Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear - "Silent Movies"

The Newport Folk Festival often refers to their fans, crew, and bands as the "Folk Family." Quite often, the Fest features bands with family ties, from husbands and wives (Shovels & Rope), sisters (The Haden Triplets, First Aid Kit), brothers (The Avett Brothers), and even fathers and sons (Tweedy). This year, they'll bring a mother/son duo to their stage with Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. Hailing from Kansas City, the pair just released their first single "Silent Movies." It's this great pairing of the son's gruff, almost barking voice with his mother's much more aged and sweeter voice, all put together in a down home ditty. It could have been a novelty act, but once you hear them together you realize that of course they decided to make music together.

You can get "Silent Movies" right now on iTunes. You can follow them on Facebook, and watch their performance of "Silent Movies" from The Late Show With David Letterman below.

First Listen: New Releases for February 10

A fairly busy week with some interesting releases within:

The Vespers - Sisters and Brothers: The Vespers had a truly great album a few years back that stayed in fairly heavy rotation for me, and hearing that this new album was on the docket got me excited. The group has certainly expanded out their sound, and that's often a mixed bag, but, for the most part, the band seems a lot more polished and mature than in past efforts. The downside to such maturity and polish is that the songs don't quite have the same oomph on first listen. I definitely reserve the right to change my mind on this, but, on first listen, this is a good album with a lot of potential to be truly great.

The Dreaming - Rise Again: I was not aware Stabbing Westward had more or less reformed as a new band, but this is their third album and it basically takes what was interesting about Stabbing Westward, removes it, and leaves the rest. Not really worth your time unless you're super nostalgic for Stabbing Westward, which really should be reserved for "Shame" and "Save Yourself" anyway.

Pete RG - Lightning Strikes: I don't know who Pete RG is, but Ken sent this one over and it's sort of like a solo piece from the lead singer of Editors or Interpol. It's got some pretty good songs on it, so it's worth a listen, but I had a hard time shaking the similarities overall.

Jeff Austin - The Simple Truth: Jeff Austin, best known for his work with Yonder Mountain String Band, offers up a pretty interesting solo album that keeps the bluegrass-tinged tone while trying to stretch its wings a bit. Probably a little more polished and mainstream-sounding than I was looking for on first listen, it's still a pretty great listen overall and one that I'm looking forward to spending more time with. If you've found the more recent rootsy stuff being released a little lacking, you'll probably find a lot to like here.

JD McPherson - Let the Good Times Roll: If there's anyone else doing the whole retro-throwback rock and roll today better than JD McPherson, I haven't heard them. This album feels like it's straight out of the 1960s/70s, and the aesthetic itself is pitch perfect. While it's not going to be for everyone, it's retro in a really great way and I found myself enjoying this even more than his previous releases. Absolutely worth a listen.

The Districts - A Flourish and a Spoil: The Districts sound like an alt/indie rock band that are literally twice their age. This is both a blessing (because they have nowhere to go but up) and a curse (because the way this album comes across has a good deal of expectation). This is a solid, albeit unexceptional, debut album with a ton of potential. A few solid songs here and there and an album with some potential to grow on you as well. This is definitely a band to look out for in the future, but something to look out for in the short term.

Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear: My most anticipated release this week by far was the new Father John Misty, his previous effort being a favorite of mine. The new album, I suppose, couldn't possibly meet those expectations, but is still a pretty solid indie folk effort and cements him as one of the better musicians in the genre. A few memorable songs here and there, a few moments that could be growers, and an attempt to move past the previous album, and this will be worth a listen in your rotation this week.

Rhiannon Giddens - Tomorrow is My Turn: Perhaps unsurprisingly to longtime readers of the blog, Rhiannon Giddens's debut solo album is far and away the release of the week. Much like pretty much every other Carolina Chocolate Drops-related solo release over the last year or so, this album is a tour of a variety of different styles and concepts that still ends up providing a cohesive thought from start to finish. Giddens has a great voice to begin with, and the instrumentation and musicality of this record in particular is outstanding. Great for fans of the Carolina Chocolate Drops for sure, but if you're into any sort of folk-style music and like a little adventure to go along with it, this is absolutely worth your time. Great album.




