Tagged: americana

[Sunday Listening] Red Summer Spirit – Black Horse Motel

black horse motel

Everything about Black Horse Motel’s intro track to their debut album, Red Summer Spirit, is just right. From the warm and full string tones, the subtle banjo plucking and acoustic strumming, to the accompanying, light female vocals. It builds slowly, layering our ears from a minimal track to something bursting from the seams.

“The Apology” leads way into a very strong and powerful folk album from yet another Philadelphia local band. No frills, tight production and absolutely solid songwriting doesn’t take much to win me over upon first listen. The harmonies are natural from track to track, nothing ever sounding forced. With a huge debut full length behind them, finally, I’m excited to see what this spring/summer’s got in store for this five piece.

Stream the entire release, Red Summer Spirit, below and be sure to grab your free download of song, “Devil That You Know,” over at their bandcamp page.

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[Philly Local Round-Up] Edition Two

philadelphia philly indie

Damn, this city’s just got so much music that I’m constantly feeling out of the loop. I’m also in the middle of one of the busiest times of the year for work, so that could also be contributing to this feeling… Check out a handful of releases I’ve featured below that I cannot get enough of as I start to catch up on all things Philly.

Ah, concept albums. They’re wonderful when done right – when the message is clear and concise. In the opening introduction the line, “this being human, is a guest house,” completely sticks in my mind and gives way to an open listen of the folky group, Spirit and Dust’s first full length, Shore to Shore. I really enjoy the loose harmonies, the complimenting brass, and lyrical depth that’s competely present upon first listening. And, it’s name your own price!

Having shared the same stage as the previous group in the past, and discovering both groups at similar times – it only seems right I feature them in the same post. Small Houses has a bit more rawness and hangs more on the alt-country side of sound. With plenty of harmonica, how can you not enjoy the album, Exactly Where You Wanted To Be.

Fuzzy, psych-rockers who completely have the hazy sound down. Where have these guys been and why am I only finding about them now?

Moving in a different direction, I couldn’t pass on such a tight-sounding americana track such as Marc Silver’s, “A Miner’s Town.” It’s smooth with accompanying female vocals and a heavy message that runs deep in this particular area. 

I need more info on Colorado Youth, stat. These “demos” are definitely not enough for my ears.

Also be sure to check out the first round-up, click here. Enjoy.

franky baby

Frank’s from Los Angeles, California.

Frank plays real life music.

Frank’s music doesn’t really sound like he’s from Los Angeles, California (or does it?).

Listen to Frank. Frank’s good.

Call Me a Dog When I’m Gone – Frank Fairfield

Cumberland Gap – Frank Fairfield

Watch Frank too:

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Cooking Songs 101

Somehow, past the years of standing in line and using my meal plan I have successfully (?) taught myself how to cook. Just like how a glass of wine (or PBR who am I kidding) pairs so well with preparing meals stove-top, I believe the music playing in the background is just as important. And if you don’t cook to music playing then I don’t even know who you are.

Last week I discovered that I love working in the kitchen to a fellow by the name of Josh Ritter. An American singer-songwriter, who’s been around for quite some time but his true narrative style never gets old. I absolutely love to revisit his album, The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter. Anyways, “To The Dogs Or Whoever” is a piano-pounding upbeat song that will make sauteing instantly fun.

To The Dogs Or Whoever - Josh Ritter

Right-click and enjoy.

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These things don’t matter without you.

The Railyard - Balto I’m not sure why this guy isn’t huge.

Daniel Sheron’s voice is incredible.  It’s not overdone folk and I think a lot of people can appreciate that.  ”I don’t want to forget her, I don’t want to die,” I think can help describe the tone of this song.  His album, October, depicts his journey from Moscow to Siberia, finally landing in Brooklyn, NY to record this beautiful music.  I highly recommend it.

Rocky’s Theme – Rocky Business It’s almost a little too much for me, but it’s just so smooth.  Strictly Business is a great MC and I’ll admit that.  Maybe I’m just upset because I looked at their website and immediately thought they were douchbags.   But whatever, I won’t judge.  I like this song damnit.

Anna Sun – Walk The Moon They were juuuust in Philly and I missed them.  Ugh.  They played at the new..er, re-opened (?) venue, the Dobbs.  They talk all about their experience here on their blog, which they write often.   I’m not so sure about the intro of this song but trust me, it develops into something perfectly constructed.  You will get this song stuck on loop.

Dreamboat – Hey Sholay You know I have to end the post with some brits.  Mhm and I love the fuzz.  Extremely catchy pop/rock song that you need to download.

BONUS: Under Cover Of Darkness – The Strokes After listening to Hey Sholay constantly, kept reminding me of how much I love the new Strokes songggg.

Enjoy.