*Sixeyes: by Alan Williamson

Sixeyes Mix: June 8th

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:56:00 PDT

wheat hott (from upcoming release White Ink. Black Ink)

regina spektor folding chair (from Far)
regina spektor loveology (from Demo Cassette)

neil young music arcade (from bootleg Europa Summer '96)

blitzen trapper furr

franz ferdinand you're the reason i'm leaving

peter von poehl may day

canadians it's over

bryan ferry & antony lowlands low

jeff buckley so real (kcrw - morning becomes eclectic)

Nick Cave: Live Melbourne Australia 2009 PART 2

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:55:00 PDT

Now, I know what you want. Yeah, you, sittin' over there all alone in the corner, with a pile of books on the table, a laptop across your lap, and a smudge of ash from that last cigarette across your little finger, or is that newsprint? What you need is some Nick Cave. Some Bad Seeds. I'm here to do the plantin'.

PART TWO
papa won’t leave you, henry
into my arms
get ready for love
stagger lee

Get PART ONE here.

Jenn Grant: 'Echoes' MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:25:02 PDT

There are an endless number of talented singers and songwriters toiling under the mainstream radar. We call it (okay, I call it) indie land, and it's a great place to travel, you never know who, or what, is right around the corner. Sometimes you even rediscover a place you'd found before (quite often the places in indie land move around on their own, it is a magic place) and feel the same wonder or maybe even awe, but definitely surprise. Well, Jenn Grant is one those those places, I first found her back in 2006, not long before the release of her second album Orchestra For The Moon (I wrote about it here).

Echoes, her new album, out since February, offers 13 tracks like it's predecessor, but unlike that record this latest lacks that knockout standout track that "Dreamer" was to Orchestra For The Moon. What it does have is the outstanding voice of Jenn Grant and that's a great bonus... I've got to say that I am extremely picky. I'm fifty years old and don't listen to the music I listened to when I was twenty, hell I don't listen to what I listened to five years ago. What I'm saying is this: You should give Jenn Grant a chance, give her a listen, her myspace is here. Her website has a player that streams some of the new record (five Echoes' tracks and the aforementioned "Dreamer"). I know many of you who take this advice will like what you find. I recommend you explore her music and I highly recommend you get a copy of her album Orchestra For The Moon. Oh, one last thing, she's Canadian... enough said.

from Echoes
heartbreaker [mp3]

BUY her records here.

Check her tour dates here. If she's not coming to your neck of indie land, try contacting the friendly people at Six Shooter Records, they might be able to bring indie land to you.

Nick Cave: Live Melbourne Australia 2009

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:59:14 PDT

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds played Melbourne Australia last January and the show was broadcast on FM radio. I believe this is just part of the show, as there aren't many new songs in this bunch, but there are some great ones (and great sound). PART 2 of the performance will be available soon!

tupelo
midnight man
love letter
moonland
we call upon the author to explain

PART TWO
papa won’t leave you, henry
into my arms
get ready for love
stagger lee

Subscribe Via Email to Sixeyes

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:10:00 PDT

I just noticed a link on another blog for email subscriptions and then took a look at my own link for that service. Oops, that link doesn't work... who knows how long it's been like that. So, I've fixed that problem, this is the new link for those who want to subscribe and receive updates via email: Subscribe to *sixeyes by Email. The email link can also be found in the right sidebar under the heading SUBSCRIBE.

Thanks to all who've subscribed in the past.

Also, I'm seriously considering switching to my own domain sometime this year, sooner than later, I hope.

Take care.

kings of convenience winning a battle losing the war
the national mr november (may 23/09 - Boston)
the veils night thoughts of a tired surgeon
patrick watson weight of the world

The National: "Blood Buzz Ohio" Lyrics + MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:49:20 PDT

This is another new song that The National trotted out during their just wrapped East coast mini-tour. The new songs sound great, but it's how they sound if (and that's a big IF) they make it on the new record. I, for one, am hoping that if they do make it to the next album, that they grow and evolve into something a little different than these live mp3s. Live versions that I will grow to know too well before the new record is out.

blood buzz ohio (live - Boston May 23/09)

