Voices to hear

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-02-09T02:28:00.000-06:00

The song for today is from The Autumn Defense and their album The Green Hour. The song is "Make It Through The Summer" and is very much in the style of the Beach Boys. The Autumn Defense is the side project of Wilco's bassist John Stirratt.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-02-07T00:18:00.003-06:00

Our song for today is from Alex Chilton and is "Holocaust."

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-02-06T06:40:00.000-06:00

Back again, today we feature "Salvation Song" from the Avett Brother's Migonette album.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-26T08:28:00.000-06:00

Today we present one of my favorite singers, Lily Holbrook with her cover of the Ozzy Osborne song "Mama, I'm Coming Home" from her album Everything Was Beautiful.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-25T20:26:00.000-06:00

Today's song is from Liz Phair's Exile In Guysville album. I was driving home the other day and the song "Canary" came on my Ipod and I was enjoying it and thought I'd make it the Song of the Day.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-24T05:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the absence, but we were having computer problems here at the old mansion. Hopefully we've got everything up and working now and no more long delays.

So for our return back we feature a very special song for a very special purpose. Everyone has read and heard about the terrible events that occurred in Haiti recently. Our song for today is by the Haitian singer Emeline Michel from the Hope For Haiti album. The song is "Many Rivers to Cross." To help and to download this song and other great songs go to Itunes and look for the Hope For Haiti album.

Video Wednesday:

2010-01-13T04:42:00.001-06:00

Wow, somehow Video Wednesday just slipped away there. I'm not sure what happened, but it's back and hopefully to stay. To get it kicked back off we introduce a video from an artist that goes just by her last name, Jennings. She does a video blog and this is her most recent one.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-12T05:10:00.000-06:00

Today we feature a singer named Jennings from Nashville. The song is "Distance" and is not on an album yet.

SIMPLY SIX: Lauren Austin

2010-01-12T04:58:00.008-06:00

I haven't heard a lot of Lauren Austin yet, but what I've heard I am enjoying greatly. She is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

Music has always played a major role in my life, but it wasn’t until I was about 14 that the idea of making a career of it entered my mind. I grew up a band and choir geek, so one day when my friend and I were singing along to the radio in the car, I thought, “hmm… why not do that for a living?”

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Everything. I’m really inspired by the diversity and creativity in music. I grew up in really small town, so for a long time I thought the only kind of music made was the country and top 40 I heard on the town’s two radio stations. When I moved out to Los Angeles, the variety blew my mind. One of my favorite radio programs became “Altville” which is a blend of Americana/Roots music. That turned me on to people like Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, and Lucinda Williams, and I thought it was about the coolest thing I’ve ever heard!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I would have to say experiencing that moment that every artist dreams of and hearing a song of mine on the radio for the first time. In the beginning of 2009 one of my goals was to have a song played on radio, and I just barely made the cutoff airing on December 31, 2009!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Absolutely. I think music isn’t something we do or listen to; it’s a part of who we are as human beings. The state of music and the world are reflections of each other.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has turned the industry upside down, and overnight. There are arguments on both sides as to whether that’s a good or bad thing, but that doesn’t change where we’re at. I see it as the new Wild West, and to me that’s an exciting advent with lots of opportunities.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Come on! I’m a girl and you want to limit me to one pair of shoes?? Well then, probably my boots. They’re made for work, but you can dress them up; they’re durable, versatile, and not a come-and-go trend, and as I face the long haul ahead of me in the industry, I hope to think that’s a lot like me.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-11T01:35:00.000-06:00

Today we feature a song from our Best of the Year. The song is the title song from Will Hoge's album The Wreckage.

The Best of 2009

2010-01-11T01:23:00.003-06:00

I know most Best of the Years are out before the year is even over, but we here at the stately Voices mansion wanted to take our time and make sure that someone didn't slip a great album in at the last minute. (In other words we're scrambling to try and not be too late in getting this thing up.)

A caveat about this list and best of lists in general. We can pretend that we think this is the best music of the last year, but what we really mean is that this is the music we liked the most. Another site or magazine will definitely have a different list, everyone's thoughts are different. That doesn't mean there wasn't a lot of other good music out there, there was, this was what we found to be the music we listened to the most, that kept finding its way back to our cd players or kept getting hit on our Ipods.

Also we should point out that the point of this site is to highlight those artists that you normally don't see a lot of press for, so our Best of list is going to reflect that. We run a thin line here between who we think should be featured here and those who appear in the mainstream mags such as Rolling Stone. We don't want to ignore someone that is making great music just because they had a write up or review in the Stone or Spin, good music is good music. But you won't see any mention of any acts like Geen Day or U2 who put out music that deserves to be on a Best of list themselves, they will undoubtly find themselves on plenty of such lists for the year. We want to feature what we consider the Best of that may not get as much attention as we think they deserve.

