PERT’ NEAR SANDSTONE | OUT ON A SPREE

SELF-RELEASED

Minneapolis based string band quartet Pert Near Sandstone’s fourth album Out on a Spree takes a step back from their newgrass leanings with a solid set of 12 traditional country bluegrass tracks. From well-known classics like “Liza Jane,” “John Henry,” “Stay All Night” to the songs of well-known musicians like American banjo player Charlie Poole’s “Goodbye Booze”, Out on a Spree even has obscure ditties and recordings found during their travels. One song, “Last of Callahan” is a study in contrasts, with the energetic, vigorous fiddle playing a defiant contrast to the story about the author, who, as the lore goes, played it on his coffin and smashed his fiddle just before being hung on the gallows. Out on a Spree, while more traditional than their usual blend of vintage country, folk, and bluegrass, is a good introduction to the band’s old-time sound. – Written by JFelton

HI HO SILVER OH | PUT IT ALL IN ONE PLACE AND BURN IT

SELF-RELEASED

Put It All In One Place and Burn It, the debut release from Hi Ho Silver Oh, impresses as a mix of indie folk and rock with gorgeous strings and added effects. Originally from North Carolina, frontman Casey Trela moved out to Los Angeles and gradually began playing and writing songs with Philly Eastman and fellow North Carolinians Jon Mackey and Wil Donegan. This album is immediately engaging. The songs pick up right when you want them to; there isn’t a boring moment in the entire set. Traces of My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, Local Natives and Roy Orbison are present, but not overpowering. This four-piece especially stands out on “Communion,” which has a stunning string arrangement that elevates what you think might be your run-of-the-mill acoustic song to a surprisingly affecting and haunting song about truth and spirituality. – Written by DBosket

WOOM | MUU’S WAY

BA DA BING

Over the course of their six year collaboration, Sara Magenheimer and Eben Portnoy have continually experimented with eclectic folk, electronic and indie rock mixes. On Muu’s Way, their debut album under the name WOOM (formerly Fertile Cresent), the duo take lo-fi sounds (be it instrumental, animal, or vocal) and sample them for constantly surprising and catchy results. Whether it is the beat-driven sing-along “Backwards Beach” or the chill instrumental “Under Muu”, the male-sung folk of “Sister” or the austere female vocals layered with soft bass and computerized cricket chirps of “Foggy Dew”, Muu’s Way spins out quirky and charming tracks that defy repetition. This is an indie-pop gem that deserves an inquisitive listen. – Written by JFelton

TOM SCHRAEDER | ONCE LACE, NOW COTTON

TOWNSHIP RECORDS

Young Chicago troubadour Tom Schraeder’s (Tom Schraeder & His Ego) latest album Once Lace, Now Cotton – the first of three planned for release in 10 – is essentially a compilation of favorites culled from recordings done over the past 18 months. While there is a sweet, measured balance between simplicity and complexity of the melodies, Once Lace, Now Cotton is all about Schraeder’s soft guitar and warm, affecting vocals. Notable tracks to check out include, “Don’t Wake My Woman”, “Patbaby (An Ode to),” and “Carry On.” – Written by JFelton

ARCADE FIRE | THE SUBURBS

MERGE

Acclaimed indie rock darlings Arcade Fire release The Suburbs, their highly awaited follow-up to 07’s “Neon Bible” on August 3rd. Packed with 8 different album covers and 16 tracks and recorded in hometown Montreal and New York over the past couple years, The Suburbs is a cautious tale about the downward spiral of modern society. Littered with allusions to urban sprawl, decay, gentrification, and the gradual erosion of the soul, Arcade Fire drives their message through titles such as “Modern Man”, “City with No Children”, “Wasted Hours” and the ominous “Sprawl I (Flatland)” and “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).” Surprisingly the music itself is more upbeat than “Neon Bible” and holds hints of Neil Young, Bruce Springteen, and Depeche Mode. The Suburbs is an exceptional expansion of Arcade Fire’s sound, and will be a welcome addition to their celebrated discography. – Written by JFelton

STARS | THE FIVE GHOSTS

VAGRANT

Indie pop band Stars continues its run of producing big dreamy songs that are dramatic, earnest and romantic. Heavy keyboards and synthesizers dictate the tone on The Five Ghosts, the fifth album from the Toronto group. For the most part, this is a strong album that doesn’t veer too far from their earlier work, which should please their fans. As a casual listener of Stars, I’ve always thought of them as a Postal Service for teens, but in a mostly good way. Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan’s vocals still work well together, particularly on opening track “Dead Hearts.” The only major misstep is “We Don’t Want Your Body,” which sounds like Campbell and Millan are trying to rap, but they make up for it with surefire hits “Fixed” and “The Passenger.” – Written by DBosket

