Category Archives: Folk

Hey Marseilles – To Travels & Trunks

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hey mersailles

If you are a fan of the Decemberists, Beirut, or Yann Tiersen you’ll probably really dig the indie/gypsy folk sound of the Seattle band, Hey Marseilles. As you can see in the photo above, the band consists of seven members, and they play a bunch of super sweet instruments like trumpets, cellos, accordions, and a sousaphone.

Hey Marseilles’ 2008 self-released debut, To Travels & Trunks, is phenomenal, and unfortunately hasn’t gotten the exposure that it deserves because of its limited release.  If you are looking to boost your productivity today, listen to the tracks “To Travels & Trunks” and “Rio.” Hey Marseilles makes intelligent music that will inspire you to do great things (not to sound like a fortune cookie, but it’s true).

And if you’re like me, you may be wondering how  the collaboration process works in a large, instrumental band like Hey Marseilles. Of course it varies from band to band, but I often think, who was it who decided to put that little horn there? How did you decide to put it there instead of here? Why can’t I be this talented!

When asked about the writing process in a Three Imaginary Girls interview, Hey Marseilles frontman Matt Bishop said,

There’s kind of a few different ways that we do it. Some of the songs were songs that I brought to the table and then we would fill in the spaces and integrate it into the Hey Marseilles sound. A lot of the songs these days are coming out of the instrumentals that we’ll put together and then I’ll sit down and write melodies and lyrics on top of that. So it’s pretty dynamic in terms of the way they come together.

I can’t wait for the sophomore album to come out, and highly recommend you buy this album!

To Travels & Trunks (2008):

(MP3) Hey Marseilles- To Travels & Trunks

(MP3) Hey Marseilles – Rio

Official Site | or buy it at MF, where artists earn all the money (a new project I’ve been working on!)

Wisdom Tooth – Cathedral Park (2009)

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wisdom tooth

If you keep up with IndieMuse, you are probably well aware of my love for the xylophone. I think it’s a great instrument. And fortunately, a lot of bands dig the xylophone too, so I can pretty much write about it to my heart’s content.

Another instrument that I really love, that I can’t write about as much, is the ukulele. The ukulele is a totally underrated instrument, and it makes me sad that there are some ukelele haters out there who think it’s a lame guitar wannabe. It’s not. It’s awesome.

If you are like me, and just want to listen to great ukulele folk/pop all day, you should check out Meagan Day, aka Wisdom Tooth. She recently released an album called “Cathedral Park” that I highly recommend.  Best of all, she gives away all of her music for free.

Meagan is a Texas native, attending Oberlin College in Ohio,  and has been writing songs since high school.

Cathedral Park (2009)

Wisdom Tooth – Cathedral Park

Wisdom Tooth – Wild Grasses

Myspace | CLLCT (download fo’ FREE!)

Avi Buffalo

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avibuffalo

I’ve been listening a bunch recently to the Long Beach based band Avi Buffalo.  They have a great indie/folk sound and for being a young band, they have unbelievable potential. I love their charming vocals, guitar riffs, and little subtitles on every track.

The band is currently in one of those funky pre-label stages where they have a recorded album, but it’s not quite ready to see daylight yet. In the weeks to come they will likely make an official announcement about a record deal, and set a release date for their debut soon after that (UPDATE: Avi Buffalo has officially signed to Sub Pop). In the meantime, to help raise some gas money,  they are independently selling 5 tracks via Bandcamp that you should check out. I’ve been playing “Distaste and Interest” non-stop.

Avi Buffalo is Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, Sheridan Riley, Arin Fazio, and Rebecca Coleman. Avi started writing songs his sophomore year in high school, and after being asked to play a show by Bill Cutts of Outsider Folk, Avi got together some friends to play an acoustic set at the Zephyr Cafe in Long Beach. “With the summer time and a local fall music festival approaching, a full electric band was in order. The band was asked to play in Los Angeles, and did, and kept doing it! A year later, Avi and Aaron Embry(Amnion) began recording the songs that would become the band’s first record.”

