Certain Songs

Vic Chestnutt's music is nothing if not introspective. Chestnutt's records are not your typical party fare, to be sure. They seem to be best listened to alone, preferably late at night, preferably in a candle lit room. OK, that may be a bit much, but the latest album from the veteran singer/songwriter is definitely one you need to soak in for awhile to really appreciate all of it's beauty. The songs creep along at their own pace, building at just the right moment, then letting you down gently again. Do yourself a favor and clear some time for 'At The Cut', it's sparse, gorgeously gloomy tone will absolutely fit into one of these October nights we have ahead of us.


* 'Flirted With You All My Life' MP3

On this their third studio album, 'In This Light And On This Evening, UK band Editors sound more like Joy Division than EVER to me. And that isn't a bad thing. I mean dark is what they do best, and to be honest, I would be a little freaked out and a LOT disappointed to get a new Editors album with sunshiney pop tunes on it.

The new record comes out on October 12th...here is the title track to preview.


* 'In This Light On And This Evening' MP3

Oh, Hope Sandoval. One of my very first rock n roll crushes. That slow, sultry voice coupled with her pale skin and long black hair...so smitten was I from the first time I saw the 'Fade Into Me' video. Her output since the Mazzy Star days has been sporadic at best, but the quality has never waivered.

She is back with her side project Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, which this time around is just Sandoval herself and former My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig. The two have teamed up for a beautiful, brooding album full of Hope's trademark deliberate vocal deliveries.

Here is one of my favorites from the new album, and an old Jesus And Mary Chain song that Sandoval adds guest vocals to...one of my all time favorites.

* Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - 'For The Rest Of Your Life' MP3


* Jesus And Mary Chain - 'Sometimes Always' MP3

Iain Archer, a former writer of songs for Snow Patrol, has just released a brand new solo album called 'To The Pine Roots.' I believe that album came out last year actually, but it has just made its way to my ears. The Irish singer/songwriter may not have as strong a voice as his fellow countrymen and troubadours Damien Rice and Glen Hansard, but his sound still has a certain charm to it. Here is one of my favorite tracks...enjoy.


* 'Songbird' MP3

I heard this song a few weeks ago on NPR's All Songs Considered and have been meaning to share it ever since. Harper Simon is the son of legend Paul Simon and his first wife, and he is releasing his self-titled debut album on October 13th. The first single, 'Shooting Star' is a gorgeous tune that has me dying to get my ears on the rest of the record! Enjoy.


* 'Shooting Star' MP3

This is why I love tribute albums. Any time a bunch of my favorite artists lend their talents in an attempt to shed some light on a songwriter they feel worthy, I take notice. The singer/songwriter in this case is Mark Mulachy, former lead singer of 80's band Miracle Legion. I can honestly say that I had never heard of Mr. Mulachy or any of his songs before reading about this record a month or so ago, so it was a joy to get to hear all of these songs for the first time. There are outstanding covers in this collection by Ben Kweller, The National, Thom Yorke, Hayden, and many more...it's really an awesome introduction to the man and his music and makes for a marvelous record.

Here are a couple of my favorites from the album...


* 'Everything's Coming Undone' - Michael Stipe


* ' Ciao My Shining Star' - Unbelievable Truth

I love those moments when you are out and about, ipod in ear, and the song that starts up just happens to sync perfectly with whatever sort of scene you find yourself in at that particular time...had a great one Friday night.

I was driving down the main drag of Ohio State's campus, a place where I spend a good part of my formative years,scholastically and other ways, noticing how completely different the place looked from when I went to school. None of the same bars, hardly any of the same hang out spots...all way too new, and way too shiny...and this song came on. Perfect.


* 'Micah P Hinson - 'The Times They Are A Changin' MP3

If you have stumbled across this blog before, you probably know that I am a big fan of Thao And The Get Down Stay Down. Thao Nguyen writes such quirky cool, incredibly catchy songs that always make for fun records. Her latest, 'Know Better Learn Faster' is fantastic. I have listened to noting else today, and at this point, I think I may just make it officially Get Down Stay Down Sunday.

