Avett Brothers new album is a First Listen!!

until Sept. 12 . . . listen now!  You can also listen to Cat Power's new one (SO excited for this!) and Animal Collective's until this Sunday the 4th.

A quick peek into the music I'm loving right now:

• "This Head I Hold" by Electric Guest
• "I Know Places" from Lykke Li's new one Wounded Rhymes
• "The House that Heaven Built" by Japandroids
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• "Sixteen Saltines" and "Love Interruption" from Jack White's new one. Not so much the other ones on this disk though. Anyone else listen to this one yet?
• Found this great pianist Nils Frahm, really like his whole entire album Felt.
• The Antlers new Undersea EP

Anyone else find anything great? Beck likes the Japandroids' one and still really loves Kishi Bashi!

First Listen: Glen Hansard's new one

Seems like I never get to this site before they take all the cool albums down, so I thought I'd let you know they're featuring Glen Hansard's new album, Rhythm and Repose right now. He's the guy from the movie Once, and then he was the Still Frames (pretty sure that was the name).

Fiona Apple's new albums up there too, but I have a feeling I'm the only one into that ;). She's got some great, simple, really soulful tracks on there.

 I'm also really loving this new guy Kishi Bashi, a violinist who does some cool things with loops. Here's his Tiny Desk Concert:


And I really love this new song by Regina Spektor, "All the Rowboats".



Well, all I got right now is music from All Songs Considered, so sorry Mike if you already knew about all these! Hope you guys are finding great music out there!

Rome

The new Danger Mouse project Rome is available on NPR First Listen. Rome combines him with the talents of Italian composer Daniele Luppi, Jack White and Norah Jones. I have two of the singles on vinyl (Two Against One, Black) that were released for Record Store Day, and they are great. I'm going to wear it out.

It's only about 35 mins. Do yourself a favor and give it a spin.

Which brings me to Jack's band-mate in The Deadweather, Alison Mosshart. The Kills have a new album out Blood Pressures. Jamie Hince and Alison, or "Hotel" and "W" as there known to there fans, put together another great album. How they can get so much from two people, a guitar and a drum machine, I'll never know. The most impressive thing is how captivating they are live. I caught them at the 9:30 Club a few weeks ago. One of the best sets I've ever seen. "Hotel" might be the coolest guy ever, combine with "W's" never ending sexuality, there stage presence could best be described as salacious. You'd have to use a chainsaw to cut the tension.

Here they are on Leno the other night. My apologizes to Chris, I couldn't cut Hines Ward out of the video. It also looks like they're on Last Call tonight.

The Kills - "You Don't Own the Road"

I've been busy seeing shows. Stay tuned for more.

The Head and the Heart

I know I always start out by saying, "I heard this on my awesome radio station . . .", but what can I say, I heard this on my awesome radio station.

The music director, Danny Preston, runs the morning show and always starts the day (6am) with what he calls "acoustic alarmclock." This past Tuesday was an excellent one, starting off with an awesome version of "The Cape" (that song Matt used in his wedding toast) by Eric Bibb, followed by "Rivers and Roads" by what he called, "a hot new band out of Seattle", The Head and the Heart.

I loved the song immediately, and it kept growing on me. I thought of Mike by about the second chorus, because if you're still into your "low and slow" thing, I really think you'll love this. And then I thought Chris might like it too, and then, of course, I thought of you all, 'cause of the line, "my family lives in a different state"  . . . and "I miss your face like hell". Let me know what you think (video clip below).

Missing you all like hell,
Jen

Gomez: new album soon, free download now

I got Gomez' last album, "A New Tide" on a whim, I just had this feeling I'd like the whole album (I rarely buy entire albums anymore unless I already know and love the band . . .  thanks for that bad habit iTunes . . .) Anyway, I did love it. And surprisingly, so did Matt. The album has variety and yet a steady driving, pick-me-up beat. It's a little poppy, with a little jammy mixed in for good measure. It's unexpected (who sings about an airstream driver?), and fun. And more than anything, completely full of melodies I wanted to hear over and over. I'm still listening to and enjoying it.

So I was excited to hear Gomez will release a new album in June, and even better, they're letting you download a free single from their website (or you can just fill out the form below to download it).

Cheers,
Jen.

My 90's roots are showing!

I know it says Matt posted this, but it's really Jen.

I love love love music. Tonight I got a second to explore a little bit. Here are some developments I'm excited about!

1) REM's new album is being hailed as their greatest since the 90's. You can also listen to it @ First Listen until it's release on March 8. So, REM was the very first band I ever truly fell in love with. I stayed up all night at a friend's sleepover watching MTV just so I could see their "Losing My Religion" video again and again (I grew up without the benefit of cable TV). It was the very first album I ever purchased, the one my dad heard from the next room and came over to say, "what the hell is this?" Their Monster tour was also the very first concert I ever attended. I've loved them so much I've actually enjoyed their past 5 or so releases that most critics have dismissed, but this album is definitely a return to their sounds of the 80's and 90's. Can. not. wait.

2) continuing on the 90's theme, did anyone notice that Trent Reznor, of NIN fame won an oscar the other night? Wow. That was so weird. Does that mean he's gone mainstream?

