Late Greats (The Blog)

Random Friday ∞ Sia Next Year

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:17:58 PST

Everybody’s favorite Australian songstress (sorry Kylie) will unleash a new album next year – We Are Born. She is nice enough to share an mp3 to tide us over.

And I’ll make this proclamation: Toy Pianos will be THE instrument of 2010.

Listen:
Sia ∞ You’ve Changed

Cleaning Up The Kitchen

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:16:49 PST

For some reason, bluegrass music lends itself well to loading the dishwasher and scrubbing pots and pans. One of the hottest bluegrass players out there right now is Adam Steffey. He used to pick his mandolin with Allison Krauss and Union Station.

Listen:
Adam Steffey ∞ Let Me Fall

What do you listen to while cleaning up the kitchen? Leave a hullabaloo.

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:02:06 PST

While I was in the Newark airport waiting for my flight to Minneapolis (to play some shows in Eau Claire as Coconut and The Duke), I got an email about this band Warpaint. I watched the video below and fell in love. I like the live version better than the studiocut.

Watch:

Listen:
Warpaint ∞ Billie Holiday

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

New Hits

Queen Of Hearts Lyrics Jason DeRulo	Suck Yourself Lyrics N-Dubz
Off The Wall Lyrics Heroes	We Belong To Music Lyrics Miley Cyrus
Who I Am Lyrics Nick Jonas	Alternative Girl Lyrics Ne-Yo
The Owl And The Pussycat Lyrics Katy Perry	Nobody's Daughter Lyrics Courtney Love
Zoo Lyrics Nicole Scherzinger	Sing Like Me Lyrics Chris Brown

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Party Tunes Tuesday ∞ Tearing Up

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:58:28 PST

The Duke digs this video and the song that goes along with it. The Wheat Pool hail from Canada. Their album Hauntario (which is a great album title) is out now.

Watch:

Listen:
The Wheat Pool ∞ This Is It

A Beta-Alpha-Cal Glance At My Favorite Albums From 2009

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:08 PST

I know some purist will make a stink and say this album came out last year. But it was remastered and the songs were reordered, so in some ways the 2009 version is a different album. If I had to number this favorite albums list, this album would be number one or two for 2009.

Listen:
The Low Anthem ∞ Charlie Darwin

Week One: The Two Man Gentlemen Band
Week Two: David Rawlings Machine
Week Three: Pink Martini

Hitting The Road

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:20:11 PST

The Duke is headed to Wisconsin to play some shows with Coconut. Click here to see the details. I'll return to posting next Monday.

Remember, Coconut and The Duke covered Vampire Weekend!!!

Listen:
Coconut and The Duke ∞ Walcott

A Beta-Alpha-Cal Glance At My Favorite Albums From 2009

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:06 PST

Plain and simple, one of my top three bands. Love everything they do. If you don’t know them , you should give them a try.

Listen:
Pink Martini ∞ Splendor In The Grass

Week One: The Two Man Gentlemen Band
Week Two: David Rawlings Machine

Random Friday ∞ Waiting For The Bus

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:57:02 PST

I got this email late last night while I was waiting for a friend at the bus stop. I misread the schedule and was an hour early. These songs comforted me with their understated vocals simple musical arrangements. Will is a student at Bennington College. His new album No Wonder is out now.

Listen:
Will Stratton ∞ Your California Sky
Will Stratton ∞ Who Will

Not Sure How I Missed This One Thursdays

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:15:41 PST

Being called the lovechild of Syd Barrett and Tito Puente, Cracked Latin have a new single out called “My Hallucination”. In all reality, this should be a “Party Tune Tuesday” song. But I like it so much I can’t wait until next week to post. The album drops 11-10.

Cracked Latin ∞ My Hallucination

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:56:10 PST

Matt Epp is a Canadian troubadour. His latest release is a twelve song outing that features lots of special guests (Eliza Gilkyson, Brandy Zdan of Twilight Hotel and Jesse DeNatale). The song below is extremely well-written, perfect for a frosty morning (which is was here in PA).

Listen:
Matt Epp (feat. Eliza Gilkyson) ∞ This Old House

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

Soon to be hits

Lost And Found Lyrics Leona Lewis	Ease Off The Liquor Lyrics Timbaland
Did It Again Lyrics Shakira	Digital Rock Star Lyrics Space Cowboy
For Your Entertainment Lyrics Adam Lambert	Make Me A Drink Lyrics Kiely Williams
Casualties Lyrics Brandy	Aviator Lyrics Audio Push
Long Road Home Lyrics Nikki Flores	Miss Everything Lyrics Sugababes

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Party Tunes Tuesday ∞ Vampire Party

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:06 PST

Vampires are the bees’ knees right now. From The Twilight Saga to Vampire Weekend’s new album. Coconut and The Duke have been bitten, too. The invasive folk duo took “Walcott” off Vampire Weekend's debut album and turned it into parlor music with special vocals by The Duchess. It's their Cover Of The Month Club song for November.