We'll count down backwards to what we thought the best of the year, just to keep you in suspense.

10. Some Assembly Required by Assembly of Dust: A group that has been together for over a decade this roots rock group plays without a lot of flash, but its songs are heartfelt and its emotions sincere. On this album they gather together a collection of friends and idols such as Bela Fleck, Martin Sexton and Theresa Andersson to help perform the music.

9. Time Stands Still by Chris Smither: Chris has been performing since the mid-sixties, starting in the New York fold scene with such greats as Eric Von Schmidt. This is his 13th release and is a stripped down affair, relying on mostly his voice and guitar with quiet help from his bandmates. This is folk blues at the best.

8. Middle Cyclone by Neko Case: This is where the line becomes thin, some people might think Neko has had more than her share of attention. This album debuted at number three on the charts. But we love Neko and while she is probably one of the artists here with more recongntion she is still a far cry from being a sure thing. (We're not sure that makes sense but like we've said before good music is good music and that's the end point of this site.) Neko has voice unlike anyone else out there and her writing continues to amaze. She's moved away from her americana style and is creating her own style.

7. I and Love and You by Avett Brothers: This is the major lable debut from the North Carolina brothers. Rick Rubin produces and while he cleans up their style they still put out a great disc of music. Pop, bluegrass, punk, whatever the term you want to put to them they put out a great album.

6. Golden Apples of the Sun by Caroline Herring: Another singer that's been around for more than a few albums. She moves away from her country influenced sound to more of a modern feel. She contributes great original tunes such at "The Dozens" and others about her childhood and upbringing as well as covering songs you wouldn't expect like Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" but making it her own in doing so.

5. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: In a band of great song writers like the Drive by Truckers Jason still stood out. This is his release and is better than his solo debut. He writes great story songs and continues the streak here with songs about everday people and their lives.

4. Live at Jazz Fest by John Boutte: This album is only available through the New Orleans Jazz Fest web page, but is more than worth seeking out. John has a voice that reminds me of Sam Cooke and is best heard live. He takes "City of New Orleans" and makes it his song, after hearing his version I can't imagine anyone else doing it as well. He does a version of Paul Simon's "American Tune" with just Paul Sanchez on guitar that is haunting and beautiful.

3. Written In Chalk by Buddy and Julie Miller: One of my favorite albums of the year. Anything this husband and wife does I'm there to listen to. The song opens with "Ellis County" a song written by Julie about her childhood. From country to folk to rocking out this song covers it all.

2. Coldwater by Shannon McNally: This album contains parts of Shannon's unreleased Windswept Moon which we called the best album of the year that it never appeared in but was supposed to. Like the number one album this is an album made for adult relationships and features her own songs as well as some covers by Bob Dylan and others. The centerpiece of the album is her own song "Bohemian Wedding Song". "The battles that you've lost/Are as beautiufl as your victories to me" sums it up for me.

1. The Wreckage by Will Hoge: Just a little over a year ago Will was seriously injured when a van hit him while driving home from a late night recording session. Besides just learning how to play again he's had to learn how to walk again. With the title of this album a lot of people might have assumed it was going to reflect on the accident, but he stays clear of that subject. What he focuses on here is how two adults can try to live together, love together and what happens when that doesn't happen. This is most mature work to date and just a remarkable album from the cover to the music itself.

COMING TOMORROW

2010-01-10T17:23:00.002-06:00

The Voices to hear Best of 2009. Come see what we thought were the ten best albums of the year. Make your guesses now!

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-10T07:38:00.001-06:00

Today we feature a song from one of the members of our Spotlight. Dave Malone and the Radiators from their album Work Done on Premises and their song "Red Dress."

SPOTLIGHT: The Chilluns

2010-01-10T06:41:00.001-06:00

New Orleans has long had a tradition of musical families, the Nevilles and the Marsalis being the prime examples. But a band I caught at last year's Jazz Fest follows that legacy. Honestly I thought the band was more or less a one time chance for some musical family members to get together and play some great tunes, but here we are almost a year later and the group is playing Tipitina's this Friday night. All the members have day jobs, so to speak, in other musical acts, but it's nice to see them continuing on in this form.

The group is called The Chilluns and its members come from three New Orleans' musical families, from both generations. The groups consists of the musical Fathers and their musical offspring. The Fathers are Dave Malone, Spencer Bohren and Cranston Clements. The offspring are Johnny Malone, DarcyMalone, Andre Bohren and Annie Clements.

