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Posts Tagged ‘folk’

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 1 #9

30th Sep 10 (Thu) Leave a comment

One a month in 2010…

Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 is rolling along… This month, it is “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel, featuring Derek’s wife Sandra McCracken.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 1 was part of the Stockholm Syndrome pre-order package, but you can still join in over at the DW store and get the following (plus future releases):

  • January: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
  • February: Coldplay – Fix You
  • March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
  • April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
  • May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
  • June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
  • July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
  • August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby
  • September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence

~Dan – np: Misha Mengelberg – Four in One

Democracy Vol. 1 is the first in a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 12. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 12 months. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 1 #8

16th Sep 10 (Thu) Leave a comment

Sorry for the late post, this came out about a week or so ago, but I’ve been on vacation…

One a month in 2010…

Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 is rolling along… This month, it’s a lush “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles. Excellently recorded and lush… a nice rebound from the Huey Lewis cover from July.

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 1 was part of the Stockholm Syndrome pre-order package, but you can still join in over at the DW store and get the following (plus future releases):

  • January: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
  • February: Coldplay – Fix You
  • March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
  • April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
  • May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
  • June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
  • July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
  • August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby

~Dan – np: KCRW Monring Becomes Eclectic Quadron

Democracy Vol. 1 is the first in a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 12. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 12 months. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 1 #7

26th Jul 10 (Mon) 1 comment

One a month in 2010…

Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 is rolling along… This month, it’s “Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News. It’s a bit loudly mixed and an odd choice of instrumentation, but much less camp and dated than the original; so Derek gets “kudos” from me on that front. :)

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 1 was part of the Stockholm Syndrome pre-order package, but you can still join in over at the DW store and get the following (plus future releases):

  • January: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
  • February: Coldplay – Fix You
  • March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
  • April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
  • May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
  • June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
  • July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love

~Dan – np: Isis – Panopticon

Democracy Vol. 1 is the first in a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 12. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 12 months. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 1 #6

29th Jun 10 (Tue) 3 comments

One a month in 2010…

Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 is rolling along… This month, it’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” by some Irish band.  Derek has a long history of covering U2 in concert… love this acoustic take on a classic. Thanks, Derek!!

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 1 was part of the Stockholm Syndrome pre-order package, but you can still join in over at the DW store and get the following (plus future releases):

  • January: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
  • February: Coldplay – Fix You
  • March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
  • April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
  • May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago
  • June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name

If you missed the Derek & Jennifer Knapp tour, check out my review and photos from the Portland Oregon show at the Aladdin Theater on April 27th.

~Dan – np: Damien Jurado Saint Bartlett

Democracy Vol. 1 is the first in a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 12. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 12 months. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 1 #5

27th May 10 (Thu) 2 comments

One a month in 2010…

Derek Webb‘s Democracy Vol 1 is rolling along… This month, it’s “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens. Not as lush as the original instrumentation, but fantastic nonetheless.  Thanks, Derek!!

For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 1 was part of the Stockholm Syndrome pre-order package, but you can still join in over at the DW store. My plea for Derek to cover Tori Amos’ “Crucify” is likely not gonna happen. Oh well… I like the first five months’ output regardless.

  • January: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
  • February: Coldplay – Fix You
  • March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
  • April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
  • May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago

If you missed the Derek & Jennifer Knapp tour, check out my review and photos from the Portland Oregon show at the Aladdin Theater on April 27th.

~Dan – np: Isis Wavering Radiant

Democracy Vol. 1 is the first in a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.

Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 12. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 12 months. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!

Over the Rhine – Let’s Make a Record

23rd Apr 10 (Fri) 1 comment

From overtherhine.com

Let’s Make a Record!

Thanks for your interest in helping us fund the next Over the Rhine record! We begin recording on Monday, May 17, 2010, in South Pasadena with producer Joe Henry and an amazing group of musicians. We can’t thank you enough for your help.