Listen:
Coconut and The Duke ∞ Walcott

coconutandtheduke.com

A Beta-Alpha-Cal Glance At My Favorite Albums From 2009

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:53:06 PST

I have some reservations about putting this album on my list, especially considering I haven’t actually heard it yet. BUT I did see David (and the rest of the Big Surprise Tour) live back in August. He played most of the songs below. And the musicians featured on the album are the same as the record. So I can say without any doubt once I hear it, it will be one of my favorites.

Tracklist
1. Ruby
2. To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)
3. I Hear Them All
4. Method Acting / Cortez The Killer
5. Sweet Tooth
6. How s About You
7. It s Too Easy
8. Monkey And The Engineer
9. Bells Of Harlem

Further details

Week One: The Two Man Gentlemen Band

Random Friday ∞ Brazilian Beats Please The Duke

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:20:56 PDT

If I had to pick between Josh Rouse and Josh Ritter, the latter would get the vote. But the former’s latest offering pleases me with its Brazilian stylings. Rouse has a new album called El Turista coming out soon.

Listen:
Josh Rouse ∞ Valencia (via Vanity Fair)

Yes I Think You Have Seen This Before

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:02:57 PDT

Comparable Cover Art

Bebel Gilberto ∞ Chica Chica Boom Chic

(Thankfully I don't have any audio for Emily's release.)

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:55:41 PDT

Once again, my favorite this week is a video.

I've been a Jack fan since 11th grade. Super excited about this release.

Ben and Jay put music to Jack's words!
1. California Zephyr
2. Low Life Kingdom
3. Willamine
4. All In One
5. Breathe Our Iodine
6. These Roads Don't Move
7. Big Sur
8. One Fast Move Or I'm Gone
9. Final Horrors
10. Sea Engines
11. The Void
12. San Francisco

Up to date music info

Reunited Lyrics Fan Death	This Love Lyrics Veronicas
Im Goin In Lyrics Drake	Spotlight Lyrics Gucci Mane
Can't Stop Partying Lyrics Weezer	Evolution Of A Man Lyrics Brian McKnight
Wheels Lyrics Foo Fighters	Rumors Lyrics Timbaland
Out Of Control Lyrics Lady GaGa	Untouchable Lyrics Taylor Swift

Get your own here.

Inbox Artists ∞ Tristen Gaspadarek

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:08 PDT

I got an email about Tristen a few weeks ago. I finally was able to listen to her “tour” EP – a collection of five songs she is selling while out on tour. Her sound is somewhere between classic pop from the Brill building and the current country-punk of Those Darlins.

Listen:
Tristen ∞ Eager For Your Love

A Beta-Alpha-Cal Glance At My Favorite Albums From 2009

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:08:36 PDT

As is the usual around here, with 10 Mondays left in 2009, The Duke will look back at his favorite albums from this year – in a reverse alphabetical fashion.

First up is Drip Dryin’ with The Two Man Gentleman Band. A throwback group that dresses in suits, writes innuendo-fill songs and sings them in a Vaudeville style. Drip Dryin’ may be short on time but is long on enjoyment. If the two songs below don’t put you in a good mood, I think you may be a vampire.

Listen:
The Two Man Gentleman Band ∞ Drip Dryin’
The Two Man Gentleman Band ∞ Fancy Beer

Random Friday ∞ Putting The Ash In ABBA

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:01 PDT

If you have been reading Late Greats (The Blog) for a while, you know we champion musicians from Canada. The latest is Ash Koley. A one-time member of a Canadian ABBA tribute band, Ash has a debut album coming next year. Until then, she is tiding us over with series of digital EPs. The first is due 11-10 called The White EP. RIYD: Debbie Harry, ABBA or The Cardigans.

Listen:
Ash Koley ∞ Mary The Inventor

Cleaning Up The Kitchen

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:06:58 PDT

I can’t say that I am a Gogol Bordello fan. I don’t dislike them. I just never listen to them. Their bassist Tommy T has branched out on his on, joining forces with Easy Star Records (who I AM a HUGE fan of). Tommy has tapped his Ethiopian roots for The Prester John Sessions – physical copy due in November. Digital is out now at iTunes.

Listen:
Tommy T ∞ The Response

What do you listen to while cleaning up the kitchen? Leave a hullabaloo.

My Favorite Song This Week...

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:35:36 PDT

...is video.

Listen:
Coconut and The Duke ∞ This Is Halloween

coconutandtheduke.com

Something for the ears

Coc Back Lyrics Redman	Life After You Lyrics Daughtry
Sainthood Lyrics Tegan and Sara	Morning After Dark Lyrics Timbaland
After The Love Lyrics Kelly Clarkson	Solar Midnite Lyrics Lupe Fiasco
Soldier Lyrics NERD*	Bad Boy Lyrics Kano
Come And Get Down Lyrics Sammie	Man's World Lyrics jadyn maria

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Inbox Artists ∞ Rubblebucket Orchestra

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:04 PDT

I got this email late last night. About a band that is “unclassifiable”. I listened to the song a few times and couldn’t get enough of it. Listen with headphones. You’ll thank me. A perfect song for a sunny Tuesday in October.