"BLOOD BUZZ OHIO"
Stand up straight at the foot of your love
I'll lift my shirt up
Stand up straight at the foot of your love
I'll lift my shirt up

I'll rest my eyes till the fever's outta me
I'll rest my eyes till the river's in the sea
I'll rest my eyes till the fever's outta me
I'll rest my eyes till the river's in the sea

I was carried to Ohio in a storm of bees
I never married but Ohio don't remember me
I still owe money to the money to the money I owe
I never thought about love
When I thought about home
I still owe money to the money to the money I owe
The floors are falling out from everybody I know

I'm on a bloodbuzz
Yes I am
I'm on a blood buzz
I'm on a bloodbuzz
God I am
I'm on a blood buzz

Lay my head on the hood of your car
I take it too far
Lay my head on the hood of your car
I take it too far

GET the lyrics and a live mp3 of new songs, "Vanderlylle Cry Baby" here and "The Runaway" here.

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The National: "Vanderlylle Cry Baby" Lyrics + MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:48:05 PDT

This is my transcription from listening to a live recording and youtube vids . Of course there may be errors, or you may hear it differently, so if that's the case, please leave your changes in the comments. Thanks.

vanderlylle cry baby (live - Boston May 23/09)

"Vanderlylle Cry Baby"
Leave your home
Change your name
Live alone
Eat your cake

Vanderlylle cry baby cry
Oh the waters are rising
Still no surprising you
Vanderlylle cry baby cry
Man it’s all been forgiven
Swans are a swimmin’
I’ll explain everything
To the geese

All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the

Vanderlylle cry baby cry
Oh the waters are rising
Still no surprising you
Vanderlylle cry baby cry
Man it’s all been forgiven
Swans are a swimmin’
I’ll explain everything
To the geese

Hanging from chandeliers
Same small wall
At your heels

All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the

Vanderlylle cry baby cry
Oh the waters are rising
Still no surprising you
Vanderlylle cry baby cry
Man it’s all been forgiven
Swans are a swimmin’
I’ll explain everything
To the geese
I’ll explain everything
To the geese
I’ll explain everything
To the geese

All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the
All the very best of us
String ourselves up for the

GET the lyrics and a live mp3 of new songs, "Blood Buzz Ohio" here and "The Runaway" here.

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Sixeyes Mix: MAY 27th

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:05:41 PDT

the national halo chagrin
the national warm singing whores
the national theory of the crows

devin davis moon over shark city
yeah yeah yeahs our time (acoustic)
andre ethier pride of egypt
hayden where and when

BONUS: Phoenix (RTL 2 France Radio Session 2004)
alphabetic order
everything is everything
run run run

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JASON COLLETT: CBC Radio3 Session 2008

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:54:00 PDT

A great session done in October of 2008 by Broken Social Scene member, Jason Collett (with backing support from the band Zeus). I think you'll like this, I love Jason Collett. These are almost all new songs (except for "Blue Sky") which haven't been seen on any album yet.

what goes is gone
northern light letdown
love song to canada
blue sky
vanderpool vanderpool
love is a chain

The National: New Songs LIVE

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:42:58 PDT

I wonder how much great music I've missed out on by not checking other blogs as much as I should. I Am Fuel You Are Friends, for example, has some great new live songs by The National right here.

Thanks, Heather.

The National: "The Runaway" Lyrics

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:02:00 PDT

This is a quick transcription of the new song by The National, tentatively titled "The Runaway". There's sure to be a mistake or two, if you feel the need to reprimand me for my bad hearing, feel free. Here's an idea, since the song title isn't set in stone, perhaps all of you faithful and rabid National fans out there can leave a comment as to what you feel the song should be called... if we get a good variety of answers I'll send them to the band. Get a free, remember it's free (and low quality) preview of the song here.

