HIRAM AND HUDDIE: SONGS OF HANK WILLIAMS AND LEADBELLY
Hiram is Hiram King Williams, better known as Hank Williams, and Huddie is Huddie William Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly. Hiram & Huddie, a winner at the 9th annual Independent Music Awards, is an impressive two-disc tribute album to these legendary American music greats. While they were raised in different times and circumstances and lead very different lives, each man was an innovator and master of his own sound. It is fitting that the musicians who play on this compilation are some of the best contemporary artists in their genre – not everyday names, but what is considered to be the who’s who of alt-country, blues, roots rock, Americana, and folk, each taking a turn and either a Hank Williams song or a Leadbelly one, or both. Contributors include Scott H Biram, Flathead, Wayne Hancock, Jawbone, Bob Log III, John McKelvy, Possessed By Paul James, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Soda, C.W. Stoneking, Truckstop Honeymoon, Tom VandenAvond, and William Elliott Whitmore. Notable tracks on the “Hiram” disc (Vol. 1,) are “Lost Highway” “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive”, “On the Banks of the Old Pontchartrain”, “Ramblin’ Man”, and “Settin’ the Woods on Fire”. Likewise, standout covers on the “Huddie” disc (Vol. 2) are “Bourgeois Blues”, “Rock Island Line” “Ha, Ha, This Way” and “Bottle Up and Go”. – Written by JFelton
posted by JFelton, January 13, 2011
BROKEN HEARTS AND DIRTY WINDOWS: SONGS OF JOHN PRINE
John Prine is the quintessential American country/folk singer with legendary songwriting abilities hailed by the genre’s greats like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan as among the most inspiring. Prine’s musical genius, which never achieved mass appeal, is gaining a second life with a newer generation, and the tribute album Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine reveals contemporary takes on some of Prine’s classics by artists such as My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers, Justin Townes Earle, and Old Crow Medicine Show. If you are unfamiliar with Prine and his bittersweet stories of love and loss, check out Josh Ritter’s bare bones “Mexican Home”, the Drive-By Truckers stomping cover of “Daddy’s Little Pumpkin” and My Morning Jacket’s hazy “All The Best” then listen to Prine’s versions – you will be rewarded twofold. – Written by JFelton
posted by JFelton, August 24, 2010
CHOMPILATION!
Columbia College Chicago’s 27-year old student-run record label, AEMMP Records, is releasing a 22 song Chompilation! in October marking the reinvention of this constanlt evolving and innovative label. The collection ranges from established Chicago bands like Office and Maps & Atlases to undiscovered bands like Netherfriends and Pet Lions while also capturing a spectrum of genres. A great little compilation by an innovative student run record label.
SIMILAR | The Dials, Maps & Atlases, Needers & Givers, Office, Owen, Pet Lions
posted by JFelton, August 24, 2009
DANGER MOUSE AND SPARKLEHORSE | DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL
Spanish poet Juan de Yepes Alvarez penned the phrase “Dark Night of the Soul” to describe a point in a person’s spiritual journey when they feel alone and isolated. Tapping into this concept, collaborators Danger Mouse (Brian Joseph Burton) and Sparklehorse (Mark Linkous – vocals, guitar) mesh perfectly with Linkous’ sullen overtones and Danger Mouse’s meticulous musical flourishes. Dark Night of the Soul is also a collaboration of the two with David Lynch who created a limited edition book of photography to accompany the music. A who’s who of the indie music scene, cameos include: James Mercer (The Shins), The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Frank Black (Pixies), Iggy Pop, Scott Spillane (Neutral Milk Hotel) and others.
posted by JFelton, July 6, 2009
RODENTIA: THE BEST OF DARK ROOTS MUSIC
Rodentia: The Best of Dark Roots Music is a fitting introductory collection of Gothic Americana / Dark Roots music. This sub-genre of alt-country blends traditional folk, Americana, gypsy, blues, bluegrass, country, rockabilly, and punk rock with dark themes and lo-fi instrumentation that includes: fiddles, banjos, harmonicas, accordions, mandolins, guitars, percussion and upright bass mixed with spoons, washboards, jugs, dobro, and singing. Rodentia is one of the largest compilations of its kind with 34 tracks over two discs featuring Reverend Glasseye, Those Poor Bastards, O’death, Strawfoot, Creech Holler, Pinebox Serenade and more.
posted by JFelton, March 30, 2009
PUTUMAYO PRESENTS AFRICAN REGGAE
PUTUMAYO
African Reggae pays tribute to Bob Marley and his impact on African music. This compilation features artists that build upon the Golden Age of Jamaican Reggae from the 60’s and 70’s while combining traditional and modern African music. African Reggae includes tracks by Ivoirian Ismael Isaac, Burkina Faso, Bingui Jaa Jammy, Ghana’s Kwame Bediako and Nino Galissa, all of whom showcase a different piece of Africa’s diverse musical heritage through reggae. A portion of the proceeds from this record will be donated to HOPEHIV to support African children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable because of HIV/AIDS.
posted by JFelton, February 17, 2009
DARK WAS THE NIGHT
4AD
This 4AD compilation of independent music due out 2.17.09 focuses on traditional songwriting themes performed in a contemporary manner. Album sales benefit the Red Hot Organization - an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Artists include Grizzly Bear, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Feist, Ben Gibbard, Iron & Wine, The Decemberists, Yo La Tengo, Blonde Redhead, The New Pornographers and more.
posted by JFelton, February 4, 2009
RECORD LABLES
