This month's Musical Elective is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Now, it's not often that I get to trumpet a band that hails from my adopted hometown of Burlington, Vermont (I'm technically a flatlander, in Vermont idiom). Plus, in this case, I get to see them live in concert tonight in Madison, Wisconsin! (For DC-based readers of the blog, check them out at Night of The Living Zoo on October 29th!)
The band's music is a mix of blues and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll. Its web site describes the band this way: "Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are like a modern-day version of Tina Turner stroking the microphone in a spangled mini-dress while fronting the Rolling Stones circa Sticky Fingers." Rolling Stone magazine called them one of the best new bands of 2010 saying, "The group’s third disc ... finds a sweet spot between rowdy, blues-driven live sound and tight, classic-rock songcraft.”
Highlights from the self-titled new album include "Paris (Ooh La La)," "Tiny Light" and "Only Love." The band's sound is undoubtedly buttressed by the entrance of bassist Catherine Popper, formerly with Ryan Adams and the Cardinals.
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The Musical Elective of the Month is Crowded House.
Those of you who know me well, you know that Crowded House is my all-time favorite band, going on almost 25 years dating back to my high school years. So you're probably asking, "What took you so long to feature them as a Musical Elective?" Well, patience isn't one of my virtues, but I do try to demonstrate it every once in a while. That said, I have featured founding member/lead singer/ songwriter Neil Finn as a solo Musical Elective as well as his son, Liam Finn, and Neil's 7 Worlds Collide collaboration with members of Wilco, Radiohead, Johnny Marr, KT Tunstall and other musical luminaries. So patience is overstated....
The Crowdies, as the band is affectionately known in Australia, just completed a tour of North America and are on their way to South Africa and Down Under. (Yours truly saw them in concert in Milwaukee on September 7.) Their new album, Intriguer, was released in July 2010. PopMatters offers a nice review, saying "Finn’s stability and contentment has informed the sound of Intriguer, a mature, thoughtful, and mostly mellow album.... It’s a great album in the classic mold, one that rewards you. It is fun to listen to, and though that fun is of the grown-up sort, it makes for one of the year’s best pop albums all the same."
As a bit of history, Neil Finn is one of the great, under-appreciated songsmiths of the last 30 years. A New Zealand native, as a teenager, he almost single-handedly lifted his older brother Tim's one-of-a-kind, art rock band Split Enz into New Wave prominence. Neil penned and sang the band's biggest #1 hit (in Canada, Australia and New Zealand), 1980's "I Got You."
Neil went on to form Crowded House in 1985 with drummer Paul Hester and bassist Nick Seymour, fashioning it into an internationally renowned band. The current line-up of Crowded House also includes Mark Hart, who joined the band prior to its 1994 album, and Matt Sherrod who replaced Hester as the band's drummer and had previously supported Beck. Crowded House reformed in 2006, coming together following the suicide of Paul Hester the year prior. The original group of tenants iteration broke their lease in 1996 in a Farewell To The World concert before a quarter million fans at the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Crowded House's eponymous debut album was released in 1986 and produced two top 10 U.S. hits, "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong." They never reached such heights again in the states, lost amidst the grunge and rap of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Crowded House's second album, Temple of Low Men, was a critical success in 1988 but a commercial disappointment, but includes such stellar tracks as "Into Temptation," "When You Come," and "Better Be Home Soon." Woodface, the third album, was released in 1991 and made the band certifiable stars in Europe. For this album, Tim Finn--Neil's older brother--joined the band as an official member and co-penned a number of the tracks. It includes the singles, "Fall At Your Feet," "Weather With You," "Four Seasons In One Day," and "It's Only Natural." Crowded House's fourth album, Together Alone, was released in 1994. It includes "Locked Out" (featured in the film Reality Bites) and the international hits "Distant Sun" and "Private Universe."
If you don't know Crowded House, by all means check them out. If you know them from years ago, give them fresh listen. YouTube (for links to live and TV appearances) and the official Crowded House web site are good starting places.
