I'm still playing catchup after installing the new software and I've got lots of new music now playing. So click on the link to your left and listen in. Meanwhile, here are short descriptions of what I've added this week:
KJ Walker - Count Me In
A nice solid indie CD with a solid rock base and lots of country/folk fringes. Or is it a solid country/folk base with lots of rock fringes. Check it out for yourself. http://kjwalkerband.com
Catherine MacLellan - Water in the Ground (2009)
Her voice is as pure as kd Lang's. The music is from our neighbors to the north, and the evidence just keeps growing that Canada is the place to find new music these days. This is a 2 disc CD with the first being a mix of folk, country and light bluesy efforts. On it's own, the first CD is worth picking this up. The second disc, which is called "Dark Dream Midight" reminds me a lot of Shawn Colvin. Again, you can pick up this CD just for this disc. All of the songs on both discs are lightly arranged, with just the right backing to give style to the music without distracting from Catherine's beautiful voice and lyrics. This is going into my best of list at year's end. http://www.catherinemaclellan.com/
Melissa McClelland - Victoria Day 2009Canadian number two is Melissa McClelland who takes a huge right turn on her latest CD. The music on "Victoria Day" has moved from overtly pop to obviously not. It's 40's style jazz, some bluesy numbers but overall it is just a fun CD to listen to. http://www.melissamcclelland.com/
Luke Doucet and the White Falcon - Blood's Too Rich (2008)
Canadian number three is Melissa's producer and husband (I believe). There is no way Luke can compete with his amazing break up CD, "Broken", and it appears that Luke and Melissa (who I understand replaced the woman who was the focus of that CD) seem to be very happy these days. So there's little chance we are going to hear heart wrenching and angry attacks from this, his latest CD. Still, this is another excellent CD from Luke who takes a little country some rockabilly and plenty of rock and roll and gives it a strong personal feel. http://www.lukedoucet.com/
Bruce Cockburn - Slice O Life - Live Solo (2009)
And our final Canadian on the list is the amazing Bruce Cockburn. If you have never seen him do a solo live show, you are missing one of the great acoustic guitarists in popular music, let alone one of the finest singer/songwriters. If you like any of his hits, you will love this CD that so accurately represents his live solo shows.
Shawn Colvin - Live (2009)
And speaking of live, Shawn Colvin is another artist who brings it in concert. Like Bruce she is an excellent guitar player and has a great voice. It may be her covers that set her apart from so many singer/songwriters. She somehow can make songs sound like they were hers; even a classic Talking Heads song. And you just have to hear her version of Crazy.
Buddy & Julie Miller - Written In Chalk (2009)
All the gals love Buddy, but Buddy saves his best work for his wife Julie. This beautiful, rocking, potent CD is everything that is the country/folk/rock sound. Lots of guests from Patty Griffin to Robert Plant show up to help out. "Gasoline and Matches" is near the top of my list for favorite songs of the year and this CD is there too.
Cracker - Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey (2009)
And speaking of songs of the year, the early leader is Cracker's "Turn On, Tune In, Drop out with me". If you are a fan of Cracker's earlier works, you will love this CD. Lots of good tracks to choose from.
Rachael Yamagata - Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart (2008)
Not sure why I didn't pick this up when it first came out. Another 2 disc set, the first disc feels so personal, it sounds like Rachael has trouble even getting the words out of her mouth; very passionate, sad and beautiful. Disc 2, is short but it is a rockin', with 5 loud, hard edged songs that seem to proclaim that she is not the sweet innocent she was just a few years ago. This would have made it onto my best of list last year.
Willie Nile - House of A Thousand Guitars (2009)
It's been a few years since Willie's last studio release. This is a strong follow up to "Streets of New York". Lots of great songs, plenty of cool riffs and classic melodies. Willie is a working class hero that deserves your attention. http://willienile.com
The Emitt Rhodes Recordings [1969-1973] (2009)
He was a rising start while with the Merry-Go-Round, penning great songs like "Live" (covered by the Bangles years later) and "You're a Very Lovely Woman" (included in this collection). He was probably the first artist to be called the next Paul McCartney. But pressure from the record company and sickness, caused him to drop out of site after only 4 albums. All of that music has been brought back together in this wonderful collection. All four discs and an extra single are on this 2 disc collection. If you love 70's pop, you should
grab this before it goes out of print (this is a limited addition). Amazon.com
And I'm not done. But that's all I have time for right now.
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