Archive
2012 mix
Time for this year’s mix CD, except I decided to go CD-free again (like 2011’s mix). It’s still formatted to stay contained on one CD (21 tracks ~79 mins); so if you want to download the whole shebang and burn to a CD – go for it!
Check out prior year-based mixes: 2009 (CD) and 2010 (CD) and 2011 (digital). No major theme this time like some of my prior mixes (4 Elements & A-to-Z mixes)… the only rule I placed before myself was that everything is current (i.e.- released in 2012). A few of the songs were technically released in 2012, but the album will hit in 2013.
This year’s mix ended up poppier and/or melancholier than prior mixes. Sometimes that’s just how things shake out. I hope you enjoy.
The following songs were put on the mix from mostly lossless sources where possible and for promotional purposes only (read: free direct market advertising to people who decidedly love music). Most of the artists on this compilation are independent (put out the music themselves) or signed to smaller, independent labels. If you like what you hear, check out their music / support them with your wallet if you are able. The artists’ Webpage, Facebook, and Amazon links are available for each song below. I’ve also included concert review links if I’ve seen the artist recently.
Download the ZIP File (140M) available *HERE*, extract then drag & drop the mp3 files to your iTunes (or other playback software).
All Songs Streaming Playlist (click arrows to skip back & forth… for individual songs find them below.)
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01 Brian Borcherdt / Dusted “(Into The) Atmosphere” from Total Dust
Brian Borcherdt from Canadian live-electronic band Holy Fuck has done some singer-songwriter-y solo projects in the past, but this album in-between HF albums still held on to some electronics and keys versus the standard acoustic guitar fare. This lo-fi, melodic, and haunting affair hit me well this rainy Oregon fall.
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02 O.S.I. “Wind Won’t Howl” from Fire Make Thunder
The fourth album in the O.S.I. partnership of Kevin Moore (Chroma Key) and Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) isn’t a metal heavy as the other albums. I love how there’s a bit of rock in this track to offset the melancholy delivery of Kevin’s vocals. Guest drummer on the entire album is Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree. The album fits in with what I’d call “glitch prog,” to which Kevin liked my moniker. Organic/real drums cut up electronically alongside with prog rock keys & guitars. This album is easily one of my favorites of 2012.
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03 Peter Mulvey “Egg Radio (instrumental)” from The Good Stuff
04 Peter Mulvey “Green Grass” from The Good Stuff
Peter Mulvey is an American treasure. His lyrical storytelling, guitar prowess, and overall charm and earnestness make him a favorite artists of mine, period. With his recent album, he put together a band and re-purposed others’ music… “new standards” if you will. The instrumental “Egg Radio” is originally penned by jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and “Green Grass” is from Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan.
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05 Levi Weaver “Talk Me Down” from I Am Only A Tiny Noise [EP]
Less than a year ago, I had no idea who Levi Weaver was. I joined a fantasy baseball league online (uncharacteristic of me) and met Levi via that. I had no idea he was a travelling musician until he mentioned on twitter something about a documentary being shot about him (String Theory). Then the cards fell in place for him to play a show at my house, and then I bought and fell in love with all of his records. Such is my musical addiction. Sometimes I luck into gems. Levi put out the Tiny Noise EP in 2012, but I also strongly urge you to check out his earlier work.
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06 Emily Wells “Instrumental (Lolo Remix)” from Mama Remixed
08 Emily Wells “Fire Song (Doctor Rosen Rosen Remix)” from Mama Remixed
Emily spans indie rock, chamber music, and hip-hop near flawlessly (check her cover of the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy“). With her latest album, Mama, she has continued in that vein… and then also released a remix album for free on Soundcloud.
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07 Kim Taylor “Save My Life (demo)” from the forthcoming album Love’s A Dog
Heartfelt Cincinnati singer-songwriter Kim Taylor successfully Kickstarted her forthcoming album. I loved this song so much; so here’s a glimpse in what is to come. Since the Kickstarter is officially done, keep in the loop via her webpage and Facebook for when it’ll hit regular retail outlets in 2013. Also, take a listen to her back catalog… her music has a special place in my heart.
