Category: Singer Songwriter
Live Video of the Day: Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris
Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris teamed up in 2006 for the album All The Roadrunning. This version from the live release, Real Live Roadrunning, Is sublime.
Video of the Day: Richard Ashcroft – Surprised By The Joy
You know him as the lead singer for The Verve and their hit song “Bittersweet Symphony,” but you need to be hip to his solo scene.
Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Bands On Our Radar
Gringo Star
Don’t sleep on these guys despite their eclectically cool band name. The sound is a bit vintage, and they are very proud of this fact. Swirling guitars, hazy vocals, and a very laid back approach make this band unique. Thin Feist and Cat Power here, but only if they grew up listening to Buddy Holly, The Kinks, or The Animals. Their new record is called Back to the City and is well worth a listen.
Gold Star
Power Pop is alive and well in 2018, Gold Star is carrying the torch quite nicely. Also known as Marlon Rabenreither, his given name, his latest record Uppers & Downers was recorded at historic Valentine Studios in Los Angeles. At it’s poppiest the record has a real Greg Kihn or Bodeans vibe to it. When he takes it lower and slower like he does on “Chinatown,” a song that was inspired by the spirit of a recently deceased friend, he evokes the ghost of Elliot Smith or the spirit of Paul Westerberg.
Dan Mangan
Dan Mangan is one of those guys that should be a lot more famous than he is. Toiling pretty much in anonymity North of the border in Vancouver, Mangan is a two-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy) winner and is a several time nominee for the coveted Polaris award. A couple of singles he has released ahead of his new record shows an artist that is ready to break through in a big way.
Slothrust
Slothrust is songwriter, singer, guitar player, and all around cool Rock Chick Leah Wellbaum along with drummer Will Gorin and bassist Kyle Bann. Their new record that comes out on September 14th hits you between the ears with the fierceness of a wolverine. Think Patti Smith if she wasn’t o depressed back in the 70’s.
River Whyless
River Whyless is a should be on your radar from Asheville, North Carolina. Having started as a more traditional folk band, on their new record, Kindness, A Rebel, they lay on a psychedelic landscape with some Fleetwood Mac style harmonies to create a wholly unique sound that will wash over you like a dip in a cold spring on a hot day.
Video of the Day: Rod Stewart- Didn’t I
On September 28 Rod Stewart will release his first album of new material since 2015. The single, “Didn’t I” features his long time back up singer Bridget Cady. The new record is called Blood Red Roses.
Video of the Day: William Elliot Whitmore
William Elliot Whitmore is one of the more unusual voices you will here on the Americana trail. The gravel voiced singer comes across like a 20’s gospel preacher on steroids. “Busted,” a song made famous by Ray Charles fits his voice perfectly. Look forward to a new full length record later in the year.
Video of the Day: Aaron Lee Tasjan – Hearts Slow Down
The latest single and video from Aaron Lee Tasjan.
Live Video of the Day: Aaron Lee Tasjan – Ready To Die (Jam In The Van)
Song of the Day: Aaron Lee Tasjan – If Not Now When
There is more that a little Jeff Lynne and George Harrison on this song. The third song to be released from his upcoming record Karma For Cheap that comes out on August 31st.
Song of the Day: John Hiatt – Cry To Me
Earlier in the year we had a new record from John Prine. Now, coming in October, we will be treated to yet another sure to be first class album from John Prine, The Eclipse Sessions.