SUNGLASSES | SUNGLASSES EP

LEFSE RECORDS

Sunglasses seems like a benign enough name for a band, but from the sound of this duo’s self-titled EP, these guys are ready to stir things up. Performing under the names 8000 bam bam (Samuel Cooper) and Baby Seal (Brady Keehn), the two met at Savannah College of Art and Design while working on Cooper’s senior thesis film. The EP definitely has an experimental art school vibe; beats are layered with sound effects while a poppy melody chimes in to produce some pretty trippy, yet infectious songs. “Referee” is a great dance track that sounds like Panda Bear mixed with heavy beats. It’s a fun EP to listen to and look at – be sure to check out the ridiculous (and completely awesome) cover art. – Written by DBosket

CATL. | WITH THE LORD FOR COWARDS YOU WILL FIND NO PLACE

SELF-RELEASED

Toronto’s catl., comprised of Jamie Fleming (ex-Pecola frontman – vocals, guitar), Johnny LaRue (The Exploders - drums), and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Kirkpatrick (organ, piano, vocals, percussion), bring a retrofied, punk-infused rock ‘n’ roll to the city’s music scene. Catl.’s swamp boogie/dirty blues sound is often compared to the likes of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Black Keys, The White Stripes, The Jim Jones Revue, and their sophomore release With the Lord for Cowards You Will Find No Place delivers on the promise with some down-and-dirty blues infused indie rock. Recorded across the pond in Detroit’s Ghetto Recording with producer Jim Diamond (The Compulsive Gamblers, The Dirtbombs/Gories, The White Stripes), standouts include the thumping cover of Charley Patton’s “Oh Death”, the fiery funkadelic blues of “Caroline” and the sassy slide-guitar of “Workin’ Man’s Soul.” – Written by JFelton

PICKATHON | 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Pickathon, the first and one of the top indie-roots music festivals, is coming up soon: August 6-8 just outside of Portland, Oregon. Showcasing over 35 bands on 5 stages over 3 days on the scenic, sprawling 80 acre Pendarvis farm, Pickathon is in its 12th year and is being celebrated by the likes of Bonnie Prince Billy & The Cairo Gang, Dr. Dog, The Fruit Bats, Langhorne Slim, and many more. Enjoy a few summer days and nights listening to live classic American music including blues, folk, bluegrass and a mix of traditional and cutting edge indie styles. Not only is this an amazing music event, but Pickathon offers activities for families, from string band workshops to yoga classes to shadow puppet theatre. Also acclaimed for their sustainability practices, Pickathon is partnering with green vendors, offering alternative mass transit to/from the festival, as well as recycling and renewable energy. Organic food vendors, locally brewed beer from Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, camping and hiking are available onsite; see the official Pickathon site for more details. Don’t miss it – I’ll see you there!

LINE-UP:
Bonnie Prince Billy & The Cairo Gang | Dr. Dog | Heartless Bastards | Billy Joe Shaver | Punch Brothers | Langhorne Slim | Fruit Bats | Frazey Ford | The Cave Singers | Sean Hayes | Megafaun | Black Prairie | Little Wings | T Model Ford | Red Stick Ramblers | Richmond Fontaine | Anais Mitchell | Chatham County Line | These United States | Michael Hurley | Breathe Owl Breathe | Sam Quinn | Jill Andrews | Elliott Brood | Town Mountain | Typhoon | Roadside Graves | Foghorn Stringband | Stone River Boys | Weinland | Sallie Ford | The Dust Busters | Seth and May | The Deep Dark Woods | Woody Pines | Frank Fairfield | Cotton Jones | Martha Scanlan | Blind Boy Paxton | The Black Lillies | Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio | Cardboard Songsters | Water Tower Bucket Boys | Captain Bogg & Salty