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09 Sufjan Stevens “Alphabet St.” from Silver & Gold: Christmas Infinity Voyage [EP]
Five EPs of Christmas music released this year, and I find a non-holiday-forward Prince cover to break things up on this mix. This song is more indicative of things on The Age of Adz versus the rest of the Christmas EPs. Enjoy! Skip below for the other Sufjan track on my 2012 mix for something different…
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10 Digital Noise Academy “Melting Inside” from the forthcoming album DNA
Way back in 2006, the Los Angeles Digital Noise Academy (LADNA) did a couple of shared tracks… passing around pieces via the internet as they’re all busy musicians in their own rights. Back in those days, there was mention of releasing an album, but nothing ever materialized. Well, in 2012, they changed things up to just DNA and finally had enough momentum to get a Kickstarter going – which succeeded on its 2nd try. The album will come out in 2013. DNA is the cooperative of Ken Andrews (Failure, On, producer/mixer of tons of rock bands), Charlotte Martin (pop singer-songwriter), Sharky Laguana (Creeper Lagoon), Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck & NIN), Fernando Sanchez (popular hired gun), and Jordan Zadorozny (Blinker the Star).
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11 Aimee Mann “Labrador” from Charmer
I don’t have much to say about this song outside of that I love Aimee Mann, and the video for it was a shot-for-shot remake of the “Voices Carry” video from her ‘Til Tuesday days. Wacky and fun!
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12 The Album Leaf “Stretched Home” from Forward/Return [EP]
The Album Leaf is Jimmy LaValle, and he’s had some good success making some great keyboard-driven, organic post-rock. This EP almost escaped me, though, as the word on the street was faint. Jimmy has an upcoming project with Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon); so I guess I’ll have to keep my eyes & ears peeled better!
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13 Damien Jurado “Museum of Flight” from Maraqopa
Damien Jurado is one of those pure songwriters that hits me hard with his lyrics. This song has impacted me a lot this year, and I think I’ve listened to it more than 100 times, which knowing the amount of music I go through each year is saying something. Maraqopa is a gorgeous record, and it will end up high on my list for 2012.
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14 Glen Phillips “Still Carrying You” from Coyote Sessions
Glen Phillips (the voice behind Toad the Wet Sprocket) can bend my ear no matter what he’s doing. His latest self-release, Coyote Sessions (via bandcamp), is full of some old favorites that he’s done for a while in a live setting, but have never made their way onto formal releases. A must purchase for the pop singer-songwriter in me.
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15 Charlie Hunter & Scott Amendola “Not Getting Behind Is The New Getting Ahead” from album of the same name
The ease at which Charlie Hunter plays both the guitar and bass parts on his 8-string guitar makes witnessing him in concert confounding. Fuck that guy! He’s too damn good to be an actual human being. He’s been working with drummer Scott Amendola in several incarnations in the past (trios, quartets). For this recent album and tour, it was just the two of them. Stripped down, yet full of sound. Highly recommended guitar jazz.
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16 Ben Folds Five “Away When You Were Here” from The Sound of the Life of the Mind
One of the saddest days was when I heard that Ben Folds Five broke up. I kind of always hoped they’d get back together, but Ben Folds kept chugging away on his solo stuff… which was excellent, but not… you know, not “the same.” There was a glint of hope a handful of years ago when Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge joined forces with their pianist brother for some live shows. This year, they got back together for real in the studio! They’ll hit the road in early Winter 2013. I’ll be lucky to see them in Portland in February. When I saw them back in the late 90s/early 2000s, they blew me away. Truly a fun band to see live!
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17 Bad Veins “If Then” from The Mess We’ve Made
Cincinnati rock duo Bad Veins should own the world. Their 2nd full length is lush, hooky, and a perfect follow-up to their 2009 debut. With the lushness on this record, Ben & Sebastien are probably giving “Irene,” their reel-to-reel band member, a good workout. Hopefully they buy her new cords and oil her joints in between gigs.
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18 John Zorn “Pathway of Fire” from The Concealed
One of nine releases from John Zorn this year, this album is a jauntier, more accessible jazz compared to some of his other work. I desperately wanted to put on some screeching, grating stuff from Music & Its Double, but I spared you all. I was *that* close to doing it, too. You’re welcome! Anyway, The Concealed album features some excellent packaging – embossed white inks on white digipack with die-cut shapes in the front. Kudos to Tzadik’s designer Chippy for her always stunning work. The music was written by Zorn and performed by the usual suspects in his arsenal – the stellar cast of NYC jazz cats: Joey Baron on drums, Trevor Dunn on bass, Mark Feldman on violin, Erik Friedlander on cello, John Medeski on piano, and Kenny Wollesen on vibes.
