Monsters of Folk--Free Download

If you just can't wait for the album to come out September 22nd, like me, you can get a free download of "Say Please" on their official website.  It makes me excited, very excited.

Yim Yames Does George Harrison

It's no secret that I adore Jim James from My Morning Jacket. And I never mentioned meeting him this past winter after Patrick, his drummer, played for Dan Auerbach at Bowery Ballroom. Now, I usually steer clear of celebrities and try to stay out of their way but this HAD to be the exception. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

A few beers later, I not only realized he had no interest whatsoever in having me as his new BFF, but is also stuck in the past. He's no fan of Kings of Leon, nor Fleet Foxes. He respects his classics, like Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and George Harrison...which is his own prerogative, hell I grew up listening to classic rock and classic rock only. James, a.k.a. Yim Yames' new 6 song EP (soon to become a full record), makes sense, and I can't wait. Tribute To is a collection of George Harrison's solo works and will be released July 7th. A genius covering a genius.

Read more and listen to a taste here or download "Behind That Locked Door" at yimyames.com. If that weren't enough to wet your appetite, James' collaboration with Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Mike Mogis birthed Monsters of Folk, which will be released 9/22/09.

On Repeat: Dark Was The Night

Wow.

Arcade Fire, MMJ, Feist, Grizzly Bear, Yeasayer, Conor Oberst, Cat Power, Beirut, Sufjan Stevens, Yo La Tengo, Bon Iver and more...phew...ALL on the SAME album? Incredible, and it's really indie heaven. Ready your ears and enjoy, all for HIV/Aids relief. A big thanks to the Red Hot Organization for compiling this particular list of artists. I'm bummed I missed this concert, but it was the same night as Pete Seeger's birthday. Enjoy Yeasayer's, "Tight Rope" below.

Another fantastic compilation I've come across is A Broke Down Melody, released in 2006, including the likes of M. Ward, Jack Johnson, Eddie Vedder, and Johnny Osbourne. You'd wish you were sitting by a bonfire on the beach in Hawaii. Or you could just rent the film.

My Notes On The Latest Albums

Dan Auerbach, "Keep It Hid"
-Can anyone say rock n’ roll? Auerbach's solo album is a must-buy...it’s like listening to the Black Keys but with a full kick ass band (otherwise known as Hacienda) and I’ve been listening to this non-stop!

Blitzen Trapper, "Furr"
-A bit country pop, this band was a favorite of mine at SXSW, and I have no idea why I didn’t like them before!

The Airborne Toxic Event, self titled
-Another favorite at SXSW, a mixture of a bit Arcade Fire, Bush, and Lightspeed Champion, with a killer violinist

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "It’s Blitz!"
-Their third album and typical Karen O, but they bring something new to the table here—keep making more!

Wilco, "Sky Blue Sky"
-I’m excited to see this album play out in concert—check out Wilco if you haven’t already, their experimentation might take a bit to get used to, but trust me you’ll love them!

Peter Bjorn & John, "Living Thing"
-I’ve been anticipating their second album, but who hasn’t? These guys stood out at Coachella, and if you liked “Young Folks” you will be pleased

Camera Obscura, "My Maudlin Career"
-Same dreamy voice, same original sound. They played in this small, beautiful church at SXSW and it felt like heaven

Coner Oberst, "Outer South"
-Album is released May 5th, but I got a sneak peak at Coachella. Oberst, otherwise known as Bright Eyes, does folk rock at it’s finest

Chairlift, "Do You Inspire You"
-You know their song “Bruises” featured on an ipod nano commercial, but the rest of the album is solid and very different (keep an open mind), and they did a impressive job for us at SXSW

Felice Brothers, "Yonder Is The Clock"
-I’ve been talking about these boys non-stop and their dusty, rustic folk rock sound; with vocals reminiscent of Dylan. You feel like you’re in a barn during a country jam session drinking beers—in the distant past

Ida Maria, "Fortress ‘Round My Heart"
-I like this album, but it’s still growing on me—I’ve gotta support my fellow Norwegians! I like her loud rock tunes but more so when she slows it down, and I hear she’s great live

M. Ward, "Hold Time"
-One half of the band She & Him, and the talk of the town at Coachella, this album is a great one to sit back and relax to, or to pop in your car during a road trip

And look out for Hockey, if you like the Black Lips you will probably dig these dirty boys!