Please select whatever donation level is a good fit for you.
All donations however small or large are greatly appreciated.
We can’t do it without you.

Gratefully,

Linford and Karin

$15 donation

– beautifully packaged CD with artwork, photos, notes, credits, thank you’s etc, shipped to you 30 days in advance of official release date + a personal “thank you” on the band’s website (updated weekly) + 3 digital bonus tracks + small surprise when CD ships

$50 donation

– all the above + a personal “thank you” included in the album’s artwork + immediate (RIGHT NOW) digital download of nine of the forthcoming album’s unadorned, bare bones demos recorded at Nowhere Farm

$100 donation

– all the above + special “super deluxe” box set version of the album, complete with 180 gram vinyl, CD version described above etc + expanded booklet with additional photos, journal entries, notes etc. (LIMITED EDITION)

Over the Rhine are one of my favorite artists… it’s been a while since their last one (2007’s Trumpet Child).  I dig this new trend in special goodies.  Anyway, if you know of Over the Rhine already, you know you want the Embrace It version. :)  If you don’t know them yet, listen to them at your favorite e-tailer (I’d recommend Films for Radio and Good Dog Bad Dog or Ohio as starting points – all different but gorgeous albums).  You can also listen on MySpace… http://www.myspace.com/overtherhine

For more info on the new record and a few special reunion shows, go to http://www.overtherhine.com/makearecord.php (I wish I still lived in Cincinnati sometimes).

~Dan – np: Derek WebbStockholm Syndrome

Ellery :: This Isn’t Over Yet

13th Apr 10 (Tue) Leave a comment

Ellery‘s newest album, This Isn’t Over Yet, finally has a release date… June 15th.

1. Where It’s Going (streaming)

2. Happy

3. Oh No

4. What I Need

5. Pieces

6. Lay Your Head Down

7. Blame Me

8. Christopher

9. Someone To Say It To

10. All

11. Ways To Go

If you didn’t do the Ellery Stimulus Package last year, you can pre-order either the digital or the CD version over at Bandcamp.

~Dan – np: Jeanne CherhalCharade

Sufjan Stevens & Celldweller news

12th Aug 09 (Wed) 1 comment

So, I’d have posted about this sooner (Monday), but I’m less enthused about it, as Sufjan Stevens is not making his way out of the East & Midwest… this were one of those times, I wish I lived in Cincinnati, as I’d hit 2-3 of these shows…

Oh, but wait, there’s a Portland date!!!

Damn… Portland, Maine… not Oregon… :(

Sufjan Stevens & Cryptacize Tourdates
(from Pollstar as of today)

  • Mon 09/21/09 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
  • Tue 09/22/09 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
  • Wed 09/23/09 – Ithaca, NY – Castaways
  • Thu 09/24/09 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
  • Fri 09/25/09 – Pontiac, MI – Pike Room
  • Sat 09/26/09 – Champaign, IL – High Dive
  • Sun 09/27/09 – Minneapolis, MN – The 400 Bar
  • Mon 09/28/09 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
  • Tue 09/29/09 – Bloomington, IN – Buskirk-Chumley Theater
  • Thu 10/01/09 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
  • Fri 10/02/09 – Montreal, QC – Scene Cabaret
  • Sat 10/03/09 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall
  • Sun 10/04/09 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
  • Mon 10/05/09 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
  • Tue 10/06/09 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall Of Williamsburg
  • Wed 10/07/09 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall Of Williamsburg

So, I guess some Sufjan activity is better than no Sufjan activity.  Also, over on blackbookmag, they received a pre-release copy of Sufjan’s The BQE CD/DVD package…

It’s out on October 20th.  It’s not available for pre-order… yet…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So, the other news…

Information on Celldweller‘s next album, Wish Upon a Blackstar, is being leaked purposefully by Klayton himself.  Here’s the album cover for Chapter 1

Over on Klayton’s blog, you can listen to a streaming sample of “Hit Me.”  I like the cover.  It kinda of reminds me of this, though…