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19 Fiona Apple “Werewolf” from The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
It’s Fiona. What can I say? Great standout track on her stupendous new album. There’s “nothing wrong when a song ends in a minor key.”
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20 Sufjan Stevens “Justice Delivers Its Death” from Silver & Gold: Christmas Unicorn [EP]
Sparse acoustic guitar and Sufjan’s angelic voice thrust this song into my head and heart like no other. I take its lyrics as disappointment in the temporary, which can also be a call to do more fruitful things while we’re here. Which I think is good advice for everyone. This song is also not too indicative of most of what you’ll find on the Christmas EPs. I don’t really like Christmas music, but I think Sufjan makes some wonderful art. And, whoa, his concert tour this year was amazing (see review with photos of the Portland/Aladdin show)!!!
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21 Au4 “So Just Hang On, Beautiful One” from the forthcoming album …And Down Goes the Sky
These Canadian soundscapers haven’t released music since 2006. I found them in the halcyon “MySpace days,” if that tells you anything. Their first album (On: Audio) is amazing and textured. Their 2nd album from which this song is from is out now (digitally) with an official release date in 2013. It’s also textured and gorgeous, with a little mixing up on the vocal duties. I’m still digesting it, but I can still very much recommend it!
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Let me know what you think… If you enjoyed what you heard, please support the music. Definitely feel free to pass the link the mix along:
~Dan – np: Au4 – On: Audio
there are no torrents, free mp3 or other downloads available
Guano Padano’s 2 featuring Mike Patton
No word on when this will hit the US market, but Italian band Guano Padano is releasing their 2nd album, 2, on March 13, 2012 (today!). It doesn’t show up in the US Amazon store (yet), but the whole album is streaming on Rolling Stone Italy. The track “Prairie Fire” features Mike Patton on vocals…
~Dan – np: John Zorn & Bobby Previte – Euclid’s Nightmare
Peter Mulvey – new streams from ‘The Good Stuff’
Each day or so, until presumably they’ve all been streamed, Midwest singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey is releasing tracks from his upcoming album, The Good Stuff.
Here’s the first one – “But I Do” a standard written by Bobby Charles & Clarence Henry:
(notice: this is linked from PM’s site & may only be available for a short time)
For further streams, visit: http://www.petermulvey.com/
Pre-ordering of the album will be live the week of March 20th (and it comes out March 27th). He’s in my “buy every time without question” club… a perpetual favorite. Do yourself a solid and add him to your collection!
~Dan – np: John Zorn – Ipsissimus
2011 mix
Time for this year’s mix CD, except I decided to go CD-free this year. It’s still formatted to stay contained on one CD (20 tracks ~77 mins); so if you want to download the whole shebang and burn to a CD – go for it!
Check out 2009’s mix over here and 2010’s mix over here. No major theme this time like some of my prior mixes (4 Elements & A-to-Z mixes)… the only rule I placed before myself was that everything is current (i.e.- released in 2011). This year’s mix ended up mellower than most mixes from me. There are a few rock songs, but whilst re-listening, it’s definitely less rocky. I hope you enjoy.
The following songs were put on the mix from mostly lossless sources where possible and for promotional purposes only (read: free direct market advertising to people who decidedly love music). Most of the artists on this compilation are independent (put out the music themselves) or signed to smaller, independent labels. If you like what you hear, check out their music / support them with your wallet if you are able. The artists’ Webpage, Facebook, and Amazon links are available for each song below. I’ve also included concert review links if I’ve seen the artist recently.
Download the ZIP File (136M) available *HERE*, extract then drag & drop the mp3 files to your iTunes (or other playback software).
All Songs Streaming Playlist (click arrows to skip back & forth… for individual songs find them below. Note: Track 20 has explicit content.)
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01 Puscifer “The Green Valley” from Conditions of My Parole
Tool / A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan makes wine and makes other music in his time off from Tool and APC. I loved Puscifer’s debut and the subsequent EP, but this album tops it all. It’s a brilliant record, recorded in one of his wine cellars with his friends – featuring backing vocals from Carina Round. It’s self-released by Puscifer music with a small distribution partner (available in indie shops, primarily). While there are some rockers (maybe 1/3 of the album), this song is fairly representative of the feel of the album. It’s my #1 album in 2011.
