Indie Shuffle » americana

Beastie Boys – No Sleep ’til Brooklyn (Virginia Leaves Cover)

Philip Friedman — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:30:06 +0000

Sounds like: Lucero, Old 97's, Sparklehorse

Song: Beastie Boys - No Sleep 'til Brooklyn (Virginia Leaves Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

This past weekend was the anniversary of MCA’s death. The well-loved and respected one third of the Beastie Boys was not only a pioneer within the world of hip-hop, but his influence stretched across the musical soundscape. Along with his fun-loving compadres, the Beastie Boys changed the world of music and have forever left their stamp on the industry and pop culture. I can remember being in middle school and seeing the Beastie Boys music videos playing on MTV and thinking that nerdy white kids, like myself, could someday be cool.

One of my favorite of these videos was for their track “No Sleep ’til Brooklyn,” off of their smash hit album Licensed to Ill. It was definitely a track that I spent years screaming aloud to while driving around with my friends, listening to the album so loud that I have possibly lost a good deal of my hearing due to those crazy nights.

Apparently I’m not the only Beastie Boys fan, because the alt-country rockers from Vancouver, Virginia Leaves, reposted their take on “No Sleep ’til Brooklyn” on their Soundcloud page in honor of MCA. It kicks off the verse with some Americana-inspired acoustic guitar, but they really let the chorus rock, as could only be done with this song. All with a bit of southern rock flair. After all, Vancouver is in southern Canada.

Here’s to you MCA; we miss you!

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1. Original post: Beastie Boys – No Sleep ’til Brooklyn (Virginia Leaves Cover)

2. Posted in: covers, electronic-rock, indie folk, americana, alt-country

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Matermathu – Brick City Blues

Christiana Bartolini — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:19 +0000

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Sounds like: White Denim, Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs

Song: Matermathu - Brick City Blues [download here]

What's so good?

I had the pleasure of seeing Matermathu play a show in Brooklyn a few weeks ago, and I was truly impressed and enthralled with their performance. They’ve definitely got the “it” factor, whether they’re going for that or not.

One of my favorite songs by them, “Brick City Blues,” is a down-home bluesy rock rendition with gritty guitars, raw and soulful vocals, and a classic rock beat that’s bound to get you waving your beer in the air and swaying your hips. This classic rock ballad has got all the fixins’ — slithering bass, edgy chords, and even a twangy guitar solo. It’s refreshing to see this retro style of music being kept alive and in a respectable and truly talented kind of way.

I’d keep an eye out for Matermathu if I were you. They’re currently working on their next album. In the meantime, you can treat yourself to their latest album Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City!

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1. Original post: Matermathu – Brick City Blues

2. Posted in: rock, blues rock, americana, the black keys, blues

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Treetop Flyers – Things Will Change

Christiana Bartolini — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:06:57 +0000

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Sounds like: Of Monsters And Men, The Head and the Heart, The Lumineers

Song: Treetop Flyers - Things Will Change [download here]

What's so good?

UK’s own Treetop Flyers have adopted the oh-so-lovable Northwest indie folk rock sound that’s become such a huge staple within our generation’s genre preferences.

Their single “Things Will Change” is a perfect depiction of that. This five-piece awakens a lovely vintage sound that is often imitated, but not always nailed down. Treetop Flyers nail it. Hard. From the chords to the melody to the vocals, this is the quintessential classic rock track that can stand the test of time. It’s swiftly moving and incredibly infectious — both important qualities in order to stand out in the crowd. I bet you won’t be able to listen to this song only once.

To top it off, Treetop Flyers just released a simple but endearing video for this single. And don’t forget about April 29, 2013 when their debut album, The Mountain Moves, is released!

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1. Original post: Treetop Flyers – Things Will Change

2. Posted in: indie rock, folk-rock, americana, alt-country, of monsters and men

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

TV Soundtrack: The Walking Dead, Ft. Wye Oak, Tom Waits + More

Philip Friedman — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 20:24:58 +0000

Imagine you just woke up in a hospital after being in a coma for who knows how long, and while you were asleep, zombies had taken over the world. You’ve got a few things to take care of. First, what type of weapon can you find? Second, what’s going to be on your zombie-whacking soundtrack?

While zombies and the movies have been a popular combo in pop culture since George A. Romero’s Night of the Walking Dead, nobody had managed to make a successful zombie television show. That is until AMC and Frank Darabont came up with the brilliant idea to bring Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore’s cult-classic Image comic book The Walking Dead to life.

After three seasons, the show’s popularity continues to grow, bringing zombie popularity to an all-time high. The gritty horror series follows sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes as he survives his way through a post-apocalyptic world overrun with “walkers” (zombies). His humanity is tested as he encounters his family and other walking dead (survivors), as they all make sense of the horrific new world around them.