(MP3) Avi Buffalo – Wheres Your Dirty Mind

(MP3)  Avi Buffalo – Coaxed (Aquarium Drunkard Session @ Infrasonic Studios)

Site | Myspace | Bandcamp

Old Hannah – When I Die

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Old Hannah are a folk-duo out of Boston. Their songs create memories of debatable origin. They elicit a nostalgia not entirely based in reality, more like some vague swirling sensation of times past.  Like a montage of youth shot through corroding, color-beaten film. Specifically their song “When I Die,” which, like most things I obsess over, keeps me up at night

Old Hannah is guitarist Tyler Bussey and singer A.K. Bussey plays guitar with the craftsmanship and melodic sensibility of Elliot Smith, embedding slight, lilting melodies into palm-muted chords while A.K. sings with the conviction of one who understands Grace as both abstraction and fact of life. In “When I Die,” a song as profound as it is simple, Bussey’s guitar playing acts as an understated guide to A.K.’s melody as she details post-mortal wanderings and laments, traipsing through golden gates and floating above the world, images that mirror the ambitions of her vocals. And when they touch the chorus, a nearly ethereal portion of the song existing only as a riff and a line, Bussey reaches an infectious slide which propels A.K.’s lament to the heavens: “And when I die, I’ll sing you songs.”

I first saw Old Hannah at a folk show where most people played covers. Given the power of  “When I Die,” I assumed it to be a song handed down through the generations and was astounded to find it was theirs.

Get into it.

From Old Hannah’s Bright World EP:

Old Hannah – When I Die

MySpace | BUY IT! |

Princeton – Cocoon of Love (2009)

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princeton

Fans of Jens Lekman, The Magnetic Fields, and My Morning Jacket should check out the L.A. band Princeton.  I’m really been digging their debut album, Cocoon of Love. It just released yesterday on Kanine records, and is a really solid folk/indie album. My favorite tracks off the album include “Shout It Out,” “Calypso Gold,” “Sadie and Andy,”  “Sylvie,” and “Stunner Shades in Heaven.”

Princeton is twin brothers Jesse & Matt Kivel, Ben Usen and David Kitz. In support of the new album the band is wrapping up a tour with Ra Ra Riot and will head out this fall with Art Brut and later with OK GO (dates after jump).

Cocoon of Love (2009):

(MP3) Princeton – Shout It Out

(MP3) Princeton – Sadie And Andy (Feat. Meredith Metcalf)

itunes | amazon | site | myspace

(Video) “Martina and Clive Krantz”


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Falcatross – Sprung (2009)

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Falcatross Sprung

If you are a fan of Bishop Allen, Clem Snide, John Vanderslice, or the Mountain Goats,  I highly recommend checking out the Brooklyn based band Falcatross. Their debut album, Sprung, is one of my favorites of the year, and the mastermind behind the project, Pete Fitzpatrick, creatively incorporates a wide range of folk instruments to make for one fun listening experience. Expect banjos, omnichords, violin, and most importantly hand claps, among other awesome instruments!

In addition to Sprung being an overall great album, I really appreciate the confidence this debut exhibits. In a world where instant gratification is increasingly expected, Fitzpatrick presents us with an eleven track album that contains only two tracks under four minutes long (and eight of them are above five minutes). Fitzpatrick is a professionally trained multi-instrumentalist, and fully utilizes his talents by not rushing songs. He allows things to build, and go in different directions, and playfully experiment in a mastered way where the listener can tell he is still in complete control.

Some of my favorite tracks on the album include “Momentum,””Simba Goes Down,””Ransom Smile,” and “Turn of the Season.” “Momentum” is one of the catchiest songs that I’ve heard in a while, and will definitely be on my top tracks of the year list.

Most of the instruments on Sprung are played by Fitzpatrick, who has played in a variety of bands, including Clem Snide (guitar/banjo/euphonium), The Pee Wee Fist, the Shirim Klezmer Orchestra (banjo), Naftule’s Dream (guitar), and Green 4 (drums). If that doesn’t make you a little jealous that he is such a well-versed musician, just keep in mind that those are only a few of the instruments he knows how to play.

Sprung (2009):

(MP3) Falcatross – Momentum
 (MP3) Falcatross – Simba Goes Down

Buy Sprung! | Official Website | Myspace

This is a cool video of the band you should check out.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKyKpqejn9s[/youtube]

Roundup: Wilco

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(Photo Credit: Doug Mason)

(Photo Credit: Doug Mason)