THE ACORN | NO GHOST

BELLA UNION

Canadian indie folk band The Acorn dropped their new record No Ghost earlier this summer, the much-anticipated follow-up to 07s highly acclaimed Glory Hope Mountain about band lead Rolf Klausener’s Central American mother. Recorded at an isolated cottage in Northern Québec a year ago and finished in Montreal’s Treatment Room Studios (Plants & Animals), No Ghost moves away from the highly personal stories on Glory Hope Mountain towards guitar driven experimental soundscapes that feature expansive arrangements and swathed in feedback. No Ghost lays Klausener’s smart lyrics over acoustic and electric grooves and accented by flute, trumpets, and strings, capturing the free spirited vibe of their live shows. At its heart, No Ghost is richly textured indie-folk done right. – Written by JFelton

THE ROMANY RYE | HIGHWAY 1, LOOK BACK CAREFULLY

SELF-RELEASED

The Romany Rye is the latest full band project of LA-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Luke MacMaster (Colour), and their debut album Highway 1, Look Back Carefully is winning over fans and fellow musicians as they tour this summer with Delta Spirit. The group, whose name refers to George Borrow’s 1857 travelogue novel about gypsies, conjures up warm, worn sounds on eight narrative songs that ruminate upon love, heartbreak and despair. The Romany Rye’s folksy Americana is favorably compared to Conor Oberst, Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, and My Morning Jacket, with lap steel, harmonica, piano and guitars. While Highway 1 is consistent from opening to closing track, standouts include “Long Way Down,” “All The Boys,” and “Brother.” – Written by JFelton

THE GOLDEN DOGS | COAT OF ARMS

NAVADO RECORDS

Coat of Arms, is the third album from Toronto band The Golden Dogs, whose line-up changed since their acclaimed sophomore album Big Eye Little Eye. Now comprised of lead Dave Azzolini (vocals, guitar), Jessica Grassia (vocals, keyboard), and Taylor Knox (drums), Coat of Arms also calls upon the talents of musicians hanging out at the garage studio, including members of Zeus, Bahamas, and former Golden Dog Neil Quin, and finds a more confident, evolved R&B sound revolving around amped guitars. The Golden Dogs blend the retro vibe of Yukon Blonde with the indie rock savvy of Parlovr and the pop smarts of Sloan, and occasional riffs of the rhythm section belting out an energetic swing. Standouts include “Dear Francis,” “Dark Room,” “Weapon,” “Lester” and “Permanent Record.” – Written by JFelton

LESSONS IN TIME | SWORDS AND SPEARS

FORTHESAKEOFTHESONG

Lessons In Time, aka Blake Wassell, is a 19-year-old Australian musician who takes found sounds and a slew of instruments and creates experimental, eccentric recordings.
Wassell’s music has a heavy lo-fi DIY sound, which works well most of the time. Violin strings are plucked and played, random taps clatter about, guitar riffs mingle with piano chords, and Wassell’s vocals provide cryptic narration all while a drum kit keeps a steady rhythm. Amid all of the chaos, the songs on Swords and Spears are actually very engaging and fun to listen to, ranging from folksy and homespun (“Marcus Aurelius Spoke To Me”) to something reminiscent of Thom York’s Eraser (“You Dance, and You Dance”). Swords and Spears is quirky, challenging and definitely worth a listen. – Written by DBosket

KATHRYN CALDER | ARE YOU MY MOTHER?

FILE UNDER MUSIC

Kathryn Calder’s solo release, Are You My Mother? marks this Canadian artist’s solo debut. Formerly of the band Immaculate Machine, Calder is best known as the newest member of The New Pornographers. Calder has a clear, strong voice similar to fellow Pornographer Neko Case, and combines it with power chords and upbeat melodies that are more whimsical than Case’s country twang. Are You My Mother? is full of well-written, deftly delivered songs about a period of time when Calder’s mother passed away. The album is personal and reflective, but the songs are anything but downbeat and sad. Standout tracks include the lively and intricate “Castor and Pollux” and “If You Only Knew” and the lush ballad “Down the River.” – Written by DBosket

JACK ROSE WITH D. CHARLES SPEER & THE HELIX | RAGGED AND RIGHT

THRILL JOCKEY

The prolific guitarist Jack Rose (Pelt), whose tribute album Honest Strings I recently reviewed, collaborated with many musicians and groups over the years. Ragged and Right – a nod to Waylon Jennings’ Somewhere Between Ragged and Right – is a posthumously released four-song country-rock EP of Rose’s collaboration with the band D. Charles Speer & The Helix. While it is tempting to focus on Rose’s contribution to this EP due to his recent passing, Ragged and Right is a perfect example of how truly collaborative Rose was, with equal and stellar contributions from his partners D. Charles Speer & The Helix, whose members also are in the No-Neck Blues Band, Coach Fingers, and Sunburned Hand of Man. Ragged and Right plays along Jennings’ brand of contemporary honky-tonk on both covers (Link Wray’s take on “In the Pines”) and originals. Recorded live in 08, this EP is a good, fun, foot-stomping, bourbon-swilling, raucous time. – Written by JFelton

