Inside the Bubble

The Kopecky Family Band

2009-08-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

So I am a firm believer in do what you got to do to get heard. Case in point, The Kopecky Family Band.

These Nashville natives mix folk, classical and indie to produce a completely fresh sound. For a limited time you can download their EP here.

Be sure to check them out and get you some great free music!

Wine mix - Kopecky Family Band

Paolo Nutini

2009-08-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

His first album included an array of catchy tunes that were used everywhere from Puma commercials to episodes of Gray's Anatomy and The Hills. But with his latest release Sunny Side Up Paolo Nutini ups the stakes by solidifying his place as one of the top singer-songwriters of today.

The Scottish born singer counts The Drifters, Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong among artists who have inspired him. At only 22, Mr. Nutini has an old soul and displays his versatility while not being afraid to draw from his own personal experience for writing. In fact, "Coming Up Easy" was written about a subject that might surprise you, says Paolo. "It's about my own conflict I had about marijuana but you can hear it as a song about relationships, compromising, having to deal with someone else's emotions. It's about bad habits and breaking up, but I wanted to keep it positive."

For me, this is truly one of the best albums of the year...so far. Take a listen and go buy the album, here!

PS-I think the rabbit is a metaphor...get it.

Indie Ghetto

2009-07-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

No it's not an oxymoron. It's a pretty neat idea. Take a few hip English kids and let them play their favorite rap songs in their own format, set in front of a Brooklyn back drop. It takes something like this for me to truly appreciate some of the writing done by and for the Rap and R&B singers of today.

Here is my favorite by Alan Pownall, who just got off tour opening up for Mr. Hudson. Be sure to check him out along with his first single Clara here.

Fresh

2009-07-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

The First Days of Spring, a new album and movie from Noah and the Whale.

"This is a beautiful album. Moving rather than maudlin, uplifting rather than depressing." - The Guardian

Great stuff from a great band.

Noah and the Whale - My Broken Heart

Love this series. Love this band. Love this song.

If I Die Tonight - Noah and the Whale

#91.1 Noah and the Whale - Episode 1
by lablogotheque

You might want to start it at the 2:10 mark for the beginning of the song.

More Jack White Awesomeness...

2009-07-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

The White Stripes will premiere their documentary Under Great White Northern Lights at this years Toronto Film Festival. The film follows the Stripes through their 2007 Canadian Tour. Check out a short trailer for the film below.

Don't miss it!

2009-07-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

PROUDLY ANNOUNCING THE BIG SURPRISE TOUR

AN OLD FASHIONED REVUE FEATURING OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE (FEAT. GILLIAN WELCH),
THE FELICE BROTHERS, AND JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

Born out of a deep running comradery built on countless tours and ties between a host of excellent musicians comes THE BIG SURPRISE TOUR, a traveling show of epic collaboration and good times. Kicking off in Hampton Beach, NH on August 4th, THE BIG SURPRISE TOUR is not your standard up down up down line up. Shows will be composed of two 90-minute sets broken up by an intermission. In a free form ramshackle flow the bands and artists will share the stage, taking part in each other’s songs, resurrecting old standards, and playing newly written collaborative material as they go. Each evening is sure to be a unique experience as they all put their many combined years of musicianship and knowledge of song-craft and American music into play for these sessions.

New Single from Scarlett Johannson and Pete Yorn

2009-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

"Relator", the new single from Scarlett Johannson and Pete Yorn's album Break Up is currently streaming on their website. Check it out here.

Mr. Hudson & Kayne - Supernova

2009-07-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

So I know its been forever since I last posted but this I had to share. It's the new video from Mr. Hudson featuring Kayne West for Supernova, which won't be released until July 20th.

Ok so sometimes I don't always have the warmest feelings for Kayne, like many of you, however him teaming up with my boy Mr. Hudson is one of the smartest moves he's made yet.

MR HUDSON [FEAT KANYE WEST] - SUPERNOVA from MrHudson on Vimeo.

Also Mr. Hudson and The Library's A Tale of Two Cities is finally available on iTunes for download so click here and download it. Like now.