~Dan – np: Dream TheaterMaster of Puppets

Ellery, Peter Mulvey, My Brightest Diamond

28th Mar 09 (Sat) Leave a comment

A trio of new music news…

Cincinnati lush-pop/folk duo Ellery is hitting the studio soon with Malcolm Burn (http://www.malcolmburn.com). Malcolm is a Grammy-winning producer who has worked with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Kaki King, Rachel Yamagata, Sarah McLachlan, Gillian Welch, Ryan Adams, and more.  This will be their follow-up to the fantastic debut, Lying Awake from 2007.  They’ve got a special “help them make a record” thing going on at ellerystimulus.com.  I’ve plunked down my cash… wish I got to see them as often as when I lived in Cincinnati, but regardless I’m glad they’re hitting the studio again.

For more info on Ellery…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Milwaukee/Boston singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey is putting the finishing touches on his next album, Letters from a Flying Machine.  Of the glut of singer-songwriters, Peter has a place in my heart (and ears).  He’s entertaining, intriguing, great storyteller, and a great sense of humor. If you’ve never heard of him… do yourself a favor, and hear of himhttp://myspace.com/petermulvey

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The third installment of My Brightest Diamond‘s A Thousand Shark Remixes is hitting iTunes on Tuesday, March 31st.  It’s remixed by Roberto C. Lange.  Remix EP #1 (by Alfred Brown) and #2 (by Son Lux) were pretty tasty.  EP #4 (by DM Stith) should be out in a few months, and all four will be made available on a physical CD with likely some tasty packaging.  Maybe vinyl, too… but that’s just me throwing a marble in the rumor mill.

~Dan – np: Brown Wing OverdriveESP Organism

Flight of the Conchords – 2nd season premiere (online)

18th Dec 08 (Thu) 1 comment

 The first episode of the second season of the New Zealand comedy Flight of the Conchords has premiered a month early on Funny or Die.

From Paste:

In the second season opener, Bret and Jemaine are quick to fire their affable manager, Murray. After the addition and swift subtraction of a new band member last season, Murray has spent much of his time with the Flight of the Conchords reject, who formed a new and rather popular band that Murray manages, Crazy Dogs. But the boys bounce back, scoring a job writing a jingle for a women’s-only organic toothpaste. In a Conchord first, Murray sings a solo ditty after Jemaine and Bret leave his (brand new, huge!) office. The tune is pretty painful, but overall the episode is predictably hilarious considering the very talented sources.

The show returns to the regular airwaves on HBO on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. EST, but you can watch it now at Funny or Die (click link below):

FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS – SEASON 2 PREMIERE

~Dan – np: AuragamiEsoteric

http://www.myspace.com/auragami

Clare & the Reasons – Daytrotter Session

14th Dec 08 (Sun) Leave a comment

Brooklyn-based French-pop group Clare & the Reasons came through the Daytrotter studios (likely recorded around the same time as My Brightest Diamond, as they were on tour together).  Four songs, in-studio for FREE

http://daytrotter.com/article/1520/clare-and-the-reasons

1) Pluto 2) Alphabet City 3) Can Your Car Do That? I Don’t Think So 4) Everybody Wants to Rule the World [Tears for Fears cover]

If you like what you hear, check more out on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/claremuldaur

Past Daytrotter Sessions I’ve blogged about (and dug):

~Dan – np: John ZornThe Crucible (with Mike Patton, Joey Baron, Trevor Dunn & Marc Ribot)

My Brightest Diamond – Daytrotter Session

8th Dec 08 (Mon) Leave a comment

Brooklyn-based pop-stress My Brightest Diamond (aka Shara Worden) came through the Daytrotter studios for a 2nd go round.  Four songs, in-studio for FREE

http://daytrotter.com/article/1515/my-brightest-diamond-encore-session

1) From the Top of the World 2) Inside a Boy 3) Apples 4) The Gentlest Gentleman

If you like what you hear, she’s got some great albums on Asthmatic Kitty Records.

