Mailbag: Andrew Malo – Wait For Miles

Andrew Malo’s second album – Wait For Miles – is a real gem of an indie-folk/country album.  There are hints of Tom Waits in songs like “Hotels,” and traces of early M. Ward in numerous tracks, but the real star here is Andrew himself.  The songs have a true intimacy, and are almost hypnotizing as they slowly unfold.  And while the production is high-quality, the album itself has a decidedly lo-fi atmosphere that bristles and shines with rich textures.  The result is a remarkably chill album that’s well worth a look.

Continue reading “Mailbag: Andrew Malo – Wait For Miles”

Mix-Tape Monday Jams Econo (revised)

This one’s a good one.  Literally, the one that started it all for me.  I’ve written about The Mix before on my other site (returning soon!).  It’s full of amazing punk, post-punk, British new wave, and all the quirky Alternative a guy could need to build a life on.  I know this, because I have.  And now, it’s yours to enjoy!

Continue reading “Mix-Tape Monday Jams Econo (revised)”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  I hope you’re all having a wonderful day full of good music, fun, friends, and plentiful helpings of food!  As in previous years, I’ve put together a little mix to help make the day a little more festive.  This time, I tried to concentrate on those songs that remind me of spending time with my family and friends… and some that remind me of specific places in Ireland.  I hope you’ll find it entertaining!

Continue reading “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”

Mailbag: Dan Petrich – Sycamore Tales

In 2009, Dan Petrich released the excellent Sycamore Tales, and I really wish that I had gotten to know this deeply introspective album sooner.  The sound is built on a foundation of folk and Americana, and ranges from hints of 70s radio (“Chance the Pearl” and “The Seeds are Wasted”) to beautiful folk ballads and instrumentals (“J.P. Special” and “Treasure Lake”).  It’s a remarkable debut, which My Old Kentucky Blog called: “…a sparse and powerful record about real people dealing with real problems.”

Continue reading “Mailbag: Dan Petrich – Sycamore Tales”

Reissues: Message to Bears – Departures

I’ve written about the excellent music of Message to Bears before, and now I’ve got some good news for those of you who missed out on their debut LP: Departures.  Dan from Message to Bears has just written to let me know that the original is being re-released on vinyl from Dead Pilot Records.  It’s a limited pressing of an excellent record, and I definitely encourage you to check it out!  You can hear some of Message to Bears’ music by visiting Bandcamp, or heading on over to MySpace.  Or, you know, by following the link below… Whatever you choose, I definitely encourage you to consider picking up the vinyl reissue!

Continue reading “Reissues: Message to Bears – Departures”