The music for the show is composed by Bear McCreary, who was responsible for the “theme song.” It’s that little bit of music that starts before the main title, getting you ready for the upcoming episode (it got the remix treatment from UNKLE on The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Volume 1, but I didn’t have the rights to share it). The show has also included some Americana from Wye Oak, Tom Waits and Jamie N Commons, as well as a track from Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson and electroclashers Black Strobe. This all provides the perfect Southern sounding, pick-up-your-shotgun-and-hunt-some-zombie type of background music.

So grab your nearest blunt or projectile object and prepare for the zombie apocalypse with these tracks!

1. Original post: TV Soundtrack: The Walking Dead, Ft. Wye Oak, Tom Waits + More

2. Posted in: indie pop, acoustic, indie folk, americana, singer-songwriter

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Jamie N Commons - Lead Me Home [Downloa d]

From Season 3, Episode 12, “Clear”

Song: Tom Waits - Hold On [Downloa d]

From Season 3, Episode 11, “Aint a Judas”

Song: Patrick Watson - Noisy Sunday [Downloa d]

From Season 3, Episode 1, “Seed”

Song: Wye Oak - Civilian [Downloa d]

From Season 2, Episode 9, “Triggerfinger”

Song: Black Strobe - I'm a Man [Downloa d]

From Season 1, Episode 2, “Guts”

Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Live – Carnival

Christiana Bartolini — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:21:35 +0000

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Sounds like: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, The Lumineers, Of Monsters & Men

Song: Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Live - Carnival [download here]

What's so good?

I usually can’t get too into the Americana genre but Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Live has been quite the exception for me. Her single “Carnival” is a sweetly composed Americana-folk ballad that has warm vibes and a country undertone.

“Carnival” starts off with a simple acoustic guitar and Nora’s milky vocals singing about the carefree atmosphere of a carnival and the sights there are to see. Soon your ears will be engulfed in strings galore- acoustic guitar, banjo, violin, and a stand-up bass. This is the quintessential line-up for any down-home band, but Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Live have definitely got a modern and refreshing take on a musical style that has stood the test of time for decades.

By this song alone, you can tell that these musicians are incredibly talented and well-trained. It only makes me that more curious to hear their upcoming album, Carnival, set to release on April 16, 2013!

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1. Original post: Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Live – Carnival

2. Posted in: female vocalist, folk, folk-rock, acoustic, indie folk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Live From Oakland – Josh Ritter at the Fox Theater

Lauren Sloss — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:39:14 +0000

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Sounds like: Justin Townes Earle, Langhorne Slim, The Avett Brothers, Ryan Adams

Song: Josh Ritter - Joy To You Baby [download here]

What's so good?

I think about my early concert-going experiences pretty often. Music was somehow much simpler to me then — if it struck some kind of positive emotional chord, I was in love. I wasn’t looking for a deeper meaning, for serious musical prowess, even for some kind of striking creativity. If a song made me feel good, that was more than enough; I wasn’t paying attention to chord progressions.

We all have to grow up. But sometimes, I find myself overwhelmed with the heart swell of first music love. Josh Ritter’s show at the Fox Theater in Oakland was one of those times. The sheer joy with which he performs, combined with his decided musical skill and creative song writing, makes his live performance something of a perfect union between my gut reaction music past and my more-informed music writer present.

Let’s start with the nuts and bolts of this show. Ritter played for close to two hours, alternating between solo performances and room-shaking renditions backed by his Royal City Band. He spent much time covering ground from his new album, The Beast In Its Tracks, peppered with memorable songs from his extensive back catalogue (including the excellent “So Runs The World Away,” one of my top picks of 2010). As a performer, Ritter is captivating — he fell to his knees multiple times, to catapult his powerful vocals throughout the room without the aid of a microphone, to curl himself more closely around his guitar, or to pay homage to his talented band members. He engaged the audience in multiple sing-a-longs, played a tune with all of the stage lights off, and inspired a standing ovation.

These are the makings of a great show, to be sure. But Ritters’ incredible, joyful energy elevates his performance to new heights. He jokes with the audience on an intimate level that transforms the grand Fox into a coffee shop open mic night. He repeatedly commented on how stunning the theater itself was, and how honored and grateful he was to be there. What’s more, he’s unfailingly genuine — his mile-wide grin lit the stage, as he pogoed up and down to the beat of his tunes. He thanked (pretty much) every single person involved with his tour — the merch guy, the person fueling their bus, and so on. He has the energy of a buoyant, Midwestern Bruce Springsteen.

Highlights included: “New Lover” off The Beast in its Tracks — the album sorts through his recent divorce, and this song is his version of a middle finger response. Still, his energy transforms what could be bitter into a joyful catharsis, with a beat you can dance to. “The Curse,” a charming love song between an archeologist and a mummy, transformed into an absolutely heartbreaking tale of lost love through the sheer pathos of his voice. “Change Of Time,” his closing number, grew from a delicate smattering of strings on his guitar to an overwhelming swell of sound and feeling. “Idaho,” his opener, left Ritter on his knees, evoking the wail of a train with a perfectly pitched, ringing howl.