Past Daytrotter Sessions I’ve blogged about (and dug):

~Dan – np: NoctalucaStill the Wicked Rest

Damien Jurado – Daytrotter Session

5th Dec 08 (Fri) 5 comments

Seattle-based singer-songwriter Damien Jurado has a Daytrotter Session up now… four songs, in-studio for FREE

http://daytrotter.com/article/1512/damien-jurado

1) Dimes 2) Everything Trying 3) Gillian Was a Horse 4) Ohio

If you like what you hear, he’s got some great albums on Sub Pop & Secretly Canadian Records.

Past Daytrotter Sessions I’ve blogged about (and dug):

~Dan – np: Geologic Podcast #93

Ani DiFranco’s iTunes Originals session

18th Nov 08 (Tue) Leave a comment

Ani DiFranco unexpectedly showed up in my weekly iTunes email this morning.  I love the iTunes Originals series… it’s a good mix of interviews, album tracks, and in-studio iTunes exclusives.  Well, Ani’s got one out as of today (11/18/08).

$9.99 for 24 tracks (includes interviews).  Just do a search for “Ani DiFranco iTunes originals” in… um… iTunes… duh!  I’d post a direct link, but apparently those are local drive-specific.

~Dan

Ani DiFranco on Daytrotter

22nd Sep 08 (Mon) 1 comment

Ani DiFranco‘s got song songs up on the good ol’ Daytrotter Sessions… Four songs, live in-studio… FOR FREE.  Her new album comes out in about a week (Red Letter Year due out 9/30).

Go here for the free music:
http://daytrotter.com/article/1432/ani-difranco

1) Present/Infant 2) Coming Up 3) Subdivision 4) The Atom

http://www.rightesousbaberecords.com/
http://myspace.com/anidifranco

Past Daytrotter Sessions I’ve blogged about (and dug):

~Dan – np: George CarlinIt’s Bad For Ya

Greydon Square, Ani DiFranco & Steven Wilson

7th Aug 08 (Thu) 2 comments

Atheist rapper Greydon Square comes back strong on his latest album, The CPT Theorem. This is his third album, though his debut (Absolute from 2004) is long out-of-print… so it’s only the 2nd album of his that I am lucky to own. His album The Compton Effect was one of my favorite albums in 2007. This album branches out more beyond the primarily atheist lyrics, more about his life and other topics (to some extent). I’m on my 2nd time through, and I’m diggin’ it. Fav track thus far… “Cubed.” The album is on some internet stores, specifically iTunes. Give it a listen… as well as his last one (The Compton Effect), too…

In non-atheist rap news, Ani DiFranco‘s got a new song posted to her MyScpae page*. The song is called “Smiling Underneath.” I dig its more “band-oriented” sound. Her new (20th studio) album, Red Letter Year, comes out on 9/30/08.

Yep, 20 albums in, what, 18-19 years?!  Crazy… but I dig just about all of ’em.

Regarding Porcupine Tree frontman Steven Wilson, of whom I posted a news bit 2 weeks or so ago, there’s a YouTube trailer for his upcoming solo album, Insurgentes:

Coming up this weekend for me… King’s X and Extreme playing on the same stage. Woot! How’s that for diverse music in one post: atheist rap, hipster folk, progressive rock, the founders of grunge, and a hair band. :)

~Dan – np: JudeCuba

*MyScpae is a new networking site for people who can’t tuckin’ fype.

Ani DiFranco – Red Letter Year (9/30/08)

22nd Jul 08 (Tue) Leave a comment

This just in from Righteous Babe Records

Ani’s last album was released in 2006, which kinda feels like a decade ago, given her tendency to spoil us with an album (or two) a year. But never fear, DiFrancolytes, for a brand new Ani record will be released on September 30, 2008.