But you know what it means to me, babe In the course of a history, hey It all makes sense to me somehow It’s a course in philosophy, yeah What is life is it just a dream, no The perfect mystery but somehow I know
You will love this one You will love this one And if we create something magical, honey There are times come These are times that come Only once if your life Or twice if you’re lucky
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Gaslight Anthem is an up-and-coming, New Jersey-based rock band. The band has two albums under its belt, including Sink or Swim (2007) and The '59 Sound (2008). It has been embraced by Bruce Springsteen, with whom it has performed, and lead singer Brian Fallon once lived four blocks from E Street in Asbury Park, NJ.
Gaslight Anthem's new album, American Slang, is released on June 14th, but both NPR and Rolling Stone are live streaming the album to give you an early listen. The music mag says that the Anthem's sound "gloriously combines the Clash, Motown and the Pretenders."
Visit the official web site for more information and concert listings.
Look what you started, I seem to be coming out of my skin Look what you've forgotten here The bandages just don't keep me in
And when it was over, I woke up alone
And they cut me to ribbons and taught me to drive I got your name tattooed inside of my arm I called for my father but my father had died While you told me fortunes, in American Slang
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The Musical Elective Of The Month is Tift Merritt.
Tift is a 35-year-old singer/songwriter who grew up in North Carolina, but is now based in the Big Apple. Her music is in the alt-country vein, although her sophomore album went in a decidedly rock and soul direction. Tift's got a distinctive, pure voice that lends a warmth and forthrightness to her lyrics.
Sara and I recently saw her open for Amos Lee in Madison, Wisconsin. As a result of this command opening performance, she made me an even bigger fan than I was. Tift's brand-new album is released on June 1, 2010. It's called See You On The Moon, and already has received critical acclaim from the likes of The New Yorker, Paste Magazine and the Washington Post for its stripped-down production and showcasing of Tift's vocal talent.
Tift released her first solo album in 2002 and has three studio albums and one live album under her belt. Pretty good work. Her debut album, Bramble Rose, was widely heralded, making both Time Magazine's and The New Yorker's top 10 lists for that year. My favorite is 2005's upbeat Tambourine, featuring the tracks "Good Hearted Man," "Stray Paper," "Write My Ticket," and "Shadow In The Way." Tambourine was nominated for a Grammy for Country Album of The Year even though I think it is the least "country" of her three studio albums. Go figure. In 2008, Tift released Another Country, with the tracks "Broken," "Keep You Happy," and "I Know What I'm Looking For Now." She also released a live acoustic album, Buckingham Solo, on February 24, 2009. It is a great example of her clean, pure sound from her live shows.
You, how did you get so wise? I take the advice I find in your eyes. Me, I’ve been waiting outside Most of my life, Oh like a rare b-side.
I’m just making you mixtapes with homemade covers. Analog to show we’re lovers, And here under the jacket folds inside, I’ve taped my heart for you to find.
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After seeing a tremendous show in Madison, Wisconsin last Sunday evening with opening act Tift Merritt and headliner Amos Lee, it would be inappropriate not to give both artists kudos by recognizing their status as past Musical Electives.
That accomplished, the Musical Elective of the Month (just under the wire!) for April 2010 is Luka Bloom.
One of many in a line of fine Irish troubadours, Luka (née Kevin Barry Moore) is a 55-year-old Irish singer/songwriter. Appropriately categorized as folk, he brings heartfelt lyrics and a rich, grand voice to bear in his music. He was noticed in America and internationally beginning around 1990. Prior to and after that time, he has recorded 15 studio albums, including 1990's Riverside, 1994's Turf, and his latest, Dreams In America, released in 2010.
He also has embraced numerous covers both on his albums and in concert, including U2's "Bad," Hunters & Collectors' "Throw Your Arms Around Me," and Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" (all on 2001's Keeper Of The Flame).
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After a lengthy "sabbatical" focusing on the birth of our daughter, I am back at the turntable, offering up a Musical Elective Of The Month. I was reminded of not offering up a recent musical suggestion this past Friday evening, when Sara and I went to see Justin Townes Earle -- the subject of the last Musical Elective back in November -- at the High Noon Saloon in Madison.
