I offered a preview of up and coming duo Michigan Rattlers on my most recent mixtape, but their brief, but growing catalog has been on constant replay over the past month or so. “Illinois Sky” and “Sweet Diane” offer up approachable Americana with relatable storytelling reminiscent of Dawes and The Jayhawks. Graham Young and Adam […]
the xx, Fillmore, Detroit, June 2013 Onward and upward with more of my favorite tracks of 2013. #40 Phantogram-Black Out Days Phantogram’s brand of darker indie pop with a touch of hip-hop excelled with Sarah Barthel’s soaring vocals and the swirling abyss of bass and synth. The echo that kicks off “Black Out Days” and reverberates […]
My number one new artist obsession for the month of July has been Joy Kills Sorrow. The Boston-based quintet falls right in line with the wave of banjo/mandolin pop I’ve been enamored with (see The Lone Bellow, Swear and Shake, Punch Brothers, etc.). However, lead singer Emma Beaton brings a freshly enchanting voice to the […]
Brittany from the beloved Alabama Shakes and Ruby Amanfu who sang so greatly on Jack White’s “Love Interruption” couldn’t be a better match. If Jack White is the brainiac who decided they should get together for a special 7 inch covering Rodriguez and Memphis Minnie, he really is a genius. Stream both “I Wonder” and […]
…and the list of great new albums to look forward keeps getting better. LA quartet Dawes is set to release Stories Don’t End, their 3rd album on April 9th. Nothing is Wrong was filled with CSR-influenced country rock and was a highlight of 2011. “From A Window Seat” includes all of the elements that have […]
Of all the instruments I’ve enjoyed over the past few years, the renaissance of the banjo has to be my favorite. More popular bands like Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers were my introduction, but The Giving Tree Band‘s latest song “Cold Cold Rain” is my current favorite use. Handclaps, violin, slide guitar and […]
Toronto folk rock/alt country Great Lake Swimmers are readying the release of New Wild Everywhere (pre-order here) and finally offered up a new single. “Easy Come Easy Go” immediately charms with swaying guitar/strings mixed with lead vocals by Tony Decker and a little help from Miranda Mullholland. Look for their 5th album New Wild Everywhere […]