Late Greats (The Blog)

Random Friday ∞ Barenaked

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:05 PDT

You could say The Duke is a closet Barenaked Ladies fan. Their kids album is quite nice, if you are a hipster parent.

Kevin Hearn is the Ladies’ keyboardist. (He was also the man to push the Ladies to make said kids’ album.) Kev’s got a new album out – Havana Winter – that is short on time but long on a good time. Uptempo and fun, Havana Winter is chalk full of special guests: Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson add their two cents, not to mention vocalist Mary Margaret O’Hara and jazz saxophonist Richard Underhill.

Listen:
Kevin Hearn and thinbuckle ∞ Huntsville.ca

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Randomness

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Go see 'em on tour:
Jul. 9 - Los Angeles, CA - The Mint
Jul. 12 - Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java
Jul. 13 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
Jul. 14 - Cambridge, MA - TT The Bears
Jul. 16 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
Jul. 26 - Guelph, ON - Guelph Lake Island Hillside Festival
Jul. 28 - Halifax, NS - The Company House
Jul. 30 - Toronto, ON - The Dakota Tavern
Jul. 31 - Wakefield, QC - Blacksheep Inn
Aug. 9 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza, Grant Park
Sept. 26 - Toronto, ON - Enwave Theatre (Art of Time - The Abbey Road Sessions)
Sept. 27 - Toronto, ON - Enwave Theatre (Art of Time - The Abbey Road Sessions)

Cleaning Up The Kitchen ∞ The Further Adventures of Los Straitjackets

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:00:03 PDT

I know I said one of the requirements of a Cleaning Up The Kitchen album was sing-a-long-ability. So how does an instrumental album make this list?

Simple, the melodies of the song are simple and easy to sing. And at just over a half hour, one much clean fast to finish the dishes before the album.

Listen:
Los Straitjackets ∞ Fortune Cookie

What do you listen to while cleaning up the kitchen? Leave a hullabaloo.

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:05:27 PDT

Just so you know, in honor of Wilco’s new album, I have renamed this blog to “Late Greats (The Blog)”.

(photo by Patrick Nichols)

I’ve been a fan of Catherine MacLellan since I received her song "Emily’s Song" via email back in 2008. She has a new double album out “Water In The Ground / Dark Dream Midnight”. A magnum opus of Canadian folk music. In the 22 songs, there is definitely something for everyone.

Listen:
Catherine MacLellan ∞ Take A Break

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

More:
Weekly Favorites

Use some of your 50 FREE Downloads from eMusic to get more favorites. Or not.

Fresh songs

They Don't Care About Us Lyrics Michael Jackson	Human Nature Lyrics Michael Jackson
Smile Lyrics Charlie Chaplin	Transformers: The Fallen (Remix) Lyrics Cheap Trick
Perfect Stranger Lyrics Leona Lewis	Gone Too Soon Lyrics Michael Jackson
Will You Be There Lyrics Michael Jackson	Too Little Too Late Lyrics Brandy
Ben Lyrics Michael Jackson	We Are The World Lyrics Michael Jackson

Free song list for your blog here.

Party Tunes Tuesday ∞ Ice Cream Party (Sorta)

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:56:57 PDT

Trevor Hall reminds me of cleaner cut Sublime. A more laidback Mraz. His self-titled debut comes out 7.28.09.

Listen:
Trevor Hall ∞ 31 Flavors

Bonus mp3:
Ani DiFranco ∞ 32 Flavors

More:
Party Tunes

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Homonym Monday ∞ Idaho

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:39 PDT

No real reason for this musical Homonym. Other than I have been really digging Gregory Alan Isakov’s This Empty Northern Hemisphere. Very laidback album. Perfect for winding down after a busy holiday weekend.

Gregory Alan Isakov ∞ Idaho
Josh Ritter ∞ Idaho

Which song do you dig best? Or did I leave out your favorite “Idaho” song? Leave a hullabaloo.

More:
Homonyms

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Random Friday ∞ Easy To Love

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:00:46 PDT

Way back in August of last year, I made this proclamation:

Leslie Mendelson’s album “Easy Love” will be the first great new release of 2009. Leslie’s music leans on the pop with substance side. Comparable artists = the three Sarahs: McLachlan, Bareilles and Harmer.

