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2008 releases artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Patrick Sweany – Hotel Women

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today’s aural treat is:

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Patrick Sweaney – Hotel Women

 

You know, it’s not often that I would find myself comparing anyone to Van Morrison. But Patrick Sweany could be the person to change that.

There’s something about this guy. He delivers his vocals with a quiet power, that sinks under your skin with intimacy and intensity. And he makes you believe.

This track, “Hotel Women“, is taken from his latest album, “Every Hour Is A Dollar Gone“, and it’s perhaps the track that reminds me of classic Van Morrison the most. It’s a song with warm, welcoming vocals, that are somehow drenched in remorse and nostalgia. It’s a ridiculously good track, and one that I hope you give a chance.

Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: Patrick Sweany – Hotel Women

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2008 releases artists digital downloads guitar music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Jon Foreman – Behind Your Eyes

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today’s aural treat is:

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Jon Foreman – Behind Your Eyes

 

Jon Foreman - Behind Your Eyes

Better known as frontman for the group “Switchfoot”, Jon Foreman has recently taken some time off to record his solo release, “Fall And Winter”, which is supposed to be followed later this year by another album, titled “Spring and Summer”.


Given the title of the CD, “Fall & Winter” is a largely melancholic effort; reflective, searching songs. As with most of his prior work with Switchfoot, Foreman’s lyrics are often based in Christianity; as mentioned in my Need To Breathe post, however, don’t let this put you off.

Not only is this track, “Behind Your Eyes”, more poetic and whispering than his work with Switchfoot, it recalls shades of Sam Beam-like questioning. While I’m not a huge fan of his full-time band, I think that I might be intrigued by Jon Foreman’s solo stuff; that is, if this track is anything to go by. Time will tell.

 

Listen: Jon Foreman – Behind Your Eyes

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2002 releases artists digital downloads guitar music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Todd Thibaud – Sacred

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today’s aural treat is:

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Todd Thibaud – Sacred

Getting a bit nostalgic today, we’re headed back to 2002, and an artist that not many people have heard of: Todd Thibaud.

Thibaud was the frontman for the stellar group, “The Courage Brothers”, who were on the brink of greatness when they broke up in 1994. I was always a fan of the Courage Brothers, and so I followed Todd’s career with interest.


Unfortunately it seemed like, when TCB broke up, a little of Todd broke off with it. With his first two solo albums, the “everyman” voice and lyrics remained, but seemed to be weighed down somehow.

But then Squash came out, with this single, “Sacred”, and it sounded like he was back on track. And he was. There was a freedom in the single that reminded me of TCB, and I knew that Todd Thibaud was still one to watch. A mixture of homegrown, “could-be-anyone’s-life” lyrics – somewhat akin to fellow singer-songwriters who never quite made the big time, Syd and Todd Martin – Todd Thibaud may never make the big show; but maybe that’s the way I like it.


Thibaud hasn’t released a full-length album since 2005’s “Northern Skies”, but I’ve heard rumours he’s planning on going back into studio. I hope it’s true.

Listen. Love. Support.

Todd Thibaud – Sacred

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2008 releases artists artists to watch for in 2008 covers digital downloads guitar music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Samamidon – Saro

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today’s aural treat is:

***

Samamidon – Saro

Sam Amidon, aka Samamidon, is a product of the quintessential folk-band family, the Amidons. And on this track, “Saro”, Sam proves that he certainly deserves a place in the First Family of Folk.

Saro, like the majority of the songs on Samamidon’s upcoming new album, “All Is Well”, is actually a retelling of a traditional folk song, “Pretty Saro”. There are countless covers of this song, performed by such great names and Judy Collins, Bert Jansch, and Doc Watson, among others; Samamidon’s version is the most haunting and beautiful I have heard.


Although the song has been set with different melodies, and different characters, and even in different times – some songs start off in 1749, others in 1849 – the central story remains the same: An immigrant, alone and flailing in a strange country, misses his true love back home.

This version by Sam is sung in a resigned, yet achingly beautiful voice, and is accompanied by composer-friend, Nico Mulhy’s amazing string and wood instrument arrangements.

There truly is nothing else to say, except that Samamidon is on the cusp of greatness. Without question, his will be the definitive version of this song.

Below I’ve included both the music video for the single, “Saro”, and, of course, the song itself.

Listen. Love. Support.

 

 

Listen: Samamidon – Saro


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2007 Releases artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Need to Breathe – More Time (With a side helping of Washed by the Water)

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today’s aural treat is:

***

Need To Breathe – More Time (With a side helping of Washed by the Water)

Need to Breathe first appeared on my radar with their 2006 release, “Daylight”. While it was certainly an enjoyable album, portions of it seemed too… well, predictable. After all, these boys played mainstream rock, and they were happy to fit the mould. With their latest release, “The Heat”, however, they seem to be stepping back from the preconceived notion of “mainstream rock” and following their own tune.


Don’t get me wrong; Need to Breathe still unabashedly fits into the mainstream rock genre. But that needn’t be an automatic death knell. It seems that songwriter-brothers, Bo and Bear Rinehart have learnt to appreciate the art of restraint more here, and their music is all the better for it.

Nowhere is this shown better than in the breakdown section of the first track below, “More Time”. It’s a great song, and undeniably catchy.

The second track, “Washed by the Water”, shows the band’s Christian roots. Unashamedly a worship song, don’t let that deter you; it’s a rollicking tune that anyone can groove to.

Listen: Need To Breathe – More Time
Listen: Need To Breathe – Washed by the Water

Categories
2007 Releases artists artists to watch for in 2008 digital downloads guitar music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Faker – This Heart Attack

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today’s aural treat is:

***

Faker – This Heart Attack

Showing some love for the Aussie bands, “This Heart Attack by Faker is a ridiculously catchy single from their latest album, “Be The Twilight” (2007). Similar to the Liverpool boys, “The Wombats”, Faker are bringing back that New Order sound and mashing it with a pop-sensibility that should ensure it’s accessibility to the masses.
And the fact that’s catchy as all hell certainly won’t hurt with that.

There’s something intense in lead singer Nathan Hudson’s delivery here, yet at the same time apathetic. It’s an intriguing combination, and if you haven’t heard this track yet, click the damn play button below already!

Listen: Faker – This Heart Attack

Categories
2006 releases digital downloads music post a day week

Post-A-Day Week: Electric President – Insomnia

Post-A-Day Week: It’s not often over a weekend that I’ll be sent enough songs to make up a week of posts. So, this week, I’ve decided to put up a post a day, as opposed to lumping them all into one confusing mess, as I am wont to do.

If you prefer the big mass posts, then let me know; but I think this might be easier to digest. Today we’ll be starting off with:

***

Electric President – Insomnia

 

 

Something different from the usual fare on this blog to start off the week. I stumbled across Electric President only recently; actually when I was introduced to the band, Radical Face. Electric President is the side-project for Radical Face’s frontman, Ben Cooper, and Alex Kane.

While this track was originally released in 2006 (I know, slow pick up much?) on the self-titled album, it still remains an exciting tune. Somewhat part Postal Service, some parts Myslovitz, Ben Cooper has an intriguing, plaintive voice that demands you listen with a whisper. While the electronic touches may not be for everyone – again, think Postal Service – it’s well-worth a listen.

For more songs, check out their official page on the Radical Face site. In the meantime, however, here’s Insomnia by Electric President for your aural pleasure.

Listen: Electric President – Insomnia