"The Runaway"
There's no savin' anything
Now we're swallowin' the shine of the sun
There's no savin' anything
From the shine of the sun

But I won't be no runaway
Cause I won't run
No I won't be no runaway

What makes you think I’m enjoyin' being led to the flood
We got another thing comin' undone
That’s taking us over

We don't bleed when we don't fight
Go ahead go ahead
Throw your arms in the air tonight
We don't bleed when we don't fight
Go ahead go ahead
Throw your shirts in the fire tonight

What makes you think I’m enjoying being led to the flood
We got another thing comin' undone

But I won't be no runaway
Cause I won't run
No I won't be no runaway
Cause I won't run
No I won't be no runaway

what makes you think I’m enjoyin' being led to the flood
We got another thing comin' undone
That’s taking forever

We don't bleed when we don't fight
go ahead go ahead
Throw your arms in the air tonight
we don't bleed when we don't fight
Go ahead go ahead
There’s our shirts in the fire tonight

what makes you think I'm enjoying being led to the flood
we got another thing comin' undone
we got another thing comin' undone
That’s taking us over

I'll go bravin' anything
With you swallowin' the shine of the sun
I'll go bravin' everything
With you swallowin' the shine
But I won't be no runaway
Cause I won't run
No I won't be no runaway
Cause I won't run
No I won't be no runaway

What makes you think I’m enjoying being led to the flood
We got another thing comin' undone
They’ve taken us over
We don't bleed when we don't fight
go ahead go ahead
Throw your arms in the air tonight
We don't bleed when we don't fight
Go ahead go ahead
Lose our shirts in the fire

What makes you think I’m enjoying being led to the flood
We got another thing comin undone
We got another thing comin' undone
That’s taking us over
That’s taking forever

The National: NEW SONG "The Runaway" MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:02:43 PDT

Last Thursday night Brooklyn's best, The National, hit the stage of Toronto's Kool Haus (let's hope they don't make that mistake again, just about any other venue would be preferable) and earlier in the day they made an appearance on CBC Radio's program Q. They were emphatic in the interview that their next album won't be called Shine, and they played a new song whose working title is "The Runaway".... with Thomas Bartlett on keyboards and their touring horn section.

There's no savin' anything
Now we're swallowin' the shine of the sun
There's no savin' anything
From the shine of the sun

But I won't be no runaway
cause I won't run
No I won't be no runaway

I tried to transcribe the entire lyric here.

Unfortunately CBC podcasts are mono and in the fantastic 64 kbps format.

the runaway [mp3]
Download the entire podcast here - it's the Monday May 25th show.

Posts Are Vanishing

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:44:18 PDT

Anyone out there know what's going on? A few of my posts, namely the review of Patrick Watson, keep vanishing from my blog. What the hell?

Patrick Watson: 'Wooden Arms': Sixeyes Review

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:40:18 PDT

I don't think it's happened before... not to me, at least. Wooden Arms, Patrick Watson's 3rd full length is so intoxicating, so magical, that it has pushed every thing I've heard since, down a notch, or two. And it's not just Watson's voice, one that lives somewhere between the rooted grainy echo of M Ward and the soaring mercurial grace of Jeff Buckley, it's the music which carries, and is carried by, that voice.

Some music is simpler for me to understand than others, although that doesn't mean I can't enjoy it. I understand Elvis Perkins, and his great new record, and I can intuit how he came to create the music on that record, but Patrick Watson... I can't figure this out. How does he do it? And I've even wondered... why? There's something powerful here, and it may simply be the mystery, the how and the why. Mystery is very seductive, isn't it? I've been seduced by this album, from the quiet romanticism/oddness of the Tom Waits-like title track "Wooden Arms", to the carnival-esque and woozy somnambulism of "Traveling Salesman". From "Beijing" and it's fantastic musical evocation of a city humming, buzzing, and racing with the life of millions of citizens to the deceptively simple "Where The Wild Things Are".

Opening the record is the stunningly lovely "Fireweed", a song which shows to great effect just how important the talents of the other band members are. Throughout Wooden Arms, guitarist Simon Angell shows imagination and restraint, while bassist Mishka Stein displays a fluidity which never gets in the way of percussionist Robbie Kuster's strength, presence and innovation. While this quartet does push boundaries to keep engaged in the creative process, they can, and do, slip in the occasional "pop" song, such as "Man Like You" and "Big Bird In A Small Cage", the latter song in my perfect world would be on every radio in every car and home.

If 2006's release, Close To Paradise, won the band the 2007 Polaris Music Prize (Canada's Mercury Prize), then I can only imagine what awards will be earned by this new record. Highly recommended.

man like you [mp3]

THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN RE-POSTED (again).

