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

Joe Pug – Nation of Heat. A thoroughly impressive debut…

 

Joe Pug - Nation of Heat
Joe Pug – a startling debut (photo credit: Amber Meairs)


One of the most impressive debuts of the year for me, Joe Pug‘s “Nation of Heat” EP – which was released last month – is quickly becoming my album of the year so far.

It’s not often that I’ll throw around Dylanesque comparisons, let alone twice in the space of two months. But following on from my “Month That Music Forgot” post back in May – where I featured the stunning “Tallest Man On Earth” – today’s featured artist, Joe Pug, also immediately recalls images of a young, bursting-at-the-seams Dylan. Heck, add into that hints of Woody Guthrie, Josh Ritter, and even some Springsteen. Just in case you haven’t realised it yet: I’m loving it.

The always brilliant Captain Obvious recently featured an interview with Pug, and I thoroughly suggest you go check it out to learn more, as there are some great insights into this young artist there. Just to pull out a particular quote which endeared me to him, however (emphasis my own):

Pug: Well, certainly Dylan and Prine are huge for me. They might be obvious, but I think that’s okay. Because there’s something very fundamental about both of those guys that makes them accessible, so you can go off on a tangent of your own. They taught me that a song can be original in its logic or phrasing or spirit even while its using a structure or melody that’s been around for a hundred years.

Steinbeck and Whitman are huge for me. Whitman explained once that poetry isn’t meant to confuse people. That trying to articulate your feelings as clearly as you can is cryptic enough as it is. You don’t need to fool anyone. You don’t need to prove to anybody that you know things that they don’t know. Because of course you do. So just try to say it as clearly as you can. Steinbeck, for me, embodies that ethos, whether he meant to or not. You see it most strikingly in The Grapes of Wrath when he begins that harrowing passage that begins, “And this I know…”. You’ll never read something so lucid. I suppose right now, that’s what I strive for.


Okay. So Bob Dylan? Check. John Prine? Check. John Steinbeck? Check. Walt Whitman? Check. Seriously, this kid could not check more boxes with me if he tried. And these influences are easily seen. Joe Pug can turn a phrase like nobody’s business… at only 23 years of age, his lyrics sound like they come from someone twice his age.

This is music that needs to be heard; and Joe Pug wants to help you with that. If you visit his website, you’ll be greeted with the following message:

Friends, Romans, Countrymen…

If you’re insulted by the songs they loop on the radio all day. If you’re
tired of your parents repeating the phrase “music meant something in my day” with baseless contempt. Here’s a chance to do something about it…

I want you to give my music away.

The thing is, there’s no subsidiary of Viacom shoe-horning my latest single onto radio playlists. There’s no carefully worded advertisements assaulting you at the bus-stop. There’s no ringles.

You heard about my music from a friend. Simple as that. Which means you listen to music because of its substance, not its convenience. And that’s precisely why I’m asking for your help.

Think of some likeminded friends who haven’t heard my songs. Then let me know how many sampler CDs I should send you to give to them.


So let’s help spread the word, shall we?


I’ve included three songs below; the stunning lead track, “Hymn #101“, the EP’s scathing title track, “Nation of Heat“, and finally, the deliciously titled “I Do My Father’s Drugs“. If you like them, then spread the word to your friends about Joe Pug. Let’s get him out there.


Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: Joe Pug – Nation Of Heat
Listen: Joe Pug – I Do My Father’s Drugs
Listen: Joe Pug – Hymn #101

Categories
2007 Releases artists artists to watch for in 2009 digital downloads guitar music

Chris Bathgate – The Last Parade on Ann St & Serpentine


Chris Bathgate (image credit: Quite Scientific)

A product of the Ann Arbor folk-scene, Chris Bathgate is enjoying some serious spins on my playlist lately; which really isn’t all that surprising, when you consider that Chris counts Will Oldham and Jeff Tweedy amongst his many admirers… after all, two of my favourite artists can’t be wrong.
Last year, Chris released the amazingly polished album, “A Cork Wake Tale“, although it’s only now that I’m really getting into it. In a scene that perhaps is becoming slightly oversaturated, Chris Bathgate has a certain bleakness that seems to set him apart from the other “Iron & Wine” crowd. Much like Bon Iver, there’s a tenderness and vulnerability there that simply pulls you in.

