Category: 2008 releases

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The New Frontiers – The Day You Fell Apart & Black Lungs

Wow. It’s been a busy few days, which means that I haven’t been able to get onto the blog much lately, so I apologise for not replying to comments here and there. Unfortunately it’s going to be just as busy a week this week, with another trip down to Sydney in the works. This time however, it’s not work-related; I’m heading down there to attend a lecture by Neil Gaiman… can you say “excited”? I certainly can.

However, not to worry; I have some posts set up to publish while I’m away, so they should hopefully tide you over for a while.

In the meantime, I thought I would drop a quick post today, discussing The New Frontiers.


The New Frontiers
The New Frontiers (image credit: Gabriel Hernandez)


I first heard The New Frontiers when I was exposed to their song, “Black Lungs“, a while ago… however, for whatever reason it languished in my “possible blog material” playlist for months, until now. I’m really not sure why I didn’t post the tune back then, as it really is a cracking song. It’s fitting that I post it now, however, as The New Frontiers have just released their debut album, Mending, this week.

The New Frontiers have been drawing comparisons from music bloggers to Wilco and Ryan Adams left and right, wherever you look. And, while I think these comparisons are somewhat overstated, you can certainly pick up those influences in their music. To that mix, however, I would add a healthy dose of The Alternate Routes… personally, I feel that would be a more accurate parallel, if you’re one of those people who demands their new music is compared to something.

The plain fact is that “Mending” is, in it’s entirety, one of the most promising albums I’ve heard from the alt.country stable thus far in 2008. There’s an integrity to these songs that eschews the pretentitiousness that the oh-so-hip alt.country sometimes spawns. And that’s a great thing.

I’ve included two songs below, the sparse “The Day You Fell Apart”, with it’s beautiful velvet vocals, and then the aforementioned “Black Lungs”; a meatier song, but one that still conveys the emotive quality of lead singer Nathan Pettijohn’s voice.
Apart from those, however, I would suggest heading across to their myspace page, as there are several links there that point towards sites where you can stream the entire “Mending” album.

Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: The New Frontiers – The Day You Fell Apart
Listen: The New Frontiers – Black Lungs

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2008 releases artists music

Coldplay release their new single, Violet Hill, for free download…

Coldplay have just released their new single, Violet Hill
Coldplay have just released their new single, Violet Hill as a free download

This is a very short post… more a heads up really… but if there are any Coldplay fans amongst my readers, the band yesterday released their new single, “Violet Hill”, from their upcoming album “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends“, which is due out June 12.

To download the single, head to their site here, and follow the instructions.


I’m not going to comment to much on the song itself yet, because, frankly, it’s still too early. I will say for now that Chris Martin still has that quality in his voice that can pull a listener in; but it just doesn’t hit me quite where it should.
Still… I’ve been wrong before. Time will tell.


****

Edit: I’ve just noticed that addictedtovinyl covered this story yesterday, and is offering up the mp3 for those who have trouble connecting to the official site.

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2008 releases artists covers digital downloads guitar live songs music

Billy Bragg – Live on Fair Game

Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg recently performed a live set on PRI’s “Fair Game”


Billy Bragg, the “working class hero”, recently performed a set on one of my favourite shows, PRI’s “Fair Game“. And it was stunning.


I truly feel that Bragg has been responsible for some of the best protest songs that we’ve heard in the last 30 years… just listen to his EP “Between the Wars” to see what I’m talking about. Couple that with the fact that Nora Guthrie – daughter of Woody Guthrie himself – asked Bragg to set some of her father’s unrecorded lyrics to music (side note: can you imagine how intimidating that would have been? Woody Guthrie, a giant in the folk protest song world, “this machine kills fascists” on his guitar Woody Guthrie? Man… that can’t have been an easy act to follow), and it becomes clear why I have such a tremendous amount of respect for the man.
So it was with much excitement that I listened to his latest show on “Fair Game” last week. We were treated to a collection of three songs, which I’ve included below. The first, “Sing Their Souls Back Home“, is a sad, but ultimately hopeful song… in the best tradition of protest. The second, “I Keep Faith“, has been getting a panning from music critics recently, but I’m a huge fan of this Van Morrisonesque sounding tune. There’s just something about the song that recalls “Into the Mystic” for me, and I’m not sure why. But it’s a good thing.
The final tune is a more upbeat number, and is a cover of the Bob Dylan tune, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right“… and what a great way to close a set it is.