The record comes out October 13th.


* 'When We Swam' MP3

The London band Fanfarlo have been on my list of stuff to listen to for weeks now...it's a long list. I am not complaining, I mean it's a great time to be a music geek, it's just that it takes to time to actually sit down and really listen to records. And really listen is just what I have done all morning with Fanfarlo's 'Reservoir' album.

Big, exuberant, anththemic folk rock songs abound on this album. Their lives show have to be so cathartic, I mean these lyrics are meant to be screamed out loud with hundreds of your new closest friends. This may be my favorite debut album of the year. Love at first listen.


* 'Comets' MP3

You can count on one hand the bands from my hometown of Columbus,Ohio that have had any sort of real impact on the music scene, either commercially or creatively. I think OAR is from here, but we don't like to claim them, so we must - for now - pin our hopes and dreams on Times New Viking and all of their beautiful noise.

The new record is called 'Born Again Revisited' and it is more lo-fi, fuzzed out, noisy bliss. Here is one of the more infections tunes on the album...enjoy.


* 'Those Days' MP3

The only real constant is change...and with that I was bored to death with my drab looking blog, so I injected some white into it...still working the kinks out(lke I don't think those 'undefined,undefined,undefined' messages are supposed to be there...but i sort of like it. Totally fits the theme of indecision that is my life!

* The Velvet Underground - 'White Light, White Heat' MP3

WE WORK AT THE SAME PLACE - m4m - 35 (FRANTZ RD)
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Date: 2009-09-24, 12:58PM EDT
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I KNOW THAT THIS IS NO THE RIGHT WAY BUT REALLY I HAVE TO TRY ..
WE WORK IN THE SAME PLACE FOR THE SAME COMPANY ..YOUR DESK IS A COUPLES FEET FROM ME BUT I DONT KNOW IF YOU LIKE THE SAME THAT ME ..YOUR CAR IS SILVER AND YOU DRESS VERY NICE EVERY DAYS BUT IS AMAZING HOW YOU LOOK IN YOUR BLACK PANTS ..I NOTICE COUPLES TIME THAT YOU LOOK AT ME AND I GET SO NERVOUS THAT I TRUN ME FACE TO THE OTHER WAY ...I'M NOT EXPECTING THAT YOU SEE THIS AD ...BUT IF YOU SEE THIS LET ME KNOW ..I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOU BETTER ... YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN IS BLUE

******

Your computer screen is blue????


* The Jayhawks - 'Blue' MP3

This J Tillman record, 'Year In The Kingdom', has been in heavy rotation for me this week. His stripped down brand of melodic melancholy seems to fit perfectly with gray skies and the falling leaves of Autumn. Beautiful stuff.


* 'Marked In The Valley' MP3

I think the mixtape was invented for guys like me.

This Viva Voce song just popped up via the shuffle...and I had to post it. Enjoy.


* 'Mixtape = Love" MP3

The darlings of folk rock and indie cinema, the Swell Season, are back already with a brand new album. 'Strict Joy' the band's second features more of the beautiful harmonies between Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Sadly, the couple have split in real life, but we will always have the records of course, and 'Once.'

The record hits stores on Oct 27.


* 'In These Arms' MP3

GIRL WITH THE SCAR ON HER FACE - m4w - 25 (Delaware Meijers)
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Date: 2009-09-22, 11:39PM EDT

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I SAW YOU IN THE CHIPS SECTION,
YOU BLEW MY MIND.
I THOUGHT MAYBE YOU LOOKED AT ME A FEW TIMES. YOU SMILED ONCE, AND I
COULDNT HELP BUT LAUGH.
YOU MADE A FACE AND WALKED AWAY.
I FELT SO DUMB.
GIVE ME ANOTHER CHANCE.

MEIJERS CHIP SECTION FRIDAY NIGHT AT 8PM?