Earlier this month, Bathgate released a new 6 song EP, “Wait, Skeleton” (learn more at his Myspace page) though the Quite Scientific label.

The first song below, “The Last Parade on Ann Street“, is a hauntingly beautiful song, that doesn’t go anywhere near where that first chord indicates. I know that might sound a strange description, but take a listen and see if you feel the same way. And the middle of the song is dominated by a swirling mass of guitars that – for whatever reason – reminds me of The Pixies in one of their contemplative moments. In other words… it’s sheer brilliance.

The second track, “Serpentine“, is actually the opening track on “A Cork Wake Tale”. Someone once described it to me as, “This song is what I imagine ice skating must be like. Silently gliding…“.
And you know what? I couldn’t have put it better myself.

Put simply, you should be listening to this. So get in on it now.

Listen: Chris Bathgate – The Last Parade on Ann St
Listen: Chris Bathgate – Serpentine

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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 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 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, 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 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 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

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 (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 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

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2007 Releases artists artists to watch for in 2009 digital downloads guitar music Under The Radar

Nathaniel Hoho… Under The Radar.

So quite often, people will email me about an artist that I “absolutely need to hear”. Some are… well, ok. Some are good. Some are great. And some are special. And if it wasn’t for the fans emailing me, I might have missed out and never heard these tunes.
So that’s the reason why I’m starting a new column today on this blog: “Under The Radar”.

“Under The Radar” is a column for those treasures that might have somehow passed unknown, were it not for the fans and their emails alerting me to their favourite artists. In other words… keep those emails coming!
Today, for the inaugeral column, we’ll be featuring the – quite frankly – fantastic Nathaniel Hoho.


Nathaniel Hoho (Image Credit: Rachel Leah)

Nathaniel Hoho is doing it the old-fashioned way, and paying his dues. Constantly gigging for pretty much two years now – packed in a tiny car with suitcases on the road – he’s spreading the good word about his tunes to anyone who will listen; and it’s obviously working, as evidenced by this post.

The first thing I noticed when I was exposed to Nathaniel’s music is the sheer versatility; not only as a songwriter, but also as a performer. As Nathaniel himself said:

“I’ve been playing music since I’ve been about 10 years old. As a musician I can always recreate who I am and how the world perceives me.”

Nathaniel has the type of voice that seems to be comfortable with whatever you can throw at it. Sometimes soft and tender; sometimes manic and desperate; there really is a strength to his voice that pulls you in and holds you. The songs themselves have a habit of sinking deep under your skin… the more you listen to them, the more they connect, slowly but surely becoming “must-haves” on your playlists.

I had some major troubles trying to decide on which songs of his to showcase in this post, as pretty much all of the ones I heard, I fell in love with. So eventually, I decided to settle on three songs; each very different in terms of style and feel, but with one common factor… they absolutely kickass. After getting in touch with Nathaniel, I asked him for a bit of a background on each of the songs…

Listen. Love. Support.

Nathaniel Hoho – Nightmares

The first song is Nathaniel’s “Nightmares”. Written in 2005, “Nightmares” has possibly my favourite progression of any of Nathaniel Hoho’s music that I’ve heard to date. I defy you to listen to this song and then not be humming that chorus later in the day. It truly is an infectious tune. In Nathaniel’s words:

Nightmares was written in 2005 . I lived with a photographer, screen writer and another musician at the time. People were always creating and the air was filled with inspiration and art. I couldn’t sleep so I rolled out of bed and started playing the progression on my guitar. I wrote down the first two verses and a chorus and went back to sleep. When I woke up i saw my note book lying beside me with the song written. I finished the song that day and it’s been a favorite of mine since […] That night I played it for a party of people. A cop showed up because the window was open. Everyone who was underage split. I was standing in the back letting the owner of the house resolve the issue… the officer said he wanted to talk to the kid that was playing the guitar… I walked out nervously. He
shook my hand and told me to keep up the good work that i had a great voice. Then he walked out the door and left. Talk about relief.