Billy Bragg’s new album, “Mr Love & Justice” went on sale last week.


Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: Billy Bragg – Sing Their Souls Back Home (live on Fair Game)
Listen: Billy Bragg – I Keep Faith (live on Fair Game)
Listen: Billy Bragg – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Bob Dylan cover, live on Fair Game)

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Thursday Music Round-up – Matthew Ryan, Josh Ritter, New Atlantic & The Kooks

After almost a week off from the blogosphere, there are a few songs that I haven’t told you about… so we’ll just jump right in…

Matthew Ryan – American Dirt & Gone For Good

Matthew Ryan
Matthew Ryan… don’t call it a comeback!

Matthew Ryan has – for the most part – flown under the mainstream radar, even though he’s been releasing albums for more than a decade now. In fact, a quote on his Myspace page even reads, “Don’t call it a comeback; I’ve been here for years“. And the lack of mainstream exposure is absolutely shocking, as Matthew Ryan’s output over the years has been nothing less than consistently brilliant. I suspect, however, that 2008 will be the year that he finally hits the big time.
There’s just something about Matthew Ryan’s voice; it has the very real ability to reach right into your soul and tug on it until it wakes up.

I’ve included two songs here: the first, “American Dirt“, is off his latest album, “Matthew Ryan Vs. Silver State“, and is a ball of seething rage and purpose. The song smothers you in it’s intent, which is more steely than anything I’ve heard from Matthew Ryan before. Matthew Ryan Vs. Silver State came out on April 1, and I seriously suggest you check it out. Ryan is on top form with it.
The next song, “Gone For Good“, is off his 2007 release, “A Late Night High Rise“, and is a slow, delicate number that displays Ryan’s versatility. There’s a Bon Iver kind of vulnerability in his breathy, pleading lyrics here, that absolutely breaks me every time I hear it. A must-listen.

Listen: Matthew Ryan – American Dirt
Listen: Matthew Ryan – Gone For Good

Josh Ritter – Thin Blue Flame

Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter… one of the best songsmiths of our time.

Stepping back in time a bit here, to Josh Ritter‘s 2006 release, “The Animal Years“, and it’s standout track, “Thin Blue Flame“. A 10-minute track of epic proportions, it’s like something out of Revelations… really, it’s a 10 minute opportunity to re-examine your life, and the way we live.

I wondered what it was I’d been looking for above.. Heaven’s so big there ain’t no need to look up. So I stopped looking for royal cities in the air — only a full house gonna have a prayer.

Only a full house.
– Josh Ritter, “Thin Blue Flame”

Josh Ritter — to me at least — is still one of the best songsmiths in contemporary music. Point blank. And Thin Blue Flame is no exception. It’s a direct plea to his listener… and one that I can’t turn away from.

Listen: Josh Ritter – Thin Blue Flame

New Atlantic – Apologise

New Atlantic
New Atlantic (photo credit: sgphotog.com)

One of my guilty pleasures last year was One Republic’s tune, “Apologise”. As cheesy and formulaic as it was, there was something about the song that I just dug. So this is included here, really, as just another guilty pleasure. New Atlantic can produce some interesting stuff, but their cover of “Apologise” is a nice, cheesy, formulaic cover. Heh. But it’s cool for a spin.

Listen: New Atlantic – Apologise (One Republic cover)

The Kooks – Tick of Time

The Kooks
The Kooks have just released their second album, “Konk”.

The Pete Townshend-beloved Kooks are back, and I’m really digging where they are going with their second album, “Konk“, which came out last week. This song, “Tick of Time” is a ridiculously catchy closer to the album, and shows them in their best light… a band, just having fun.
I’ll admit it, I was sceptical that The Kooks would be able to deliver — again — on their hype. But this song clinches it for me. Well played lads, well played.

Listen: The Kooks – Tick of Time

Ps. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for an inaugeral “Live Music Friday” post… starting off with some Damnwells tunes!

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2008 releases artists artists to watch for in 2009 digital downloads guitar live songs music

Tunes to tide you over… Brett Young, Brendan James and Jay Clifford

I’m off to Sydney for the rest of the week, and probably won’t manage to post until next week. I know, I’ll miss you too.

But to help stave off withdrawal symptoms, here’s a short – extremely short – but sweet tune trio.