Emotion and technical skill, joy and heartbreak join together seamlessly for Ritter. And, like the best musicians, his live performance adds a whole new dimension to his already excellent recordings. His songs have always evoked a kind of Americana I wish I knew better, one of manifest destiny and live-or-die-for-our-principles kind of frontierism. I’ll say this for his chops as a performer — he very nearly takes me there.

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1. Original post: Live From Oakland – Josh Ritter at the Fox Theater

2. Posted in: folk, folk-rock, acoustic, americana, singer-songwriter

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Virginia Leaves – No Where’s Worse

Philip Friedman — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:07:36 +0000

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Sounds like: Lucero, Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, Old 97's, Son Volt

Song: Virginia Leaves - No Where's Worse [download here]

What's so good?

I know that Vancouver is not necessarily a town where you’d expect to find some rockin’ Americana — especially by a band named Virginia Leaves — but that is exactly what this Canadian alt-country band is cranking out.

Starting off simply as some friends playing acoustic tunes and later building into a full band, Virginia Leaves draws inspiration from the No Depression scene that helped make guys like Jay Fararr and Jeff Tweedy household names. Cranking out old time country-influenced tracks, with distorted electric guitars meant to be played loud in half empty bars in middle America, Virginia Leaves just released their album, Portrait, via Whiskey Horse Records.

The second track on the album is a rocker called “No Where’s Worse.” Starting off with a driving drum beat, an old guitar amp armed with overdrive, and smoke and whiskey-tinged vocals, it sets the stage for Virginia Leaves’ take on what a rock album should sound like. Filled with some self-deprecating lyrics like, “I feel like I am nothing, but no where’s worse,” and some fiddle, the track reminds me of some of the country greats of old, like George Jones.

Virginia Leaves know exactly what their sound is, and they aren’t afraid to be who they are as they look to carry on the alt-country torch to future generations — they’re keeping alive the independent spirit of bands like Uncle Tupelo who came before them. Long live Americana, no matter what country it comes from.

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1. Original post: Virginia Leaves – No Where’s Worse

2. Posted in: indie rock, folk, americana, alt-country, southern rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

John Denver – Leaving On A Jet Plane (My Morning Jacket Cover)

Lauren Sloss — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:20:20 +0000

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Sounds like: Jim James, Old Crow Medicine Show, J Mascis

Song: John Denver - Leaving On A Jet Plane (My Morning Jacket Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

I was a camp kid growing up. Meaning I was one of those kids who went to and would not shut up about summer camp. I was obsessed. Truthfully, I still am — given the opportunity, I’d pack up and head to the mountains for a summer of lake swimming, woodworking, and friendship-bracelet-making in a second.

The best/worst thing about camp was saying goodbye; it was undeniably sad, but heavy with meaning and emotion proving just how much our summer together had meant. Inevitably, this was accompanied by a tearful sing-a-long to the John Denver classic, “Leaving On A Jet Plane.”

Now, I may have grown out of a lot things since those days (the tendency to wear hemp bracelets, a deep-seeded love of Guster and Dispatch), and into new things (snark, sarcasm, skinny jeans), but the emotional impact of the John Denver classic has remained unchanged. Trust me, I’m as surprised as you are.

This My Morning Jacket cover is part of an upcoming tribute album, featuring J. Mascis and Sharon Van Etten, Old Crow Medicine Show, Allen Stone, and others. While many covers promise to stray from the Denver originals in an interesting, unexpected way, the MMJ version of “Jet Plane” is as tender and heartbreaking as the original. Jim James’s smoky lilt caresses the timeless refrain, “Now kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll wait for me, hold me like you’ll like you’ll never let me go,” with deep, genuine emotion, carried along by a delicate smattering of guitar strings.

For me, this song is wrapped up in campfires and crushes. But now it has infinitely more layers of meaning — heartbreak and life-shattering changes, moves and new beginnings, the tender sadness of goodbye, but the hope that can go along with it. Some things, John Denver included, really do get better with age.

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1. Original post: John Denver – Leaving On A Jet Plane (My Morning Jacket Cover)

2. Posted in: folk, folk-rock, acoustic, covers, americana

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Live In San Francisco – Sean Rowe at Bottom of the Hill

Lauren Sloss — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:08:27 +0000

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Sounds like: Bill Callahan, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen

Song: Sean Rowe - Bring Back The Night [download here]

What's so good?

Sean Rowe took to the stage last night at San Francisco’s Bottom of the Hill with markedly little fanfare. A tuning of guitar strings, a scan of the crowd, an introduction, kindly thanking the audience for their attendance.

