songs:illinois

Cranklin Moth (tomorrow’s post) led me to The Changes the other day (members of Cranklin Moth used to perform with members of The Changes). The Changes have been one of the highest profile bands in Chicago of late. Their manager is a booker at that renowned music institution known as Cabaret Metro and they have had numerous opening slots in front of some of the best bands that come to Chicago (Stephen Malkmus, The Futureheads and Walkmen).

Their music is polished and new wavey in a good way. The production quality on their new ep is also consistently good (even listening to it on the tiny speakers in my IBook). After all the lo-fi I listen to it’s refreshing to hear a little snap crackle and pop occasionally. Their biggest break yet was their recent appearance at Lollapooza (a show that has been getting rave reviews). You can see The Changes every Monday night in August at Schubas along with a revolving mix of special guests. Buy their new ep here.

Her, You and I
When I Wake

The internet is a truly wonderful thing and as we move on it will continue to change everything. The most recent example of the speed and power of the internet can be seen in an email I received this morning from Bjorn Norestig from Sweden.

In the email Bjorn gives his take on his new song, which he recorded last night, about his small hometown. Titled “Little Oak” and with lines like “I’m glad that I got out, glad that I got out, glad that I got on with my life” delivered over melancholy guitar strumming and his signature vocal style I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

I wrote about his debut ep here. The links are still working to two songs off of his 2004 ep Come Take A Shine. I’ve been promised a new ep from Bjorn’s band The Flu as well as a cover of The Hives’ “Hate To Say I told You So”. So keep a lookout for more from Bjorn Norestig.

Little Oak

Sam Ashworth doesn’t have much of a story yet but that may change when his debut record Gonna Get It Wrong, Before I Get It Right comes out Sept. 6.

He’s a young 24 but is already a seasoned performer and producer in the present musical hotspot of East Nashville. You can buy this record now at the Aware store.

To tell the truth I don’t have a strong opinion yet about Sam Ashworth but I think this is something that has all the elements to quickly grow on me. He’s got a nice blend of folk, pop and rock. Feel free to tell me what you think.

Here’s two from his debut, Sam’ll be out on the road with his band joined Matt Slocum of Sixpence None the Richer, who also appears on this record.

Bridget
Another Day

What is a semi-punk version of “Bigmouth Strikes Again” by the Boston band Read Yellow doing on my blog you ask? Since I grew up in Boston and loved The Smiths I had to share this with you. This song is taken from a comp called How Soon Is Now? Here’s that one and a couple of originals from the band.

Big Mouth Stikes Again

Model America
The Association

I put on what I thought was Bobby Bare Jr’s new record the other day only to be surprised by a much older and grizzly voice that clearly belonged to his father the legendary country star Bobby Bare.

This is his first studio record in 10 years and it has been produced by his son Bobby Bare Jr. And in this case the producer has taken the classic country sound and updated it so subtly that this would fit on a classic country radio format or an eclectic AAA format.

I can’t even get into Bobby’s life, music and recording career (he’s got over 40 albums to his credit) but if you’re interested head over to AllMusic.com for the wrapup. One of the recurring themes in his life has been his collaboration with Shel Silverstein and this record is no different with the recording of the Silverstein tune “Balld Of Lucy Jordan” . The name of the new record is The Moon Was Blue and is due out on Dualtone on 10.04.05.

Are You Sincere
Ballad Of Lucy Jordan

What makes a record suitable for Sub Pop. It used to be a certain grungy sound but even in the grunge heyday Sub Pop would confound it’s fans by releasing experimental records by artists like Steve Fisk and Beat Happening. Now in the 2000′s I still don’t know what to expect from Sup Pop.

The most recent unusual release is by singer songwriter Rosie Thomas. And by unusal I mean that this record is completely accessable and reminds me of the the best of Shawn Colvin, Tracy Chapman or Dar Williams. Musically and lyrically it breaks no new ground but the result is wonderful nonetheless. I just wonder how the college radio mds, uber hip magazines and ultra indie blogger will react to this release, the third from Rosie Thomas. Her upcoming record If Songs Could Be Held is due out on September 13.

Pre-order If Songs Could Be Held at Amazon.

Here’s a couple of songs

Since You’ve Been Around
Let It Be Me (Duet with Ed Harcourt)

Bonus

I Play Music – from Only With Laughter Can You Win
Wedding Day – from When We Were Small
Two Dollar Shoes – from When We Were Small

My Dad Is Dead is one of those bands from the 80′s that critics loved and a small group of fans supported in a cult-like, near obsessive way. The main man behind MDID is Mark Edwards. I’m not going to go in to the bands long history or extensive discography except to say they put out some of the seminal indie college rock on Homestead in the 80′s and have continued to record quality stuff since. Their last record was 2002′s The Engine Of Commerce.