It’s called Red Letter Year, and it’s more than worth the wait. These 12 songs have benefited from a couple years of tender loving care, under the watchful eye of Ani and her co-producer/partner Mike Napolitano. And if you’ve caught an Ani show recently, chances are you’ve been treated to a couple of ’em. This is focused, layered, joyful music, starring the Little Folksinger, her inventive three-piece band and a cavalcade of guest musicians.

“I feel like I’m back again,” Ani shares. “I’m out in the world and back in my happy self, ready to have a party.

“Come September, she’ll be passing out the ultimate party favor: Red Letter Year.

Be on the look out for updates concerning the new release, such as new tracks, photos, and videos, all to be posted right here and on the rest of the interweb over the next few weeks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now she’s at 9.38 months between CD releases (and 6.62 months between releases if you count the “official bootlegs”). Yep… she’s prolific (and I’m an accountant). :)

Well, it’s off on “vacation” for me… have fun. I won’t be posting until probably Sunday the 27th, and that’s only if there’s some cool music news…

~Dan – np: Ani DiFrancoLittle Plastic Castle

REVIEW: Ani DiFranco @ McDonald Theatre (Eugene, OR – – 4/16/08)

17th Apr 08 (Thu) 4 comments

Wow… great show last night from Ani and her compadres…

The opener was poet Judy Grahn‘s spoken word to beats and such from Animal Prufrock (formerly of Bitch & Animal) and guitarist Anne Carol. They played about 35-40 minutes. The songs/poems they played are presumed to be something along the lines of…

  • Bowls
  • Emotional Boner
  • Vampires
  • Mental
  • Love Me
  • The Forest
  • Bledsung
  • (unknown)
  • Walk & Taxi Back (my favorite of their set)

Ani DiFranco came around 9pm, played for just over an hour and a half. The background was really cool (but simple). It was a big curtain with different colored lights. McDonald Theatre didn’t seem to pull this out for That1Guy & Buckethead last month… alas, it was nice for Ani’s backdrop.

The last few times that I’d seen her, she only had bass accompaniment from Todd Sickafoose (who has not one but two nice jazz recordings). This time, she also had Allison Miller on drums and Mike Dylan (or Dillon) on xylophone (or was it a vibraphone?) and bongos.

Set list:

  • Shy
  • Half-Assed
  • Not a Pretty Girl
  • Swim
  • Lag Time
  • Decree
  • Napoleon
  • As Is (a favorite of the night)
  • Subdivision (a favorite of the night)
  • Here For Now
  • Swan Dive (a favorite of the night)
  • Fire Door
  • Anticipate
  • The Atom (new song, presumed title)
  • Alla This / Bankroll (new song, two titles floating around the internets)
  • In the Way
  • Shameless (a favorite of the night)
  • Encore: Gravel
  • Hypnotized

Eight times in eight years… it’s a good annual (or so) tradition to see Ani at work. The new songs seemed familiar; so perhaps she played them last year on tour, too. I look forward to her next album, which is probably “due” in 55 days based on the scientifically syncronized Ani DiFranco album gestation calendar (currently 9.16 months per Ani release, and 6.46 months if the “official bootleg” live albums are brought into the mix)*.

~Dan – np: klezmer podcast no. 33 (here)

*- Go on, tell yourself that I’m making these numbers up. The sad truth. I’m not.

mini-REVIEW: Over the Rhine @ Doug Fir Lounge (Portland, OR – – 9/15/07)

16th Sep 07 (Sun) 2 comments

Great show last night (my 50th). Set not-unlike Seattle. “And Can it Ever Be” was great (don’t know how I missed that when glancing at the Seattle setlist). “Don’t Wait for Tom” also excellent (my fav of the night). “Ohio” was actually quite a good version, and I don’t really prefer that song… so something was up. Linford’s very walking/bouncy bass on “Orphan Girl” was cool… and he seemed to be having fun playing while standing up. smile.gif The venue (Doug Fir) is also neato. I was bummed because I missed The Album Leaf & Under Byen there in July, but it’s nice to know a great venue like that is only 1.5 to 2 hours away.

~Dan