The Musical Elective Of The Month is Kim Taylor.
Kim, a Cincinnati-based singer/songwriter, jumped out at me through Pandora Radio because of her song, "My Dress Is Hung." From her music I hear country, jazz and soul influences and she has been described by critics as offering "emotional songwriting" and "smoky vocals."
She has independently released two full-length albums (including 2006's I Feel Like A Fading Light) and two EPs. Her new EP, Little Miracle (December 2009), is a digital-only release for now, and is available on her web site [below].
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The Musical Elective of the Month is Justin Townes Earle.
His music encompasses blues, country, folk, and acoustic rock and he sometimes appears to be channeling a young Hank Williams or Woody Guthrie. He was named New & Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2009 Americana Music Festival.
Yes, the name Earle may sound familiar -- and for good reason. Justin is the son of Steve Earle.
From his record label's web site, one learns this: "With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of the elder Earle’s hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin forged his own brand of American roots music. Going through life with a namesake of Van Zandt’s stature cannot be easy for a young songwriter, but Earle takes it in stride,” saying, “Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I’m honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I’d have a pretty miserable life.”
PopMatters.com has this to say: "Justin Townes Earle is living proof that despite the freak show that is modern day Nashville, there are still artists out there who revere the deep roots of the American musical tradition while still pushing the boundaries to create something new and wonderful."
Justin Townes Earle has put out an album in each of the last three years, the latest 2009's Midnight At the Movies. It features a stellar cover of The Replacements' "Can't Hardly Wait," the old school "What I Mean To You," the honky tonk "Poor Fool," and a rebuke of his dad in the biting "Mama's Eyes."
And, shit, if music ain't your thing (why are you reading this?), Justin was recently named a 'Style Star' by GQ. "As a Southern man, there are two things I'm not afraid of: bow ties and white pants," he says.
For more, check out his web site. He's touring all over the country in the coming months, so go check him out on tour, too. We saw him in Madison, Wisconsin back in June. And he made quite an impression.
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Neil Finn is one of the great, under-appreciated singer/songwriters of the last 30 years. A New Zealand native, Neil came of age and then into the musical forefront through the one-of-a-kind New Wave band Split Enz, founded and fronted by his older brother Tim. He penned and sang the band's biggest #1 hit (in Canada, Australia and New Zealand), 1980's "I Got You." He went on to form Crowded House (1985-1996), fashioning it into an internationally renowned band (re-formed in 2006) and a frequent visitor to critic's 'best of' lists, with hits including "Don't Dream It's Over," "Something So Strong," "Weather With You," and "Distant Sun." And Neil has recorded solo albums in 1998 and 2002 and two albums, in 1995 and 2004, with his brother under the moniker The Finn Brothers.
It has been eight years since Neil's first 7 Worlds Collide project which gathered a stellar group of musicians (including Eddie Vedder, Johnny Marr, and members of Radiohead) to play a series of live shows in Auckland, New Zealand. All proceeds from the resulting live album and DVD went to Medecins Sans Frontieres. Around Christmas 2008, Neil assembled an even larger group of musicians -- with international development organization Oxfam chosen as the beneficiary this time -- to collaborate and record a studio album of original songs. All of the songs were written and recorded over the course of three short weeks. Pretty amazing.
There are some real gems on here and fans of good music and any of the artists represented should check this out. The album features tracks such as "True Blue" co-written by Johnny Marr and Jeff Tweedy, "Hazel Black" co-written by KT Tunstall and Neil Finn, and "The Ties That Bind Us" written (and sung) by Radiohead drummer Phil Selway.
Order through amazon.com here and support Oxfam. Music samples are available now on the album's web site and you can check out some of the limited live performances from January 2009 on YouTube.
When your seven worlds collide Whenever I am by your side And dust from a distant sun Will shower over everyone --Distant Sun," Crowded House, Together Alone (1993)
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After a brief summer hiatus, August's Musical Elective of the Month is Guster.