Also out this week:

* Bob Schnieder - King Kong Volume 1

Dorthia Cottrell - "Kneeler"

Photo by Jordan Vance

On first listen, "Kneeler" by Dorthia Cottrell is a beautiful, acoustic song. It's pretty typical female singer/songwriter fare, except there is this intense sense of foreboding throughout that isn't typical with the genre. Turns out Dorthia Cottrell is the singer of doom metal band Windhand, which helps account for the somber vibe. Acoustic solo projects of metal bands usually are just terrible, but "Kneeler" shows a completely different side of dark music. Since neither of us are metal people, it would have been easy for us to miss this track. Instead, I'm looking forward to the full length.

Dorthia Cottrell's self-titled debut is out on March 3 on Forcefield Records. You can listen to "Kneeler" below, and check out her website here.

Newport Folk Festival Has a Podcast and a Spotify Playlist

For the past few years, the Newport Folk Festival has had a Spotify playlist updated by festival producer Jay Sweet. As acts get announced during their rolling line up announcement, songs will be added by each festival performer. I've been following each year's list for the past few, and it's a great way to keep up with bands that are playing, and to hear the lesser known bands before getting to the Fort. So far there are only 3 acts on the playlist (Courtney Barnett, Sturgill Simpson, and Haunt the House), but those are the only 3 bands announced for this year so far. You can find the Newport Folk 2015 Spotify playlist here.

An added way to prepare for the festival this year is a new podcast. The Newport Folk Festival podcast debuted last Friday. Based on the description, it will be an ever changing format, helping to introduce new bands (the 1st episode profiles Rhode Island natives Haunt the House), give a behind the scenes look at the festival, and showcase memories from fans and bands. If this 1 episode is any indication, it will be a must listen for all of the Folk. You can download or stream the episode here.

First Listen: New Releases for February 3

This is Ken filling in for Jeff this week. I'll try not to let my crankiness from New England snow fatigue seep into my reviews, but no promises. It's an interesting and varied week, so let's get started!

Chadwick Stokes - The Horse Comanche: Chadwick Stokes is best known as a member of Dispatch and State Radio. I never really got into Dispatch, and I had dismissed State Radio as more of the same until I saw them at this insane Tom Morello/Nightwatchman show 7 years ago. Since then I've been converted. His solo album starts off a little slow and Jack Johnson-ish, but really picks up by the 4th song, "I Want You Like a Seatbelt." It's an upbeat singalong that sounds like it was perfected on one of his house show tours. "New Haven" features blog favorite Lucius, who are a welcome addition to any song. My personal favorite is "Walter (First Hello)," which closes out the album.

Murder By Death - Big Dark Love: I first became aware of Murder By Death when they opened for Clutch. Seeing them back then, they were this bizarre blend of gothic hard rock folk and became one of those bands I always meant to listen to more, but forgot to for the most part. I'm a little disappointed with this album, as it seems a bit more mainstream and accessible than I expected. It's almost like a lounge singer for arenas. The title track, "Big Dark Love," is fantastic and just builds to this epic by the end. "Natural Pearl" is more on the country end, and more in line with what I remember them being. It's still worth a listen, just not what I wanted it to be.

The Church - Further Deeper: The Church are right at the top of bands I'll hear something by randomly, make a mental note to listen more, and then never do. It might be weird to start with their 25th album, but here we go. I really like this album, as it combines the moodiness of gothic new wave with the noisiness of 80s/90s indie rock. "Vanishing Man" might be the strongest track. It does lose some steam towards the end, with songs like "Old Coast Road" being a little too orchestral for my taste. Still a solid album worth a listen.



The Notwist - Messier Objects: Jeff sent this one over to me when he asked me to cover First Listen this week, and I think I may be the wrong person to review this. I just didn't connect with this album at all. It's all this foreboding, instrumental, film score sounding music. It feels like the kind of local band Sonic Youth would have open for them in the late 90s, and I sat through way too many art school projects like this. Just not for me.






