14 songs i'm spinning lately

Elvis Perkins - On Rotation Moses 

Elvis Perkins's newest album I Aubade is folk music for a carnival. There are so many bells and whistles that make this album a joy to listen to. Although it is worth noting that when you take away the bells and whistles you still have some great songwriting. 

Fionn Regan - St. Anthony's Fire

This is Fionn Regan laid bare with a lone guitar to back his delicate crooning. His classical training comes through on his guitar licks and this is all you need to get captured in his spell.

Sufjan Stevens - All of Me Wants All of You

Sufjan's whispered lyrics of ghosts and a neglectful childhood are enough to drain even the most cynical of us. It's hard to pick just one song from this album full of heartbreaking melodies.

The Staves - Don't You Call Me Anymore

The Staves are branching out instrumentally on their second album, with the help of grammy winner Justin Vernon on production, but never underestimate the power of their vocals to dominate a song.. Everything from the distant xylophone to the auto harp to the way they all sharply inhale in unison during the "ohs" make this a favorite of mine.

Jacob Mau - Lead Forth In Peace

Jacob has a way of captivating a room by beginning most of his folk shows with a poem. He has important stories to tell and he delivers them in a collection of beautiful songs reminiscent of some of the pioneers of folk. Listen here.

Frances Luke Accord - Egoeye

It's nice to see Frances Luke Accord utilize percussion. They are masters of arranging and inventive instrumentalists. With a beat driving the song they have a lot more room to play around on their instruments with kick ass results.

Fee lion -Lovebug

On her EP ///, FEE LION layers surreal acoustic guitar over sampled beats enhanced by her vocal clicks to create a sound so entrancing I forget the last two tracks are live until the cheering at the end. 

Cryptacize - Mythomania

They were experts of playful music. Perfectly topped off by Nedelle Torrisi's wistful vocals with lines such as "every time we turn around the moon is laughing at us." Not only is this music complex and innovative, it's fun.

Courtney Barnett - Anonymous Club

Although I normally listen to Courtney Barnett to rock out, I am entranced by this electric lullaby suggesting a perfect night in. She repeats herself in the second verse with a male voice joining her mid phrase on each line suggesting she is inviting him. The song ends with Courtney thanking him for a nice evening "just you and me" over and over. As he sings lower she gets quieter like they are falling asleep.

Matthew Morgan - First Day

Matt Morgan has such a beautiful voice. You can hear the weariness and pain as he promises to help a friend escape an abusive home. He has a touch of americana and old country mixed in with his folk songs and his new album is wonderful.  Listen here.

Punch Brothers - Julep

This song is set up so well. Beginning with a groovy line on the double bass, each instrument gets an entrance as the song builds into this mystical interlude around 2 minutes in. The Punch Brothers embrace Brian Wilson's idea of a "pocket symphony" or a symphony in pop song format. Combine that with the harmonies on the vocal bridge and you know Brian would be proud. 

Liz Chidester - People Pumping Pedals

What an awesome intro. It sounds even more ethereal on the album joined by a violin. While I love Liz's voice I especially enjoy her finger style on this song. 

Sedgewick - So Long, John

I love that when you download Sedgewick's Gardens EP this video is included. So Long, John is the closing track of an album that expertly spins sentimental melodies into epic rock hymns.

Zoe Keating - Optimistic

I first heard Zoe Keating at a dance performance. Her cello looping creates a symphonic experience that is haunting and addicting.