You probably first heard of Guster in 1999, courtesy of the breakthrough single "Fa Fa" off their third studio album Lost and Gone Forever. My initial reaction to Guster in those days was "ho, hum." Then I heard their 2003 album, Keep It Together. This is rock/roots-pop music at its best and would be a great introduction for any neophyte to Guster's sound. It features the title track, "Amsterdam," and "Homecoming King."
In 2006, Guster released its fifth studio album, Ganging Up On The Sun, off of which came the single, "One Man Wrecking Machine." There are rumors of a new album coming soon, originally expected sometime in 2009.
As a native of the Bay State, I have a soft spot in my heart for any great band with a Boston connection, and Guster qualifies. The lads first met at Tufts University (located in Medford) -- and they've gone on from there. If you like the music of Barenaked Ladies, Crowded House, and the Old 97s, my guess is that you'll like Guster, if you don't already. Great songwriting, good vocal harmonies and instrumentation, and a refreshing sense of humor. I'm sorry to have missed Guster at Milwaukee's Summerfest this year.
On your way to the best years of your life Everyone's banging on their gongs The sooner you leave the sooner you're home Back in Massachusetts To your golden age where they tuck you in at night You didn't see it coming Now who you gonna wave to? This time you're not homecoming king --"Homecoming King," Keep It Together (2003)
For more on Guster, please check out their official web site.
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Gomez is a British indie rock band featuring five blokes who either met in or around Southport, England or at Sheffield University. In the music business for more than ten years, Gomez's debut album Bring It On was released in 1998. It featured the single "Get Myself Arrested." Since then, Gomez has released five studio albums, including one this year: Liquid Skin (1999), In Our Gun (2002), Split The Difference (2004), How We Operate (2006), A New Tide (2009).
The unique voice of frontman Ian Ball lends Gomez its most notable signature. You know it when you hear it. I see elements of Radiohead, Oasis, and even Beck in the music of Gomez. A couple of my favorite Gomez tracks include "Revolutionary Kind" off of 1999's Liquid Skin and "See The World" off A New Tide.
In recent years, Gomez has been trying to broaden its American fan base, participating in many large music festivals, including SXSW, Coachella and Bonnaroo. Gomez's latest, A New Tide, was released in late March 2009. The band is currently touring the U.S. through mid-June.
See the world Find an old fashioned girl And when all's been said and done It's the things that are given, not won Are the things that you earned -- "See The World," A New Tide (2009)
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As I have utterly failed to meet the weekly deadlines demanded by the recurring "Musical Elective Of The Week" feature, I hereby decree that said feature will now be known as the "Musical Elective Of The Month." Phew!
I've always been a sucker for BritPop. From Duran Duran to The Smiths to Oasis to Keane, I'm all over it. Such is the same with April's Musical Elective Of The Month: Travis.
Travis is a Scottish band comprised of singer/songwriter Fran Healy, guitarist Andy Dunlop, bassist Dougie Payne, and drummer Neil Primrose. I've been enamored with them for the past decade. To be quite honest, I'm stuck on Travis's 1999 album The Man Who and 2001's The Invisible Band--both of which hit #1 on the British charts. The Man Who features the perfect pop tracks "Writing To Reach You," "Driftwood" and "Why Does It Always Rain On Me." Similarly, The Invisible Band is one of my favorite complete albums -- it offers up the singles "Sing," "Side" and "Flowers In The Window."
Travis's first album, Good Feeling, was released in 1997. And they've put out four more since time stopped for me--12 Memories in 2003, The Boy With No Name in 2007, and Ode To J Smith in 2008 as well as a singles compilation.
They are just finishing up a four-week tour of the U.S. and Canada. You lucky dawgs in DC have a chance to catch Travis at the 9:30 Club tomorrow night. Then it's onto Philly, New York, and Boston.