Spinner: Full Album Streams

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:30:16 PDT

The latest streaming albums found at Spinner.

Passion Pit, 'Manners'
Federico Aubele, 'Amatoria'
Jason Lytle, 'Yours Truly, the Commuter'
Apostle of Hustle, 'Eats Darkness'
Flipper, 'Fight'
Flipper, 'Love'
The Beach Boys, 'Summer Love Songs'
IAMX, 'Kingdom of' Welcome Addiction'
Jeffrey Lewis, 'Em Are I'
Miss Kittin and the Hacker, 'Two'
Melissa McClelland, 'Victoria Day'
Nick Cave, 'The Firstborn Is Dead'
The Field, 'Yesterday & Today'
White Rabbits, 'It's Frightening'
Lewis & Clarke, 'Light Time'
Andy Shauf, 'Darker Days'
Zee Avi, 'Zee Avi'

Sixeyes Mix: May 18th

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:44:02 PDT

iron & wine and calexico all tomorrow's parties (live vu cover)
iron & wine and calexico wild horses (live rolling stones cover)

the lucksmiths smokers in love

wilco summerteeth (live chicago 2008)
wilco a shot in the arm (live chicago 2008)
wilco spiders (kidsmoke) (live chicago 2008)

phoenix countdown (sick for the big sun)

the yeah yeah yeahs gold lion (nick zinner remix)

interpol song seven (demo)
interpol mascara

dwight twilley i'm on fire

wolf parade modern world

Franz Ferdinand: Acoustic Radio Session MP3s

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:35:35 PDT

Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy were in Chicago two weeks ago and spent time with Chicago based Rock 'n Roll radio talk show Sound Opinions. During the very interesting interview (they even got onto the subject of Kapranos' book about eating on tour) the two band members picked up acoustic guitars and played a few songs, one from each of their three full length releases.

From Sound Opinions
darts of pleasure [mp3]
walk away [mp3]
katherine kiss me [mp3]

Download a podcast of the entire show here.

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Sixeyes Mix: KCRW Radio Sessions #2

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:22:00 PDT

About five weeks ago I put up a mix from KCRW's long running and great program Morning Becomes Eclectic (that mix is here). Well.... here's some more great live in studio performances... and I think this one is even better.

the shins
kissing the lipless [mp3]
saint simon [mp3]

elvis costello
nothing clings like ivy [mp3]

badly drawn boy
once around the block [mp3]

ben folds five
smoke [mp3]

sonic youth
i love you golden blue [mp3]

beck and the flaming lips
do you realize? [mp3]

cat power
the greatest [mp3]

sufjan stevens
chicago [mp3]

radiohead's thom yorke and jonny greenwood
fake plastic trees [mp3]

arcade fire
born on a train (magnetic fields cover) [mp3]

of montreal
tropical iceland (fiery furnaces cover) [mp3]

Help Save Paste Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:20:33 PDT

I've been a long time fan of magazines. Back when I was a kid there was no internet, no home gaming systems, no CDs, no computers, the TV dial went up to 13 and there was no channel 1. Yeah, I know what you're thinking... What the hell did people do? I, for one, discovered magazines and music and they still fascinate me. PASTE is one of the most handsome music publications I have ever seen, this is not to mention the in depth coverage of music and other areas of media, but with the economy sinking, Paste is now in big trouble financially. But YOU can help and even get something for your kindness and support of a worthwhile endeavour. If you visit this page on PASTE's website, you should get any answers you need. I encourage you to pay a visit and HELP SAVE PASTE.

Patrick Watson "Fireweed" Video

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:25:58 PDT

This song is the opening track from Patrick Watson's latest release, Wooden Arms.

My review of the album Wooden Arms is here.