******

Again, I am probably THE worst person to be giving any sort of romantic advice, but something tells me calling your hopeful future love "THE GIRL WITH THE SCAR ON HER FACE" may not be making the best first impression...just something to think about.


* Pavement - 'Loretta's Scars' MP3

'The Treatment' is the brand new record from Indiana band Early Day Miners. If you aren't familiar with EDM, you should get acquainted. The band's core three members are Daniel Burton, Rory Leitch, and Joseph Brumley, but are joined by an everchanging group of musicians both in the studio and on the road. The band's sound is rural in it's roots, but definitely hard to pigeonhole. With each record(this release is the band's sixth) the band has expanded it's sound, but without ever losing their vision.

Here is one of my favorite tracks off of the new record...enjoy.


* 'In The Fire' MP3

"We're all just following the light of long dead stars"

Such a well written, not to mention heartbreaking, thought on how to look at life.

This beautiful song is available on Sun Gangs, the latest album from The Veils.


* 'Begin Again' MP3

Joshua James is a super talented singer/songwriter originally from Lincoln,Nebraska. I was scouring some reviews over the weekend looking for new stuff and read a couple of positive ones for his sophmore album 'Build Me This' so I gave it a shot...so glad I did.

He writes beautiful songs and puts them together in a most interesting way, musically speaking. I love this way this one builds...enjoy 'Coal War' off of the new record.


* 'Coal War' MP3

the milf next door! - m4w - 18 (johnstown)

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Date: 2009-09-20, 7:35PM EDT

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this is to the milf next door to me. you live right next to me in a duplex in johnstown ohio on drury lane. im the teen guy with the big beard. if you would like to, come over and introduce yourself im there during the day and would love to hang out with you and take care of any needs you might have. wink wink!

• Location: johnstown
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

******

Note to craigslist posters: While trying to score with the 'milf next door', it's PROBABLY a good idea to post a picture in which you are not wielding midieval weaponry. Just a thought.


* Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - 'Weapon Of Choice' MP3

If you like beautifully written, slightly darker-tinged folk, then you may love Fink. Fink is English singer/songwriter Fin Greenall, and I wonder once again why I am so late to the party.I picked up his 'Sort Of Revolution' album this week and I can't stop playing it. This latest record is actually his fourth, so I have a lot of back tracking to do...which should be glorious listening.


* 'Move On Me' MP3

Master, how could you?

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Date: 2009-09-17, 11:58PM EDT

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Maybe I missed something along the way and I wasnt pleasing you and you just didnt correct me and instead, went looking for greener pastures. We have an item for a year now since you pull me into this Gor lifestyle and I must admit, Im hooked. Im hooked to the lifestyle and im hooked to you since you have trained me.

Maybe I should have taken a clue to when you stopped asking me to come to you every day, sometimes more than once a day. It was wrong of me to take pride in the fact that I -thought- I ment something to you.

Maybe I should have cared more when you told me you had found another female to train with me. After all master, I had faith and trust completely in you.

I should have listened to my instincts when you insisted we dont use a condom. I was on birthcontrol and we were supposed to be exclusive with each other, but I had fears and your gentle warning of a punishment if I didnt please you was enough to ease my worries.

Was I wrong.

I have not heard from you in two weeks master. I have tried to call you, but your phone doesnt seem to have service anymore. I hope you are happy with your new pet and I hope you the best, really. you were good to me. I know you read these posts, and I know you will know who I am. You wouldnt go with me for my yearly pap as you have done before and I have news...

I was clean when I got with you master, and now after a year of being yours and yours alone. Somehow I got HPV. You wont take my calls, answer emails or answer your door. This is my "missed connection"

It is out of line for me to post this master, but hopefully you will see it and call me.

******

* Nine Inch Nails - 'Happiness In Slavery' MP3

"True love is not the kind of thing you should turn down..."

