If It's Too Loud...

The latest song from Portland, OR's Jeffrey Martin isn't your typical singer/songwriter fare. Sure, there is quite a bit of today's Americana/roots music that can have a dark subject matter. But "Billy Burroughs" goes a bit further. "Billy Burroughs" tells the story of how William S. Burroughs accidentally shot his wife while trying to shoot a highball glass off of her head. That's dark enough, but the song also explores the theory that this incident is what lead Burroughs to become one of the most respected authors of his generation, and if such personal tragedy is worth it. It's all packaged in a stripped down acoustic song, the majority of which is built on Martin's vocals and guitar. It's a fairly dark but mainstream sound that masks the subject matter. You can listen to "Billy Burroughs" below. Jeffrey Martin's upcoming album, One Go Around , will be released October 14 on Fluff & Gravy. You can pre-order a co...

Photo via Facebook You ever listen to a new song from a brand new artist and just know you're hearing from someone special that's going to be huge in a few years? That's how I feel while listening to the new song from Anna Tivel. "Illinois" has that rarity in modern folk in that it will work for mainstream music fans and for more indie loving purists, the way Iron & Wine does. Listening to the song, it seems like standard singer/songwriter fare, but something just makes it more vital. Tivel has a quality to her voice that just sucks you in and makes you need to pay attention, much like Tori Amos or Cat Power. "Illinois" is about a friend of Tivel moving away for a toxic relationship and imagining her finally leaving and driving home. It's deeply personal songs like this that lead to audience members breaking out in tears during her sets. Tivel will truly be something special. You can listen to "Illinois" below. Anna Tivel's ...