Listen:
Rubblebucket Orchestra ∞ Bikes

Why The F*ck Is No One In America Blogging About ∞ Hawksley Workman

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:04 PDT

Before I got this email, I really only knew Hawksley as the producer of Jeremy Fisher’s excellent Goodbye Blue Monday. Turns out Mr. Workman has won a couple of Junos and has his own singer-songwriter career. He is not just a producer.

He is hitting the road this fall to commemorate a US release of his debut. Listen to the leadoff song below and hopefully, you dig like I dig.

Listen:
Hawksley Workman ∞ Maniacs

Go see him on tour:
October 20 - Café Du Nord - San Francisco, CA
October 21 - Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA
October 25 - Schuba's - Chicago, IL
October 28 - City Winery - New York, NY
October 29 - Tin Angel - Philadelphia, P

Random Friday ∞ Lissie vs. Lissy

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:40:27 PDT

Both girls have new releases soon.

Lissie ∞ Little Lovin’

Lissy Trullie ∞ Don’t to Do

I call it a draw. What do you think? Leave a hullabaloo.

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:24:34 PDT

The Family Straw is back from our vacation. It was super duper fun. Nice to get out of town for a while.

Here is a song I got while away. A slow sultry number that will get you bobbing your head and beg you to sing along.

Clarence Bucaro is drawing numerous comparisons to the Van Morrison. He reminds me a little of Amos Lee. Bucaro’s album New Orleans is out now.

Listen:
Clarence Bucaro ∞ Let Me Let Go Of You

Bonus song
Clarence Bucaro ∞ Light In Your Eyes

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

Go see him on tour:
October 25 Public Assembly Brooklyn, NY
October 29 Green Note London, UK
October 31 Paradiso Amsterdam, NL (w/ Ruthie Foster)
November 1 Het Perron Amsterdam, NL
November 18 68 Jay Street Bar Brooklyn, NY
November 20 The Mint Los Angeles, CA
November 25 68 Jay Street Bar Brooklyn, NY
November 27 Sousaphone Festival New Orleans, LA (w/ Kirk Joseph)
December 2 68 Jay Street Bar Brooklyn, NY
December 9 68 Jay Street Bar Brooklyn, N

Hot songs

I Remember Lyrics Mariah Carey	Soldier Lyrics NERD*
Quickstand Lyrics Britney Spears	Somebody To Love Lyrics Leighton Meester
The Wait Is Ova Lyrics Rihanna	After The Love Lyrics Kelly Clarkson
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Goodbye Twitter Lyrics Miley Cyrus	Hoodie Lyrics Omarion

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Random Friday ∞ Special Thursday Edition

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:03 PDT

The Family Straw is headed out for vacation tomorrow. We’ll be out and about until Thursday the 15 – look for a return to posting then. IN the meantime, here are a few things to tide you over. Pace yourselves.

One of my favorite bands is hitting the road this fall - The Low Anthem. To celebrate they are giving away their version of Dylan's "Dignity". Just go here and register.

THE LOW ANTHEM US FALL TOUR:
October 15 - Providence, RI - Avon Cinema
October 17 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
October 18 Portland, OR - Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom
October 19 Eugene, OR - WOW Hall*
October 21 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall*
October 23 Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour*
October 24 San Diego, CA - Casbah*
October 25 Tucson, AZ - Plush*
October 27 Austin, TX - The Parish*
October 28 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater*
October 29 Houston, TX - Bronze Peacock at HOB*
October 30 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon*
November 2 Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder*
November 3 Orlando, FL - The Social*
November 4 Atlanta, GA - The Earl*
November 5 Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge*
November 6 Asheville, NC - University of North Carolina*
November 7 Norfolk, VA - Attucks Theater*
November 9 Carrboro, NC - Cats Cradle*
November 10 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern*
November 11 Washington, D.C. - The Black Cat*
November 12 Boston, MA - Paradise*
December 1 Washington DC - 9:30 Club#
December 2 Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts#
December 3 Northampton, MA - Calvin Theatre#
December 4 Burlington, VT - UVM#

* with Blind Pilot
# with Josh Ritter

Harry Nilsson is one of the greatest song writers of the 20th century. I am SUPER psyched that his “child’s” album “The Point” is being redone by “indie” bands. Due later this month. Andrew Bird takes his fiddle and redoes “Think About Your Troubles”.

Listen:
Andrew Bird ∞ Think About Your Troubles

Canadian Band Of The Moment:
Acres and Acres
RIYL: Early Josh Ritter

Listen:
Acres and Acres ∞ Money