The Avett Brothers have the most amazing way of taking such simple statements and making them seem so profound. And they do it in the form of such beautiful songs. I am sitting here listening to the brand new record, and loving it. Considering it is their major label debut, and that it was produced by Rick Rubin, I was really curious to see how this album turned out. It's pure Avett Brothers bliss I am happy to report. First impressions are it's great, but not as great as 'Emotionalism', ...but I put that record on a bit of a pedestal, so yeah..."I And Love And You' is still pretty fantastic.


* The Avett Brothers - 'January Wedding' MP3

The man that walked "two beautiful ladies" home from the Popcorn Fest - w4m (Marion)

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Date: 2009-09-17, 10:51AM EDT

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I know I asked your name a hundred times but I still do not remember it.

Just wanted to thank you for walking us home (well she walked, you practically carried me) to make sure we made it safely. You were such a perfect gentleman. So kind. I just wanted you to know how much we appreciated your kindness and thoughtfulness. Again. Thank You Very Much.

******

I have SO many questions...but I will ask just one. How could you actually get THAT tanked at something called The Popcorn Fest????


* Tim Easton - 'Carry Me' MP3

Yay! for Basia Bulat having a brand new record coming out...BOO! that it is not until early next year. But she was kind of enough to share at least one track from the forthcoming 'Heart Of My Own'...enjoy 'Gold Rush'.

* 'Gold Rush' MP3


AND...because it is so short and I just can't stop my self from posting it...one from her glorious 2007 album 'Oh My Darling'

* 'Before I Knew' MP3

* Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - 'Puff The Magic Dragon' MP3

I was scanning the upcoming releases today to see what I have to look forward to as the warm days start to slowly die off, and one album more than any other has me really excited. Thao w/ The Get Down Stay Down's 'Know Better Learn Faster.'

I love Thao Nguyen and her way with words...here is a tune off her 2005 'Like The Linen' LP.


* 'Hills' MP3

Montreal band Islands are back already with a follow up to 2008's brilliant 'Arm's Way' with the fortchoming Vapours. More pure indie pop bliss...here is a sneak peak.


* 'Disarming The Car Bomb' MP3

Australia's Dappled Cities have a brand new disc out called Zounds. The album resonates with all of the emotion the band endured duing a period full of turmoil and restlessness, including the departure of a founding member and a big move to New York City. The guys have turned their angst into one heck of a great record.


* 'Stepshadows' MP3

Finally, on Sept 22nd the collective of Jim James,Conor Oberst, M Ward, and Mike Mogis release their long awaited(by me anyway) self-titled record 'Monsters Of Folk.' Giving it my first listen as I type this, and I am loving it.


* 'Dear God(sincerely M.O.F.)' MP3

Oooh, just in time for Autumn, new music from Califone! I am usually not a big fan of experimental stuff, my stupid pop sensibilities are always getting in the way, but something about the haunting, somewhat muted tones of this Chicago band have always gotten through to me. And this new record, slated for an October 6th release, has what will definitely be one of my favorite album titles of 2009 - 'All Of My Friends Are Funeral Singers.'

Enjoy the killer title track...


* 'Funeral Singers' - MP3

As long as artists continue to record cover albums, I will be there to listen. The latest one in my collection comes courtesy of one of my favorite troubadour's, Micah P. Hinson. Hinson covers some heavy hitters here....the Beatles, Elvis, Sinatra, Leadbelly, Cohen.

And, for my dad, the biggest Roy Orbison fan I knew...here is his version of 'Runnin Scared.'


* 'Runnin Scared' MP3

Grant Lee Phillips...i just can't seem to quit you! OK...I have never really tried to quit per se, but it just seems like we go through peaks and valleys. The new record though - 'Little Moon' is pure peak.

Especially this tune...suits that dramatic voice of his oh so well.


* 'Strangest Thing' MP3

There seems to be a theme of impending, inevitable middle-agedness throughout my blog today. So I thought I would finish it off with one more beautiful song about getting older and all that comes with it...