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02 My Brightest Diamond “Be Brave” from All Things Will Unwind
Shara Worden (aka My Brightest Diamond) took some time off since her last album – 2008’s A Thousand Shark’s Teeth. She put out some stunning collaborations in the past three years (including her first kiddo); so the lapse in studio work was a-OK. On this album, Shara teams up with NYC-based ensemble yMusic to create a lush backdrop for her gorgeous voice. It’s my #2 album in 2011. I can’t praise it enough!
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03 Ric Hordinski “My Pretty Bagatelle” from Arthur’s Garden
Guitarist extraordinaire Ric Hordinski (formerly of Over the Rhine – in their rockier days) has been a favorite of mine for a LONG TIME. He’s the kind of guitarist who is subtle and unassuming in his approach, but you end up wracking your brain how he gets such lush and complex sounds out of the frets. This album was part of a Kickstarter campaign, and while the physical manifestation hasn’t hit my mailbox yet, I was happy he sent it out to Kickstarter funders early. It’s such a great record… you can get it now on bandcamp!
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04 Goddamn Electric Bill “Sin” from Jazz
GdEB is the one-man brainchild of Jason Torbert. He hits the spot for organic electronic meets post-rock for me. Ambient at times, melodic other times. His latest work has featured some vocals, but he’s primarily a groove-induced soundscape kind of guy. Chirps and glitches, too. Excellent stuff!
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05 Radiohead “Codex” from The King of Limbs
I could probably put the “indie” icon next to Radiohead, too… I think technically they put TKOL out by themselves. But they’re a huge superpower of a band. I like this record, but I’ll admit that it’s still sinking in… I need to give it some more spins. This album spawned a seven 7″ vinyl remix set. The video for “Lotus Flower” also spawned a silly “Thom Yorke dancing” meme… one of my favorites being the tennis/fish and the “Single Ladies” editions.
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06 Garage A Trois “Assault on Precinct 13” from Always Be Happy, But Stay Evil
Skerik, Stanton Moore, Marco Benevento (who replaced Charlie Hunter) and Mike Dillon make their way through Oregon quite a bit. They are a sight to see – you don’t know exactly what kind of show you’ll get, but it’s definitely a fun time. Fun, groove-oriented “new jazz.”
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07 dredg “The Tent” from Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy
I love this band. I hate the album title, but I love the band. Modern progressive rock, tons of talent, thoughtful lyrics, none of that “prog wankery” that is generally detestable. While it’s hard for them to follow-up the stunning The Pariah The Parrot The Delusion, this new album does a hearty job of maintaining their quality rock standards.
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08 Tres Mts. “Makes Me Feel” from Three Mountains
Supergroup made up of dUg Pinnick of King’s X, Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam, and Richard Stuverud of the Fastbacks. They jangle through about an hour of solid rock tunes… more closely resembling a soulful King’s X trajectory vs. Pearl Jam – mainly due to dUg’s vocal duties. This is a great trio that I hope isn’t a one-off. With King’s X on tour in 2012, I doubt we’ll hear more from Tres Mts for a while, though.
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09 Chamberlain/Krauss/Phelps “Everest” from Modular: Sonic Explorations
Gorgeous soundscapes from Matt Chamberlain, Viktor Krauss, and Dan Phelps. The Modular Project is the collaboration of the aforementioned musicians working together to “discover what the spontaneous and organic manipulation of sound can yield. Inspired by the world around them, they set out to discover what it might sound like when continents shift, clouds form, and roots push through soil.” This track, “Everest,” features one of my favorite cellists – Eyvind Kang (who has worked with Secret Chiefs 3, John Zorn, Bill Frisell, Mike Patton). It’s a great mix of cello, vibes and soaring atmosphere. It’s only available digitally or on vinyl (it’s a luscious triple-gatefold!)…
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10 Jeffrey Foucault “Passerines” from Horse Latitudes
Jeffrey Foucault is a favorite Americana artist that I got turned on to by singer-songwriter/storyteller Peter Mulvey. Jeffrey and Peter work together in the band Redbird (with David Goodrich and Jeffrey’s wife Kris Delmhorst). I didn’t pick up Jeffrey’s albums until the past year and a half. He’s definitely more on the cusp of country than I tend to traverse, but I dig his authenticity, poetic wit and charm. He’s a delight on stage and a fantastic Prine-esque songwriter for the new generation.