“I want to thank you for moving up close to the stage,” he said. “It makes me feel cozy.” And with that, he was off.

Considering my near-aneurysm-level of excitement surrounding Rowe’s latest album, The Salesman and the Shark, I had rather high expectations going in to his live show. And I was interested to see that, save a couple of acoustic guitars and a harmonica (the harness pulled on his beard strings, Rowe noted, laughing), Rowe was onstage alone. His album, and taped performances I’d seen, had featured a full band — how would the power of his sound stand going solo?

Shame on me for even wondering. Rowe is a hypnotic solo performer – from the power of his rich baritone voice to his easy stage presence, this was a set I got lost in. My one complaint? I could have watched him play for twice as long.

I was deeply affected by Rowe’s voice listening to his album — it’s just as impactful live, but here, I was simultaneously taken with his incredible guitar skills. Whether teasing the strings in the slow-burning “Bring Back The Night,” the evening’s opener, to a deft finger-picking guitar-strum combination in “Joe’s Cult,” making for a percussive, funky rendition.

These tracks, hallmarks of Salesman, were the only tracks featured from his latest effort. And, despite my love for that album, that ended up being an alright choice. Rowe tore through a couple of older tunes off of 2010′s Magic, and performed two of the better covers I’ve ever seen, one of Leonard Cohen’s “Chelsea Hotel No. 2,” and one of Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning.”

The latter, in particular, was a jaw-dropping frenzy of guitar antics, and fittingly enough, the show’s closer. As he rumbled through the song’s closing couplet, “He gave her one last kiss and died/And he gave her his Vincent to ride,” I felt a collective shiver going through the room. His take on the classic tragic motorcycle-centered love story made me realize how squarely his sound falls in the canon of classic Americana road poetry — he’s an artist about journeys, and discoveries, and the joy and heartbreak that comes with both.

The Salesman and the Shark may have given strength to the claim that Rowe is one of the better singer-songwriters out there today; this live performance clinched it for me. Now, I’ll just be waiting for him to come back to town, and hopefully, for an even longer set.

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1. Original post: Live In San Francisco – Sean Rowe at Bottom of the Hill

2. Posted in: folk, indie, acoustic, indie folk, americana

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Milk Carton Kids – The Ash & Clay

Lauren Sloss — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:22:12 +0000

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Sounds like: The Tallest Man On Earth, Simon and Garfunkel

Song: The Milk Carton Kids - Snake Eyes [download here]

What's so good?

There are some albums that sound timeless from the get-go. That you could see playing for your kids on vinyl, pulling a slightly scratched record out of a dusty case. Albums that can stand changing tastes and evolving genres. Albums that grow with you, instead of wearing on you with repeated listens.

That’s how I feel about The Ash & Clay, the third album from California folk duo The Milk Carton Kids (out March 26). With an achingly poignant collection of modern folk music, Kenneth Pattangale and Joey Ryan prove that there is very much still a place for delicate, beautiful songs in today’s musical landscape.

The duo, both skilled singers and guitarists, twine their delicate guitar pickings together in a layered, intricate tapestry of sound; their voices, melded in harmony, add sonic depth and poetry to each track.

This can be lighthearted, as in the countrified “Honey, Honey,” in which they saucily promise, “Trouble comes to everyone who dares to be a muse;” or heart-wrenching, like the truly gorgeous “Promised Land,” which, in one of the more poetic break-up promises ever, declares, “And if you left, leave my heart to spare/We could part but I’d still find you there.”

Still, there’s a glowing light of hope through all of the longing in The Ash & Clay, a hope for meaning, for love, for a sense of home. As the two sing in the title track, “Let’s come home before the girls are grown, let’s come home tonight.”

It’s impossible to listen Pattangale and Ryan play together without thinking of Simon & Garfunkel — the comparison is both an apt description of their sound and a compliment to the Kids’ incredible musical chemistry. Let’s hope they keep making their beautiful music for as many years to come.

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1. Original post: The Milk Carton Kids – The Ash & Clay

2. Posted in: folk, acoustic, americana, paul simon, the milk carton kids

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Lana Del Rey – Born To Die (Patrick Wolf Cover)

Anu — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:46:29 +0000

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Sounds like: Chris Corner, Owen Pallett

Song: Lana Del Rey - Born To Die (Patrick Wolf Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

It’s difficult to objectively listen to another female cover Lana Del Rey; my reasoning is that her music was produced in reflection of an existing image. But if there’s any man I’d like to give it a try, it would be London’s Patrick Wolf. Luckily, that’s just what he did.

Wolf is a classically trained violist, harpist and composer, and a self-taught pianist, singer and producer. On his “Born To Die” cover, the harp chimes in before his voice adds a necessary drama and depth. An orchestral air weaves through his words, creating space for raw emotion.