* Mates Of State - 'Blue And Gold Print' MP3

Angela in Pataskala - m4w - 36 (Columbus)

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Date: 2009-09-11, 9:42AM EDT

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I met you almost 18years ago at a party in Hilliard. Though we didn't hang out much I think about you a lot. You were one of the most beautiful women I had ever met.

******

He met her once,18 years ago...at a party. Man, I really want to know the chain of events that led up to him posting this today. Plus, it's an excuse to play some Oakley Hall.



* Oakley Hall - 'Angela' MP3

I have always dug the way Cornershop melded almost perfectly the sounds of British pop with more traditional sounding Indian music. Don't believe me? Here is an awesome cover of a Beatles song sung by band leader Tjinder Singh in his native tounge:

* 'Norwegian Wood' MP3

That tune can be found on the band's 1997 LP 'When I Was Born For The Seventh Time'...one of my favorites from that year.

The brand new record is a ton of fun. More genre bending in the form of 12 new tracks. Here is the title cut for your listening pleasure...enjoy.


* 'Judy Sucks A Lemon For Breakfast' MP3

Nearly 20 years on, and I still get almost giddy when Pearl Jam releases new music! So, you can imagine what a great start to the weekend it is over here when I got my ears on 'Backspacer' this morning. I am 100% not objective when it comes to Pearl Jam's music, so a review from me will do you no good...suffice to say I love it!

Eleven great songs, many of them seeming to be about staring down your own mortality...which as the band (gracefully, I must say) hits their middle age stride, is probably to be expected. Here is one of my favorite tracks on the record...enjoy.


* 'Just Breathe' MP3

Also wanted to pass along another fantastic track off of the latest Jolie Holland album, 'The Living And The Dead.' This record is quickly becoming my favorite ever by her...which is saying a lot, as I love all of her stuff.

Enjoy 'The Future' in all of it's melancholy splendor.


* 'The Future' MP3

Recovering from a long evening of techno stress! I hate that I am so dependent upon computers and rarely smart enough to fix them...quite a cruel twist.

Onward and upward, however, with a little help from the calming tones of the Low Anthem...serenity now.


* 'Charlie Darwin' MP3

Sitting here on this lovely Friday night doing a MASSIVE music make over...because I have no money! So in an attempt to distract myself from this fact, and maybe be a little productive...I am doing a very thorough digital music tune up. Out with the nonsense, grabbing essential stuff that I am embarrassed NOT to have in the collection...just geeking out on the music tip.

While doing this, I think I will share a few favorite songs here on the blog...songs that for whatever reason I haven't posted on this space. First up, the awesome Scottish band My Latest Novel and one killer song off of their 2006 release 'Wolves.'


* 'Sister Sneaker Sister Soul' MP3

The weekend is off to a fabulous start thanks to new music from my lo-fi hero Lou Barlow. He has a brand new solo record coming out called 'Goodnight Unknown'...and I love it. But I am totally biased.

Here is one of my favorite tunes from the new record, followed by my favorite all time Lou song(off of his 'Emoh' record).


* ' Don't Aplogize' MP3


* 'Holding Back The Year' MP3

I have been listening to this Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's(a band fronted by Ima Robot singer Alex Ebert) album for awhile not and I STILL haven't gotten around to posting anything, which is a shame, because it is brilliant. The record is called Up From Below and it is full of wide-eyed folk, tinged with hints of psychedelic and even gospel music...but it is always vibrant. There is such a good energy about this band, and from what I hear their live shows are not to be missed.

Here is one of my favorite tracks off of the record...enjoy.


* '40 Day Dream' MP3

Calypso, the band, are fronted by brothers Sonny and Michael Kilfoyle who are based in Brooklyn now, by way of Boston. So far, they just have an EP called 'Teen Age', available digitally, but hopefully more to come soon.

There is almost a swagger I hear in their music that makes it so infectious. Confidence most definitely rocks...here is a song for you, enjoy.


* 'Casually Sad Mercedes' MP3