdom of Rust

Doves - House of Mirrors

Ears, Just Hear: The National - "So Far Around The Bend"

The National - So Far Around The Bend

Questions Inspired By Song (Jason Lytle)

What if you were in a deep hole? What if you could hear the world moving around you but the world could not hear you? What if you sat in this hole and didn’t even try to get out? What if the birds could see you sitting in this hole? If these birds could talk, what would they say to you as you remained in this hole?

Listen to this new song by Jason Lytle (former lead singer of Grandaddy).


Jason Lytle - Birds Encouraged Him



















What walls have been built around yourself? Have these walls made you blind and deaf to certain truths about life? Are you alone strong enough and brave enough to scale these walls? What fears and doubts keep you inside this 'man hole'? What glimpses of yourself are you terrified to reveal? What would happen if you finally unveiled it all?

Who is going to raze these walls for you?

New Magnolia Electric Co. - "Josephine"

Somewhere along my musical journey, my Neil Young phase went from cool to perhaps cliche'. When Pearl Jam and Nirvana reigned during my college years, listening to Neil Young was another way to showcase to your friends a prowess of all things grunge. However, the coolness faded and his music became part of your typical playlist that can be heard on any Classic Rock radio station. Listening to Neil Young will never have the same impact on my ears as it did in the early 90's.

I mention this because Jason Molina, singer-songwriter and frontman of Magnolia Electric Co, has a voice and musical style which is eerily similar to Neil Young's. Before you assume that this would negatively affect my thoughts of Jason Molina, realize that it works in the exact opposite way. Jason Molina has always remained a very unique and ever-evolving artist. Yet, like with any good artist, the sound is always clearly identifiable as Jason Molina. Whether recording as Magnolia Electric Co. or formerly as Songs:Ohia, the fact remains that Jason Molina is a prolific songwriter who has a first-rate ability to blend the styles of lo-fi, folk, and alt-country. It is music that continues to provide the listener with added details on each successive listen. In 15 years, I foresee my ears still craving Jason Molina's music.















The new Magnolia Electric Co. album comes out in July and is titled Josephine. Here is the title track.


Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine

The Wooden Birds

So I am driving home the other day and I hear this song on SiriXM U. The acoustic rhythm is laid back and the singer has a very subtle but cool voice. The steady beat is in no hurry to get anywhere and I don't mind. Part of the chorus is one of those "oh ohhh-oh ohhhh ohhhhhh" that always seem to get me. Right away this song has me hooked. When it was over I was immediately petitioning my brain to remember the band name. OK, I admit, this happens often for me with new music. But with this song my curiosity was very much rapt and I wanted some more. Here is the more:

The band is The Wooden Birds. They are led by singer-songwriter and former frontman of American Analog Set (aka AmAnSet), Andrew Kenny. The song is "Sugar" from their debut album, Magnolia. From The Wooden Birds website, "The arrangements on Magnolia are more vocal and percussion heavy than anything he's done before." This album is a keeper!





















The Wooden Birds - Sugar

New Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks"

One band that continues to impress me more and more is Grizzly Bear. Their last album, Yellow House was an amazing listen and continues to reward to this day. For this reason, I am really anticipating the release of their third full-length album Vectamist.




















The atmospheric nature of the songs is truly something to behold. I would highly recommend a nice set of cans (aka headphones) when listening to Grizzly Bear. Your ears will certainly thank you. Grizzly Bear's genre has been classified as many including lo-fi, anti-folk, and freak-folk. After now hearing three of the songs from Veckatimest, I anticipate this to be high on my list come the end of 2009. Oh by the way, one of the members of Grizzly Bear, Daniel Rossen (songwriting/guitar), is also a member of the excellent band Department of Eagles.

Veckatimest will be released on May 26th. Here is track number two from Veckatimest, "Two Weeks".

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

New Song By Great Lake Swimmers

One of my most anticipated album releases of 2009 is Lost Channels by Great Lake Swimmers. Lost Channels is the 4th full-length record from this Canadian band who craft melodic folk rock songs. I cannot recommend them enough...just superb music all around. A few weeks ago, I posted one of their new songs from the upcoming album. Here is another song from Lost Channels called "Everything Is Moving So Fast".


















Lost Channels will be released on March 31st.

Great Lake Swimmers - Everything Is Moving So Fast

Bon Iver Covers Feist

If you are a fan of Bon Iver, then you will enjoy this. During a recent interview in Austrialia, Justin Veron (aka Bon Iver) covered Feist's song 'The Park'.



















Bon Iver - The Park (Feist cover)

Sweet New Song By Great Lake Swimmers

I just heard a sweet new song by Great Lake Swimmers on SiriXM U. So I just had to share. This is from Great Lakes Swimmers 4th album which will be released at the end of March.

Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling On A Line