2 Atoms in a Molecule

2009-06-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

New Noah and The Whale video...pretty neat!

'2 Atoms In a Molecule' from dan jones on Vimeo.

Free Music Alert!!!

2009-05-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

So who doesn't like free music, in a totally legal way!

Nylon Magazine has provided a free summer playlist available on their website through iTunes. Artist's featured include Santigold, The Plastiscines, Phoenix, and Passion Pit. Get some of the best new songs for free!

Nylon Playlist

Probably my favorite discovery in a while is this next website. NoiseTrade is a fair trade music network where artists can post playlist or mini albums for you to download completely free. All you have to do is email 5 friends and recommend the album. Pretty easy if you ask me. Be sure to check it out and I highly suggest you try out Katie Herzig or William F. Gibbs.

In Case You Missed It

2009-05-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Like the title says, I decided I might need to do a little plug for a few albums that have been in my collection, but I always forget that others might not have heard them yet.

So lets being with Younder is the Clock by The Felice Brothers. Described as a folk/honky-tonk/rock outfit, the brothers plus a few bandmates, fly through the album which has the feeling of an impromtu jam session. This might not be your cup of tea, but I promise it has The Avett effect, if you give it a chance it will grown on you.
The Felice Brothers- Penn Station

Then there's Midnight at the Movies by Justin Townes Earle. Nominated this year for Americana Music Association's (AMA) Best New Artist Award, Justin's new album mixes old-time country blues with bluegrass and a little bit of indie rock to produce a very well rounded cd for the now established singer-songwriter.

VIMBY - Justin Townes Earle

Lastly is Townes by Steve Earl, a full album of Townes Van Zandt covers and who better to do it than a man that was so near and dear to Townes himself. For me it has become an instant staple in my collection and I hope it will for you as well.
Steve Earle- No Place To Fall

Bombay Bicycle Club

2009-05-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Addicting beats and a steadily growing fan base, Bombay Bicycle Club is on their way to becoming one of Britain's best new bands.

Sure they look like the ever present indie band boys at every high school, but none of the bands I grew up with could play like this. While listening to their new record Evening/Morning, being released by one of my favorite Indie labels The Young and Lost Club, it's truly easy to forget how young this band is.

Trying to merge Appalachian folk into their mix-up, BBC included songs like You Already Know to give listeners an idea as to where the band plans to head with its unique sound.

Check out the first single off their new 7" Always Like This.

Bombay Bicycle Club- Always Like This

Patterson Hood

2009-05-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

Amongst the stack of records I received a few days ago as homework for my new boss, was the album Murdering Oscar(and other love songs) by Patterson Hood.

Patterson is the long-time leader of The Drive-By Truckers, and Murdering Oscar is his second solo album. Although in many ways it was his first.

After moving to Athens, GA in 1994 Patterson wrote the entire album and recorded it in his roommates room on a boom box. He then handed out as many copies possible, somewhere in the rage of 500 tapes. After no success Patterson moved on and linked up to form The Drive-by Truckers.

Now with the success of the Truckers behind him, he has combined songs from the original tape with a few new ones to make a darn good album.

Patterson Hood- Pollyanna

Sarah Siskind

2009-05-21T06:35:00.001-07:00

My first real night in Nashville I was invited to an artist showcase put on by Thirty Tigers. The whole way over there my new friend Holly was talking about this girl Sarah, and how she was going to be huge and I HAD to stay and listen to her.

So taking Holly's advice, and trust me you take Holly's advice when in Nashville, I stayed to hear Ms. Siskind. In the middle of a crowded dark club Sarah Siskind walked on stage and everything stopped. I've never seen anything like it before, and we are talking music industry professionals here.

Just to let you know alittle about this lady, she has written songs recorded by the likes of Randy Travis and Allison Krauss. Bon Iver is currently covering her song "Lovin's for Fools" during sets and invited her to on his recent European tour. To say she's a hit in the Nashville scene is an understatement.

This is her single Falling Stars off the new album Say It Louder set to be released May 22nd. If you are in Nashville check out the release party at The Basement at 9 pm on the 22nd, where it's rumored that their will be more than a few special guests including Julie Lee the other half of Sarah's side band Old Black Kettle. It should prove to be a good time.

