Nowadays it takes a lot for me to download an entire album. And once I do, I rarely ever listen to one all the way through. Here is my latest exception: Kathleen Edward’s Failer. The album sounds just like the cover looks: stranded with a beaten-down truck in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes you feel [...]
When I was a kid, I formed an instant connection and adoration for my favorite bands. The first time I heard Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” I was like, “What’s that!” I went out and bought their albums one by one and let few other bands in. I was exclusive with my favorite bands for extended [...]
I moved back to my hometown a few years ago and teach at the local university. Right down the road from my house is the university pool, where I used to swim as a kid. Back then, U2′s Joshua Tree was really big. So, I remember trying flips off the diving board while hearing “With [...]
A few years ago, I bought a 4 disc Byrds boxed set. Being a mild fan, I figured that the boxed set would suffice. But a few of their early singles, like She Has A Way, I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better, and She Don’t Care About Time, caught my attention. They all had one thing [...]
This weekend, I picked up a copy of the Flight of the Conchords brand new CD. It’s basically music from their HBO show. It’s been a long time since I’ve bought a novelty CD like this and I highly recommend it. As usual, I’ve tried to intellectually dissect what makes it all work [...]
Paul Ford at the Morning News blog has way too much time on his hands. The folks at SXSW have made a torrent file available containing nearly 48 hours of continuous music. Mr. Ford listened to all 763 songs in the torrent, rated them, and provided a six word review of each song. Most notable [...]
That’s the actual title of The Clientele’s 2007 album. I agree with the sentiment. This album pretty much took over my internal soundtrack last week. When I listen to it, I hear certain overused adjectives like “exquisite” and “achingly beautiful.” Some of the songs make use of a harp-like guitar, while others add well-placed orchestral [...]
In 2006 I had the privilege of spending 6 months working in Minneapolis and discovered that their public radio station is one of the best ones out there. I stumbled upon MPR’s The Current while adjusting the radio in my rental car and was surprised to hear Son Volt’s “Drown” being played. Muddy Waters then [...]
A quick look at where my listening priorities are… (Click to see a larger view)
I’ve always thought that if an alien came down to earth and asked about me about what American music was, I would have them watch the Martin Scorsese directed movie, The Last Waltz, covering The Band’s last concert ever, on Thanksgiving Day 1976. The Band’s drummer/singer, Levon Helm (think “The Night They Drove Ole’ Dixie [...]
