The Decemberists Cover R.E.M. on KCRW

The Decemberists stopped by KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic to do some songs yesterday, and one of those songs was “Cuyahoga” from R.E.M.’s Life’s Rich Pageant. The original is positively stunning, and one of my all-time favorite songs…so, naturally, I feel somewhat protective of it.  Happily, despite this cover’s looser, more casual feel, it definitely sounds at home with The Decemberists.

Here, have a listen and judge for yourself.  (Thanks to Stereogum!)

[audio:https://www.shh-listen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/The-Decemberists-Cuyahoga-REM-Cover.mp3|titles=The Decemberists – Cuyahoga (REM Cover)]  Download

First Listen: Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues”

Thanks to Stereogum, we’ve got the title track from Fleet Foxes’ Helplessness Blues (out 5/3 via Sub Pop).  And I’ve got to tell you… it’s soaring, majestic, and wonderful.  At one point, singer Robin Pecknold asserts: “And I know you will keep me on the shelf…”

Not a chance.  Come have a listen, and grab your own copy!

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First Listen: Telekinesis – “12 Desperate Straight Lines”

My birthday might be tomorrow, but NPR already gave me a sweet present… as of right now, you can hear all of Telekinesis‘ forthcoming album – 12 Desperate Straight Lines – over on their site.  I urge you to head on over, now!

(And hey, thanks, NPR!)

Coming Soon: Greater Pacific – “Rainfall” EP

Greater Pacific began when Kyle Kersten and John Phinney, members of Travel By Sea, decided to take their love of pedal steel and country folk into a new realm.  On the Rainfall EP, out 1/25 as a six-track, digital release on Yer Bird Records, the pair are joined by fellow Travel By Sea member Mike Cusick on drums, as well as L.A. favorite Angela Correa.  The result is a gentle, rolling cascade of expansive, haunting songs that draw us to those places of quiet solitude that mark a Winter’s night, a walk in the Spring rain, or where we go inside when no one else is looking.

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JBM Performs M.Ward’s “Carolina” for The Voice Project

We’ve talked about The Voice Project before, and today they continue their tradition of bringing us excellent, intimate cover performances with JBM (Jesse Marchant) doing a cover of M.Ward’s “Carolina.”  It’s a touching performance of a song that Jesse says is “…just a beautiful song,” as well as “one of the favorites of my mother, as well.”  Have a listen:

JBM » M. Ward from The Voice Project on Vimeo.