The end result handsomely fulfills expectations. Wolf released his first EP at age 19, and since then has released five albums. He’s also collaborated with a range of brilliant artists, from Florence Welch to Tilda Swinton; hopefully this cover encourages Lana and Patrick to sing together in the future.

Wolf’s latest album, Sundark and Riverlight, consists of new arrangements and acoustics chronicling his 10 year career in the industry. He is currently on tour and will remain so into 2013, so visit his Facebook for tour dates.

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1. Original post: Lana Del Rey – Born To Die (Patrick Wolf Cover)

2. Posted in: folk, acoustic, instrumental, covers, americana

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Adam & Binki – Collage

Devin Duckworth — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:01:16 +0000

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Sounds like: Little Joy, Jane Birkin, Lee & Nancy

Song: Adam & Binki - Collage [download here]

What's so good?

If you remember Little Joy (Fabrizio Moretti’s side project), you might recognize Binki Shapio and her soft, Jane Birkin-esque vocals. This time around, she’s taken on another project with the studly Moldy Peaches member Adam Green appropriately titled Adam & Binki.

This collaboration is a compilation of vintage-sounding duets a la Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood from the 60s. The first song we have to share with you a cover of James Gang’s “Collage,” and oh, what a sugary-sweet track this is! The delicate vocals layered on top of a psychedelic backdrop create a restrained pop melody that prompts us to dust off our vintage Serge Gainsbourg vinyls and daydream about romance and older times.

Their forthcoming album is due to release in late January via Rounder/Decca.

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1. Original post: Adam & Binki – Collage

2. Posted in: indie pop, female vocalist, psychedelic, americana, psychedelic pop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Gameday Regulars – The Whiskey Keeps Us Young

John Matthew Simon — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:27:49 +0000

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Sounds like: Hot Water Music, Jawbreaker, Timeshares, Against Me!

Song: Gameday Regulars - The Whiskey Keeps Us Young [download here]

What's so good?

Gameday Regulars have that New York City punk rock temperament and a pop sensibility that is as vibrant as it is abrasive. When you begin to listen, you immediately hear the coarse vocal magic that modern punk has become known for vis-a-vis bands like Against Me! and Hot Water Music.

So if you like ferociously driven punk rock with hooks that demand sing-alongs, then you’ll love this Bronx, NY trio. Check out this song from their debut EP But it’s Hell in the Hallway, out on Mightier Than Sword Records. And make sure to keep an eye out for new material in 2013, which they will be recording in January with Jeff Dean of All Eyes West!

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1. Original post: Gameday Regulars – The Whiskey Keeps Us Young

2. Posted in: rock, americana, punk, punk rock, hardcore

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Dan Croll – Home

Sean O — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 22:45:59 +0000

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Sounds like: Pair of Arrows, Alexander

Song: Dan Croll - Home [download here]

What's so good?

I don’t know much about this Dan Croll track except that I love it. “Home” has only around 600 plays on SoundCloud as of this review, but a Google search shows that a live version of the track was performed as far back as June 2011. My guess is this is an older tune being packaged in with his debut single “From Nowhere.”

“Home” is a folksy slice of Americana that just happens to have been written and performed by a man based in Liverpool, England. It’s got me feeling all kinds of good. This is sure to brighten up my morning commute for weeks to come.

There’s also a preview of a song titled “Wanna Know“ on the official Dan Croll SoundCloud page. Not exactly sure what he has in store for 2013, but I’m a big fan of what I’ve heard so far this year. Dan Croll fans can order From Nowhere on iTunes.

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1. Original post: Dan Croll – Home

2. Posted in: folk, acoustic, americana, local natives, mason proper

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Wooden Sky – Child Of The Valley

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:53:25 +0000

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Song: The Wooden Sky - Child Of The Valley [download here]

What's so good?

Every now and again, it’s nice to feature something a little more folksy / acoustic for the Song of the Day.

It wasn’t intentional or anything — it just so happens that when I stumbled upon The Wooden Sky’s “Child Of The Valley” this morning, I couldn’t stop myself. And hopefully you, too, will enjoy this single.

Based out of Toronto, the band have released three records, several EPs, and gone on countless tours. This specific track was released nine months ago, as part of their most recent effort titled Every Child A Daughter, Every Moon A Sun. You can stream the entire thing via Line Of Best Fit.

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1. Original post: The Wooden Sky – Child Of The Valley

2. Posted in: folk, folk-rock, acoustic, americana, fleet foxes

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Andrew Bird – Hands Of Glory

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:20:36 +0000

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Sounds like: Johnny Cash, Bowerbirds

Song: Andrew Bird - When That Helicopter Comes [download here]

What's so good?

It seems like only last week that Andrew Bird released his sixth studio album Break It Yourself. In fact, it was actually back in February.