Mendelson is from NYC. She likes to bum around with James Maddock – who some may remember from the band Wood.

Download this mp3. And when she hits the big time in ’09, you can say, “Oh Leslie. I’ve been listening to her months.”

Hopefully you have been listening for 11 months, because Leslie is poised to make the big time. Easy Love has become Swan Feathers – out now. Her song “Hit The Spot” was this week’s Discovery Download at iTunes. AND she swung by RAWSession and did this cover of Sex On Fire.

As for James Maddock, he has a new album coming out in June. Look for more on him soon.

Listen:
Leslie Mendelson ∞ Sex On Fire

More:
Randomness

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Cleaning Up The Kitchen ∞ Dearest Darlin'

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:03:04 PDT

I first blogged about Jenni Muldaur back in May. Right before Memorial Day Weekend. Saying Jenni’s song “You’re Breaking Me Up” is perfect for kicking off summer. Now that Summer is officially here on the calendar, it’s time to take a closer look at her album, Dearest Darlin'.

It would be easy to dismiss Jenni’s 2009 release as a Winehouse/Duffy knockoff. But there is so much more to Jenni than her classic, soulful sound. Jenni is the daughter of Maria and Geoff Maldaur. Both excellent musicians in their own right. She has sung background vocals from Rufus Wainwright to Linda and Teddy Thompson to Shivaree.

Maybe there is some connection to Those Darlins, as both albums (Jenni’s and Darlins’) are perfect for cleaning up the kitchen

Listen:
Jenni Muldaur ∞ Dearest Darlin'

What do you listen to while cleaning up the kitchen? Leave a hullabaloo.

More:
Album Reviews

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:20:16 PDT

My favorite this week is actually an interview Coconut did last night on WHYS in Eau Claire, WI. Coconut is out promoting our debut album In The Bamboo Forests Of Pennsylvania. He fields some questions and plays Honeydipper and 3rd Night sans The Duke. Keep in mind, you can buy our CD at CD Baby or mp3s from Amazon MP3 or iTunes.

Listen:
Coconut Interview On WHYS

Bonus mp3 of the studio version:
Coconut and The Duke ∞ Honeydipper

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

More:
Weekly Favorites

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Wayback Wednesdays

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:27:24 PDT

While playing in the basement with Duke Jr., I saw this CD and on the shelf. Popped it in and remembered how great the leadoff track is.

Listen:
Augie March ∞ On Crowed Hour (2007)

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Wayback Wednesdays

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New Songs This Week

Thriller Lyrics Michael Jackson	You Are Not Alone Lyrics Michael Jackson
Bury Me Alive Lyrics The Fallen	We Are The World Lyrics Usa For Africa
Where Are You Lyrics 50 Cent	All Love Lyrics Ingrid Michaelson
Heal The World Lyrics Michael Jackson	Man In The Mirror Lyrics Michael Jackson
Bad Lyrics Michael Jackson	La Loba Lyrics Shakira

More blog tools found here.

Inbox Artists ∞ Two Out Today

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:41 PDT

Two notable Americana chicas are releasing albums today. Melissa McClelland’s Victoria Day and Amy Speace’s The Killer In Me. Take a listen below and add these to your “must buy” list for today.

Listen:
Melissa McClelland (w/ Ron Sexsmith) ∞ Seasoned Lovers
Amy Speace ∞ The Killer In Me

Why The F*ck Is No One In America Blogging About ∞ Jesse Matheson

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:49:01 PDT

You have to respect a man who names his album “Pleasure Pounds”. Which is a euphemism about love handles. "They're those parts of a woman's body that are, well, womanly." says Jesse Matheson, whose debut is a 13 song sexual meal. Perfect for this hot summer days and even HOTTER summer nights.

Listen:
Jesse Matheson ∞ Make Out

More:
Underexposed Canadians

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Fever

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:17:42 PDT

Duke Jr. has a spot of Pneumonia. Pounding fluids and taking it easy. With any luck the antibiotics will kick it out of his system ASAP.