Naked and The Boys

2009-05-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Another favorite from the treasure chest of artists at The Young and Lost Club, Naked and The Boys infuse catchy pop tunes with a little bit of folk to produce songs that you can't help but love.

Check out their video for If You Find Love.

Thom Stone

2009-05-10T16:18:00.001-07:00

Simplicity is sometimes the most beautiful thing.

For Thom Stone, a voice and a guitar mixed with clever lyrics is a winning formula. His laid-back folk songs are a reflection of his own cultural taste which range from Dylan to Rev Run to Laura Marling. Thom is releasing a two-part EP Heart and Bones on May 25Th and here is a little sample:

Thom Stone- She Knows

American Songwriter

2009-05-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

So I know I have told a few of you that I will be joining the staff of American Songwriter here in about a week as an intern. I know, I'm stoked. Here is a little article they wrote for their upcoming issue about MerleFest. It has some great audio from live performances within their booth.

You can listen to this audio on their newly launched website American Songspace, which is a kind of social networking site for artist's and industry professionals.

I am really enjoying Brian Edmonson and Brendan Kelty, so make sure to check them out!

American Songwriter Records Amateur Songwriters at MerleFest

Apple

2009-05-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

The playlist we've been waiting for.
A smorgasbord of great music, Apple commercials always seem to contain songs that get embedded into my brain and play on an uncommissioned repeat until the next commercial comes out.
Now Imeem has compiled these echo-tuneage on one list for your audio pleasure, enjoy.

Songs in Apple commercials

Bobby Long

2009-05-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

To quote his own bio, Bobby Long's ".. music is like drops of rain on a bull fighters back like punches breaking through a Windy Gail."

I hope The Bounty of Mary Jane is a preview of what to expect from the next generation of folk and alt-country artists.

For a clearer version go to: http://www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong

The Greencards

2009-05-06T20:39:00.001-07:00

In all honesty I can't decide what my feelings are about this band.
I enjoyed them at MerleFest but was hesitant to write about them on the blog. After hearing them on the Paste sampler this month, I figure I will let you make up your own mind.

The Greencards

Pretty Cool

2009-05-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: Watching this video may cause dizziness resulting in a feeling lightheaded or a sense of vertigo.

Here is Percussion Gun by the White Rabbits, whose new CD It's Frightening is set to release May 19th.

My favorite line.."where do you get off, and how can I get there too?".

White Rabbits "Percussion Gun" Music Video from White Rabbits on Vimeo.

Royksopp

2009-05-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Need something to bump to before going out on a Thursday night?

Here you go. Royksopp is a band I am certain you have listened to before, though you may not have realized it, in the background of commercials for names such as Apple.

Their new album Junior is out, so take a listen.

Happy Up Here from Röyksopp on Vimeo.

Mr. Hudson

2009-05-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

This gent has recorded with the likes of Kayne West and Sway, but now that Mr. Hudson's LP Straight No Chaser is coming out I am sure we will be seeing a lot of him in the near future.

Mr. Hudson- There Will Be Tears

Check out some music vids here:
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9P9UrjjvLI

Why Modern Radio is A-OK

2009-05-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

If you have picked up Paste Magazine in the past few years, then you more than likely know this band.

Roman Candle holds a special flame in my heart, Skip and Logan Matheny are both fellow alumni of Wilkes Central High School. I've watched this band grow from playing teen night at MerleFest to the point where their tour is now presented by Paste and Imeem. Exciting stuff.

Babys Got It In The Genes - Roman Candle

Thoughts for a newly old lover - Roman Candle

Why Modern Radio Is A-Ok - Roman Candle

Wake up

2009-04-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

...to some good alt-country music.

The Everybodyfields, of Ramseur Records, tailor their songs to just melt over you. I can't help but to have a releasing feeling while listening to them. Check 'em out.

Giggin' it

2009-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here, and so the announcement of tour dates begins.