Barnstar! - Sit Down! Get Up! Get Out!: I'm shocked that this is my favorite release of the week. Being in the Boston area, I've seen the name Barnstar! but have yet to hear them. They're a modern take on bluegrass and country, and just a cool, laid back record. The album features a number of covers (and you know we love covers), most notably The Hold Steady's "Sequestered in Memphis." Even if this doesn't sound like your thing, you should check it out.




Two Gallants - We Are Undone: I probably would never have discovered this album if I wasn't looking through the release schedule for the week, but I'm glad I did. It's countrified alt-rock, kind of like Wilco meets The Sheila Divine, with a little bit of The White Stripes thrown in. Be sure to check out "Fools Like Us."






Also out this week:

Butch Walker - Afraid of Ghosts
Bob Dylan - Shadows in the Night
Diana Krall - Wallflower

Mary Lou Lord - "My Buddy Valentine"

It's been far too long since there's been any new music from Mary Lou Lord. Her last album, Baby Blue, was released way back in 2004, so by my calculations it's been 11 years. That changed yesterday when Mary Lou posted "My Buddy Valentine" on Soundcloud. "My Buddy Valentine" was recorded in honor of Buddy Holly, making the anniversary of his death a fitting day to release it. The song was recorded with Dave Mattacks on drums and Maryanne Window, ans was co-written by Nick Saloman (The Bevis Frond). Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, Backstreet Angels should finally see release this year! The song is typically upbeat for Mary Lou, and she hasn't lost a thing in the past decade. It's so thrilling to have her truly back.

For more information on what Mary Lou Lord has been up to, and to keep track of developments on the new album's release, you can like her on Facebook. She also has an official website, but I'm not sure how often that gets updated.

There's an Upcoming Documentary About Lydia Loveless

Gorman Bechard, director of such critically acclaimed rock documentaries as "Color Me Obsessed, a Film About the Replacements," has found his newest subject: Lydia Loveless. I'm personally thrilled to find more about one of my favorite 2014 musical discoveries, and I'm also excited by such an esteemed director focusing his attention on such fantastic newer artist. Titled "Who Is Lydia Loveless," the film seeks to answer just that, delving into her early upbringing, life on the road, being married to a bandmate, dealing with sexism in the music industry, and if she's rock 'n' roll, country, or punk. The project is currently in the Kickstarter phase, so they're looking for our help. There are the more standard rewards (an advance copy of the film, signed vinyl, handwritten lyrics) and the more unique (a chance to be right up front for the filming of the live performances to be used in the film, interviewing Lydia Loveless and Gorman Bechard for the DVD extras). It's going to be fantastic, and how can you not want to be involved?

For more information on the project, head over to their Kickstarter page. 

Föllakzoid - "Electric"

Photo: Ion Rakhmatulina

I had never heard of Föllakzoid before yesterday, and I'm already pretty obsessed based on this one song. "Electric" is off their forthcoming album III (due on March 31 on Sacred Bones Records), and it's a doozy. Clocking in at just under 12 minutes, it's an indie rock jam that is like A Ghost is Born era Wilco minus the country side of things, but with plenty of groove and a hint of Swedish death metal. It's all blended in with psychedelic loops and synths, not at all sounding like what I'd expect from a Chilean band. But it all comes together in one of the most intriguing sounds I've heard all year. 

For more information on Föllakzoid, check out their Bandcamp. You can listen to "Electric" below.

First Listen: New Releases for January 27

We're definitely in the swing of new release season now. Lots of good stuff this week.

Punch Brothers - The Phosphorescent Blues: I know Punch Brothers are generally slotted into the sort of "newgrass" portmanteau for what they and other Chris Thile projects do, but Phosphorescent Blues is, in a sense, the most prog rock thing they've done yet. Closer in spirit to Punch than the tone they established in Who's Feeling Young Now?, the album is not an easy one on first listen, but, as with anything Thile is involved with, definitely an interesting listen. I'll need more time with this for sure, but this is absolutely a solid release from one of the best bluegrass-style bands going right now.

Kelley McRae - Easy on My Mind: I enjoyed Kelley McRae's previous album Brighter Than the Blues, and seeing a new EP was a pretty nice surprise. It reminds me a lot of Gillian Welch in terms of tone, and it's a nice, quiet but memorable folk EP. As often is the case, I'd love for this to have been longer, but maybe we'll get something soon.