Cleaning Up The Kitchen ∞ Those Darlins

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:00:47 PDT

Starting a new weekly feature here at The Late Great: albums that you put on while cleaning up after dinner. At the Family Straw house, it is a must to have music on in the background while loading the dishwasher, picking up toys and washing pots and pans. It makes the mundane tasks fun.

A couple requirements for an album to be worthy of a “clear up” record:
a) the music on the album needs to be mostly uptempo
b) can be sung along to
c) doesn’t have explicit lyrics
d) total time doesn’t go over an hour (nobody wants to clean up for a whole hour)

I just got Those Darlins’ self-titled debut. And it fits the above requirements. 12 uptempo with three part harmony and a punk-a-billy feel.

Listen:
Those Darlins ∞ Red Light Love

What do you listen to while cleaning up the kitchen? Leave a hullabaloo.

If you don’t want to cleanup to this record, at least go see them on tour.

6/25: Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn
6/26: Athens, GA @ AthFest
6/27: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge $
7/7: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club & Cafe
7/9: NYC @ Mercury Lounge +
7/10: Brooklyn @ Southpaw **, ++
7/11: Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda's
7/13: Pittsburgh @ Club Café
7/14: Cleveland @ Beach Land Tavern
7/15: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
7/16: Indianapolis @ Radio Radio
7/17: Chicago @ Schubas
7/18: Minneapolis @ 7th St. Entry
7/20: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company
7/21: Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Front Room
7/22: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
7/23: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
7/24: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
7/25: Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone
9/18 & 19: Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival

$ W/The Black Lips – VINYL RELEASE PARTY
+ W/Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer) CD RELEASE PARTY
** W/So So Glos BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:10:04 PDT

I first heard this song on SiriusXM The Loft. Later that day, I downloaded it from eMusic. It’s catchy. Has a chorus begging for you to sing-a-long with. AND a topic we can all relate to. A universally wonderful track that will seep into your mind. There’s even a good chance you’ll be listening to Dark Side by day’s end.

Listen:
Charlie Mars ∞ Listen To the Darkside

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

More:
Weekly Favorites

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coming soon to ipod near you

Manos Al Aire Lyrics Nelly Furtado	Better Than Today Lyrics Kylie Minogue
What's Happening Lyrics Yung Berg	Lol Lyrics Trey Songz
To Amo Lyrics Rihanna	Every Girl Lyrics Lil' Wayne
Keyz Lyrics Trey Songz	Smash Lyrics Chris Brown
Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don't) Lyrics All Time Low	Much Better Lyrics Jonas Brothers

Get your own here.

Inbox Artists ∞ Sarah Jarosz

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:00:27 PDT

Sarah Jarosz is only 18. But don’t let the age fool you. She plays numerous instruments (es. Banjo, mandolin, piano), writes her own songs and is headed to Berklee in the fall. Her debut album “Song Up In Her Head” came out last Tuesday. You could call it bluegrass or nu country or old time or straight up string band. What I call it: 13 lovely songs.

Listen:
Sarah Jarosz ∞ Song Up In Her Head
Sarah Jarosz ∞ Edge Of A Dream

More:
Inbox Artists

New Noah And The Whale

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:08:13 PDT

I find it ironic that I caught hell for posting some Noah And The Whale back in November. Now they are giving away the title track off their new album. Doesn't mean this track at 6:39 doesn't kill.

Listen:
Noah and The Whale ∞ The First Day Of Spring

Random Friday ∞ Kindred Spirit

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:42:58 PDT

Now that I am an indie musical and self-promoter, I find myself feeling more connected to the musicians who send me their music.

I got an email about Caroline Reese, a singer-songwriter from Reading, PA. Reading is about an hour from where I live. So not only do I feel connected to her as a musician but also a Pennsylvanian.

Caroline’s music folky with a hint of twang. Her voice reminds me of Charlotte Martin. Learn more at her myspace.

Listen:
Caroline Reese ∞ Indian River
Caroline Reese ∞ From Where I Stand.

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Randomness

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Family Straw Favorites

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT

There is something refreshing when my three-year-old boy requests this song instead of “normal” Kid's Music. A classic song, sung by a classic singer.

