Archive for the Acoustic Category
 The Shepherd’s Dog by Iron & Wine has been released. The sound is a little less mellow than some of Sam Beam’s past work.
This album follows more along the lines of "Woman King" than it does "Love And Some Verses". A little bit more rock than folk, but never too far from it.
Have a listen to "Boy With A Coin" and see what you think.
Also, check out the original Iron & Wine post.
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 Sept. 25th just can’t get here soon enough! In Our Nature, the newest album from Jose Gonzalez will be released to the masses just in time for… Columbus Day? Well, maybe just in time to satisfy our cravings for smooth vocals, gently finger-picked classical guitar, and heartfelt lyrics.
The first single released from the album, "Down The Line", is featured on a compilation album that is currently available on iTunes. I can’t wait for the music video!
BTW, have you heard his collaboration with Zero 7 on their album The Garden? If not, grab these while you can (Right click and "Save Link As…")
Also, check out this Jose Gonzalez review to read more about him.
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 Brett Dennen is a pretty excellent example of an Indie musician who is only concerned about doing what he does best; writing and performing his own unique style of music. His is chill folk rock, pop, and Indie. With his tall stature, giant moppy red-hair, he has a fearless yet unintimidating way of performing. As a singer/songwriter, Brett Dennen can play solo acoustic or with a small band.
Many people who like Indie musicians like the fact that they have full control over their music and generally keep it all original. Why we feel you will like Brett Dennen isn’t just because of his catchy and soulfully written music and not entirely because of his extremely friendly “big bear/soft hear” appeal, it’s because we just straight think he is unique. From his style, personality, performance capability, and music; this young kid is unique.
Brett Dennen’s music recommendations? Try out “Ain’t No Reason,” or “Darlin’ Do Not Fear.” Since everyone needs a good mix of music, try out Brett Dennen when you are looking for something a little chill.
On his MySpace page, you can not only hear his best songs, but actually buy and download individual songs.
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 I am anxiously awaiting the release of Iron & Wine’s new album, Shepherd’s Dog. The band’s website says that the album is due out 9.25.2007 and I just can’t wait. My experiences with Our Endless Numbered Days and Woman King have been good ones and I’m sure that Shepherd’s Dog will be just as cool.
Iron & Wine is Sam Beam with a little bit of female vocal help from his sister Sarah Beam. In the true Indie spirit, Beam single-handedly wrote, recorded, and produced his debut album The Creek Drank The Cradle and is totally committed to his music. Since his debut, Beam has added other band members and instruments to his studio recordings as he explores his folk sound.
Be prepared to slow things down a little with Iron & Wine, sit back and enjoy the floating acoustic guitars delicately wrapped with soothing vocals. On a personal note, I got married two weeks ago and Iron & Wine is just sappy enough to get me thinking about love and relationships but not enough to cause nausea. The feeling that pervades much of the music produced by this band is kind of dreamy and whimsical. The album cover for Our Endless Numbered Days is a depiction of Sam Beam laying in the grass resting/dreaming/relaxing and that is exactly the mood that his music will put you in.
Favorite songs are “Jezebel,” “Love and Some Verses,” “Promise What You Will,” and their cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights.”
If you like Iron & Wine, try: Sufjan Stevens, Jose Gonzalez, Andrew Bird.
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 José González takes simple guitar parts and makes them sound intricate and interesting. Debuting on the scene with a style and tone that modernizes classic groups like Simon and Garfunkel; Jose Gonzalez writes rich Indie folk music on his classical guitar to sooth the soul.
In spite of his name Jose Gonzalez was actually born in Sweden and uses his American-European roots to come up with interesting melodies alongside covers. The young artist has a solid command of his guitar and is able to make use of subtle emphasis to add an extra dimension to his guitar playing. His cover of “Heartbeats” (originally by The Knife) has gained recognition and been featured in an award winning commercial for Bravia. It seems strange to link to a commercial but if anyone hasn’t seen this they need to. It’s beautiful. (Click on read more)
His debut album (and only album at the time of writing), Veneer, is full of a subtle passion that any music lover can appreciate.
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It’s really hard to put into words how I feel about Sufjan’s music but I guess that’s just it, his music makes me feel, it’s emotional.
Sufjan is talented on some pretty rad instruments, most notably the banjo. He also plays the French horn, the guitar, various woodwinds, the drums, and the piano. Not only is he proficient on the instruments that he plays, but he is also able to write music that truly highlights the sounds of each instrument.
Sufjan Stevens is given credit for his part in the reviving folk music in the Indie realm. He has also set a very lofty goal of producing an album for each of the 50 nifty United States. He’s done Michigan and Illinois and we already enjoy loads of good music.
If you like Sufjan Stevens try: Andrew Bird, Tobias Froberg, and Jose Gonzalez.
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Kalai (Kaniela Ka lei Ali’i ‘O’Kalani Kala’i) was born in Hawaii, but raised primarily in Alaska. His musical styles include blues, folk rock, and acoustic. His fans usually also like Ben Harper, G. Love, Israel, Damien Rice, and he is much better than that annoying Jack Johnson. Give your ears the soothing sounds of “On My Mind” (available on his Myspace page). You can’t forget a crowd favorite, “Fear Not the Wild Things,” which combined with the music from the rest of his albums will convince you as it has me, that Kalai brings a new standard to the singer/songwriter category of Indie music. He has a super smooth and controlled voice, and is almost surgical with his clean and crisp guitar playing.
Nicknamed “The Hand” because of an enormous hemangioma that grew on his hand as a child, he has had to learn to live with constant pain in the affected area’s of his hand which he usually keeps wrapped and medicated. His sound is a mix of the areas and cultures which have influenced him through his life; the laid-back sounds of the Polynesian culture as well as the blues and folk styles of the mainland. One thing common in Blues music that Kalai is an expert at is ad-libbed, on-site song writing. Just as a he makes a joke or tells a story, he can immediately flow that story or joke into a completely original song.
On stage and in person, he is one of the funniest musicians you may ever meet, aside from Stephen Lynch of course. His humor and vocal tones when he is making jokes and teasing, have a strange but welcome familiarity, just like that of the late Mitch Hedberg. Even in the middle of a live performance, he once took a short time to make fun of me as I had to leave to take a phone call from a friend who was meeting me at the concert. By short time I mean 15 minutes, and by make fun of me I mean thoroughly embarrass.
If you are a big fan, leave a comment with your favorite songs and why you like Kalai.
Label type: Indie
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