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11 Peter Mulvey & David Goodrich “Drumlin Trail” from Nine Days Wonder
Peter Mulvey has toured all over the US and the world for about 2 decades. Some of the first times I saw him in concert, he had “Goody” with him on backing guitar. They don’t get a chance to tour together much lately, but they did find some time to hole-up inside a studio to write and record some instrumental guitar duets. While I love Peter’s vocal storytelling, it’s nice to hear his and Goody’s instrumental interplay tell a different story.
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12 Steven Wilson “Home in Negative” from Grace for Drowning
Porcupine Tree frontman Steven Wilson is a hard worker. Whether he’s producing albums for others or making albums & touring with PT, Blackfield, No-Man, Storm Corrosion, or solo – he’s always busy each and every year. 
This year brought his second solo album and a small tour. The album is a bit more stripped down from his other projects. It is reminiscent of Pink Floyd in spots – specifically this song “Home in Negative.” He also rocks out a bit in the almost two hour double album… check out the video for “Track One” here (it’s a bit bleak then startling). Gorgeous work.
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13 Wussy “Pulverized” from Strawberry
Well, I was super happy when I found out that Wussy was putting out their fourth full-length studio album this year. They’re a fantastic rock quartet made up of Chuck Cleaver, Lisa Walker, Mark Messerly, and Joe Klug. They write catchy, poppy choruses and meld it perfectly with Midwest Americana-meets-indie-rock grit (or “Midwestern drone” as their press says). Vocal duties are traded off with Chuck (of Ass Ponys) and Lisa (of Magic Words).
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14 Pomplamoose “Telephone” from The Album You Bought At Our Show…
This is the song that got me into Pomplamoose. It’s a cover of the collaboration between 
Lady Gaga and Beyoncé (whose ridiculous but still kind awesome original video has 129 million hits as of Dec 2011). Pomplamoose does “video songs,” and this was the hook to lure me in. Click the image at the left to see their video of the song. The CD came out this year as part of their first tour ever… which I caught in Portland. Excellent, fun band!
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15 David Bazan “Wolves at the Door” from Strange Negotiations
Continuing in his solo expressions after the official ceasing of Pedro the Lion, David Bazan manifests wit, a sharp tongue, and a questioning mind into his DIY-indie rock. This year, he toured quite a bit, solo and with a band. An album last year (Curse Your Branches), an album this year, and another on the way. He’s slogging away, trekking all over the country, and making some great music on the way.
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16 John Zorn “Song of Experience” from At the Gates of Paradise
“Channeling the work of Romantic visionary William Blake and ancient Gnostic writings from the Nag Hammadi archives, At the Gates of Paradise is the newest installment in Zorn’s ever growing catalog of mystical works. The music is filled with bright light and a childlike innocence, and ranges from long form compositions with constantly shifting time signatures that unfold with a compelling inner logic to mysterious ballads and hypnotic moods.” The album features a quartet that I know and love from many jazz/avant outfits: drummer Joey Baron (Masada and many more), bassist Trevor Dunn (Mr Bungle, Fantômas, Nels Cline Singers), keyboardist John Medeski (Medeski Martin & Wood) and vibraphonist Kenny Wollesen (Sex Mob, Electric Masada, etc).
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17 Over the Rhine “Days Like This” from The Long Surrender
For those that don’t know Over the Rhine, they started out as a four piece in Cincinnati in 1989 and put out their “post-nuclear, pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged art-pop” indie debut ‘Til We Have Faces in 1991. After about a decade as a four-piece, Ric Hordinski (guitars) & Brian Kelley (drums) left. Karin Bergquist (vocals) & Linford Detweiler (keys) carried on the Over the Rhine flame throughout the years… moving away from a rockier feel to a more folky-pop-Americana thing. What I like about Over the Rhine is they continually change and evolve into a different band with each album and each outing. I’ve seen them rock out, I’ve seen them jazz it up, I’ve seen them happy, I’ve seen them somber, I’ve seen them celebratory, and I’ve seen them tell stories that will make you laugh and cry. This tune was written by fellow Cincinnati singer-songwriter Kim Taylor (it originally appeared on her 2008 EP The Greatest Story). I’d highly recommend checking her out as well.
