I thought I would share with you my latest compilation CD I listen to on my drive to and from work. Maybe you've heard of some of these artist/songs, maybe you haven't. Either way, it's a great way to start or end your day. Your choice.
New Shoes- Paolo Nutini
Fidelity- Regina Spektor
I Gotta Move- Ben Kweller
Love You In The Fall- Paul Westerberg
Wayside Back In Time- Gillian Welch
Supply & Demand- Amos Lee
Wish You Well- Bernard Fanning
Reach for Love- Ollabelle
Christina- Patty Griffin
You Can Bring Me Flowers- Ray LaMontagne
I Never- Rilo Kiley
O'Valencia!- The Decemberists
Faith- Shawn Mullins
Out Loud- Mindy Smith
Song No. 6- Ane Brun (featuring Ron Sexsmith)
Someday Soon- Ben Taylor
Can't Get You Out Of My Mind- Sonya Kitchell
Fool- Donavon Frankenreiter
Turn On Me- The Shins
Till Next Time...
Michele
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Americana Music Association
Yes, there really is an association for Americana music. Every year they have a conference and the 8th Annual Americana Music Conference will take place October 31 - November 3, 2007, at the Nashville Convention Center.
A very good definition of what Americana is about can be found on their website. http://www.americanamusic.org/index.php?main=about&ama=mission
I have included the statement from the above website:
"What is Americana Music?
Americana is American roots music based on the traditions of country. While the musical model can be traced back to the Elvis Presley marriage of hillbilly and R&B that birthed rock 'n' roll, Americana as a radio format developed during the 1990s as a reaction to the highly polished sound that defined the mainstream music of that decade. By also including influences ranging from folk to bluegrass to blues and beyond, Americana handily bridges the gap between Triple A radio and mainstream country. "
I think this statement sums up of the essence of what Americana is. Take a look around the site, it's an interesting read.
Till next time.....
Michele
A very good definition of what Americana is about can be found on their website. http://www.americanamusic.org/index.php?main=about&ama=mission
I have included the statement from the above website:
"What is Americana Music?
Americana is American roots music based on the traditions of country. While the musical model can be traced back to the Elvis Presley marriage of hillbilly and R&B that birthed rock 'n' roll, Americana as a radio format developed during the 1990s as a reaction to the highly polished sound that defined the mainstream music of that decade. By also including influences ranging from folk to bluegrass to blues and beyond, Americana handily bridges the gap between Triple A radio and mainstream country. "
I think this statement sums up of the essence of what Americana is. Take a look around the site, it's an interesting read.
Till next time.....
Michele
Friday, January 19, 2007
Lucinda Williams
February is going to be a great month for new music. Lucinda Williams' 8th studio album West is due out February 13th and as I reported Patty Griffin is releasing her album Feb. 6th.
Lucinda Williams is one of my all-time favorite artist. With her gravely voice, blues inspired lyrics and alt-country acoustic sound you can't help but be mesmerized.
Williams started her career in the Austin music scene along side Stevie Ray Vaughan and Released her first album Ramblin' in '79. In '98 she released my favorite album Car Wheels on a gravel road .
She has a stage presence that leaves you breathless. You can see the emotion on her face and feel the energy in every note. Don't just take my word for it -- check out Live @ The Filmore and see for yourself.
After listening to the first single "Are You Alright" from West I know I wont be anything less then impressed.
Call her music what you like -- Alt-country, Folk, Blues -- just know that it's original, inspired and purely her own sound. That is why I love this woman so much. She lends a voice to all.
Till next time....
Michele
Listen to three tracks from West.
http://main.losthighwayrecords.com/player.aspx?fid=636&ftyp=4&pgid=6&hid=60
Here is her official website.
http://www.lucindawilliams.com
Lucinda Williams is one of my all-time favorite artist. With her gravely voice, blues inspired lyrics and alt-country acoustic sound you can't help but be mesmerized.
Williams started her career in the Austin music scene along side Stevie Ray Vaughan and Released her first album Ramblin' in '79. In '98 she released my favorite album Car Wheels on a gravel road .
She has a stage presence that leaves you breathless. You can see the emotion on her face and feel the energy in every note. Don't just take my word for it -- check out Live @ The Filmore and see for yourself.
After listening to the first single "Are You Alright" from West I know I wont be anything less then impressed.
Call her music what you like -- Alt-country, Folk, Blues -- just know that it's original, inspired and purely her own sound. That is why I love this woman so much. She lends a voice to all.
Till next time....
Michele
Listen to three tracks from West.
http://main.losthighwayrecords.com/player.aspx?fid=636&ftyp=4&pgid=6&hid=60
Here is her official website.
http://www.lucindawilliams.com
Amos Lee-CD Review
A Philadelphia native, former Elementary School teacher who once opened for Norah Jones before being signed by Blue Note records, Amos Lee is a refreshing musician who uses folk, jazz and alt-country to create an amazing musical experience.
You get raw vocals that are set-off by the soft, soothing sounds of the acoustic guitar inspired from Lee's background. Just as Jack Johnson has the influence of his native state Hawaii -- laid back, upbeat and story-telling. Lee has the roughness of Philly - life, love and struggle. However, I think that both artists are a product of their environment. If Lee was from Hawaii or Johnson from Philly, the music would be remarkably similar to their current sound.