3) Brett Dennen. This actually has nothing to do with the 90's, but my awesome radio station had been playing his new single "Sydney (I'll Come Running)" from his album Loverboy (2b released April 12) and I LOVE it! So, about 2 months ago Matt and I are sitting in a coffe shop, and this song comes on (not "sydney", another one) and we both look at each other because we think we should know the song but we don't, it just sounds familiar. So I google, and it's Brett Dennen, who we know but we don't, if you know what I mean. We figure out that we do know his "Heaven" song from his last album Hope for the Hopeless, which is kinda pretty and maybe a little folksy. But this "Sidney" song is just fun. Much more rock and . . . I don't know, you know those songs that are great to drive to, and put a smile on your face? like that.

Toodles,

Jen

TV on the Radio's new album drops April 12th and they just released their tour schedule. Would like to try to make it to Cville or Bmore. Considering the limited number of stops i'm a little surprised that they are coming to Cville, but happy none-the-less. Mike, April 26 they'll be in Denver. Here is the tour schedule.

4/08/11 - Electric Factory (Philadelphia, PA)
4/09/11 - Jefferson Theatre (Charlottesville, VA)
4/10/11 - Rams Head (Baltimore, MD)
4/16/11 - House of Blues (Boston, MA)
4/17/11 - Metropolis (Montreal, QC)
4/18/11 - Sound Academy (Toronto, ON)
4/20/11 - St. Andrews Hall (Detroit, MI)
4/23/11 - First Ave. (Minneapolis, MN)
4/24/11 - First Ave. (Minneapolis, MN)
4/26/11 - Ogden Theatre (Denver, CO)
5/02/11 - 4th and B (San Diego, CA)

New Radiohead Album Available!

may not be for everyone, but i love me some radiohead. they have a history of building up fans anticipation and then surprising them with a sneaky new album. Maybe its not just the music i like. i like the art of the album. the way that each song is completely different. the way each album has you searching for the meaning of the lyrics. or is it just the element of surprise. none the less it has me listening.

"The King Of Limbs"

Say It Ain't So Meg!

Well, one of my greatest fears has materialized. Not that I didn't see it coming. The White Stripes have announced they will make no further new recordings or perform live again. They say there are a "myriad of reasons" for the breakup, but the main one is to "preserve what is beautiful and special about the band."

I have to wonder how much of this is Meg's performance anxiety. If she knows she can never do it again. Or, if Jack as just out grown her.

We'll still see plenty of Jack through all his projects, but for me, I'll be missing Meg.

I've spent the evening watching White Stripes videos on Youtube. I suggest you all take a little time out out your day and do the same. You won't be sorry.

Here's one to start you off.

The White Stripes - My Doorbell

First Listen: Bright Eyes & Telekinesis

Probably a little too "pop" for all brothers, but I really loved Telekinesis' last album, and enjoy Bright Eyes a lot. Both albums can be listened to in their entirety through Feb 15 at @ NPR's first listen.

Also, for Drew, really love this song by Tallest Man On Earth (not sure if that linked worked?). Or, you can hear the whole concert the song comes from here.

Fast and Furious

One of my regular radio stations(WTMD) does something called "The 5 O'clock Shadow". Where they play a cover of a song followed by it's original. Today was one of my favorite Bob Marley tunes. I thought this was a great take on a great song. Another wonderfully soulful voice.

Corinne Bailey Rae - Is This Love

itunes Chris-mas

And the winner for longest time between posts is...

Thanks to Chris I had a little money to spend on new music. Went in with no real idea what I was after, and managed to find two imports I'm very happy with. Not sure if anyone knows about Adele. If you don't, you should. She has her second album "21", coming out 2/22. But, in the mean time I found an itunes exclusive EP, that has some very stripped down versions of a few songs off her debut album "19". She has the most soulful voice I've ever heard. The best description I've heard is "her voice is warm, like hot chocolate".

This is off the new album. Some of her stuff is a little poppy for my tastes, but, her voice is just so incredible. For me, her version of Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love", is as good as it gets.

The other, speaking of old Bob, is The Tallest Man On Earth. His real name is Kristian Matsson, and he's from Sweden. He often draws comparisons to an early Bob Dylan. It's mostly him and his guitar, doing very lyrical songs. I picked up his latest album "The Wild Hunt" and EP "Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird" Both are outstanding. "Little River" is my favorite song right now. I have a feeling that's going to change about a hundred times.



Both of these artists are great weekend morning music. Reading the paper with a cup of coffee. I hope y'all enjoy.

Free Song!

Woke up to this song the other day: "Snow Will Fall Tonight" by Peter Bradley Adams. It's also a free download right now: http://www.peterbradleyadams.com/

Really gentle, pleasing acoustic guitar ballad. I like it.

Side note: All Songs Considered has all of their best of 2010 podcasts out now. I always get great music from listening to the "Year in Music" and "Listener's Picks" casts in particular. Any thoughts on what your best album, song, or musical discovery of 2010 was?

better late then never

Hey everyone, I apologize about not getting to the blog yet.