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18 Elysian Fields “Sleepover” from Last Night On Earth
Brooklyn-based sultry art rockers Elysian Fields don’t really tour outside of NYC often. Jennifer Charles and Oren Bloedow find their way to Europe on occasion, but most U.S. fans only really have their studio albums to sate their musical desires. This is their sixth full-length album in their near 16-year career. Well crafted, well produced, lush vocals and folk meets dusky jazz.
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19 Kevin Moore “Hypnogogic” from Shine
This is a little palette cleanser for the mix CD – right before the end. Kevin Moore’s main projects are the trippy/sample-heavy Chroma Key & heavier prog collaboration band O.S.I. (with Jim Matheos). Shine is the soundtrack to the 2006 Turkish film Küçük Kiyamet (“Little Apocalypse“). It came out in early 2011 after a successful Kickstarter in 2010. The next album from O.S.I. comes out in February 2012 on Metal Blade. I can almost guarantee it will be my Top album of 2012, and I haven’t heard a shred of it yet.
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20 Childish Gambino “Heartbeat” from Camp (warning: explicit content)
I first heard of Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) like many people – via television. Donald plays Troy Barnes on NBC’s Community. I’ve heard a few of his albums, but this was his first full-length with a wide release. This song almost didn’t make the cut, but the melody in the chorus and the grinding keyboards just made it to difficult to ultimately cut from the mix. Brilliant song about the messiness of dating. If you’d like the “clean” version of the song, there is a “clean” version of the whole album on Amazon.
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Near misses from the mix: something from Earth’s Angels of Darkness Demons of Light 1 & Opeth’s Heritage (songs are too long) and Azealia Bank’s “212” (infectious as hell)… plus songs from several other albums that’ll still be on my Best of 2011 lists (coming soon).
Let me know what you think… If you enjoyed what you heard, please support the music. Definitely feel free to pass the link the mix along:
~Dan – np: Florence + the Machine – Ceremonials
there are no torrents, free mp3 or other downloads available
RECAP: Glen Phillips @ Stageit Sofa Sundays (Santa Barbara, CA – 11/27/11)
Glen Phillips (from Toad the Wet Sprocket & Works Progress Administration) has been doing what he calls “Sofa Sundays” on Stageit.com for a couple months now. I didn’t know what it was all about until the last one (after it happened). He sits down in his living room and plays (at least) 30 minutes of music directly to his computer-connected audience. His shows thus far have cost only $3, and you can pay more (in tips) – but it’s limited to the first 250 people who buy tickets. You can make requests and also chat with others in “attendance.” Here’s what he played…
11/27/11 Setlist: ~50 minutes
- Train Wreck
- Nanci [Toad the Wet Sprocket]
- The Next Day
- Back On My Feet
- I Still Love You
- Cry For You [WPA]
- I Will Not Take These Things For Granted [Toad]
- Don’t Need Anything [fast version]
- Thankful
- Rainbow Connection/I’m Going To Go Back There Someday [teasers only]
- End This Now
- Good Intentions [Toad]
- Redemption Song [Bob Marley]
- Windmills
Easily the best $3 plus tip I’ve ever spent for live music. From here on out, if I’m around, I’m IN. He mentioned after “Train Wreck” in response to some requests, that he’ll do a show in the near future that’s more request oriented on songs that he doesn’t necessarily know off hand (i.e.- he’ll practice).
Stay tuned… the next Sofa Sunday might even be next week!
The Appropriate Linkage:
- Glen’s Site
- Glen’s Facebook / Twitter
- Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Site / Facebook
- Glen’s Stageit page
- My Prior Related Reviews~
- Toad @ Bend Summer Fest (Bend – July 2011)
- Toad @ Crystal Ballroom (Portland – July 2010)
- W.P.A. @ WOW Hall (Eugene – Sept 2009)
- Glen solo @ WOW Hall (Eugene – Feb 2008)
~Dan – np: Explosions in the Sky – Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Sigur Rós concert film Heima (free today only)
Today (monday, september 5th) icelandiccinema.com is free streaming the Sigur Rós concert film Heima from their website.
After midnight Icelandic time (5pm monday san francisco, 8pm monday nyc, 1am tuesday london, 9am tuesday tokyo) the film will be available to stream for a fee.