Dave Malone is a founding member of one of New Orlean's best loved bands, The Radiators. As a group they have recorded over a dozen albums and tour constantly.

Spencer Bohren has recorded over a dozen albums under his own name and many more with other artists. He has performed on A Paririe Home Companion and teaches.

Cranston Clements is another long time guitarist that has played with many other musicians such as Maria Muldar and Irma Thomas.

Even though all the 'kids' sing in the group, Johnny Malone is more of the front man and handles the majority of the singing chores, sharing them with his sister Darcy and handing off some songs to Annie Clements.

Darcy sings in a local band called The Tangles with her husband. She has sung with the Radiators, The Pfister Sisters, Theresa Andersson and others.

Andre Bohren is the drummer in the group, which he also does for the group Johnny Sketch and the Dirty

Notes.

The final member of the band is Annie Clements. Currently Annie is a member of the country group Sugarland and tours with them.

The group does mostly covers of British invasion hits and songs from Motown, but throws in some songs from the various members.

This is a group that the members come together for the fun and joy of it and the audience can tell. Where they go with it from here, if they even want to do more than just get together irregularly and play is up to them. With this much talent in one group they could produce some really amazing music on their own if they wanted to.

SIMPLY SIX: The Sumner Brothers

2010-01-09T10:03:00.000-06:00

The Sumner Brothers are a group from Canada.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

Hearing Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison’ album while camping with my pals. It was the first time I remember sitting around listening to a record and hanging on every word. The first time I had really ever heard story-telling music. I remember thinking now this doesn’t sound too hard, just be honest, use plain language, and tell a story people can relate too. Of course it turned out to be much harder than I had pictured.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

Phil Saylor Wisor, Johnny Cash, The Streets, Dead Kennedy’s,

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Can I do this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUDDJZVjbXY

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

Maybe a little at a time. There are so many different types of music being performed, recorded and listened to at any one time. More so than in the past. It’s hard to imagine music pulling or pushing people or politics in any one direction.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

When my brother and I put this thing together it was all there waiting for us. Myspace, CDbaby, the internet obviously, home recording equipment. Our timing was perfect in that sense. We do everything ourselves. I can’t imagine what it would have been like even just 15 years ago. Making phone calls, recording in studios, researching bureaucratic b.s. by printed manuals, shopping demos to labels. I don’t have anything to compare it to but I’d have to guess technology has made it easier for us.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Cowboy boots for sure. Not cause I’m a cowboy I just think they’re the best lookin shoes around.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-09T09:58:00.000-06:00

The song for today is "Early Wednesday Morning" from Lori Lieberman's Gun Metal Sky album.

SIMPLY SIX: Beth Bombara

2010-01-06T11:23:00.001-06:00

Beth Bombara is a singer/songwriter currently living in St. Louis.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I never experienced a defining moment quite like that. I started out mainly as an instrumentalist on keyboard and guitar. I liked being in the background. But a couple years after I leaned to play guitar, my friends decided to start a band. I remember sitting in the basement, everyone with their instruments, and one of them said "Ok, so who is going to sing?" And they all looked at me. "Why me?" I asked. They figured since I'd been playing my instrument longer than them, I could probably handle singing and playing guitar at the same time. I couldn't say no since I was the youngest, and that's when I discovered I could really sing! Now I absolutely love it!

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

When I'm not creating music, I love discovering underground independent music. But some of my favorites artists include Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Radiohead, Nada Surf and Neko Case

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

My greatest "moment" so far has been to be performing in a packed room and hear the audience singing along. The first time that ever happened, it was an amazing feeling!

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

When I think of changing the world, it seems like a big task. But I think music can do that in more unassuming ways. It can have the power to encourage someone who is feeling down, it can console, it can rally people for a good cause. It's hard to say how that effect is felt in the world, but I know it has to be in some small way. I think it's possible for music to influence current events, but I don't think I see it happen a lot.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has totally changed the music industry game, especially by leveling the playing field. The industry is no longer controlled by a small number of record labels. That means there are a lot more independent artists who are writing, recording, and performing live. This is all made possible by advances through the internet, accessible recording and distribution, as well as other technology. It's also easier for fans to connect with artists through the internet.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be red Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-06T11:14:00.000-06:00

Today we feature a song from the amazing Contintental Drifters, who unfortunately are no longer together, singing "Na Na" from their album Better Days.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-02T12:06:00.000-06:00

Today we feature the Bottle Rockets and "Another Brand New Year" from their album Brand New Year.

SONG OF THE DAY

2010-01-01T21:23:00.002-06:00

A new year starts today. Today's song is from Vic Chesnut, who died on Christmas Day from results of a suicide attempt. Vic was paralyzed from a car accident years ago when he was 18. From all accounts he was depressed from harassment from the hospitals that he owed money to from medical bills.