I read some buzz on the upcoming record A Divided House and apparently the pieces are all in place for this to be the breakout disc for MDID. Here’s two songs from the forthcoming record:

unmade
my safe place

Somehow nearly all the songs from the My Dad Is Dead catalog are available online as free downloads. Here’s a couple of my favorites from back in the day. Click here to access the whole lot.

Baby’s Got A Problem (give it a minute to kick in)
Anti-Socialist 2

Todd Steed and the Sons of Phere have a new record out. Their last record was called Knoxville Tells and was interesting in that it was a Knoxville concept album; I wrote about it and linked to some songs here. The new record is called Heartbreak and Duct Tape and is for sale now here.

“Grandma’s Hymn” is a tribute to Todd’s elderly Grandmother and “Normaal” is a song that questions what normal and takes a few small jabs at our ultra patriotic times. Visit Lynnpoint Records for more info about Todd Steed and other rockin’ roots music.

Grandma’s Hymn
Normaal

I don’t get many good suggestions from friends and family. Partly because my friends and family have no taste (except for Rachel and she checks in ocassionally so I got to be careful what I say). However my friend Marisa in San Francisco saw this band the other day in San Francisco and had to write me about them. I hear in The Famous some of my favorite bands from the mid-80′s particularly the Gear Daddies and The Rugburns.

Marisa said their show was great and funny. From these two songs posted online at their site I can see where she’s coming from. This band has just released Light, Sweet Crude their debut full length. It’s available here from the band.

It’s Done
Midway

I must be on a Texas music mailing list, which in my book is just about the best list to be on. First I was sent Brewed in Texas Vol 2 (read about it here) and now I just got Ten In Texas which features new recordings from Joe Ely, Dale Watson, Willie Nelson and seven others.

Produced by Icehouse Records, Ray Benson and Lloyd Maines Ten In Texas is a compilation that (except for the live Willie Nelson song) uses new recordings and most of those share a house band which gives the compilation a sold, consistent sound. Here’s two of the tracks I like the best by two of Texas’ finest singers and songwriters; Dale Watson and Joe Ely. Joe Ely’s melancholy Sunday song would have been a great fit in Kofi’s Hat recent tribute to Sunday songs. Of course you get just the kinda honky-tonk you might expect from Dale Watson only this time he’s slowed it down a bit and croons about the grand tour of a lonesome house. Buy Ten In Texas here now.

The Grand Tour – Dale Watson
Sunday Morning Come Down – Joe Ely

A supergroup of full of unknowns! It’s possible I guess. This is how I see The Wayward Wind. Thier website says the group is a loose collective of singers, painters, musicians and dancers. Described “as interstallar folk” by Philadelphia Weekly. The band released their sophomore cd in early June entitled Wait For Green for Philly label Schwa-Disc (label’s motto is – “Difficult to pronounce and spell since 1995″)

Don’t expect a tour anytime soon as their website also states that Wayward Wind is a “studio- bound vanity project too terrified to set foot onstage”. This is a welcome addition to the mid-south perfect pop genre being kept alive by Big Star, The DB’s and Chris Stamey. Here’s one song off of Wait For Green. You can order the disc for $10 with PayPal here.

Postcards From The Wind

Bonus track from band’s debut Drenched and Drained

Sweet Willow Walking

New Buffalo uses some of the same techniques, in terms of cutting and pasting found sounds, that the Avalanches do. In fact Darren Seltmann of the Avalanches produced the new record. But where I can’t relate or get into the music of the Avalnches I can with New Buffalo. This Austialian group is really all the work of Sally Seltman (and her husband Darren). It’s Sally’s songs and her vocals that are the difference maker and a big reason why the last beautiful day will be a big hit.

This is the first international release by the small but clearly growing label called Arts & Crafts from Canada. Here’s two georgeous tracks in the mold of Emilianni Torrini, Bjork and Sinead O’Connor. Buy the last beautiful day as a pre-order here.

I’ve Got You and You’ve Got Me
No Party

Someone from the Oxford American office sent me the new Oxford American issue. It’s their music issue. Whatever price they charge for this or for the yearly subscription it’s worth it. With the music issue you get a 29 track cd with artists like Dale Hawkins, Lightin’ Hopkins, Joe Tex, Elvis Presley and Howard Tate. Inside the issue are 29 essays on each artist in the order they appear on the cd. If you’re a fast reader theoretically you’ll listen and read along.

I’m not sure if the folks at Oxford American wanted me to post a track or two but I’m not sure if they didn’t want me too either. So I’ll take a chance and upload a couple. I’ll pick two of the tracks by artists I am not familiar with namely Bubble Puppy and Johnnie Wills and His Boys.

Visit the Oxford American main page to buy the music issue, pick up a subscription or to donate to this great non-profit institution dedicated to covering the southern arts.