Listen: Nathaniel Hoho – Nightmares

Nathaniel Hoho & Rachel Leah – What’s On Your Mind?


Nathaniel Hoho and Rachel Leah

The second song, “What’s On Your Mind?”, is a duet with Rachel Leah. A sultry song that hearkens back to smoky jazz clubs – the kind where the barman knows your name and choice of poison – there is a chemistry in this song that is impossible to ignore.
The first time I heard the tune, I thought to myself that Nathaniel and Rachel must have some history, at least. Chemistry like that you simply can’t fake, no matter how good you are at performing. So it was a pleasant surprise to learn that I was actually right…

Nathaniel:

Aside from being an amazing songwriter Rachel Leah is also my girlfriend.
I had been playing the progression and humming the melody over and over in my head. I wanted the song to reflect the early 1900’s , I thought it would be cool to base the lyrics off of what could be a scene in Citizen Kane. It was perfect… Rachel and I could each sing and tell a story through hearing our banter, just like a scene in a movie. I told her the idea and she was really excited… a few weeks later we sat down and wrote the song straight through. A few weeks from that point we made a video. The song has yet to be offically released and may just remain a B-side. For now we the song and video are available at both her and my myspace.

I sincerely hope that “What’s On Your Mind” gets an official release one day. A song as hot as this one needs to be heard. Tell me that you aren’t snapping your fingers when you listen to this.

Listen: Nathaniel Hoho – What’s On Your Mind? (with Rachel Leah)

Nathaniel Hoho – Sir William

The third and final song is again completely different to the previous two. “Sir William”, penned in 2006, sounds like a track that would be comfortable on a Fall Out Boy or Panic at the Disco release. An angry song, it’s one that I really connect with. So what was it inspired by?

Nathaniel:

Sir William was written in the Summer of ’06. I had been playing in a band, and they kicked me out. I was fighting with my girlfriend. That’s where the first two verses came from.

“Alexiandra, Queen of Freedom play me your piano song.
Criminal Cravings Creeping Conniving to get whatever you want.
You’re such a pretty girl.”

… being my girlfriend troubles and then…

“Sell me sir William, you can use us we are all just thieves at heart.
I once was chasing, now you’re trailing me along side of your gentle knights .
You’re such a lazy boy.”

I lived with the guy ( sir william)… I was in the band with him and two other guys. I took the band really seriously and was pretty worked up when they threw me out. It was my way of saying, “You’ll regret this. I’ll show you I’m going to do more with my music.
The rest of the song is a reflection of me feeling like they did something wrong and that what comes around goes around. I kind of masked this with the metaphor of a king and queen who treated their people badly and were then taken over and justice was served. “Freedom is Free”

Listen: Nathaniel Hoho – Sir William

****
Nathaniel Hoho (credit Jess Davis)

So, what’s the “Under The Radar” wrap-up then? Well…

There are times in this gig when I hear a cat’s music, and I just know he’s going to go places. I get that feeling about Nathaniel Hoho. There’s a sincerity to his tunes that you don’t often hear these days. While it’s still early days for him – and I have no doubt that he’ll only continue to grow – I have a feeling that there’s still potential unleashed here. I’m not sure that he’s quite reached “that point” yet… but he’s certainly well on his way.

So I have no doubt that his songs will be given major releases one day. Major releases. Until that time, however, I’m happy to keep spreading the word about him one-by-one, the old-fashioned way.
After all, that’s the way it should be. Nathaniel Hoho is paying his dues. And, let’s be honest…. One day I’m going to be able to look back at this post, and say, “I told you so”.

Nathaniel’s debut EP, “Wait Until The Story Ends” is now available (check out the link for a list of retailers, and don’t forget to hear and download more of his songs at his Myspace page), and he’s currently working on his full-length debut album. Needless to say, I’m definitely going to be waiting for that with much anticipation.