The song is "Sleeping Man" from his album Drunk.

Contest # 2: Who Do You Think Is A Voice to Hear

2010-01-01T01:16:00.000-06:00

This post is going to stay up at the top of the page for the next month, until the first of the year, but there is lots of new stuff going on down below so check it out!

Our second contest lets you the reader pick some of the Voices that should be features on this site in the coming year. Over the last year we at this site have tried to spotlight as many deserving voices as we can. In our Mission Statement we said:

We’re not here to be hip and find the next “Big Thing.” We’re probably as far from hip as possible. While sometimes we might stumble across someone that will end up as the “new thing” that’s not what we’re looking for. We’d be thrilled for some of these deserving artists to become Big Names, but we also live in the real world and realize that’s probably not going to happen. So every person that we can turn on to these undiscovered gems will be one more person listening and hopefully buying their music.

And that's a goal we still live by. Whether it be a new Voice like Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra or one that's been around for awhile like Caroline Herring we want to help get the word out on this deserving talent. We've tried to feature all sorts of music, from metal to folk to country to rock to whatever catches our ear at the time. Again our Mission Statement says it as best as we can:

Unless you have a major record company promoting your newest release it’s hard to get noticed. In today’s rapid on-the-go world it’s hard to find the time to discover that artist that falls between the cracks. There’s a lot of good music out there that deserves a wider audience and that’s the goal of this site. We want to help you find that music.

So with that in mind we introduce our second contest (and hopefully more of you will contribute to this one) and ask you the reader who you think should be a Voice to hear? Who do you like and listen to that you think should get wider recognition? Who do you think needs to be heard? Leave your choice, leave a list of artists, leave a single artist, whoever you feel should be heard in the comments and we'll see about featuring them in Spotlights or Simply Six interviews this coming year. Please don't mention someone we've already featured, as we're looking for some new voices.

For everyone that leaves a comment we'll put your name in a hat and at start of the New Year we'll chose one lucky person to win a wonderful new prize. And what is that prize I can hear you all asking with bated breath?

The prize for our Second Contest is David Wilcox's newest album Open Hand. This is David's 16th album and features some of his best work. David's music touches a cord with people and he has a very dedicated fan base. If you haven't checked out his work you should. Our Simply Six is here and you can find his site here. Thanks to David Wilcox and his publicist for providing us with a copy of the album to give away.

SONG OF THE DAY

2009-12-28T10:02:00.000-06:00

Today's song is from Kelly Willis and is from her 2007 album Translated From Love. The song is "Nobody Wants to go to the Moon Anymore."

SONG OF THE DAY

2009-12-27T11:59:00.001-06:00

Today we feature Kathleen Edwards from her 2003 album Failer with the song "One More Song The Radio Won't Like."

SONG OF THE DAY

2009-12-26T10:29:00.000-06:00

Today's song is from the amazing gifted Marcia Ball and her 2007 show at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. She sings Randy Newman's "Louisiana 1927."

SIMPLY SIX: Clara Bellino

2009-12-26T10:21:00.000-06:00

Clara Bellino is a singer/songwriter from California.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they
> knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis
> on
> the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance
> on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
>

It was putting myself to sleep when I was 9 listening to David Bowie, I
loved his lyrics, metaphors, imagery and personal expression. I was
writing poems, decided I was going to sing them, put them to music. I had
just started playing piano.

> 2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some
> of your favorites?

I listen to a wide array of music: what I catch on radio, in my car, I
love Spanish, sung, and Brazilian grooves of all kinds. But also
classical, big band, japanese pop, instrumentals. Music that has something
to say and does it in an entertaining personal non preachy way that
involves me and talks to me not at me.

>
> 3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either
> on
> record or live?
>

There have been a few. Most recently it was doing an internet radio
interview with someone in Indiana knowing that 400 kids in 2 orphanages in
Kenya and India were listening in to my song we picked for them "Goodnight
Baby", and it lifted them up. I was choked up listening, and when I found
out it cheered them up. Playing the Olympics in my hometown in 1992! was
pretty special too.

> 4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to
> listen
> to? How much can music influence current events?

Music does change the world, imagine the world without it?

Influence current events? sure if we all sing together..

>
> 5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology
> affected your career as a musician?

Technology I suppose has benefited and hindered music as I see it;
technology gives me more control over being exposed around the world and
gives me the ability to connect with the people who enjoy what I do.
Musically speaking, I still prefer the sound of real instruments played by
people playing together who know how to play them.

>
> 6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what
> type of shoes would you be?

A fuzzy pair of warm slippers :)