Sixeyes Mix: Monday May 11

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:41:21 PDT

black joe lewis you don't love
ben gibbard a lack of colour (acoustic)
beirut cherbourg
arctic monkeys you know i'm no good (amy winehouse cover)
sufjan stevens ring them bells (bob dylan cover)
bright eyes coat check dream song
josé gonzález stay in the shade
calexico alone again or
the high llamas banking on karma

Patrick Watson: Les Soirées de Poche #3 Video

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:26:18 PDT

Long ago I lost any love of music videos I once had, but I have never lost my love of film. I spent hours as a kid watching old movies on TV and have spent (or wasted) countless hours watching films on video and now DVD. Anyway, this is a musical performance captured on camera that I feel should be shared and enjoyed by any and all. Patrick Watson (above) in a beautiful old apartment in Paris singing and playing as only he and his band mates can. This is from a series of intimate concerts presented by La Blogothèque called Les Soirées de Poche, which I think translates to Pocket Night.

Watch the music here.

My review of the album Wooden Arms is here.

Visit the main site for more performances.

Sixeyes Mix: May 5th

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Wed, 06 May 2009 02:00:01 PDT

paul duncan oil in the fields
jarvis cocker angela
the veils the letter
bishop allen the ancient commonsense of things
elvis perkins shampoo
the ting tings that's not my name (demo)
feist honey honey (on Morning Becomes Eclectic)
mark mulcahy hey self defeater
baxter dury oscar brown

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Patrick Watson: Black Session MP3s and Tour Dates

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:24:45 PDT

I saw Montrealer Patrick Watson Saturday night at Toronto's Trinity St Paul's Church and was very impressed by the performance of the band with the assistance of a string section. The dynamics of the quartet's interactions with each other and the crowd lifted this night way out of the ordinary. Right alongside Patrick's soulful singing and trance-like playing were outstanding percussionist Robbie Kuster's muscular rhythms. This was a live performance that somehow exceeds the great new album that it is meant to showcase, Wooden Arms. Without a doubt this is a band to see live (along with Patrick and Robbie are bassist Mishka Stein and guitarist Simon Angell)... and pick up the damn record, now.

Thanks to Patrick and the band... and Andrew at Secret City Records.
Go here to see the band's upcoming tour dates.

My review of the album Wooden Arms is here.

Here's the band, live, from a couple of summers ago:

Patrick Watson Black Session 2007
drifters
giver
tracy's water
weight of the world
great escape
the storm
mr tom
luscious life
man under the sea

GET new mp3s from Wooden Arms here and here.

This is an interview [mp3] done by CBC Radio's Jian Ghomeshi on his program Q, April 3rd, 2009. It includes live music done in studio.

Radiohead at The BBC: Evening Show

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:38:00 PDT

RADIOHEAD - Evening Performance
Live at the BBC Radio Theatre
London, April 1, 2008

intro [mp3]
bodysnatchers [mp3]
all i need [mp3]
nude [mp3]
airbag [mp3]
reckoner [mp3]
the tourist [mp3]
house of cards [mp3]
weird fishes [mp3]
lucky [mp3]
everything in it's right place [mp3]
outro [mp3]

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Astrid Williamson: "Eve" MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:46:17 PDT

When I came across the name Astrid Williamson, I took notice, due to the fact that my name is Alan Williamson. Then I saw the title of her new album, Here Come The Vikings, and that brought up the tale handed down through my family for generations that we're descended from Vikings who raided the Orkney Isles centuries ago. Then a quick online search told me that Astrid Williamson is from Shetland, the islands to the north of Orkney. Hell, we're practically related. Maybe, maybe not, but this new album of hers has a song that makes me wish we were related and it deserves to be heard by the millions who follow this blog daily (okay, thousands). "Eve" is the song and it flaunts a heartbroken melancholy borne not only by Williamson's honest vocal, but by the synth-swept and trumpet-edged serpentine melody. From what I've heard of her other songs this one stands in stark contrast... and it's a direction I feel she should pursue just on the merit of this single song.

From Here Come The Vikings (out June 8th on One Little Indian Records)
eve [mp3]

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Sixeyes Mix: April 27th

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:10:18 PDT

My new media player has the ability to hold all the music on my computer, but that's way too much for me to lug around, I've had problems with my back in the past... and the present. So, after the player synced with my computer and loaded a gazillion songs I've found myself coming across stuff I don't think I'd even heard before. For example, a song called "God Monkey Robot" by The Apparitions cued up the other day and caught my ear. It's a fun song, and a good one, that you should take a chance on. The band turns out to be made up of a couple of guys from an old favourite of mine called The Scourge of the Sea.

