TONIGHT (2.23): Sharon Van Etten at the Paradise

Words // Scott Pingeton

Sharon Van Etten's Tramp is one of my favorite albums of the year so far, but that's no surprise.  It has the fragile emotion I originally fell in love with on Because I Was In Love and the mature songwriting of Epic - plus a newfound confidence.  A little anger never hurts in rock and roll, and Sharon does it well.  That emotion, songwriting and confidence are evident on this demo version of "Serpents":

Sharon Van Etten - Serpents (Demo Version)

Sharon will be at the Paradise in Boston tonight with Shearwater - a show you really shouldn't miss.  If you've procrastinated on getting tickets, you're off the hook this time...it's (surprisingly) not sold out (yet).  Come on Boston...if NYC can sell out 3 shows (2 Bowery, 1 Music Hall of Williamsburg), can't we sell out one? Buy tickets here

Check out our live recording of Sharon Van Etten last April at Brighton Music Hall - it's absolutely pristine, and one of the most popular recordings we shared last year.

New music: Strand of Oaks - Spacestations

Words // Scott Pingeton

Timothy Showalter is a man whose words are able to transcend time, space and the music by which they are delivered.  One of music's great storytellers and a songwriter who is constantly looking to evolve musically and expand the scope of his songs.  Leave Ruin was a dramatially personal album, and the music reflected the mood with fingerpicked acoustic guitars and hushed vocals.  The powerful and ambitious storytelling on Pope Kildragon was matched with a broader sonic pallette - louder guitars and more synths.  On "Spacestations", a new track recorded for my new favorite blog Shaking Through, the sound gets even bigger.  Piano, synths and effects-laden drums give the song a lush, immense sound and pop sheen that only serves to enhance the already-huge-sounding vocals - it's a song that totally envelopes you.  Listen below and watch a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the recording process...music geek porn if ever there was such a thing.

Strand of Oaks - Spacestations

Songs for Wednesday: The Lumineers, Wake Owl and more

Words // Adam Sharp

The Lumineers - "Ho Hey"
For the last year or so this had been at the top of my 'Songs I’ve Seen Awesome Videos Of But That Aren’t Yet Properly Released’ list.  I'm pretty happy it's off that list.  (website)

Wake Owl - "Gold"
It's pretty simple: this is an absolutely great song. You need to hear it.  (website)

Wake Owl - Gold 

These United States - "A Day To Float The Bahnar Boat"
There are songs that sound like lazy days. This is one of them.

These United States - A Day To Float The Bahnar Boat  

Blind Pilot - "Half Moon" (for Yourstru.ly)
I wish every band would go into a studio for a day, rework an already great song, and then film it, cause the finished product here is just phenomenal.  (website)

John Heart Jackie - "Working Titles" (Damien Jurado cover)
Jennie and Peter of John Heart Jackie were so moved by Damien Jurado 'Working Titles' on first listen that they quickly laid down this absolutely gorgeous, simple cover of it before it was properly released this week. It's fun to know bands you like are fans just like you.  (website)

M. Ward - Primitive Girl

Words // Scott Pingeton

Here's a second look at M. Ward's upcoming album, A Wasteland Companion.  Ward is a master of nuanced musical meditations, but can also kick out a pure, old-fashioned pop song with the best of them.  "The First Time I Ran Away", the first track we heard off A Wasteland Companion is the former.  "Primitive Girl" is decidedly the latter.  An upbeat, piano-driven stomp and a great first single. It's great to hear new music from M. Ward...

Primitive Girl by M. Ward

M. Ward is at the House of Blues on May 8, which cruelly coincides with The Wooden Sky's show at Radio in Somerville - a fact that makes me want to curl up in the fetal position and cry.

#ff River City Extension, Father John Misty and more

Words // Scott Pingeton

River City Extension - There & Back Again
We're just a couple weeks away from the announcement of the 2012 Newport Folk Festival lineup, and the most exciting part for me every year (after recovering from the shock of how damn good the lineup is) is to comb through and pick out the bands I'm not familiar with and start listening.  River City Extension was one of those new discoveries for me from NFF 2011, and it didn't take me long to fall in love.  Here's a first look at their upcoming LP "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger".

Father John Misty - Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
J Tillman returns with a new project as Father John Misty.  A driving beat and electric guitars give the song more punch than you might have expected if you're familiar with Tillman's previous solo work (or his work with Fleet Foxes for that matter) - a promising hint of what may be to come for Father John Misty/J Tillman.

The Pharmacy - Dig Your Grave
One of my great loves is simple garage rock.  The Pharmacy's new track "Dig Your Grave" checks all the boxes for me - loud guitars, 2 minutes or less, organ fills, 3 chords and a great melody.  Turn it up.

Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls (The Bowery Presents Live)
The ascent of Alabama Shakes has been staggaring - and it's not slowing down anytime soon.  Their EP was my favorite of 2011, and I knew they deserved this kind of success...I just didn't expect it to be quite this meteoric.  Sold out headlining tours, major festivals, an Austin City Limits episode(!), a new 7" out now and a highly anticipated debut album on the way.  Catch them in Boston at the Paradise on April 15, I'm guessing it will be your last chance to see them at a venue that small.  Jump on the bandwagon now or it's going to leave without you...you don't need no ticket, just get on board.