Listen:
Ella Fitzgerald ∞ Old McDonald

More:
Family Straw Favorites

My Favorite Song This Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:52:23 PDT

I wish I could take responsibility for some of Céu’s success stateside. Back in 2007, I was one of this Brazilian songstress’ biggest supporters. Her debut album made my top ten list. But her success is due to he talent and not The Late Greats.

Céu is back in 2009 with a new album – Vagarosa – which translated into “slow, easygoing, and leisurely”. If you are familiar with Céu’s music, you already know this is the perfect description for her music. The album drops on 7.7.09 on Six Degrees Records. Listen to a preview below.

Listen:
Céu ∞ Bubuia

What is your favorite this week? Leave a hullabaloo.

More:
Weekly Favorites

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Something for the ears

Turn Right Lyrics Jonas Brothers	Before The Storm Lyrics Jonas Brothers
Open Up Your Ears Lyrics Git Fresh	Black Keys Lyrics Jonas Brothers
Get Like Me Lyrics The Dream	Stronger Lyrics Mary J Blige
Bang Bang Lyrics K'naan	Chico On Fire Lyrics Pitbull
It's You Lyrics Tweet	Touch Down Lyrics JoJo

Get your own here.

Inbox Artists ∞ AA Bondy

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT

News of the new AA Bondy came down the pike during Philly Folk Fest week. Yesterday, Fat Possum decided to share the title song off of When The Devil’s Loose – out 9.109.

Plain and simple, I am more exited about this release than Wilco AND Regina Spektor.

AA’s world-weary voice lends itself well to his type of Americana. If you did Felice or Avett Bros, you should check on AA.

Listen:
A.A. Bondy ∞ When The Devil’s Loose

Tracklist:
1. When The Devil's Loose
2. Mightiest Of Guns
3. A Slow Parade
4. To The Morning
5. Oh The Vampyre
6. I Can See The Pines Are Dancing
7. False River
8. On The Moon
9. The Mercy Wheel
10. The Coal Hits The Fire

A.A. Bondy Tour Dates:
June 8 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie
June 9 Pittsburgh, PA Club Cafe
June 11 Arlington, VA Iota
June 12 Charlotte, NC Snug Harbor
June 14 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music Festival
June 15 Columbus, OH The Basement
June 16 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio
June 17 Pontiac, MI The Pike Room
June 18 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
June 19 Milwaukee, WI Club Garibaldi
June 20 Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar
June 22 Denver, CO Hi Dive
June 23 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge
June 25 San Francisco, CA Café du Nord
June 26 Visalia, CA Cellar Door
June 29 Phoenix, AZ Modified Arts
July 7 Baton Rouge, LA Spanish Moon

The Big Surprise (Tour)

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT

I got this email during Philly Folk Fest week. So you probably already heard about it. If not, we’re talking a concert chalk full of Late Greats favorites: Old Crow Medicine Show, David Rawlings Machine (featuring Gillian Welch), The Felice Brothers and Justin Townes Earle.

A crem della crem of Amerciana artists. I have seen the first three acts live before, but never on the same stage. I’m sure any son of Steve Earle (who I have seen live also) puts on a good show, too.

If this Big Surprise Tour comes to your town, or even somewhere close to your town, check it out. You won’t regret it.

Listen:
Old Crow Medicine ∞ Caroline
Gillian Welch (with David Rawlings) ∞ Revelator
The Felice Brothers ∞ Penn Station
Justin Townes Earle ∞ Mama’s Eyes

Dates and Towns
8.4 - Hampton Beach, NH @ Casino Ballroom
8.5 - Boston, MA @ House Of Blues
8.6 - New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
8.7 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
8.9 - Charlottesville, VA @ Charlottesville Pavilion
8.10 - Cary, NC @ Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8.12 - Louisville, KY @ Waterfront Park
8.13 - Nashville, TN @ Riverfront Park
8.14 - Knoxville, TN @ World's Fair Park

Philly Folk Fest Week ∞ The Low Anthem

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT

I know I said the goal of this theme week was to feature musicians who not many other blogs are blogging about AND are playing this year’s Folk Fest.