Also in this mix is Marco Mahler, a musician well known to me for quite a while now and yet, surprising to me with my ever changing tastes, my favourites of his never grow old, they haven't let me down and I've given them ample opportunity.

the apparitions god, monkey robot
marco mahler hike the lake
harlem shakes niagara falls
apostle of hustle i want a new drug
beirut elephant gun
peter bjorn and john teen love

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Neko Case: CBC Radio Sessions 2009

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:36:11 PDT

The good people at CBC Radio3 recorded an acoustic session and interview with Neko Case recently. I've got the music for you to pop into your mp3 player and you can listen to those songs with the interesting interview by visiting the CBC page here.

People Got A Lotta Nerve
Hold On Hold On
Middle Cyclone
Vengeance is Sleeping
That Teenage Feeling

BUY her latest record, Middle Cyclone, here.

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Sixeyes is on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:08:23 PDT

I guess that makes me a twit. Follow me.... if you dare.

Elliott Brood: 'Favorite Sessions' MP3s

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:00:01 PDT

Toronto's Elliott Brood play roots music with the buzz of electricity and the thump of cold nails driven into pine. They call it 'death country', and it sure stirs up a lotta dust; from old books, from pioneer folklore, and from boots stomping and dancing floor planks into splinters. The band of Casey Laforet (guitar/vocals/bass pedals), Stephen Pitkin (suitcases/percussion/vocals), and Mark Sasso (guitar/banjo/ukulele/lead vocals) is about to tour their (and mine) native land, Canada... check the tour dates here.

Here's a live radio session the band recorded September of last year at KEXP in Seattle following the June release of their second full length Mountain Meadows on Six Shooter Records.

from NPR: Favorite Sessions
garden river (from Mountain Meadows 2008)
cadillac dust (from Tin Type 2004)
the valley town (from Mountain Meadows 2008)
the bridge (from Ambassador 2005)

BUY the band's music here.

The Veils 'Sun Gangs' MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:40:00 PDT

The Veils third album, Sun Gangs, finally saw release last week and it's about time. It might seem long to me as I'd been following the band's recording progress on the bass player's blog and their myspace page, but it was worth the wait as the record does not disappoint. Lately I've been shuffling the music in my dying mp3 player and Sun Gangs has become one of the my favourites and refuses to be removed from the ailing Zen.

Band leader, Finn Andrews, has never made any attempt to hide his Springsteen influence, he's performed The Boss's "State Trooper" in many live shows and does a fine job of it, and that influence kicks off the new album with "Sit Down By The Fire", Andrews' voice delivering the lyric with the knowing wisdom of a man much older. When I was around fifteen, I heard Springsteen on the radio and became a fan, it was Born To Run and I hadn't heard anything like it before. You've got to realize the record was brand new and wasn't even in the stores yet, we're going way back into the last century here. Anyway, my point is that there's something about The Veils' "Sit Down By The Fire" that brings back part of what I felt when listening to Springsteen in the mid '70s. But I like several other songs on the record just as much, "Three Sisters", "The Letter","Killed By The Boom", "The House She Lived In", umm... well, pretty much the entire record save for the failed eight and a half minute epic "Larkspur". There's something missing from that song, maybe it's not grandiose enough, it's more likely that's it's a very good four minute song stretched far too thin. With, or without, that song... this record is highly recommended.

from Sun Gangs (BUY)
sit down by the fire [mp3]

from The Veils Live 'Black Session' 2006
state trooper [mp3]

CHECK tour dates here.

Neko Case: Live at 9:30 Club April 9th 2009

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:00:01 PDT

Neko Case and her band recently played two sold out shows at Washington D.C.'s 9:30 Club. The second of those well received performances was recorded and broadcast live on NPR. Here's the first handful of songs and this is a link to download the entire podcast of the show. Also, Will Sheff of Okkervil River/Shearwater opened the show and you can listen to that show here.

Neko Case: Live @ 9:30 Club April 9th 2009
maybe sparrow
people got a lotta nerve
fever
hold on hold on
the pharohs
middle cyclone

Buy her latest record, Middle Cyclone, here.