WAGES | IN SUN

SELF-RELEASED

Wages makes sweet pop songs that soar and swell on their debut EP, In Sun.
Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Nick Campbell, bassist Alex Hornbake and drummer James DeDakis, these three were formerly in the group Arizona before forming their current lineup (along with guitarist Clay Blair). Based in Asheville, NC, Wages’ songs jump back and forth between dreamy, delicate ballads and hard-driving rock songs. The common ground they all share, though, is great guitar work that recalls late ‘90s alternative rock and Campbell’s strong, expressive vocals. Comparisons to Band of Horses are inevitable, but Wages stands out as a band to watch, and who will hopefully have a full-length out in the future. – Written by DBosket

GRAND CANYON | THE HITS

SELF-RELEASED

Grand Canyon is a rootsy country punk collective that naturally hails from Albuquerque, NM. Their 29-song album The Hits is currently being offered for free as a digital download on their Bandcamp site (donations to the band gladly accepted), and I’m finding that it is one of those albums that I just can’t help but like. Grand Canyon cites a range of influences (Johnny Cash, The Clash, Pixies, Nirvana, The Shins) and treads across genres, settling on a unique alt-country that is unabashedly unaffected, infusing their sense of humor along with seriousness and serious drunkenness. The Hits is a surefire good time. – Written by JFelton

ESKALATORS | CATS AND DOGS LIVING TOGETHER EP

SELF-RELEASED

18-piece orchestral pop collective Eskalators (not to be confused with British ska band The Eskalators) are best known for their impromptu Subway Show series on New York City subway cars. Their sophomore EP Cats and Dogs Living Together is full of five fun, infectious songs that combine melodic pop hooks with founder Eric Williams’ raw vocals, power chords, a horn section, and multiple instruments including flute, glockenspiel, and djembe percussion. The first print of Cats and Dogs Living Together is a limited edition of 200, with screen printed artwork done by the band members themselves, a fitting design approach for this DIY band. – Written by JFelton

FRONTIER RUCKUS | DEADMALLS & NIGHTFALLS

RAMSEUR RECORDS

Lansing, MI based indie folk band Frontier Ruckus is set to release Deadmalls & Nightfalls on July 20th through Ramseur Records. This twelve song follow-up to their 08 debut album The Orion Songbook showcases the lyrically intensive songs of Matthew Milia backed by acoustic versions of traditional folk instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and accordion. Populated with stories of outcasts, the old guard, and people on the edges, Deadmalls & Nightfalls isn’t just about outliers and deterioration, it is a reflection upon and wish for potential unreached. While the tales of urban decay and sad reminiscence on better times long gone may reflect the tragic disrepair of their hometown Detroit, Frontier Ruckus addresses the troubles of a community with bittersweet simplicity, imbuing Deadmalls & Nightfalls full of both melancholy and hope. – Written by JFelton

THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION | BUFFALO

SELF-RELEASED

New Zealand’s The Phoenix Foundation hasn’t gotten much attention stateside, but keen listeners may have remembered this band’s work on the soundtrack to the quirky independent film Eagle Vs Shark that starred Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords. This Wellington six-piece has put out three full-length releases, most recently in 07 with Happy Ending. And in the past three years, The Phoenix Foundation has been busy pursuing solo projects and writing music for another NZ film. Buffalo is charming island pop that you might imagine Super Furry Animals would write if they grew up in the South Pacific with a touch of early Blur added in. Standout tracks include “Golden Ships,” “Buffalo” and “Flock of Hearts.” – Written by DBosket

MARY GAUTHIER | THE FOUNDLING

RAZOR AND TIE

Modeled after Willie Nelson’s The Redheaded Stranger, New Orleans singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier delves more fully into her autobiographical narrative on The Foundling, a concept album dealing with the pain of being abandoned as a baby, her struggle to find an identity, and her search for her birth mother. Gauthier’s winding road to Nashville took sharp turns, running away from home as a teenager by stealing her adopted parents’ car, battling drug and alcohol addiction in and out of rehab, halfway houses and jail, before settling down to study philosophy, open a restaurant and change direction yet again in her thirties, when she became a singer-songwriter on the folk/country circuit in Boston. Gauthier’s Southern Gothic songcraft still has a raw, gutsy edge, but with the fine production sensibilities of Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies), The Foundling strikes a nuanced coexistence of gravely vocals and acoustic guitar with accordion, fiddle, keyboards and slide guitar. – Written by JFelton