I hope to catch up, for the time being check this out:

"Watch: Arcade Fire on "Saturday Night Live"

At the bottom of the short write up on Arcade Fire, click continue reading to view the video performance on SNL. They are great entertainers, I particularly like the jackets in sprawl II.

I have found Pitchfork to be an excellent source of information for whats happening in the music/media world.

Blakroc

Considering I'm such a big fan of The Black Keys, I cannot believe I hadn't heard of this collaboration until now. Blakroc is a collarative effort between The Keys and 11 hip-hop and R&B artists that include Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Billy Danze, Jim Jones, Nicole Wray, NOE, ODB, Pharoahe Monch, & Raekwon.

Check out their website:

Blakroc

Check out these tracks in particular:

What You Do To Me

Ain't Nothing Like You

Enjoy!

Blue Ridge Parkway & Debate Topic

I thought you all might be interested in this story from NPR about the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a little history here and some great photography. But I am interested to hear from you all your perspectives on the issues of public spending on large infrastructure projects. Full disclosure here, my job depends on public spending for water and wastewater projects. I see every day the benefits in health and safety this funding can provide. But even without my employment circumstance, philosophically I support public investment in infrastructure because without it out quality of life would be much lower. I know we could get into another debate altogether on which projects deserve the funding and how those decisions are made, but I guess I'd just like to hear your thoughts on public infrastructure spending in general. Thanks.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130473170&sc=emaf

First Listen: Sharon Van Etten

Mike originally introduced me to All Songs Considered, an NPR music show. It's pretty much transformed my music life. You can either listen from their website for free, or download their free podcasts through iTunes (Look for NPR All Songs Considered). Host Bob Boilen will play a song off of upcoming releases, or sometimes they do a "preview" or "best of" show--those are my favorites because 3-4 music dudes get together and talk and argue about music, while introducing me to bands and singers I probably wouldn't have heard about. A bonus is that they put any songs they discuss on their longer shows right on their web page so you can listen to the whole thing!! Anyway, as usual I digress . . .

What I wanted to tell you about is their First Listen service. They will stream whole albums, usually until their release. Right now I'm jamming to this amazing singer named Sharon Van Etten, whom I definitely recommend you checking out. My favorite song so far is "Do It", but I can hear her whole album until Sept. 21, which is so cool! I can decide for sure if I want the whole album or just a few tracks. I've pasted the link so you can listen right here though:



just thought I'd share (although I'm sure Mike already knew!)

As an aside: Kings of Leon is streaming their new album which they will release this Tuesday on their website!

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Hello fellow pickers,

I've stumbled across a pretty cool band through TV commercials oddly enough. The two Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros songs "Home" and "Janglin" are used in NFL and Ford commercials respectively. I also really like their song "40 Day Dream" too. Didn't really remember this song until I read some of the posts on youtube, but "Janglin" is very similar to Feist's "1234" song that was an iPod commercial at one point. Anyway, here are some links so you can check out the songs. Hope y'all like them as much as I have.

Happy listening,

Chis

"Home"

"40 Day Dream"

"Janglin"

"1234"

p.s. I went to see The Blacks Keys a few weeks ago in Charlottesville and as usual they were awesome. They actually brought out two other guys (keyboard and base) for a few songs which was the first time I've have seen The Keys play with other artists. They probably played 4-5 songs with the other two, but for most of the show it was just Dan and Patrick doing what they do. It actually looks like tonight is their last show in the US before going to Europe.

Dan Tyminski

More new cool music on my radio this morning on my drive to work, which was, because I know you're wondering, in the dark. Yup! Already! Anyway, they're doing their membership drive and the local concert production guy was on promoting upcoming shows and encouraging pledges with tickets to upcoming shows, when they started talking about this guy, Dan Tyminski! I'll bet Chris already knows all this, but he was apparently George Clooney's voice on O Brother . . . . ! and then they played a song with this awesome rocking banjo and I was sold! I think they played "Wheels" from his new album. We are totally going to go see this guy when he comes up to the far north at the end of October! I tried to listen to more of his album on his myspace page, but some crazy rap song played when I tried to load it (so not bluegrass!). I'll link anyway just in case it works for someone else: http://www.myspace.com/dantyminski

just sharing the music love,
Jen

and ps--Mike I know you already know about these guys, but Beac House is also rocking my world. I'm particularly in love with their song "Zebras" right now.

also, as soon as I got to work I pledged my support to my public radio station which I so love (my first public radio pledge ever!!) and won some tickets to Bearfoot who will be playing up here in November, so there's plenty of Bluegrass in our future!

and, just 'cause I didn't use enough, here are some extra exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tired Pony

You just have to check these guys out! http://www.tiredpony.com/ I think you can hear like one track from their new album, The Place We Ran From, which drops Sept. 28 on their website. Our local station, KNBA, has been playing "Dead American Writers" lately which I'm REALLY enjoying.

Tired Pony apparently consists of members of Snow Patrol, Belle & Sebastian, and REM (NOW you know why I'm digging it so much!). Zooey Deschanel is featured on the album as well. I'm thinking it's kida folksey, it reminds me just a little of like Mumford & Sons. What do you guys think?

9/27 World Cafe performance link