When I first held you I was cold A melting snowman I was told But there was no-one there to hold Before I swore that I would be alone forever more --"Flowers In The Window," The Invisible Band (2001)
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With Rhett, you get two-for-one. Not only is he the front man for the alt-country Old 97s, but he is also an accomplished solo artist. As a solo artist, he has three albums under his belt -- most notably, 2002's The Instigator and 2006's The Believer. He also released the album Mythologies in 1989, prior to joining the Old 97s. Rhett will release his fourth solo album, Rhett Miller, on June 9, 2009.
The Instigator may be the perfect rock record, chock-full of potential singles. And Rhett's live shows are often similar. He delivers pop hook after pop hook, driving rock 'n' roll, and playful stylin' on the ghee-tar. In fact, in 2003, when he opened for Neil Finn's U.S. tour dates, that was just about a perfect double-bill in my book.
The Instigator includes a slew of instantly memorable tracks, including "Our Love," "This Is What I Do," "Come Around," "Point Shirley," "Four-Eyed Girl", and "The El." The Believer offers up "Singular Girl," "My Valentine," "Brand New Way," "Fireflies" (a duet with Rachel Yamagata), and a remake of the fabulous 97s song "Question" (the original of which we included on the CD that we gave as a gift to all who attended our wedding in 2005).
And I forgive him for being a Dallas Cowboys fan, the same way I forgive my wife--even though she has no connection to Texas at all.
I could hide it in the attic I could bury it in static I could only put it out in Japan I could tape my mouth closed I could take another dose I am dancing as fast as I can This is what I do for a living this is what I do --"This Is What I Do," The Instigator (2002)
Click here for past Musical Electives of The Week.
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In truth, I first discovered the band Keane through Pandora radio, although their song "Somewhere Only We Know" became rather ubiquitous on AAA, rock, and pop radio stations back in 2004--and since. My guess is that many of you will recognize their music, but may not really know them as a band.
Keane is one of the best and most successful Beatle-esque bands to emerge from the U.K. over the past decade. Definitely cut from the same cloth as U2, Oasis, The Smiths, and Coldplay, their sound is nonetheless unique power pop/rock delivered through crafty lyrics, powerful choruses and compelling hooks.
Keane is a three-piece band out of East Sussex, England. Keane is comprised of Tom Chaplin (vocals), Richard Hughes (drums), and Tim Rice-Oxley (chief songwriter/bass/piano). And they are major stars in their home country--and around Europe--unlike in the States.
Although Keane has been around in various forms since 1995, they did not release their first studio album until 2004--Hopes and Fears. It featured the aforementioned single "Somewhere Only We Know" as well as "Can't Stop Now" and "Bedshaped." Hopes and Fears won best album in Britain at both the Q Awards and the BRIT Awards--both much more friendly to Optimists' favorite music than our own native Grammys--and was also the second highest selling album there in 2004. They were nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Artist category in 2005 as a result of that release as well.
Following it are 2006's Under The Iron Sea (my personal favorite) and 2008's Perfect Symmetry. Under The Iron Sea birthed the memorable singles "Is It Any Wonder?" and "Crystal Ball." And the title track is a notable offering on Keane's 2008 album.
To learn more about Keane and to sample some of their music, visit their official web site.
I always thought that I knew I'd always have the right to Be living in the kingdom of the good and true and so on but now I think how I was wrong And you were laughing along And now I look a fool for thinking you were on, my side -- "Is It Any Wonder?" from Under The Iron Sea (2006)
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Tift is a 34-year-old singer/songwriter based in North Carolina. Her music is in the alt-country vein, although her sophomore album went in a decidedly rock and soul direction. Tift's got a distinctive, pure voice that lends a warmth and forthrightness to her lyrics.
Tift released her first solo album only in 2002 and already has three studio albums and one live album under her belt. Pretty good work. Her debut album, Bramble Rose, was widely acclaimed, making both Time Magazine's and The New Yorker's top 10 lists for that year. My favorite is 2005's upbeat Tambourine, featuring the tracks "Good Hearted Man," "Stray Paper," "Write My Ticket," and "Shadow In The Way." Tambourine was nominated for a Grammy for Country Album of The Year even though I think it is the least "country" of her three studio albums. Go figure. Last year, Tift released Another Country, with the tracks "Broken," "Keep You Happy," and "I Know What I'm Looking For Now." Popmatters calls her latest album "nothing short of stunning in its candor, simplicity, and grace."