The Low Anthem doesn’t really fit the former part of that equation, as many blogs have sung their praises. The Duke is late to hop on their bandwagon.

BUT I do think they deserve more exposure. AND there are striking similarities between their album – Oh My God Charlie Darwin – and Coconut and The Duke’s In The Bamboo Forests Of Pennsylvania (which you can now buy from CD Baby). The Low Anthem’s album has just been reissued.

Both bands really heavily on acoustic instruments and folky melodies, sweet harmonies and slightly political lyrics. Plus, they too use a clarinet (see To Ohio).

Check out this track comparison:

1. Charlie Darwin – slow album opener, similar Coconut and The Duke track: Venison Jerky
2. To Ohio – licorice stick, similar track: Tré Melo
3. Horizon Is A Beltway – floor stomper, similar track: Honeydipper
4. Home I’ll Never Be – rowdy road song, similar track: Soggy Shoes In Hammock
5. Ticket Taker – somber song, similar track: A Memory And A Nap
6. To The Ghosts Who Write History Books – a lovely ballad which has no similar track
7. (Don’t) Tremble – let’s all sing along, similar track: In The Bamboo Forests Of Pennsylvania
8. Music Box – atmospheric instrumental, similar track: Pitchfork’d (palette cleanser)
9. Champion Angel – bluesy, similar track: Water Down The Pipes
10. Cage the Songbird – wonderful harmonies, similar track: 3rd Night
11. OMGCD – party track, similar track: Mixo Rita
12 To Ohio (Reprise) – similar track: Tré Melo (Reprise)

Listen:
The Low Anthem ∞ Charlie Darwin
The Low Anthem ∞ To Ohio

Philly Folk Fest Week ∞ Erik Mongrain

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Things have been a little hectic around The Family Straw lately.

With Coconut and The Duke’s album coming out next week, I have been busy playing PR Guy, web designer and video director.

The Duchess has been swamped at work planting like 1000 native plants.

Plus, Little Duchess wake up at 5:30 every morning or one of the dogs will need to go for a walk circa the same time. The Duke hasn’t been getting enough sleep.

The Duke is a little frazzled.

Which brings up Erik Mongrain. An acoustic guitar wiz somewhere between Michael Hedges and Leo Kottke. Perfect music to relax and wind down to.

Eric has these samples up at his website.

Listen:
Erik Mongrain ∞ Equilibrium
Erik Mongrain ∞ Muse
Erik Mongrain ∞ Pandora’s Box.

Wayback Wednesdays ∞ Philly Folk Fest Week

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:43:26 PDT

We take a break from the artists playing the 2009 Philly Folk Fest and feature a song I saw live many years ago.

Patty Larkin is a wonderful guitarists and a stupendous lyricist. What I really like about this song is the vocal harmonies on the “falling away frontier” lines.

Plus, in some ways, the theme of the song (dancing to the beat of a different drummer) gels well with Coconut and The Duke’s album In The Bamboo Forests Of Pennsylvania. Which will be for sale next Tuesday.

Listen:
Patty Larkin ∞ Beg To Differ

More:
Wayback Wednesdays

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Fresh news

Betcha She Don't Love You Lyrics Monica	Invented Sex Lyrics Trey Songz
Homicide Lyrics Lil Scrappy	I'm A Go Getta Lyrics Lil' Wayne
Whip It Like A Slave Lyrics Lil' Wayne	Cashville Solid Lyrics Young Buck
Summer Girl Lyrics Stereos	Shattered Lyrics Backstreet Boys
Again Lyrics YUI	Beat Again Lyrics JLS

Free song list for your blog here.

Philly Folk Fest Week ∞ Frog Holler

dukeofstraw@gmail.com (Duke of Straw) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PDT

One of the great things about the Philly Folk Fest is their dedication to showcasing local talent. Every year, the folks who put together the Folk Fest bring in artists from Philly and the surrounding areas. This year is no different.

Hailing from Berks County, PA Frog Holler play Ag.Rock: acoustic and electric instrument; tight vocal harmonies; earthy lyrics. Think Fleet Foxes meets Iron & Wine.

Listen:
Frog Holler ∞ To Turn Back Now