Brett Young

Brett Young
Brett Young has just released his self-titled EP

Unbelievably, Brett Young is still, as of today, an unsigned artist. While I’m all for artists remaining independent – ala my all-time favourites, Dispatch – I find it absolutely mind-boggling that there hasn’t been more interest in this guy yet. A Newport Beach based musician – fitting, as he looks like he would fit right into an OC episode – Brett has a kind of Gavin deGraw vibe to him. There’s a soft, yet gritty quality to his brand of soul… and it’s damn promising from what I’ve heard.
His new, self-titled EP, a collection of 5 songs, is now available for download through Myspace. Head over to his page there for more details.

Listen: Brett Young – Remember Me This Way (live)

Brendan James

Brendan James
Brendan James features on “Body of War”

Brendan James – a Brooklyn based muso – is finally getting some major recognition, in large part due to his song, “Hero’s Song“, which has been included upon the super-star packed release (and I mean super-star packed… have you seen the featured artists?) “Body of War: Songs That Inspired an Iraq War Veteran“. It’s a ridiculously hopeful tune that sits in complete contrast to it’s lyrics… and is all the more powerful for it. With a voice that hints at years beyond his age, it’s hard to believe that his debut album, “The Day Is Brave”, is only coming out this year. Expect more from this guy.

Listen: Brendan James – Hero’s Song

Jay Clifford

Jay Clifford
Jay Clifford, of the now-defunct Jump, Little Children, is back.

Jay Clifford, once lead singer/songwriter of the now-sadly-defunct band, Jump, Little Children, is back, and pursuing a solo career. Much like Jump…, from the tunes I’ve heard so far, Jay is hit and miss with a lot of his stuff… but when it’s the “hit” option, it stays hit. This tune, “Mexico“, is actually a new version of one of his old tracks with Jump… and I like it. Currently touring with one of my favourite artists, Howie Day, and collaborating with that bastion of absolute hipness, Zach Braff, on a new music video… something tells me Jay Clifford’s going to be getting a lot more attention soon.

Listen: Jay Clifford – Mexico

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2008 releases artists digital downloads guitar music music documentaries rock gods

Blind Melon are back. And I’m not sure how I feel about this…

Shannon Hoon at Woodstock ‘94
Shannon Hoon with Blind Melon at Woodstock ’94.
After a 12 year hiatus following Shannon’s death, Blind Melon are back.

Blind Melon, possibly one of the most influential bands in my life, are back, and releasing a new album at the end of this month. And I’m not sure how I’m feeling about this…

Shannon Hoon, the original lead singer for Blind Melon, changed my life in ways that few others have. I know that’s a typically melodramatic statement from a music blogger, but it’s true. Shannon, along with Bradley J Nowell played a major part in my formative years. (Aside: Yes, I’m letting my age show here). Shannon’s distinctive voice, and the sheer honesty in his lyrics touched something deep within me, and I was irrevocably changed.
The sad spiral to his death was tragic, but inevitable… I don’t think any of Blind Melon’s fans were surprised when Shannon overdosed in October of 1995; but that doesn’t mean it was any less devastating. It was like watching someone slipping away, just out of your reach. Try as you might, you could only brush their fingertips, but never quite grab their outreached hand.

“I know we can’t all stay here forever
So I want to write my words on the face of today
And they’ll paint it”
– Shannon Hoon, Blind Melon’s “Change”

Blind Melon with Travis Warren
Blind Melon with new lead singer, Travis Warren

Fast-forward 12 years, to 2007. The reformed Blind Melon have picked up a cocky new singer, Texan Travis Warren, and are back in studio. Generally, things are kept pretty quiet, except for this video explaining how they came together, and how things in the studio are going…

The song at the end of that video, “Sometimes”, was only heard in part… but it was enough to intrigue me. It sounded like classic Melon… a wandering, grooving tune, with the gentle static and warm snaps of recording tubes.

Finally, fast-forward to the now, 2008. Now, Blind Melon have released more tunes on their Myspace page in preparation for their new album’s (entitled “For My Friends“) release, on 22 April… their first new release since 1995. And I’m not sure how I feel about it. There’s no denying that Travis is a great vocalist, and he seems able to harmonise with the rest of the band in a way that Shannon always seemed to have trouble doing… purely because of his unique voice. And the songs themselves definitely show promise… though they’re a bit more “safe” than anything I would have pictured old Blind Melon being involved with… far too mainstream radio. But they’re good, nonetheless. Apart from the seemingly pointless track, “Last Laugh”, the rest had me in their palms.