Check out Neko Case tour dates here.

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Patrick Watson "Man Like You" MP3

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:09:50 PDT

Patrick Watson has just shared a brand new MP3 from his forthcoming album Wooden Arms and it positively shimmers with Watson's voice and a rolling finger picked acoustic guitar. "Man Like You" bears a lovely, lovely melody which brings to my mind the simple beauty that Jeff Buckley tapped into in his music (download the free mp3 below). Mark your calendars now as the new album Wooden Arms hits shelves, and I believe digital services, April 28th (Canada), May 5th (US), May 8th (AUS), May 11th (UK) + (EU), and June 24th (Asia).

Canadian, American, and European dates are now up on his myspace page... don't miss out as Watson spent time on the road with "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business", Mr James Brown. Apparently this time was well spent, as Watson explains in this press release:

On the road with James Brown in Europe during summer 2006, Patrick Watson adopted a dynamic approach to performing and working with other musicians. Patrick admits, "I learned how to be a front man and let the audience conduct you. When James performs, all the musicians on stage watch his hands. He takes cues from the audience's energy and conducts the show with finger movements. He's flexible about his arrangements and pacing and he's attentive to the crowds." Thus, Watson makes every show different, based on the venue and audience. Perhaps the pinnacle of his experience came when he thanked Brown for having him on the tour and James said, "Keep on rocking, little papa."

man like you [mp3] - Go here for the mp3.

Get another Wooden Arms mp3 here.

Stuart Murdoch's ‘God Help The Girl’ June 22nd

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:36:38 PDT

Belle and Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch has been working at a new project apart from the band. It involves songs Murdoch felt weren't right for B & S and the voices of a few lovely sounding, and looking, women. This press release should whet your appetite... and if it doesn't this free mp3 and youtube video should do the trick.

from God Help The Girl
come monday night [mp3]

Press Release from Rough Trade Records:
‘Come Monday Night,’ an orchestrated pop song from the pen of Stuart Murdoch, is the first single release from the ‘God Help The Girl’ album, to be released by Rough Trade, on 22nd June 2009.

‘God Help The Girl’ is a story set to music, which Murdoch has been working on intermittently for the last five years and his first new music since Belle and Sebastian’s seventh album, ‘The Life Pursuit’ in 2006.

"I was out for a run and I got this tune in my head,” says Stuart of the album. “It occurred to me that it wasn't a Belle & Sebastian song. I could hear female voices and strings, I could hear the whole thing, but I just couldn’t envisage myself singing it with the group.”

Both of these elements feature on what is one of the standout tracks on the album. The singer is Catherine Ireton, a native of Limerick who now lives in Edinburgh, discovered via a friend of a friend, and who has also previously appeared on Belle and Sebastian record sleeves.

After auditioning early in the process, she ended up taking the majority of lead vocals on the album. In Catherine, Stuart has found a rare talent - her clear, lilting vocals bringing to life the characters in Stuart’s head and making for an ambitious and engrossing musical journey.

‘Come Monday Night’ also features an orchestra conducted by Rick Wentworth as well as Stuart, Stevie, Bob and Richard from Belle and Sebastian. The b-side is the sublimely titled ‘Howard Jones Is My Mozart.’

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Sixeyes Mix: Live @ Sound Opinions

noreply@blogger.com (alan williamson) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:57:42 PDT

Sound Opinions is a Chicago based public radio program which is billed as 'the world's only rock 'n roll talk show'. Maybe it is... and it does offer up some damn fine guests every so often.

Check out the site and download the weekly podcast.

Here are some mp3s for you of performances caught in the Sound Opinions studio. There are more songs for these and many more artists to be found at the website.

blitzen trapper - april 3/09
furr
black river killer

neko case - feb. 27/09
middle cyclone
don't forget me

frightened rabbit - feb. 20/09
the modern leper

the hold steady - jan. 23/09
magazines

death cab for cutie - may 30/08
cath
title and registration

she & him - aug. 15/08
take it back
you really got a hold on me

radiohead (thom yorke) - jun. 24/06
i want none of this

wilco - may 18/07
sky blue sky
you are my face