Gorgon City - Sirens: There's certainly a resurgence of electronic acts making club-ready albums with a variety of vocalists, and now Gorgon City is trying to jump in with their debut album. While there are some interesting songs featuring Katy B and Liv, the full result of this album is more of something that feels overlong and repetitive. This isn't really breaking a lot of ground, and more often misuses the talents on the record rather than allowing them to improve the overall product. It may be more that I dislike the style that Gorgon City inhabits, but if you're looking for a record closer to, say, RAC or Calvin Harris, this won't do it for you.

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors - Medicine: Release of the week is the new album from Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. A great, rootsy-style record that feels like some of the best work Ryan Adams ever did, it grabbed me early on and really didn't let go. It's a great release because of the tight songwriting and memorable tracks, but really because it feels like the first fully essential album of the new year. If you're someone who digs rootsy stuff or the bulk of what we feature here at the blog, this really needs to hit your rotation this week.

Mogwai - Music Industry 3 Fitness Industry 1: The new Mogwai EP is a postscript to their excellent Rave Tapes from 2014. A handful of extra new songs is the point here, but the true highlight are the three remixes on the back end of this EP, two of which arguably improve on the album versions, a rarity. A short but good listen.

The Lone Bellow - Then Came the Morning: The Lone Bellow is somewhat unique in the genre they sit because there is a more soulful/gospel feel to what they do in my mind. Thus, it's never fully connected with me even though I can recognize some pretty solid musicianship throughout. The sophomore album from the trio is definitely a step forward for the band, and if you've liked what you've heard so far, you'll likely like this even more.

Young Ejecta - The Planet: Young Ejecta, formerly only Ejecta, is back with an EP establishing their new name and advancing their already-challenging indie-electronic sound. I was a big fan of their previous album, and this mini-album was one I was anticipating, but I'm not entirely sure about it yet. As an experiment, it's pretty interesting, but, at least on first listen, it lacks that song that catches you and won't let go the way their previous album did. Still, worth a listen for something new and different, especially for fans of Neon Indian who want to hear more from this side project.

Aphex Twin - Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2: Aphex Twin is already back with a new EP that, well, sounds like it does what it says on the tin. If anything, I'm surprised at how much this sounds like Tuatara in many regards. Even if you're not an Aphex Twin fan, this might be worth a listen or two for you just to hear something a little different. As for me, I really like it.

Doomtree - All Hands: Doomtree is the name of a midwestern rap collective, and All Hands is great. Ken gave me the heads up on this and I'm shocked at how much I've enjoyed it so far. If you found yourself bored by the new Wu-Tang Clan or are looking for something that sounds modern without losing the traditional sound, this is absolutely something you need to hear. If I didn't love the new Drew Holcomb so much, this would probably be the release of the week. Definitely the best rap album of recent memory for me.

Bettye Lavette - Worth: Ken turned me onto this album as well, and I can't say I recognized Lavette's name from anywhere. An R&B/soul singer who apparently hit the radars of many about a decade ago, this album is a really solid effort from start to finish. Not something I typically reach for, Lavette has a solid, memorable voice and the songs here are just well done from start to finish. This is a great listen, especially if you're looking to broaden your musical horizons a bit. Really glad I got to hear this one.





Also out this week:

* Gov't Mule and John Scoville - Sco-Mule

Lady Lamb the Beekeeper - "Spat Out Spit"

Blog favorite Lady Lamb the Beekeeper has a new lyric video for the second song off her upcoming second album After. "Spat Out Spit" starts out sounding like one of the most straightforward songs by LLtBK, but after a few listens its actually trippy as hell, with minimal instrumentation during verses, a haunting horn in the background, and looped choruses. Between this new song and "Billions of Eyes," After looks like it will have a wildly different sound from Ripely Pine while still sounding like a Lady Lamb the Beekeeper album.

After is due out March 3 on Mom+Pop. You can pre-order the album (including bundles that feature knit hats) on Lady Lamb the Beekeeper's website. She's also mounting a national headlining tour. You can find those dates here.