We’re back with lots of good stuff. Unfortunately we’re a little tardy with this installment, but circumstances beyond our control and all that (see the last bit of “What’s In A Name” for more of a rundown). Besides I’ve come to the conclusion that being a blogger means never having to say you’re sorry. Still………….
Johnny Hallyday: “Hey Joe”
The French singer/actor’s is called “the biggest rock star you’ve never heard of”. This 1967 cover (Jimi Hendrix, The Leaves, Deep Purple, The Byrds, etc.) is a bit cheesy but fun. The download is at Aquarium Drunkard. Here’s the link.
———-
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: “Fire and Brimstone”
Troy Andrews is (obviously) from New Orleans and the grandson of singer Jessie Hill. He’s appeared in six episodes of the HBO series “Treme” and released 9 albums with his latest “Say That To Say This” just out. Right click on the Fire & Brimstone link to download. Here’s the YouTube video.
———
The Royal Concept: “Radio”
The Swedish band is often compared to Phoenix (but then every band is compared to someone), though I think they are a lot more interesting. This is from their “Royal” EP. Here’s a link to the SoundCloud download and a YouTube stream
———-
Cameron McGill: “American Health Insurance”
This is from Cameron’s latest “Gallows Etiquette”, an album filled with memorable songs and lyric content that is guaranteed to make you stop and listen……”I’ve got health insurance that only works if I die”. Love those Chicago boys,. Here’s the link at Largehearted Boy.
———-
Bob Dylan: “Copper Kettle”
Another gem from Dylan’s “Another Self Portrait” double cd. The link is to Aquarium Drunkard…again.
———-
America: “Horse With No Name”
I don’t understand the fascination with remixing, though every once in a great while I stumble across a reimaging that is so out in left field I just have to pass it along. Here’s the link at SoundCloud. The remix is by Joman.
———
The Parson Red Heads: “To The Sky”
The Portland band’s third album “Orb Weaver” is out now. It’s americana/ folk-rock that is reminiscent of CSNY and Fleetwood Mac at times. I’m told the band’s earlier albums had more of an indie-rock flavor to them. Here’s a link to the download at SoundCloud.
———-
Jeff Simmons: “I’m In The Music Business”
Jeff was part of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention cast during the 70s, and is one of the few musicians to share a songwriting credit with Frank. This is from his solo album “Lucille Has Messed My Mind Up”. The link is to Raven Sings The Blues where you will find the download and his version of “Wonderful Wino”. Scroll down to 6.15.2010. Here’s the link.
———-
Caro Emerald: “Coming Back As A Man”
The Dutch jazz/pop singer has yet to crack the American market though I believe it’s just a matter of time. Her second album “The Shocking Miss Emerald” went to #1 on the UK album charts. You can download “Coming Back” and five other acoustic versions of songs from the new album at her website. Here’s the link. There are also some videos.
———-
The Belle Sounds: “Starry Eyed”
This is from the band’s debut EP which came out earlier this year. They’re from Austin, Texas and as you might expect they easily access music as diverse as country, folk and indie rock. The link is to Magnet magazine for the download.
———-
Lily Kershaw: “Bathed In Blue”
This is from Lily’s debut album “Midnight In The Garden”. Three songs are available at NoiseTrade (here’s the link). One of her songs (unfortunately not on the sampler) “As It Seems” was used in an episode of “Criminal Minds” last year.
———-
We Used To Make Things: “We’re All Fucked Up”
We featured this in our last edition. Unfortunately we got a few emails that the link was bad, so I’m running it again. And considering the way things have been going in Washington, posting it seemed appropriate. If you’re making an “indie soul party” playlist, you need to include this. Here’s the SoundCloud link and the YouTube video.
———-
Tal National: “Wongharey”
Another party band, this time from Niger. Their marathon stage shows are said to be legendary. This is from their new album “Kaani”, their first world-wide release. Here’s a download link to SoundCloud and a video at YouTube.
———-
Boy George: “Play Me”
In case you’ve been wondering what the “Boy” has been up to lately, here is a song from his new album “This Is What I Do”. The free download is at amazon.com (here’s the link); the live video is at YouTube.
———-
The Suburbs: “Turn The Radio On”
This Minneapolis band has been around since the late 70s playng a mix of punk rock, funk and new wave. This is from their new album “Si Sauvage”, their first new album in 27 years. A great song but I wonder if we’ll reach a time when we have to explain to young people what a radio is or was much less how to turn one on. Just a thought. The link is to one of my favorite blogs indierockcafe. The download is about 3/4 of the way down the page and there is a lot of good music to download along the way. Here’s a video performed live at YouTube.