Milk Cow Blues – Johnny Wills
Hot Smoke and Sassafras – Bubble Puppy

I like Koufax as much as the next guy, maybe even more since their indie rock takes on all the traits of emo that I love and adds some political commentatry as well. But while Koufax has gotten a ton of blog press their labelmates, touring partners and friends Limbeck have not gotten enough attention. Both bands had their records drop yesterday on Doghouse Recods.

Limbeck’s Let Me Come Home was recorded in Minneapolis with Gary Louris of The Jayhawks. So this Californian band has taken it’s Gram Parsons and Beach Boys take on Alt-country and added it to the midwestern rock ethic of The Replacements and The Jayhawks. Buy the new record here.

People Don’t Change

Bonus from 2003 debut

Honk And Wave
Julie

The Morells (this is a fan site) released one of the seminal alt-country records in 1982 on Push Records. Their 1982 debut was called Shake And Push. The popular non-hit on the record was “Ugly And Slouchy” but each of the songs on Shake and Push were memorable. I don’t think you can get a cd copy of it now. They have released two records since. The self titled The Morells in 2001 and now 2005′s Think About It on Hightone.

Here’s “Rock Bottom” from the 2001 release courtesy of Amazon.com. Buy the disc here.

Rock Bottom

The Morells also record as the Skeletons and have been the backing band to Robbie Fulks, Syd Straw, Jonathan Richman and others. The new record is a welcome return to their humor and their rollicking amalgram of folk, blues and soul that The Morells have become infamous for. Here’s two from Think About It. Buy it here from Hightone.

Ain’t My Day
How Come My Dog Don’t Bark No More

Andrew Gregory was referred to me by Yer Bird Records and since they have the debut of the year in Sounds Like Fall’s new record I thought it’d be safe to look into the music of Andrew Gregory. It didn’t hurt that he had a song titled DB Cooper since I’m a fan of the story of the mysterious disappearing bank robber (and of the song with the same title by Todd Snider).

Andrew’s debut self-titled record came out in April of this year and is a solid effort being compared to the works of Paul Simon, John Prine and James Taylor. Here’s a couple off that record including his take on the DB Cooper legend. Buy it here.

DB Cooper
The Line
All Your Things

Bonus Song

DB Cooper – Todd Snider off of Happy To Be Here

Chalk up another mp3 blog post to the wonderful and frightening vagaries of the internet. I was researching one band when I came upon another. They’re called The Dead Hensons and while at first that won’t mean much to you; when I tell you they cover the early songs of Jim Henson you’ll probably have the same aha moment that I just experienced.

Somehow it takes an eight piece band to make this music sparkle and flow. Here’s two songs from a live appearance on the venerable KFOG. There’s a 7″ that’s available, contact the band here to find out more – deadhensons@deadhensons.com.

The Rainbow Connection
The Counts First Day Of School

I can’t think of that many bands that write about everyday topics a responsible adult can relate too. Part of the problem is our youth obsessed culture, part of it is the age of successful bands is definately skewing young. Older bands that do want to stay relevant often attempt to write down to their targeted audience.

Amy Rigby is the one artist I can think of that explicitly writes about the everyday events in her (our) life. In fact the record that introduced me to Amy Rigby was titled Diary of a Mod Housewife. Amy is the ex-wife of Will Rigby of the Replacements and was in the all girl group The Shams. Her new record is called Little Fugitive and is due out on Signature Sounds on August 23 (Don Dixon mixed and mastered) I love her take on her ex-husbands new wife in the song “The Trouble With Jeannie” as well as the punkish tribute to Joey Ramone “Dancing With Joey Ramone” (Amy was one of the original CBGB groupies). Preorder now through Amazon.

The Trouble With Jeannie
Dancing With Joey Ramone

It’s been a while since I posted about a pure singer-songwriter. One stripped of all the hyperbolies, distortion effects, and indie cred. So I’ll write about local folk singer John Kimler today for a change of pace.

John Kimler has played all the great local folk clubs and has probably nearly paid his dues so we’ll probably have a cd from him soon. For now there are 4 songs available for download from his site. His next Chicago area show is at the mecca for folk musicians, the excellent coffehouse venue, Uncommon Ground in Wriglyville (Chicago) on August 18th. Here’s a couple from John.

Love In The 90′s
The Only Beer On The Wall

Santa Cruz doesn’t seem like one of the hotbeds of cowpunk or thashgrass or whatever term you want to apply to a band playing traditional instuments who also happened to be tattoed head to toe and beset with piercings and bad hair . But Nashville doesn’t have a patent on this sound.

The Devil Makes Three is a trio based in Santa Cruz. I thought at first that their song “Old No. 7″ must be about a freight train but of course that’s not what you’re gonna get from the Devil. Instead it’s a song about Jack Daniels, sex and drinking in heaven. Pick up their records here.

Old No 7

On Swedesplease there’s a great cover of the song “FreeLove Freeway” from the BBC’s huge hit The Office. Plus music from BoyOmega, Happy Go Lucky and The Chrysler.