She'll be releasing a new live acoustic album, Buckingham Solo, on February 24, 2009. Keep an eye out for it! She'll also be touring through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in spring and will be part of the Bonnaroo festival this summer.
I wish I were a freeway laid out clearer than a bright day. I’d run wide open down this causeway like brand new Singing louder than the whole block, all my love would be a straight shot Night would dream the dreams that I got, and so would you.
But I’m broken and I don’t understand What is broken falls into place once again. Hand of kindness, come and gather me in like a rainstorm
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Finn is a 25-year-old Kiwi singer/songwriter. Not only does he have a most excellent first name, but this guy can rock! Probably best known as the eldest son of singer/songwriter extraordinaire and Crowded House founder/lead singer Neil Finn, Liam laid down the gauntlet with his first solo album, I'll Be Lightning, released in January 2008 in the U.S. He was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's 10 Artists to Watch for 2008.
Recorded with a mixing deck that once belonged to the Who, I'll Be Lightning melds Elliott Smith-style melodies with loosey-goosey execution and the big, airy harmonies of yacht rock. Finn plays every instrument on the album — and during live shows. Triggering loops he creates via pedals, he'll riff on guitar, go nuts on theremin and pummel a drum kit for a one-man-band extravaganza.
Finn is an unbelievable persona in concert, literally doing everything on stage and making enough noise to make you believe that is an entire band up there. I saw him open for Crowded House at the House of Blues in Chicago back in 2007 and was spellbound. (He later opened for Eddie Vedder in the U.S. last year.)
I'll Be Lightning is a difficult album to categorize, parts rock, folk, and experimental. Some of my favorite tracks include the first three -- "Better To Be," "Second Chance," and "Gather To The Chapel" -- as well as the Beatle-esque "Energy Spent" and "Music Moves My Feet."
Finn will be part of the very exciting, upcoming Seven Worlds Collide album featuring his dad (Neil Finn), members of Radiohead (Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway), members of Wilco (including Jeff Tweedy), KT Tunstall, Johnny Marr (of the Smiths and Modest Mouse), Sebastian Steinberg (of Soul Coughing), and others. Recording was done over the holidays in Auckland, New Zealand and several concerts were performed. Proceeds will benefit Oxfam International.
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The first Musical Elective of the Week for 2009 is Alejandro Escovedo.
While I had heard the name, I really discovered his music last month on WXRT while driving down to O'Hare to pick up Sara on her way back from Barcelona.
Escovedo's music is old-school rock 'n' roll. To me his voice echoes Warren Zevon and I hear influences of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen in his sound. At this point, what I know of his music comes from his latest album, Real Animal, released in June 2008. The album has been mentioned on a number of musical top 10 lists for 2008. The single "Always A Friend" is what initially appealed to me and drew me in to listen to the other 12 album tracks.
Escovedo comes from a musical family. Fun fact: Sheila E (of Prince fame) is his niece. He has been playing music since the 1970s, beginning with the San Francisco punk band The Nuns and in bands around Austin, Texas in the 1980s. He released his first of nine solo albums in 1992. Over the years, he has collaborated with the likes of Ryan Adams and Chuck Prophet (who co-wrote all of the songs on Real Animal).
Escovedo turns 58 on Saturday. Happy birthday! Check out more at AlejandroEscovedo.com.
I lived in the Chelsea once on 7th and 23rd we came to live inside the myth of everything we heard the poets on their barstools, they just love it when it rains they comb their hair in the mirror and grow addicted to the pain.
--"Chelsea Hotel '78," Real Animal (2008)
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The Musical Elective of the Week is a special top 10 list -- a winter edition in honor of the constant snowfall here in Madison, Wisconsin which has already broken the all-time December record and which seems destined to break last year's all-time snow record of over 100 inches. Enjoy. Stay warm.
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The Musical Elective of the Week is ... not a musician or band as usual. It is a primer of cool sources of music on the web.