Regardless, it’s quite a feat that within the same year, he’s back with an 8-track long EP titled Hands Of Glory. We got a first taste last month with the song “Three White Horses,” which ended up being the EP opener. It’s certainly one of the highlights (along with “When That Helicopter Comes”).

As for the rest of the tracks, I find that they get a little…plain. I guess it’s hard to live up to Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs. But hey, maybe you’re more into the mellow vibe?

You can stream the full thing here.

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1. Original post: Andrew Bird – Hands Of Glory

2. Posted in: folk, folk-rock, americana, iron and wine, andrew bird

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Shins – New Slang

Jason Grishkoff — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:19:58 +0000

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Song: The Shins - New Slang [download here]

What's so good?

I’m not sure I need give this song an introduction, nor do I need to explain why I like it so much. But I’m going to do both anyway.

The track was released way back in 2001 on the album Oh, Inverted World. It’s hard to believe that it was more than a decade ago. That said, many of you might find it “fresh” in your mind given that it was one of the lead singles on the 2004 movie Garden State.

Either way, it’s old as shit. And that’s why I like this so much. It isn’t complex or innovative. It’s just straight up enjoyable to listen to. And for that, it’s timeless.

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1. Original post: The Shins – New Slang

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, folk-rock, americana, the shins

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Campfire OK – Wishing You the Best

Philip Friedman — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:37:42 +0000

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Sounds like: The Decemberists, Mumford & Sons, Band of Horses

Song: Campfire OK - Wishing You the Best [download here]

What's so good?

I was scrolling through Instagram today when I saw that the acoustic indie pop outfit Campfire OK had released a new single. Coming off their successful debut titled Strange Like We Are (released back in to 2011), the band continues their mission of making some quality Americana-tinged indie pop.

Their newest album, When You Have Arrived, doesn’t have an official release date yet (at least one I could find), but if their single “Wishing You the Best” is any indicator, we are in for a treat. The song is also available for free on their Bandcamp page to hold us over until the new album comes out. Download it here.

They have also released a live video to go with the single, and you can check that out here on the band’s website.

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1. Original post: Campfire OK – Wishing You the Best

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, acoustic, americana, band of horses

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

TV Soundtrack: The Wire, Ft. Steve Earle, Paul Weller + More

Philip Friedman — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:14:21 +0000

While HBO’s big breakout crime drama might have been The Sopranos, their other hit The Wire was definitely no little brother. Featuring much of the gritty, real world drama that could only be brought to television via a premium channel, David Simon’s The Wire proved to be a gamble that helped to change which channels we watch our shows on.

Set in the bleak inner-city of Baltimore, Maryland, The Wire gave middle class America a glimpse into the lives of the various institutions that are taken for granted on a daily basis. This included examining bureaucracy of the justice system, the hypocrisy of the media, or the criminal organizations and the criminals that might not be as “evil” as they seem. The Wire also showcased the various surveillance devices used by law enforcement to help tell the story, and focused on character development to help the show truly stand out in an otherwise crowded market.

Musically, The Wire also focused on doings things a little differently. Instead of using music in a more traditional sense, it used source cues to infuse the show with local Baltimore acts like DJ Technics and rapper Diablo. The opening theme of the show also took an artistic approach by taking the same Tom Waits’ song “Way Down In the Hole,” covered by a new artist for each season.

One of my favorite parts of the show was the montage found at the end of each season. Some great tracks like covers by Paul Weller and Solomon Burk were set to help sum up the after math of seasons of a show with not so “Hollywood” endings.

Check out all five of these season finale ending songs below.

1. Original post: TV Soundtrack: The Wire, Ft. Steve Earle, Paul Weller + More

2. Posted in: acoustic, soul, R&B, covers, americana

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Tom Waits - Down In The Hole (Blind Boys of Alabama Cover) [Downloa d]

From Season 5, “Late Editions”

Song: Dr. John - I Walk On Gilded Splinters (Paul Weller Cover) [Downloa d]

From Season 4, “Final Grades”

Song: Van Morrison - Fast Train (Solomon Burke Cover) [Downloa d]

From Season 3, “Mission Accomplished”

Song: Steve Earle - Feel Alright [Downloa d]

From Season 2, “Port In a Storm”

Song: Jesse Winchester - Step by Step [Downloa d]

From Season 1, “Seasoning”

The Last Bison

Vanessa Torres — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:15:59 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, The Decemberists

Song: The Last Bison - Switzerland [download here]

What's so good?

Ever hear of the term folk-chestral? Well, I really hadn’t either until I heard the single Switzerland from the Chesapeake, VA based band The Last Bison. Their debut album, Quill, was released almost a year ago, and it has taken them a while but they finally put out a visually stunning video for the single. The entire album is one beautiful piece of art.