After this year’s Bonnaroo I can safely say that YES, Wilco is a touring band at its prime. The recently released Ashes of American Flags tour DVD gave me new insight into the workings of a group that, in my opinion, has overcome considerable struggle and years of obscurity to finally be standing strong at the peak of their art. After previewing the stream, Wilco (The Album) felt empty without Tweedy’s anxiety and experimental energy–it’s what defined masterpieces like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born. Nonetheless, there are new, beautiful aspects of the band that shine bright this time around–in addition, the new album is also considerably different from Sky Blue Sky. In my obsession of what I consider to currently be “The Great American Band,” I’ve stumbled on a few blog-gems that I will share with you, leading up to the release of Wilco (The Album). First, here’s a few minutes of Wilco (at Bonnaroo ’09) courtesy of Billboard Music.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1KSEUK_Vl4[/youtube]

Recently, The LAist published an extremely insightful interview with Wilco guitarist (and “Guitar God”) Nels Cline. In the article, Nels is approached about the new Wilco album, due out in a week or so. He answers questions about Wilco’s songwriting process as well as thoughts on his own project, The Nels Cline Trio–an avant-garde jazz group. If for no other reason than to learn about a true artist and a dying breed, check out the article. There’s also a fantastic video of Nels’ part on “Handshake Drugs” as well as a link to Nels Cline’s list of his Top 200 Guitarists.

OneThirtyBPM wrote a post a month or so ago that covers all you’ll need to prepare for new Wilco, complete with track lyrics and live versions of many of the songs on Wilco (The Album). After listening to their new songs live, it is fantastic to see how they are adapted for the stage and it’s even more interesting to see how they’ve already improved on songs that haven’t even been released yet. It’s definitely a more time-consuming post, but it’s worth it. ZIP file included.

Finally, just a quick note on the June 30th release of Wilco (The Album), if you order from Wilco World before the album comes out you get a full 256kbs download on release in addition to the physical media. Also, if you pre-order, you can download the track “You Never Know” right away. This track, incedentally, is also going to 7″ for a limited time in honor of Vinyl Saturday (from the creators of Record Store Day). The 7″ will include “You Never Know” as well as “Unlikely Japan,” an unreleased Sky Blue Sky track–a precursor to “Impossible Germany.” Since we all love nerding out on b-sides and rarities… this is welcome. More info on that at Nonesuch Records.

Home | MySpace | NoneSuch Records | Hype Machine | AllMusic | Wiki

Pre-Order Wilco (The Album) NOW: The Wilco Store | NoneSuch Records | Amazon | iTunes | InSound

Don’t Worry, I’ll be posting Wilco’s show from Bonnaroo 2009 soon!

To end, I leave you with a Glenn Kotche interview by Nashville’s Lightning 100 fm. Kinda hard to hear, but it’s funny… just not ha ha funny.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl-rw8ABmQQ[/youtube]

Bonnaroo 2009: Delta Spirit

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(Photo Credit: Jay West 2009)

(Photo Credit: Jay West 2009)

Perhaps my favorite story from this years Bonnaroo happened on the first night. The day, spent obtaining press passes and setting up campsites in the rain, was anything but magical. Nervous faces and knotted stomachs were a sign of the apprehension, but people maintained hope for a positive, pleasant weekend.

Poncho on, we headed in to catch the White Rabbits, Chairlift and Passion Pit. The shows did not disappoint and the crowd was just happy to see some music. I’ll expound on those shows later, but the real treat of the night came in the form of California natives Delta Spirit. Originally set to go on at their 7 p.m. slot, the poor guys were stuck in a Dallas airport as their stage time passed. I can only imagine their shock when they found out that they would be going on after Passion Pit–12:30 a.m, This Tent,  in the pouring rain.

Occasionally clarifying their anxious bewilderment with bits of banter that included “thank you for listening,” and “we definitely aren’t the best band out here,” Delta Spirit exemplified raw, honest energy better than any band I had the pleasure listening to all weekend. Though I didn’t catch the whole show, I was assured that their hour long, last-minute set was full of folk-infused, no frills Delta rock. Lead-singer Matthew Vasquez led the band with authority and an ear-to-ear grin, culminating with “People C’mon,” a call-to-arms for wandering souls. As he screamed, “And I’ll be wondering all, for all my years. What I become no one can say!” I was sold. The crowd cheered and fed off their raw energy. I can say, without a doubt, that whatever was lost in inexperience and nervousness was more than made up for with sheer enthusiasm.

What would have been a normal festival run serendipitously turned into a once-in-a-lifetime, Cinderella-story. I can only hope that the press and attention resulting from such a story will bring Delta Spirit closer to being required listening and competing with the best we have to offer.