We're spotlighting musical sources in three categories: (1) traditional radio stations, (2) web-based radio, and (3) and music-focused web sites. As regular readers know, our musical taste tends toward bands and singer/songwriters in a rock/folk/altcountry vein and music heard on some of the nation's finest Triple A radio stations.
Traditional Radio
We all have our favorite local radio stations. And some of us, fortunately, live in cities and towns where there is a station we can call home. Currently, I'll take Madison, Wisconsin's WMMM-FM over anything the Washington, DC area used to offer when I lived there. However, "Triple M" is not one of my favorites as it's far too repetitive, programmed and narrow.
My favorite online radio source, by far, is Pandora Radio, which allows you to create a customized station (like mine) as well as play from existing ones. Also worth checking out is Radio Paradise.
Cutting-Edge Music
My bud, Kate Bradley, a Triple-A radio programming veteran (who I used to listen to on The Point in Vermont on those long Burlington-Montpelier round-trips), recently launched Outlandos Music. Taking its name from a storied Police album, Outlandos Music is a new-music discovery service and aggregator for grown-ups. As Kate has impeccable musical taste, her site is well worth your time. For example, she's currently big on New York City-based Indie rockers The Damnwells and Aussie singer/songwriter Shane Nicholson (who is married to Kasey Chambers).
So, readers, what's out there that we're missing, from the coolest overlooked musical web site to the smallest or most obscure small-town radio station that readers should check out? We certainly don't have a monopoly on good ideas or good taste. So, share 'em...
Have a great weekend!
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Amos Lee is a Philadelphia native and has built a larger and larger fan base with the release of each of his three albums. His latest offering is Last Days At The Lodge (released in June 2008) and -- based on his recent concert here in Madison -- he has never been stronger and more confident as a live artist. He just wrapped up a U.S. tour with a five-piece band. His new album includes the tracks "Listen," "What's Been Going On," and "Street Corner Preacher."
Lee's music is a blend of acoustic rock, rock, folk, soul, and jazz. Supply and Demand -- Lee's second full-length album -- was released in 2006, featuring the recognizable "Shout Out Loud" and the title track. But do not overlook "Careless," "Night Train," and "Southern Girl." It was preceded by the eponymous Amos Lee in 2005, which was chock full of melodic hooks on the likes of "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight," "Seen It All Before," "Arms of a Woman," and "Soul Suckers," as well as the playful "Bottom Of The Barrel."
Amos Lee really got his break based upon a self-produced 5-song EP that won him a recording contract from Blue Note Records and got the attention of Norah Jones, for whom he opened during her 2004 tour. He was named one of Rolling Stone magazine's "10 Artists to Watch" in 2005.
Unlike many of our featured Musical Electives, Amos Lee truly does have a connection to education. He was a public school teacher in Philadelphia for two years before turning to music as a profession. Here's one former teacher I'm happy to count as a turnover statistic.
There's a whole lot of trouble all around Every night the same old sirens sound There's a whole lot of trouble all around Children soldiers in this battleground --"Street Corner Preacher," Last Days At The Lodge (2008)
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The Musical Elective of the Week is Susan Tedeschi.
One of many talented Boston-area natives and Berklee College of Music grads in the music business, Tedeschi has got an incredible set of pipes, especially for a woman of such small stature. She man-handles the blues, as exemplified by her live performances and also by the 1998 album Just Won't Burn, featuring the tracks "Rock Me Right" and "You Need To Be With Me." "The Feeling Music Brings" off of 2002's Wait For Me is another stellar track. She also nails a cover of Otis Redding's "Security" on her 2005 album, Hope and Desire.
Her latest album, Back To The River, was released on October 28. This Grammy-nominated artist is currently on a tour of the U.S. Sara and I are headed to see her in Madison on Saturday evening. I've only seen her once before -- at a free concert on the grounds of the Portland, Oregon Zoo back in 2007 -- with her husband's band, the Derek Trucks Band. Good stuff.
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This month's Musical Elective is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