Tangled with lively violins and whimsical banjo rifts, “Switzerland” hinges on the similar sounds of Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes. The seven-member band grew from jamming in a living room to a real live act that reflects in their root-sy quality and complex arrangements. With such a wide range of instruments, the band has really created a unique sound that, while may sound similar to other artists, makes them a hybrid that truly stands out.

Watch the video here:

Upcoming concerts:

Los Angeles – September 1st – Hotel Cafe
San Diego – September 3rd – Soda Bar
San Francisco – September 4th – Cafe Du Nord

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1. Original post: The Last Bison

2. Posted in: folk, americana, fleet foxes, orchestral, mumford & sons

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Replacements – Waitress In The Sky (Deer Tick Cover)

Lauren Sloss — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:51:29 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Middle Brother, Delta Spirit, Dawes

Song: The Replacements - Waitress In The Sky (Deer Tick Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

Deer Tick get compared to The Replacements a whole lot — I’ve done it myself. They manage to evoke the gritty, New York-before-it-was-clean-and-safe feel that The Replacements evoke so well. It’s not quite punk, it’s not quite post punk; it’s definitely rock ‘n’ roll.

So their cover of The Replacements jam, “Waitress In the Sky,” sounds natural without sounding like clever mimicry. John McCauley growls and slurs his way like a pro, and, like The Replacements, the band manages to bring the song’s tongue-in-cheek insouciance to the fore. I guess someone had a bad run-in with a flight attendant?

Deer Tick’s version sounds a little more honky-tonk than the original but it works — definitely a good pick-me-up tune.

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1. Original post: The Replacements – Waitress In The Sky (Deer Tick Cover)

2. Posted in: rock, alternative, covers, americana, deer tick

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Milo Greene – Don’t You Give Up On Me

Lauren Sloss — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 15:46:56 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Of Monsters And Men, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Song: MIlo Greene - Don't You Give Up On Me [download here]

What's so good?

I’ll admit it — I’m starting to get a little tired of the boy-girl group-folk ensemble. Okay, okay, you can feather your hair and wear ponchos and rancher hats, but that does not make this 1977, nor does it make you Fleetwood Mac. And believe me, I wish it did.

Milo Greene, on the other hand, is a band that’s doing it better — they’re not trying to ape a love-happy commune mentality with their sound. The band, with elements of folk and pop, and plenty of those male-female overlapping vocals, doesn’t shy away from tight, clean production on their debut, self-titled album.

There are elements of Fleetwood Mac, or the Mamas and Papas, but their sound is distinct and modern enough to stake a new claim in California folk-sound — they’re not afraid of their own modernity. Is Milo Greene a revolutionary album? No. There’s plenty of familiarity here, plenty of similarities to Of Monsters and Men and even Edward Sharpe. But it’s an album with thought and talent, unique enough to stand out, and catchy enough to latch on.

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1. Original post: Milo Greene – Don’t You Give Up On Me

2. Posted in: folk, folk-pop, indie folk, americana, edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Pickathon 2012: Festival Wrap Up, 5 Standout Performances Ft. Thee Oh Sees, Phosphorescent + More

Lauren Sloss — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Coming home from a festival necessitates a kind of jolt as you settle back into reality. Suddenly, here I am again at my computer. My feet aren’t stained with dirt. It’s no longer 95 degrees. I’m not sitting on straw. And where did the constant stream of music go?!

Pickathon feels like kind of a rarity in the realm of festivals. It’s small — but the calibre of performances is undeniable. It’s personal while still being impressive. It’s beautiful, with views of distant mountains and lush forest paths winding away from the main stage areas. The food rocks. And everyone is so damn nice.

Thankfully, in addition to the memories of warm evenings and marvelous banjo picking, I can take the music home with me. And while every band that played put on a memorable, noteworthy set, I’ve listed the five that really stood out. Listening doesn’t fully recapture the magic, but it will have to suffice for now. Until next summer at Pendarvis Farm, anyway.

Be sure to check out our other playlist from this year here!

1. Original post: Pickathon 2012: Festival Wrap Up, 5 Standout Performances Ft. Thee Oh Sees, Phosphorescent + More

2. Posted in: indie rock, folk-rock, acoustic, americana, garage rock

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Abigail Washburn With Kai Welch - City of Refuge [Downloa d]

I was impressed by this duo’s powerful, energetic performance — hard proof that you don’t need much more than two strong voices, a banjo, and an acoustic guitar.

Song: Phosphorescent - Nothing Was Stolen [Downloa d]

You can take the band out of New York… but you can’t take the New York out of the band. A silky, slinky set, Phosphorescent lulled the crowd as they alternated between jammy tones and Pink Floyd-esque guitar solos.

Song: The Mynabirds - Generals [Downloa d]

Dance party alert. The Mynabirds brought the party, and impressed with their clap-happy, intoxicating set. Primal rhythms plus indie pop may be one of the best combinations I’ve heard lately.

