Shepizzle

Tobias Fröberg is awesome. Honestly, I don’t know much about this guy other than that he is an Indie folk singer/songwriter from Sweden who has toured with Jose Gonzalez and that his music is a really worthwhile.

As I sit here listening to him, I really can’t figure out why Tobias Froberg isn’t more of a household name among Indie music lovers the world over. His melodies are fun (the kind that usually get you to sing along before you even know the words) and his vocals are moody. His songs are mostly, if not all, based on his acoustic guitar. If you think folk and you just won’t be disappointed.

I think the thing that I like most about Mr. Froberg’s music is his versatility. When he wants to be happy and upbeat, as in “When The Night Turns Cold” he does it convincingly and when he wants to be all sappy and lovey dovey, he does it with the best of them.

Froberg has released two albums, For Elisabeth Wherever You Are and Somewhere in the City. Somewhere in the City is an impressive release, one of those very complete and well-constructed albums that you can listen to all the way through over and over. Have a listen and see for yourself.

• TobiasFroberg.com

Favorite songs include “When The Night Turns Cold“, “Love And Misery”, “God’s Highway”, “So I”, and “Oh My Love”.

If you like Tobias Froberg, try: Jose Gonzalez, Iron and Wine, Brett Dennen and Sufjan Stevens.

Here is a video my favorite of favorites by Tobias Froberg, it’s “When The Night Turns Cold” in video form.

If by the slight chance you were looking for Tobias Funke, don’t worry, I’m sure it happens all the time but you got the wrong guy.

I know that some folks are just dying to hear what Mariah Carey wants for Christmas this year, but that’s not you, right? It’s not me either!

Last year I ordered Sufjan Stevens: Songs for Christmas for my wife and now Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without it. Songs for Christmas is a 5-disc box set representing 5 years of home recordings from Soof with some of your Christmas favorites and several original tracks. This year the set is priced under $20, talk about a perfect gift for your Indie-loving friends. My favorite song is Mr. Stevens’ version of “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing”.

Here are a couple of free mp3’s from Sufjan’s Stevens: Songs for Christmas to tide you over until your get it for yourself:

• “That Was The Worst Christmas Ever”
• “Sister Winter”
• “Come On! Let’s Boogey To The Elf Dance!”
• “Get Behind Me, Santa!”
• Stream the entire box set here

And here’s “Put The Lights On The Tree”. Merry Christmas!

Check out the original Sufjan Stevens post too.

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.

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…")

• Crosses.mp3
• Left Behind.mp3
• Today.mp3

Also, check out this Jose Gonzalez review to read more about him.

Beirut has released their follow up album to Gulag Orkestar and it is definitely worthy of some buzz. The Flying Club Cup is the second full length ablum released by the band. It was pre-released on iTunes and will be released on October 9th.

The Flying Club Cup shows a quieter, more mellow side of Zach Condon and his orkestar. I had been looking forward to The Flying Club Cup because I was curious to see which direction the band would take with the new album. I dreaded the thoughts that they would produce a more mainstream sound and was maybe a tiny bit nervous that they would swing further in the other direction into some sort of psychadelic Balkan polka or something.

Thankfully, Beirut satisfied me by staying true to their unique sound. The songs are less rowdy and rambunctious than most on Gulag Orkestar, setting a quieter mood for the album. Zach’s distinct voice sounds even more mature, it’s hard to believe that he’s only 21.

Favorite songs include "Forks and Knives (La Fete)", "A Sunday Smile", and "Nantes". Be sure to pick this one up.

I’m excited to bring you a first here on Shepizzle.com, this review marks the first review of artist/band submitted material reviewed on this site. Three hours ago I had never heard of Wax & Wane and now I am a fan, officially! Folk music has found it’s place in my ears and these guys were just good enough for me to want to recommend them to you.

Baltimore-based Wax & Wane is a collaboration of musicians Ari Schenck, Sine Jensen, Danny Costa, Justin Kwash, and Nick Podgurski. All but Mr. Podgurski are listed as lead vocalists, so you’re sure to get a good mix on vocals from song to song.

Wax & Wane’s latest releases Desert and Bay are vinyl EP’s that truly do justice to the Indie folk sound they have created. That sound includes a variety of acoustic instruments ranging from violin and cello to Hammond organs and harmonica. The guitar is gentle and soothing and the percussion is interesting and fitting. A sort of natural and organic tone pervades the recordings and I’m reminded of things more simple; nothing is rushed or hurried. Think of the autumnal sounds of the late Nick Drake.

Favorite songs include “Road’s After”, “I Really Need This” (hear it on Myspace), “My Friend Gene”, and “Whistler”. Look for more good stuff to come from these guys.

If you like Wax & Wane, try: Andrew Bird, Jose Gonzalez, Iron & Wine, and Sufjan Stevens.

• WaxampersandWane.com
• Listen to Wax & Wane on Myspace

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.

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.”

• ironandwine.com

If you like Iron & Wine, try: Sufjan Stevens, Jose Gonzalez, Andrew Bird.
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