Category Archives: Music

For My Fellow Counting Crows Fans, A Lovely Cover

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There is a small pantheon of songwriters in my world order that is absolutely sacred… I sorta feel like sometimes, you just shouldn’t mess with greatness.  At the very top of that list is Adam Duritz from Counting Crows. There is no other songwriter whose lyrics I identify with more… That said, it’s hard for someone else’s version of a Counting Crows song to grab me immediately. In fact, I can’t really think of one…

But, there’s a first time for everything.

Seven or eight months back, I got switched on to a band from New Zealand called Midnight Youth (see previous blogs here and here ).  Their 2011 album World Comes Calling rocked my world so hard that it made #2 album on the Best of 2011 list. I started following their lead singer, Jeremy Redmore, on Twitter.  He’s fairly interactive there and writes a lot on his own personal blog…which is where I was visiting this evening, listening to a demo he posted from the road.  That’s when I noticed another link on his SoundCloud page that said “Goodnight Elisabeth.”   Clicked and yup, it is indeed a Counting Crows cover.

And it’s really, really freaking good.  Heart wrenching and beautiful – an exceptional take on the original.  I love when an artist can take a song, cover it and maintain the integrity of the original while at the same time making it their own.  Jeremy’s definitely done that on his cover.

Bonus (and this is why I love Twitter!)… Asked him about it on Twitter, and he just made it downloadable for fans!  Ya’ll need to go listen and snatch it up now. Just hit the little down arrow to the right in the player below (you may need to sign in or set up a SoundCloud account).

While you’re at it, check out his band, Midnight Youth.  Guarantee you will love ’em.

Midnight Youth: Web | Facebook | Twitter

Memorial Day

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Will Hoge posted a new song today – a demo from his upcoming album Modern American Protest Music.  Amongst our barbecues, parties and day off, it is a reminder of what today should really be about.

Thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.  Our nation is eternally in debt to you and your families who selflessly shared you with us.

More Will Hoge:  Web | Twitter | Facebook

Friday Awesomeness: New Ari Hest Song Download

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It’s no secret that I am a fan of the “fella with guitar” singer-songwriter type.

One of my faves is a tall, handsome man from New York named Ari Hest.  Ari’s been around a long time, but he still makes incredible music.  The man’s voice is like butter.  Really.

Ari’s got a new album coming out soon called The Fire Plays…and we lucky ducks get a free download of the first single, “For A Little While.”  It’s sheer Friday Awesomeness.

See ‘Em Live: Dead Sara

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I’m very lucky to have some just-as-obsessed-as-I-am music fans in my life.  When two of them who don’t know each other start talking about a band, I tend to listen.  So about three weeks ago when my friend Dru, who was one of the founders of Alternative Addiction, and my bestie/roomie/partner-in-crime and radio goddess Shelia both mentioned that they were loving the new Dead Sara record within days of each other…I had to check it out.

Dead Sara came to town last night and played The Fillmore opening for The Used … and all I can say is WHOA.

Let me repeat:  WHOA.

I tend not to be a fan of female vocalists in general, but I had the same instant reaction to lead singer Emily Armstrong’s voice that I did when I first heard Grace Potter.  Smoky, gritty, and holy POWERHOUSE Batman. There is no denying that this is a voice that needs – demands – to be heard.  And man, is there anything better than seeing a singer on stage that is obviously feeling every word and note that he or she is singing? This is not soul music, but it was one of the most soulful performances I have seen in a long time. The band was on, and just as into it as she was, and the show crescendoed into a finale banshee-wail song, complete with buzzing, over-amped guitars and a kicked over drum set.  It was a singularly fantastic rock n’ roll show.  Period.

If they come to your town, you MUST go see them.  But don’t take my word for it…let the video below speak for itself.

More Dead Sara:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Debut album on iTunes and Amazon

Monday Review: Quiet Hounds on the Megaphona

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Atlanta’s Quiet Hounds are perfect in their sophomore release, Megaphona.

We’re just one week out from Memorial Day and the official start of summer…so what better way to kick it off than with new music?  Well, grab your surfboards, kids, and get ready to revel in the ethereal waters of Quiet Hounds’ Megaphona. Less than a year after hitting the scene with their self-titled release, the masked quintet from Atlanta is back with another sparkling five songs that will – I promise – once again leave you wanting more.

In keeping with their somewhat mysterious theme, the EP kicks off with a French exchange between an adult and a child, with the younger participant excitedly saying “Quiet Hound!”  It’s just one of several artistic interludes … but after just one spin through Megaphona, you’ll likely be yelling out their name, too.

From the opening undulating waves of “Calling All Gamma Rays” to the tinkling fade out of the instrumental “1864,” the music is a study in lyrical poetry, shimmering harmonies, and truly original melodies.  Toss in rich guitar, keys that range from dancing to experimental, inventive percussion, harmonica, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable sophomore effort.

Every track offers something bright and new for the listener – the band plays with staccato rhythms on “Too Young, Too Wise.” They give us a foot-stomping, hand-clapping sing-along with “I Get Up,” (check out the live take-away video).  They take modern-day twists on new-age on “Gamma Rays” and “Pocket Change.”  The EP’s sleeper hit, “Worn Crush Corduroy,” sends us to a musical summer shoreline hangout with its snappy vocals, Beach Boys-reminiscent harmonies, and tonal guitar. Tying everything together in the perfect package is absolutely dazzling songwriting, starting with “wasted idle hours” and ending with the quest to provide for a family.

It’s a little EP with a huge splash.  I think my friend Elise pinpointed the only negative thing you could possibly say about it – “Megaphona is great but I need more songs!!”  You’d be hard pressed not to want more.  The Quiet Hounds are doing something fresh, and unique – it’s impossible not to get excited about a band that’s doing that in today’s music world.

The official release date for Megaphona is June 4th and the band has a big surprise planned for fans.  Until then, you can stream it on Spotify.

P.S.  If you dig the live take away video for “I Get Up,” you can download the live audio track over on the band’s SoundCloud page.

More Quiet Hounds:  Web | Facebook | Twitter

(I will be eternally grateful to my friend Allison for introducing me to QH – make sure you check out her blog at www.radiopotato.com for all sorts of musical goodness.)