Category: Reviews

Out Now: Ghosts I’ve Met – From A Spark

Out now on Yer Bird Records, Ghosts I’ve Met’s From A Spark is a beautiful, poignant debut album that finds singer-songwriter Sam Watts at the peak of his talent.  The debut LP, which features guests such as Jenna Conrad (Damien Jurardo), Anne Marie Ruljancich (The Shins), and Ben Blankenship (Modest Mouse), unfurls slowly in a wash of deeply-textured atmospheres that pull the listener deep into intimate reflection.  The effect is instant and striking, unfurling as it does like a rainy day with nothing but the view, some tea, and silence for company.

Continue reading “Out Now: Ghosts I’ve Met – From A Spark”

Mountain Goats: “You Were Cool” (and more!) – Live

I saw the Mountain Goats tonight in Boston, and I now need to make sure you’ve got “You Were Cool” in your arsenal.  I can honestly say that I can’t think of anyone who exudes more energy or raw emotion than John Darnielle.  From joy that positively explodes in your chest to poignant anecdotes from days gone by, a Mountain Goats concert is a real workout for the soul.  Which brings me to “You Were Cool…”

Continue reading “Mountain Goats: “You Were Cool” (and more!) – Live”

Music for a Rainy Day: Mondrian

Mondrian are a band from Paris who sing in English, make surreal videos, and dabble in styles that range from ’60s-’70s California pop to Folk to hints of Synthpop.  That’s the nutshell version, but, honestly, these labels fail to capture the varied sounds of Mondrian’s first EP: Pop Shop, or the quirkiness of their visual style.

Continue reading “Music for a Rainy Day: Mondrian”

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.

Continue reading “Mailbag: Andrew Malo – Wait For Miles”

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!

Continue reading “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”