Archive for October, 2008

J. Tillman’s new record – “Vacilando Territory Blues” (Western Vinyl, Jan. 20)

Monday, October 6th, 2008

J. Tillman has a pretty vast recorded output. His titles are typically limited run and hard to find. Keep, Yer Bird, and Fargo all tried to expand this amazing singer songwriter’s reach but to the extent that he’s not yet a household name they haven’t succeeded. Now Western Vinyl is hoping to change all that with the release of his newest record Vacilando Territory Blues.

To say that the bulk of Tillman’s songs are dour downers would be an understatement. This new record isn’t an exception. What does sound a little different is just how much of his soul is laid bare here, especially on the self-referential (and self-pitying) song “James’ Blues”.

The album comes out in January, but on Oct. 27 you should be able to buy it digitally at any of the major outfits.

James Blues

Bonus song from Vacilando Territory Blues:

Steel On Steel

Honky Tonk Friday (on Thursday) – “Drunker Than Satan” plus “It’s OK To Be Gay” by Horatio Lee Jenkins

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Seriously how can I not write about Horatio Lee Jenkins and his drinking song “Drunker Than Satan”? The song is a tale of how our brave narrator accepts a drinking duel from Satan. The song is not rocket science (hell, even Sarah Palin could follow it) so I won’t say anything more about the plot. But do listen it’s pretty clever. Then check out “It’s OK To Be Gay” – proof positive that not all rednecks are conservative m’fers.

Drunker Than Satan

Plus

It’s OK To Be Gay

A super crappy video of “It’s OK To Be Gay”


GET “DRUNKER THAN SATAN” BECAUSE IT IS AMAZING!

New songs, record from Austin’s best kept secret – Dana Falconberry

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

From the little I heard from Dana Falconberry’s new record Oh Skies Of Grey I feared that perhaps she’d abandoned the sound and the intimate nature of her previous songs found on the her debut ep (here). But while there’s more layers to be found on this new record I suspect this is the sound Dana heard in her head all along. Only this time she’s got the backing of the excellent, but I’m sure perennially underfunded label, 00.02.59 Records. The presence of even a small budget has allowed her to expand her sonic pallet by adding glorious backing vocals, unusual percussion and a more loungy-folk sound that combines element of folk, jazz and blues.

“Do You” is an understated tour de force (if that’s even possible) that highlights her retro vocals and clever songwriting. Look, I’m biased `cause I love Dana Falconberry but you should really check this one out. Buy it here through her label.

Do You

Plus “Blue Umbrella”