Wednesday, April 13, 2011

David Ford: What Else Can You Throw At Me?

David Ford is singer/songwriter from the UK.  His debut album I Sincerely Apoligize For All The Trouble I've Caused was released in 2005.  I first became familiar with with his music after hearing him on last.fm, and instantly downloaded the album.

Here's my favorite track!  Again, it's a bit of a heartbreaker, but it's got bite to it.  It also has a harmonica which always earns bonus points.  Here's David Ford performing "I Don't Care What You Call Me" at Sun Studios!


David Ford's official site doesn't appear to have been updated recently, however, for the latest on David Ford Check out his myspace page for tour dates and more music!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Airborne Toxic Event: Blood Boiling, Your Stomach In Ropes

Today's post couldn't have been possible without a great recommendation from my friend Jenn!  About a year and a half ago she suggested I check out Airborne Toxic Event, and I'm glad I did.  In 2008 the Airborne Toxic event released the debut self-titled album, featuring a orchestra infused rock style.  Jenn and I were fortunate enough to catch them live last year at 9:30 Club, and the put on a great live show as well!

Here's Airborne Toxic Event with and acoustic performance of "Sometime Around Midnight."  Songs that can accurately portray human emotion are always high on my list of favorites.  This is a great song about heartbreak.... You're welcome!  Take a listen though, it truly is a great song!


Jenn has a blog over her own!  You should check it out here:  bluebutterflyvintage.  Also, Airborne Toxic Event has a great website.  Check out videos, tour dates, and updates from the band by clicking here.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Lower Dens: Words Are Full Of Indecision

The Lower Dens are a band out of Baltimore.  I'm only  now becoming acquainted to their music, but I've enjoyed what I've heard so far.  Apparently, so have many others.  Their 2010 album Twin Hand Movement made many best of lists, including Robin Hilton's of NPR's "All Song Considered" program.  They have a very dreamy sound, and I think that's what I enjoy about them.

Here's The Lower Dens performing "I Get Nervous" from Twin Hand Movement.  A lot of things make me nervous... commitment, dating, touching, also heights.  So I know all about getting nervous, and that's probably the reason I like this song.


Here's some more info from the Lower Dens.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Mike Doughty: Slain By The Words I Lack

Mike Doughty was the frontman for a band named Soul Coughing in the 1990's.  After becoming addicted to heroin, Doughty left the band in 2000.  After beating his addiction, Doughty started his solo career.  He has a very unique voice, but it fits his music perfectly.  In 2005 Mike Doughty released Haughty Melodic which was released on Dave Matthews' ATO records.  The two have maintained a friendship, as Matthews was a fan of Doughty's back in the days of Soul Coughing.

Here's Mike Doughty performing "Madeline and Nine" off Haughty Melodic.  You know those songs that just perfectly explain your life?  Well this one, from beginning to end, has always done that for me.  If I had to pick one song that explained why I love music it would be this one.  My favorite lyric:  "Slain by the words I lack/ My world is bursting sappy music."  Hope you enjoy it just as much!


Check out Mike Doughty's website, as well as his latest album Sad Man Happy Man. 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Cover Thursdays- Shake Shake Sugar, But You'll Never Shake Me

For as many non-mainstream musicians I enjoy listening to, I've always loved Dave Matthews.  I'm surprised I made it over 40 posts before including a performance from him or the band.  The Dave Matthews Band and Dave himself do amazing covers.  The list includes, "For the Beauty of Wynona", "The Maker", "Sledgehammer" and "Burning Down the House", just to name a few.

This particular cover is a Dave Matthews solo performance of Elvis Presley's 1960 hit "Stuck On You"!



Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's: Sad Songs To Keep Me Awake

I can't remember how I first came across Margot and the Nuclear So & So's music.  I'm guessing Pandora had something to do with it.  Anyhow, I've been hooked ever since.  This Indianapolis band has a great sound that utilizes many different instruments.  Their first full length album, The Dust of Retreat was released in 2006.  Most recently, the band released Buzzard in September of last year.

Here's Margot and the Nuclear So & So's playing "Talking In Code"!  Enjoy!


Margot and the Nuclear So & So's just released a live EP Happy Hour at Spriggs (Volume 1).  Check it out along with more information from the band here!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Ben Harper and Relentless 7: So I Can Fall Apart

My apologies for the my brief absence.  I went and bought a house! I now have Internet, so let the updates continue!

At the age of 12 Ben Harper was performing his first gig.  I, on the other hand, spent most of my time trying to avoid the pitfalls of middle school.  Ben Harper's first record was released in 1992 and he's been steadily releasing music in the years since.  Harper is an extremely skilled guitar player, and is best known for his Weissenborn guitar skills.

In 2009 Ben Harper and Relentless 7 released White Lies and Dark Times, which is my favorite studio release from Ben Harper since he and the Innocent Criminals released Burn To Shine in 1999.  Here's Ben Harper and Relentless 7 playing "Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)"


As you can see and hear, Ben Harper is amazing to see live!  He's also releasing a new album next month entitled Give Till It's Gone.  For more information on Ben Harper visit his website!