~Dan – np: Austrian Death Machine – Double Brutal
Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs (2011)
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder is putting out his stripped down Ukulele Songs album next Tuesday (May 31st).
It’s a short album (less than 35 minutes), but has many of the things we love of the voice that is Eddie Vedder. Musically, I find it lacking. I’m used to the rock(!)… but I still think it’s a good record.
The album is streaming for free over on NPR. You can order it from the Amazons now.
Eddie’s upcoming summer tour with The Swell Season/The Frames frontman Glen Hansard (and not Thom Yorke) starts in mid-June:
June 15: Providence, R.I. (Providence Performing Arts Center)
June 16: Boston, Mass. (The Wang Theatre)
June 18: Hartford, Conn. (The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts)
June 21: New York, N.Y. (Beacon Theatre)
June 22: New York, N.Y. (Beacon Theatre)
June 25: Philadelphia, Pa. (Tower Theatre)
June 26: Detroit, Mich. (Fox Theatre)
June 28: Chicago, Ill. (The Chicago Theatre)
July 1: St. Louis, Mo. (Fox Theatre)
July 2: Minneapolis, Minn. (Orpheum Theatre )
July 5: San Diego, Calif. (Copley Symphony Hall)
July 6: Long Beach, Calif. (Terrace Theater)
July 8: Los Angeles (The Wiltern)
July 9: Santa Barbara, Calif. (Santa Barbara Bowl)
July 11: Oakland, Calif. (The Paramount Theatre)
July 14: Portland, Ore. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall)
July 15: Seattle, Wash. (Benaroya Hall)
~Dan – np: 
Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs
Shara Worden & yMusic @ Ecstatic Music Festival 2011 (concert webcast)
WQXR/WNYC just posted 2+ hours of live streaming music from Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and yMusic’s performance at the Ecstatic Music Festival at New York’s Merkin Concert Hall.
This show features Shara Worden wearing both her composer and performer hats. yMusic premieres a work written for them by Shara and the classical/indie vocalist joins the instrumentalists on stage in selections from Sarah Kirkland Snider’s recent 2010 release, Penelope, one of my favorite albums of 2010 – which features Shara’s stunning vocals.
This performance by Shara Worden and yMusic is the third of four New Sounds Live broadcasts on Q2 from Merkin’s Hall’s Ecstatic Music Festival. Check out the other two webcasts – the 2011 People’s Commissioning Fund concert and Newspeak and Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society. The final broadcast on March 28 features So Percussion and Bobby Previte.
~Dan – np: Pedro the Lion – The Only Reason I Feel Secure Is That I Am Validated By My Peers
Over the Rhine – The Long Surrender (virtual listening party)
So, Cincinnati folk-duo Over the Rhine has a new album coming out… it’s called The Long Surrender, and it comes out 1/11/11. If you helped out with the pre-order campaign (mentioned back here and here), they are having a very special internet streaming listening party from Friday, October 8th at 6pm (PST) through Sunday, October 10th at 6pm (PST).
I’d post the link to the streaming-goodness… but I don’t want to get fired as a fan… again.
Look for a mini-review from me sometime next week.
~Dan – np: The Weepies – Be My Thrill
Sufjan’s AGE of ADZ (in its entirety)
The entire Sufjan Stevens‘ album The Age of Adz is streaming over at NPR until its release date (October 12th).
You can pre-order the record here: CD / VINYL / digital
~Dan – np: Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz
no free flac torrent of mp3 download here ever. if you like music, support it – buy it
Ellery – Down, Down, Down EP
My favorite husband-and-wife songwriting duo from Cincinnati is at it again… the holiday EP Down, Down, Down from Ellery is out. This time it’s pay what you want (min $4). Available for streaming at bandcamp, too. I generally abhor Christmas music, but this one is pretty darn good. The first two songs are brand new originals, the 3rd song is from their holiday EP a couple years ago, and then they do two classics…
http://ellery.bandcamp.com/album/down-down-down-a-holiday-ep
Down, Down, Down
Going Gone
December Days
O Come Emmanuel
Silent Night (instrumental)
They also have a streaming only sample from their forthcoming album… “Blame Me“…
Find out more about this great band…
http://www.myspace.com/ellerymusic
~Dan – np: The Frames – The Roads Outgrown
-Eyvind Kang
-Frank Zappa
Amazon.com mp3 downloads
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