HEZEKIAH JONES | BREAD OF TEETH

YER BIRD

Following the success of their 06 full-length debut Hezekiah Says You’re A-Ok and 07’s Come To Our Pool Party EP, Hezekiah Jones’ four track EP Bread of Teeth proves that songwriter Raphael Cutrufello and his revolving collective of Philadelphia musicians is on to something special. Upbeat opener “Iowa Alligator” is a twangy bluegrass/folk track while “I Love My Family” is a short, stripped down, acoustic tune with beautifully layered haunting backing vocals. “Traffic to the Sea” with its touching, sincere lyrics is followed by “Sorry Waltz”, a cover of Cutrufello’s former Stillwillis bandmate Matthew Helm (The Matt Helm Scream). All in all, Bread of Teeth is a brilliant EP with evocative songwriting and absolutely gorgeous arrangements, and I hope the acclaim it garners is motivation to finally produce their sophomore effort. – Written by JFelton

OUR ORTHODOX | OUR ORTHODOX

SELF-RELEASED

Indie folk rocker Neal Harris’ (a.k.a. Our Orthodox) self-titled debut uses pure acoustic guitar, vocals, and occasional percussion to tell the star-crossed story of a fiercely anti-religious young man who struggles with his love for a genuinely spiritual girl. Our Orthodox pulls from the same vein that similarly talented contemporaries Okkervil River, Spoon, Neutral Milk Hotel, Josh Ritter and Conor Oberst tap for their records, to great effect. In either an intentional or coincidental link to the popular Okkervil River, Our Orthodox also features cover art design by prolific illustrator William Schaff, this time with imagery of Jesus riding a merry-go-round behind musicians with instrument body parts. At only 7 songs long, this release is a perfect introduction to Our Orthodox. – Written by JFelton

RONNIE FAUSS | NEW SONGS FOR THE OLD FRONTIER VOLUME ONE

FTG RECORDS

09’s New Songs for the Old Frontier Volume One finds Dallas, TX alt-country Americana singer/songwriter Ronnie Fauss making a name for himself among greats like John Prine and Steve Earle as well as more contemporary acts like Todd Snider, Son Volt and Whiskeytown. Fauss incorporates elements of folk and country with his distinctly raspy, weather-beaten vocals alongside guitar, piano, mandolin, bass, drums, and banjos. Volume One is filled with country-tinged snapshots of life, like the heartache on the “The Saddest Love That’s Ever Been Made”, country rocker “The Night Before the War”, and the witty “Pistols In The Air.” Sharply produced by Brent Best (Slobberbone, The Drams), this six song album clocks in at a quick 22 minutes, and with Fauss’ clever wordplay and simple, catchy melodies he leaves audiences already anticipating Volume Two. – Written by JFelton

VARIOUS ARTISTS | TWISTABLE, TURNABLE MAN: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE SONGS OF SHEL SILVERSTEIN

SUGAR HILL RECORDS

Shel Silverstein is best known as the writer and illustrator of books like “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” “A Light in the Attic” and “The Giving Tree,” but he was also a pretty great songwriter. Longtime friend Bobby Bare and his son, Bobby Bare Jr., have assembled many of Silverstein’s peers and collaborators (Kris Kristofferson, John Prine) and younger admirers (Dr. Dog, Andrew Bird) to pay tribute to the man’s impressive collection of songs. Silverstein’s songs, not surprisingly, are clever, grounded and full of personality. Lucinda Williams gives a bittersweet delivery of “The Ballad of Lucy Jordon” while Kristofferson is hard-worn and knowing on “The Winner.” Indie band Dr. Dog puts their psychedelic twist on “The Unicorn” while “The Twistable, Turnable Man Returns” sounds like it was written with Andrew Bird’s winsome vocals and playful style in mind. Other contributors include John Prine, My Morning Jacket, Todd Snider, Frank Black with Joey Santiago, Nanci Griffith, Sarah Jarosz with Black Prairie, Bobby Bare Jr. with Isabella Bare, Ray Price and The Boxmasters. – Written by DBosket