Song: Thee Oh Sees - Lupine Dominus [Downloa d]

In addition to serious hometown pride for this San Francisco band, I was blown away by their raw, loud, and absolutely brilliant set of psyched-out garage rock. Want to be inspired to run away and join a rock ‘n’ roll band? These guys will do it to you. Also, two of their friends definitely spent the entire set dancing across the back of the stage banging on tambourines. RAD.

Song: Langhorne Slim - The Way We Move [Downloa d]

Langhorne Slim seemingly came out of nowhere in the golden hour of early evening, absolutely owning the crowd with their energetic set of punked-up bluegrass folk rock (say that five times fast). With rocking tunes and stage presence for days, these guys stole the show and got everyone on their feet. And in that kind of heat, that’s saying something. I’m going to be on the lookout for this band from now on.

Pickathon 2012: Festival Preview, 5 Most Anticipated Sets

Lauren Sloss — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:00:22 +0000

This weekend, I’m heading up to Oregon for the Pickathon Music Festival, going down at the Pendarvis Farm (right outside Portland). The forecast is hot, the spot looks gorgeous, and I am pretty ridiculously excited for this line-up. Featuring 50 rad bands, all showcasing some brand of the guitar-driven, rootsy music I love, but representing everything from African sounds to straight-from-San-Francisco surf rock.

I think that one of the best parts of going to a music festival is the ability to wander from stage to stage, taking in an assortment of bands and sounds, and whipping out your schedule to see who you’ve happened upon. It’s a great way to discover new music — I always find that I come home with a slew of new favorite bands, and a grubby collection of notes (always rife with exclamation points) reminding me to look up past albums, future tour dates, and tracks for download as soon as I get home.

But, one of the reasons to go to a festival in the first place is to see the bands you already know and love. Leading up to Pickathon, I’ve gathered five of the bands I’m most excited to see, including two headliners (both of whom I’ve seen before). An opportunity for new music discovery and a chance to revisit with some of my all-time favorites? Sounds like it’s going to be a pretty stellar weekend up in Oregon for me.

1. Original post: Pickathon 2012: Festival Preview, 5 Most Anticipated Sets

2. Posted in: indie rock, folk, indie folk, americana, alt-country

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Dr. Dog - That Old Black Hole [Downloa d]

Song: Blitzen Trapper - Furr [Downloa d]

Song: The War On Drugs - Baby Missiles [Downloa d]

Song: Heartless Bastards - Parted Ways [Downloa d]

Song: Sonny and the Sunsets - Pretend You Love Me [Downloa d]

BROTHERS – Volume I

Lauren Sloss — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:59:36 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: JEFF the Brotherhood, Justin Townes Earl, Dan Auerbach, Heartless Bastards, My Morning Jacket

Song: BROTHERS - Baby [download here]

What's so good?

A while back, I posted about “Real Long Way to Go,” the first released single from Brooklyn-based band Brothers. I was taken with the band’s raw, rockin’ sound, their ne’er do well approach, and their matching motorcycle jackets, emblazoned with a three-eyed tiger.

Now, considering their full-length release, succinctly titled Volume I (implying more to come), I’m glad to say that my good feelings about that single foreshadowed a really nice full-album effort. The rollicking and rocking is still in full force, but the band delves deeper into the genres that clearly inform their musical make-up.

“Desperate Man” is a growled-out country ballad, complete with a twanging guitar, while “Whiskey and Loose Women” takes a rockabilly, boot-stomping approach. Both tracks feature excellent piano licks, richening an already captivating sound.

The album closes with a 7+ minute burner, “Devil’s Tail,” which not only boasts a raging guitar solo, organ sounds, and crash of keyboards, but circles back to the album’s carefree opener, with a newfound punch of emotion and heart. The stomps and claps are there, but the wailing statement, “Freedom is on those blacktop lines, so I ride, ride, ride through the night” sounds more like a battle cry than a jolly road anthem.

While the band’s foundation seems to lie in other parts of the country — the rock ‘n’ roll of the South, the attitude of the Wild West, the pleasing layer of scuzz and fuzz that can be found all over the album is pure Lower East Side, before it got cleaned up. These are country rocking guys with some punk rock in their souls, or at least their singing voices.

Most importantly, these Brothers don’t lose the sense of fun that makes their music so intoxicating. All things considered, this is a band you probably want to see in a sticky-floored, dark dive bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, a mind set on making some good-bad decisions. And should you need more convincing that it feels damn good to be bad, the sexy, slurred, fuzzed-out garage rock tune “Baby” will have you looking for your leather jacket.

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1. Original post: BROTHERS – Volume I

2. Posted in: rock, americana, my morning jacket, Justin Townes Earle, Dan Auerbach

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.