But I’m just not sure I want anything more released under the Blind Melon name. I know that that’s a completely selfish and short-sighted feeling. I know that Blind Melon should carry on… hell, Shannon’s family are well behind it. I know that things can’t stay the same way forever. And I know things change.
But I’m selfish. And seeing Blind Melon perform again just brings up this incredible sadness in me. I’m not saying it always will, and I’m really going to try to get behind this new incarnation of the band… but, even though it’s unfair, these guys are going to have to work a hell of a lot harder than any new band to bring me on-side. They have to contend with Shannon’s ghost and their history, and that’s going to be one tall order.

The more these tracks spin on my player though… the more I think they might just be up to it…

What are your thoughts? Any Blind Melon fans in my readers out there?

Take a listen, and make up your own minds:

Classic Blind Melon
Listen: Blind Melon – Mouthful of Cavities

New Blind Melon
Listen: Blind Melon – Sometimes
Listen: Blind Melon – Wishing Well

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2008 releases artists artists to watch for in 2009 digital downloads guitar music

Friday Music Roundup – The Dodos, Tokyo Police Club and Bodies of Water

It’s been a while since a Friday Roundup, so why not?

The Dodos – Ashley

The Dodos - Fools
The Dodos have just released new track, “Ashley”

Aah, The Dodos. They look set to become a feature in the Friday Round-up, after appearing in our last round-up here. Yesterday, The Dodos released their new single from the – quite frankly, brilliant – Visiter album. A slow burner of a song, “Ashley” is less manic than their last track featured here, “Fools”, and instead is a wistful song with Nico-like hints here and there. Definitely well-worth a listen.

Listen: The Dodos – Ashley

Tokyo Police Club – In A Cave

Tokyo Police Club
Tokyo Police Club

Whoops. My bad. I meant to post this track from Tokyo Police Club a while ago, but you know how things go… anyway, better late than never. Tokyo Police Club have been making big waves in the indie-rock world, and for good reason; singer Dave Monk has that kind of desperate, pleading voice that resonates these days, and with bright, clipped drumming, smooth synthesizers and hook-laden guitars, they have everything they need to make it big. This song, “In A Cave” (from their forthcoming release, “Elephant Shell”, due out April 22), is under 3 minutes long, but – as with most of their tunes – gets their point across pretty quickly.They’ve pretty much mastered the 2 minute pop-synth tune…

Listen: Tokyo Police Club – In A Cave

Bodies of Water – I Guess We’ll Forget the Sound, I Guess, I Guess

Bodies of Water
Bodies of Water (image credit: Laura Heffington)

I have no doubt that this track will polarise readers. You’ll either love it or hate, without exception. But the one thing it’s sure to do is intrigue you. I have to be honest, I can’t really stand much of Bodies of Water‘s other stuff. But something about this track, “I Guess We’ll Forget the Sound, I Guess, I Guess“, stands out to me… that swelling, Arcade Fire-like chorus, the unsettling aura about the song, and that moment of release around the 3:10min mark? Man… while it may not be your bag, I really suggest you give it a few spins… it’s a powerful tune.

It almost makes me forget that Bodies of Water once said this. Almost. But if you mess with Wilco, Jeff Buckley and Elvis Costello all in the first breath, you’re on extremely thin ice with me.

Still… it’s a cracking tune.

Listen: Bodies of Water – I Guess We’ll Forget the Sound, I Guess, I Guess

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2008 releases artists artists to watch for in 2009 digital downloads guitar music

The War on Drugs – Arms Like Boulders

The War On Drugs
The War On Drugs has just released their EP, “Barrel of Batteries”

The consistently great Secretly Canadian label has just released a 5 track EP by the – unbelievably still little-known – band The War On Drugs, entitled “Barrel of Batteries“.

And it’s frikkin’ great.

Secretly Canadian have this habit of signing your new favourite band. And The War On Drugs are no exception. Distinctly Dylan-inspired, The War On Drugs nevertheless bring something new to the table… their delivery often recalls that of fellow bandmate, David Vandervelde, and we know how all things David Vandervelde are adored around here; so that’s a compliment of the highest order.

Anyway, the EP is currently available from their site as a .zip download, and i strongly encourage you to give it a try. The only problem with it? At only 6 tracks – 3 of them instrumentals that clock in at less than a minute long – it doesn’t give you much time to get into the band. That said, word on the band’s website is that a full-length debut, entitled “Wagonwheel Blues” should be available sometime this year, so hopefully we won’t have much longer to wait.

Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: The War On Drugs – Arms Like Boulders