First off for all my Boonies, Scythian is a band I mentioned from MerleFest. It was fun to watch their following grow during the festival and with the fun and interactive set these guys put on I'm certain there audience is sure to increase. You can catch them at this years Highland Games, or I have it from a reliable source (the band) that they will be playing at Legends next September even though that date is not posted yet on their website.

Also my boy Marcus Foster, who has also been mentioned here before will be coming stateside in August to play in Nashville!

The Butcher

2009-04-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

If they are good enough for The Avett's, they are plenty good enough for me.

Matt Butcher and The Revolvers have been an opening act for The Avett's at many a gig. Listen up and you will see why.
Me and My Friends by Matt Butcher

Here is a funny little documini...

Matt Butcher And The Revolvers In Knoxville from Zach Beckler on Vimeo.

Sweet and Pure

2009-04-28T04:14:00.000-07:00

That's the best way to describe Anne and Pete Sibley. This husband and wife combo make some of the most endearing tradition bluegrass music around.

Daily Discoveries- Saturday

2009-04-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

These guys aren't new, but it is only their second time at MerleFest.

The Belleville Outfit, started with only two practice sessions before their first appearance at MerleFest two years ago. There is no doubt that they have came a long way since that first festival. They have a great 40s swing style infused with a little bluegrass.

Daily Discoveries- Friday

2009-04-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

I have heard great things about this band, but they truly won me over Friday afternoon at the Creekside Stage. Cadillac Sky play their own style of bluegrass with a kickin' stage performance.

You Again - Cadillac Sky

MerleFest Daily Discoveries- Thursday

2009-04-23T21:29:00.001-07:00

Well we know how to get things started right. The first band to play might become one of my festival favorites. Not only did they kill it as the opening act but they rocked the Dance Hall tent into the wee hours. These boys know how to pick an Irish jig, Scythian throws something different into the normal mix of Americana MerleFest attendees hear. Check these boys out at one of their MANY shows this weekend!

Kesh Jigs - Scythian

So this next video is very raw but I love the harmony of this group. Bearfoot, hailing all the way from Alaska, know how to put on a good show. Go ahead and highlight them in your pocket pal schedule.

and so it begins.

2009-04-23T04:01:00.001-07:00

MerleFest will offically be in fully swing today at noon.

Here is Doc himself. The man is amazing.

Step right up

2009-04-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to make your guess for The Waybacks Hillside CD this year at MerleFest. You will remember last year they did an amazing cover of Led Zeppelin.

You can find the clues at their website and on twitter.
http://festivalinkstaging.net/merlefest09/php/hillside-guess.html

The Waybacks- Good Enough

All is not lost.

2009-04-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

When The Raconteurs decided to part I have to say I was just as devastated as most.

But have no fear, Brendan Benson has started recording with Ashley Monroe who you will remember was a part of that great bluegrass version of Old Enough with Ricky Skaggs. If you were a fan of that song, then you will be a fan of these. Check them out.

Make Cornbread Not War

2009-04-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, during the summer I use to go listen to my great grandfather play the spoons and banjo in a small band at his country store. Nothing reminds me of that more than this band.

Carolina Chocolate Drops- Cornbread and Butter Beans

I love Brit Pop

2009-04-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

With the way things are now, it's nice to know I can always look to the Brits to produce beautiful harmonizing music sure to cheer you up.

The Coral- In the Morning

The New Hip

2009-04-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something to relax to Missy Raines and the New Hip is your band. This is the only clip I could find but check out their MySpace page for songs from their new album.

Missy Raines and the New Hip- Angeline

Relax

2009-04-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Just a great song by The Seed to prepare you for the weekend.

Preperation

2009-04-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Being that MerleFest is offically a week away, I thought I might start a stream of posts with songs to get you prepared.

First is a classic made famous by the man responsible for MerleFest. Doc Watson played guitar on the original version written by English folk artist Clarence Ashley. Here is a cover I love by Townes Van Zandt.

Townes Van Zandt-Cuckcoo Song

Marcus

2009-04-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

Like any other folk fan, I love songs that tell a story and something with emotion.

Marcus Foster is one guy that I can't help but be in awe of. His songs are so raw that they hold you. He is coming out with an EP on itunes soon, but here is a sample called Tumble Down.

