First Listen: Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs

Eddie Vedder, the Pearl Jam singer, and man-you’d-have-least-expected-to-release-a-ukulele-album-in-1993, has, in fact, released a new album called Ukulele Songs – and now you can hear the whole thing on NPR’s First Listen series. The album marks Vedder’s second solo effort after the exquisite soundtrack to the film Into the Wild, and features guests from Glen Hansard (The Frames, Swell Season) to Chan Marshall (Cat Power), and has a decidedly warm, intimate feel.  Vedder has observed that the ukulele is particularly good at bringing people together, and that its simplicity allowed for a more immediate and personal writing process.  Ukulele Songs is dedicated to Eddie’s wife and children, and is considerably warmer in mood than you’d expect.

So, head on over to NPR to listen to Ukulele Songs, and also consider reading the Rolling Stone interview.  There are videos below… enjoy!

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Mailbag: Chris Kiehne – Pray for Daylight

Chris Kiehne’s Pray For Daylight is a mesmerizing, almost-lost album full of exquisite harmonies (provided by the excellent Sonya Cotton) and wispy threads of literate, Americana-tinged folk.  It’s an album that – despite its hard-luck history – has a freshness that speaks volumes about its talented creators and their passion for this project.  At least, that’s my take.  Here’s what Chris has to say: “It’s about zombies and love and other gross stuff, and Sonya sings harmony through its entirety.”  Of course, there’s more to that story…but how can you pass up zombies?

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Mailbag: Melaena Cadiz – Rattle the Windows

Melaena CadizRattle the Windows is an absolute gem of alt-country/folk that I’ve been sitting on for entirely too long.  But now, as the weather turns more fully to spring, this album which talks of honeybees and dragonflies, walks in the night, and other vernal fare, is one that compels me to finally make amends and share its treasure with you.  So, let’s talk…

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Mailbag: Andrew Malo – Wait For Miles

Andrew Malo’s second album – Wait For Miles – is a real gem of an indie-folk/country album.  There are hints of Tom Waits in songs like “Hotels,” and traces of early M. Ward in numerous tracks, but the real star here is Andrew himself.  The songs have a true intimacy, and are almost hypnotizing as they slowly unfold.  And while the production is high-quality, the album itself has a decidedly lo-fi atmosphere that bristles and shines with rich textures.  The result is a remarkably chill album that’s well worth a look.

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  I hope you’re all having a wonderful day full of good music, fun, friends, and plentiful helpings of food!  As in previous years, I’ve put together a little mix to help make the day a little more festive.  This time, I tried to concentrate on those songs that remind me of spending time with my family and friends… and some that remind me of specific places in Ireland.  I hope you’ll find it entertaining!

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