Video Of The Day: Music Tapes- Majesty

From the album Clouds And Tornadoes:

Album Review: Jolie Holland- The Living And The Dead

Jolie Holland has returned to the music world with a new release titled “The Living And The Dead”. Her earlier releases had a kind of rustic lo-fi charm about them that felt like actual artifacts of many years ago. 2006’s Springtime can kill you was a decidedly glossier affair, with slinky jazz instrumentation amping up Jolie’s sultry vocals. On this new release, she has taken a fairly straightforward approach to her song structures which heightens certain aspects of her aesthetic, but ultimately fail in pushing her discography to new innovative heights.

The first single, Mexico City , sets the tone for the record with a rollicking rhythm set to Jolie’s ghostly voice which weaves in and out of the simple guitar progression. Unfortunately, this same sound is replicated a few too many times on the record on tracks like Palmyra, and Your Big Hands, diffusing the effectiveness of this new approach.

The standouts on the album are the tracks that recall a more traditional songwriting angle such as the breathtaking Love Henry, and Enjoy Yourself, which highlight her outstanding voice in more challenging tempo situations. All in all, a strong record, that will age well, but I get the feeling that we haven’t seen the peak of this singer songwriter yet.

Video Of The Day: Department Of Eagles- 1997

A fresh tune from the guys who are on the verge of releasing a new album called In Ear Park. This song is not from the upcoming record, so indulge!

Concert Review: Breathe Owl Breathe At The Earthwork Harvest Gathering

I recently was lucky enough to attend the 8th annual Harvest Gathering put on by Earthwork Music in Lake City, MI. The festival boasted a host of quality Michigan folk artists such as Seth Bernard, Daisy May, and Chris Bathgate. One of the highlights came from East Jordan natives Breathe Owl Breathe.
They played a wide variety of tunes, including some cuts off of their latest release, Ghost Glacier. Incorporating quirky vocals, rich cello, and smooth drum quips, Breathe Owl Breath definitely stepped up to the plate as one of Michigan’s premier folk acts.

Crowd interaction was abundant as cellist/vocalist Andrea Moreno-Beals invited the audience to transform into saber toothed tigers using their hands. Guitar/vocalist Micha Middaugh in turn jumped into the audience and instigated an epic wave.Percussionist Trevor Hobbes displayed a wide variety of instrumentation, leaping from his kit to violin, to organ. Definitely a festival worth exploring for unknown and known acts alike, the Earthwork Harvest Gathering is a special place to indulge in the finest folk music Michigan has to offer.

John Frusciante To Release Imperium In ‘09

According to Invisible Movement, John Frusciante will release a new album called “Imperium” on January 20th, 2009. The album will feature nine new tracks and one cover. Josh Klinghoffer Flea, Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, and Ryan Hewitt have all reportedly been involved with the recording. No tour is currently in the works.

Video Of The Day: Dana Falconberry- Baby Blue Sky

Baby Blue Sky is from the upcoming September 30 release of Oh Skies Of Gray, the debut solo release from Dana Falconberry. It is a perfect example of the gorgeous melodies and modern folk sensibility that she brings to the table. Backup harmonies from Gina Dvorak & Erika Maassen , and stand up bass action by Andrew Bergmann create a triple threat sound assault that compliments Falconberry’s vocals superbly.

Video Of The Day:Bjork-Dull Flame Of Desire

This “star studded” music video has been rocking my world recently. Check it:

Jack White Takes The World By Storm

When he’s not writing poetry about a famous American city, Jack White has his hands full supporting famous American franchises. White recently teamed up with Alicia Keys to create the new James Bond theme, which was in turn used to score a new Coke ad. Stream the new song HERE

Video Of The Day: Radiohead-Tell Me Why (Neil Young Cover)

There is nothing I can say to make that headline any cooler. From their current tour of North America, Radiohead whipped out this gem in L.A. recently. Check it:

Gorilla Vs. Bear has the MP3 HERE

Concert Review: Andrew WK 7/28/08

Last month Lansing was rocked hard by one man. One man wielding a single synthesizer. One man whose good will and exuberance was enough to turn Basement 414 into a writhing love fest for all things relating to rock anthems. Apparently on a trip to visit family and friends in his native Ann Arbor, Mr. WK was kind enough to stop by the intimate venue to share his anthems of love, goodwill and partying. By and large the set consisted of requests from the ecstatic crowd, running the gamut of hit singles such as We Want Fun, and Party Hard. Though the set was stripped down, the rousing nature of his compositions matched with his larger than life personality had much of the club hopping, dancing and decidedly befuddled. And as soon as it had started, his key bashing, hair swinging, fist pumping performence faded out into completion, and the attendees stumbled out into the muggy eve, all the better for having seen this opportune rock event.