The New Cure

2009-04-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ok so sampling is not new, seems like everyone is doing it. But few can do it well.

Here is the original song Close to Me by The Cure...

Close To Me - The Cure

Now the version by British rapper Lady Sovereign, So Human...I'm predicting a Kidz Bop version in the near future.

So Human - Lady Sovereign

Feel Good

2009-04-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just want good pop music, complete with great hooks to sing on a sunny day.

Well, here you go. Camera Obscura, a great little band out of Glasgow, is releasing a new album My Maudlin Career April 20th and here is their first single.

How she rolls

2009-04-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

So I know how we mountain people love our laid back back beach music. But, if you ever get tired of having Jack Johnson on repeat during a drive on the parkway check out Kym Campbell.

Kym Campbell- How She Rolls

Weather Report

2009-04-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter what I say, you know you are going to buy the new album Horehound by The Dead Weather, Jack White's new venture. Since they did play a gig last night at the Bowery in NYC, I thought it only appropriate to blog on them.

Just to get you up to my anticipation level here is a taste that's been making its rounds.

Hang You from the Heavens - The Dead Weather

kickin it old school

2009-04-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

So I will be the first to admit I love oldies.

The first album I bought was a box set that held many a song similar to the early rock n' roll inspired tunes of Kitty, Daisy and Lewis. Put them on your record player and you automatically feel like you've been transported back to the 40's.

Just to show what big players they are becoming, not only were they showcased at SXSW but the band is playing Charlotte Verizon this summer supporting COLDPLAY.

Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis

Take Away

2009-04-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

So I recently discovered something that I must share.

La Blogotheque posts podcasts that are produced in everyday environments with artists just preforming out in the open. Love it. Since I have a preference for Johnny Flynn(OK just admit the guys incredibly talented), I chose to post his.

Go to the 2 min. point to get to songs start.

Johnny Flynn - The Box // A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Audio Addiction

2009-04-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here is one band I can't stop listening to.

They already have cool points from me. Girl in a Coma is signed to BlackHeart Records, that's right, owned by Joan Jett. An all girl rock band, represented by the woman who "paved the way", pretty awesome. Anyway, check them out, I'm sure you will enjoy.

Their Cell - girls in a coma

soul is back.

2009-04-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

The man himself is said to be returning, and with good company.

D'Angelo recently stated on his MySpace that he's planning tours starting stateside this spring and summer. He is also said to be in talks with John Mayer to record a few tracks for his new album. I see a population jump in the making. But for now just a little refresher as to why we love him so.

One Mogin - DAngelo

buy this now.

2009-03-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Vetiver....weird name great music.

You can't help but think that Andy Cabic, aka Vetiver, got his club masters with amber lenses. Things just seem a little bit brighter while listening to it's 4th album Tight Knit.

More of This (Album) - Vetiver

she kicks (insert anatomy)!

2009-03-31T14:00:00.001-07:00

a girl who can rap without the name Fergie, yes please!

Uffie, a french fashion student turned rapper, brings to mind that up-beat music you hear in urban outfitters but can never find. Where do they get it? Let the dance party begin.

Pop The Glock - Uffie

bluegrass and blonde?

2009-03-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

sounds crazy right....wrong.

Heart of Glass covered by Old School Freight Train, is one of those tragically sentimental songs that just makes you want to close your eyes and remember your own lost love. Try not to cry.

check it.

2009-03-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Alan Pownall.....remember the name.

The man is amazing. He's going to be huge, I guaran-FREAKIN-tee it! If you've been keeping tabs on him, he's practically impossible to find any info about and he isn't touring stateside. Thankfully whispers of an album in the making are circulating. For now check out his MySpace, and prepare to be enlightened.

and...go.

2009-03-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

I've came to a decision.

In lieu of the fact that I don't have hours to spend blogging and you don't have hours to spend reading blogs (or do you?), I'm going to treat this just like twitter. My tweets will be short and sweet and, hopefully, easy on the ear.

1st music blog- two of the best modern folksters i know (not personally, unfortunately).