MP3: Delta Spirit – “People C’mon”

MP3: Delta Spirit – “Strange Vine”

MP3: Delta Spirit – “Streetwalker”

Home | MySpace | Hype Machine | AllMusic| Wiki

Pick up Ode to Sunshine NOW: iTunes | Amazon | eMusic

The only reason I had even heard about Delta Spirit was from a particularly wonderful “Take-Away Show” at La Blogotheque. As I still know very little about these dudes, the video says more than I ever could about the band and their sound. Check it out the whole article here.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/4077192[/vimeo]

In 2010, Delta Spirit will issue the follow-up to their debut, Ode to Sunshine, with an LP entitled Natalie Portman Says This Album Will Change Your Life. (via)

I’m very very excited. Plus: More Bonnaroo reviews, live tracks and pictures coming this week…

The Shivers – In The Morning (2009)

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in-the-morning-the-shivers

The Shivers, who are one of the best kept secrets in today’s indie scene, just released a new album called In The Morning. It’s a fantastic follow-up to their 2008 album, Beaks to The Moon (which made my Top 10 list last year).  The entire album was recorded on a 4-track cassette deck in their rehearsal space under Queensboro Bridge, giving their music a pure, lo-fi sound.

Like other Shivers albums, In the Morning jumps around a lot from track to track, but the band is able to pull off their diverse sound in a way most bands could only dream. My favorite track on the album is the opening song “Just Didn’t Need To Know,” which brings to mind the Velvet Underground (in particular Lou Reed’s “Heroine”). Other favorites include “Only in It For The $$$,” “Insane,”  “Sad Excuse,” and, of course, “Inside Job” (a silent track that lasts for 9 minutes and 11 seconds; Keith is a supporter of 9/11 Truth).

Keith Zarriello has been the only consistent member of the band since forming in Brooklyn back in 2001, but the band has now evolved into a duo, with the talented Jo Schornikow on piano, organ, and occasional vocals.  You can look for The Shiver’s song “Feather” in the new Noah Baumbach produced movie Alexander the Last. Jo also scored acted in the film alongside Justin Rice from Bishop Allen.

In The Morning (2009)

The Shivers – Just Didn’t Need To Know

The Shivers – Insane

Other highly recommended listening:

The Shivers – Beauty

The Shivers – Lonely Road

Site| Amazon (only $7.99) | iTunes | Myspace

John Vanderslice – Romanian Names (2009)

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I’ve only listened two times through to John Vanderslice’s upcoming album, Romanian Names, but am really enjoying it so far. I like the direction he’s taking his music, and appreciate how it’s lighter and more upbeat than past albums. The instrumentation and vocals are really crisp and bring to mind Pixel Revolt (2005), which is still my favorite Vanderslice album (I’ve been hated on for liking it more than Cellar Door (2004), but I’ve come to terms with that.)

This album definitely has more folk influence than his previous albums. When I was playing “C & O Canal,” which is my favorite track on the album right now, one of my friends walked in and thought it was Sufjan Stevens… a comparison I can definitely see. This transition probably occurred after Vanderslice decided to take a minimalist approach and construct the melodies of his songs in a basement studio in his home, as opposed to his recording studio, Tiny Telephone.

Other tracks I’m really digging  right now include “Too Much Time,””Sunken Union Boat,” and the title track, “Romanian Names.”

John Vanderslice is from San Francisco, and has been performing with his own band ever since breaking up with mk Utlra in 1999. He has his own record studio in San Francisco called Tiny Telephone, where he not only records his own albums, but produces albums for other artists, such as Spoon’s Gimme Fiction. Some other bands that have recorded there include: Beulah, Death Cab, Deerhoof, Mates of State, and the Mountain Goats, who John has done a lot of collaboration with. Romanian Names will be released on May 19th (18th in the U.K.). JV is going on a huge U.S. tour to support the release, and I highly recommend you see him live if you have the chance…he’s great (dates after jump).

Romanian Names (2009):

John Vanderslice – Too Much Time

John Vanderslice – Fetal Horses

Emerald City (2007):

John Vanderslice – Kookaburra

John Vanderslice – White Dove

Pixel Revolt (2005):

John Vanderslice – Exodus Damage (Highly recommended)

John Vanderslice – Trance Manuel

Cellar Door (2004):

John Vanderslice – My Family Tree

Life and Death of An American Fourtracker (2002):

John Vanderslice – Underneath The Leaves

John Vanderslice – The Mansion

| JV’s site | Tiny Telephone| Dead Oceans (label) Myspace|