Lee’s sophomore album released Oct. 3, 2006 is a stellar example of what music should be today. Supply and Demand is a mixture of folk, jazz and country. I put this album in my player a month ago and it’s yet to be removed.
The first track “Shout out Loud” is upbeat and energetic. It has that “hook” that makes you want to sing out. Truly a pleasure, especially if you’re driving in rush-hour traffic or before you are fully awake in the morning.
If you dig a little deeper into the album you will come across two of my personal favorites -- “Night Train” and “Southern Girl.”
“Night Train” is a soft melody that paints a picture. The folk influence is prevalent as a means to tell a story. As a song it has all the important components -- romance, longing and desperation. An example can be found in the verse “And I'm thinking about a woman/ Who I would put no one above/ I'm not looking to replace her/ Just need someone to love.”
“Southern Girl” is a wonderful tribute to love lost. The lyrics pay respect a woman who obviously meant a lot to Lee. “You're a soft melody /Well I swear that I heard /From a lost mockingbird stuck up in a tree /We got a lot going on /Even though I'm not here /Please don't shed any tears for me day when I'm gone.” Maybe I’m a sucker for the romantic notions and this one got my attention.
The title track “Supply and Demand” address the concerns of balancing priorities in ones life. Walking the fine line between pursuing goals and quality time with those you love. How if you keeping searching for the next best thing you will miss out on the lives of those you love and eventually lose them all together.
If you haven’t heard of Lee I suggest buying the album immediately. You will not be disappointed. Supply and Demand, beginning to end, is easy to digest and will quickly become a staple in your music collection.
You get raw vocals that are set-off by the soft, soothing sounds of the acoustic guitar inspired from Lee's background. Just as Jack Johnson has the influence of his native state Hawaii -- laid back, upbeat and story-telling. Lee has the roughness of Philly - life, love and struggle. However, I think that both artists are a product of their environment. If Lee was from Hawaii or Johnson from Philly, the music would be remarkably similar to their current sound.
Lee’s sophomore album released Oct. 3, 2006 is a stellar example of what music should be today. Supply and Demand is a mixture of folk, jazz and country. I put this album in my player a month ago and it’s yet to be removed.
The first track “Shout out Loud” is upbeat and energetic. It has that “hook” that makes you want to sing out. Truly a pleasure, especially if you’re driving in rush-hour traffic or before you are fully awake in the morning.
If you dig a little deeper into the album you will come across two of my personal favorites -- “Night Train” and “Southern Girl.”
“Night Train” is a soft melody that paints a picture. The folk influence is prevalent as a means to tell a story. As a song it has all the important components -- romance, longing and desperation. An example can be found in the verse “And I'm thinking about a woman/ Who I would put no one above/ I'm not looking to replace her/ Just need someone to love.”
“Southern Girl” is a wonderful tribute to love lost. The lyrics pay respect a woman who obviously meant a lot to Lee. “You're a soft melody /Well I swear that I heard /From a lost mockingbird stuck up in a tree /We got a lot going on /Even though I'm not here /Please don't shed any tears for me day when I'm gone.” Maybe I’m a sucker for the romantic notions and this one got my attention.
The title track “Supply and Demand” address the concerns of balancing priorities in ones life. Walking the fine line between pursuing goals and quality time with those you love. How if you keeping searching for the next best thing you will miss out on the lives of those you love and eventually lose them all together.
If you haven’t heard of Lee I suggest buying the album immediately. You will not be disappointed. Supply and Demand, beginning to end, is easy to digest and will quickly become a staple in your music collection.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
What is Americana?
What is Americana? This is the question I'm trying to answer...
I found an interesting article in Paste Magazine today while researching the topic of Americana for my paper.
Check it out:
http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=1431
Take the time to look around the website. It's great for new music, overlooked artists and some well known ones too. It's a favorite of mine. Hope you enjoy.
Till next time...
Michele
I found an interesting article in Paste Magazine today while researching the topic of Americana for my paper.
Check it out:
http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=1431
Take the time to look around the website. It's great for new music, overlooked artists and some well known ones too. It's a favorite of mine. Hope you enjoy.
Till next time...
Michele
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Patty Griffin- New album
If you’re not familiar with the singer/songwriter Patty Griffin then you’re missing out on unique musical experience. She’s due to release her fifth studio album entitled Children Running Through on February 6th. You can check out the first single “Heavenly Day” at her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/pattygriffin. Known for her acoustic and soulful sound, her voice resonates through your very soul. Her songs have been covered by the Dixie Chicks, Emmylou Harris, and Jessica Simpson. Check her music out and let me know your thoughts.
Till next time……
http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=9734
http://www.pattygriffin.com
Till next time……
http://www.jambase.com/headsup.asp?storyID=9734
http://www.pattygriffin.com
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Welcome
Hello and welcome to my blog.
In the future you will find news stories and other random comments about music, artists and unsigned bands. Basically, all things music. It's my intention to focus on the Americana genre.
I'm starting this blog for my Journalism class. I just recently returned to college to pursue a degree in Journalism. This is one of my first steps. I hope you find enjoyment in my postings and I welcome any suggestions. Have a wonderful day!
Michele
In the future you will find news stories and other random comments about music, artists and unsigned bands. Basically, all things music. It's my intention to focus on the Americana genre.
I'm starting this blog for my Journalism class. I just recently returned to college to pursue a degree in Journalism. This is one of my first steps. I hope you find enjoyment in my postings and I welcome any suggestions. Have a wonderful day!
Michele
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