R.F. Maston sent me an email a while back, asked me to check out his stuff and then sent me an album. Now first of all, that’s just about as Indie as an artist can get and the personal touch of an email tells me that this guy is pretty down to earth. I’ve had The Future on repeat since I got it. Something about the vibe I get from his mellowed-out indie folk reminds me of the Juno soundtrack, but I find R.F. Maston’s music more lasting and more interesting.
The Future is R.F. Maston’s debut album and I’m hoping that he’ll tour to support his release. I would love to see how he pulls off a live show because he plays all of the instruments on the album himself. I guess some people are just disgustingly talented like that.
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.
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:
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…")
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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