Happy Monday, Everyone! By the time you read this, I will be in lovely Victoria, B.C. I’m up here for an academic conference/class, and I am doubtlessly unnerved by the clean air and friendliness that pervade these northern climes. Just the same, I thought it would be nice to put together a musical tribute to Canada (if only to appease her), and so that’s today’s mix. It’s a mix of classic and indie rock, and I’m sure you’ll get on well. Enjoy!
Eddie Vedder, the Pearl Jam singer, and man-you’d-have-least-expected-to-release-a-ukulele-album-in-1993, has, in fact, released a new album called Ukulele Songs – and now you can hear the whole thing on NPR’s First Listen series. The album marks Vedder’s second solo effort after the exquisite soundtrack to the film Into the Wild, and features guests from Glen Hansard (The Frames, Swell Season) to Chan Marshall (Cat Power), and has a decidedly warm, intimate feel. Vedder has observed that the ukulele is particularly good at bringing people together, and that its simplicity allowed for a more immediate and personal writing process. Ukulele Songs is dedicated to Eddie’s wife and children, and is considerably warmer in mood than you’d expect.
So, head on over to NPR to listen to Ukulele Songs, and also consider reading the Rolling Stone interview. There are videos below… enjoy!
Continue reading “First Listen: Eddie Vedder – Ukulele Songs”
In most of the past ten years, we haven’t really had Spring in New England. This year, I think, is the year that Mother Nature intends to make up for all that, as we’re having buckets and buckets of rain. And so, while walking in the woods, today, I thought it was only fit to throw together a mix of things that feel Spring-like to me. There are songs by Chris Kiehne, Fleet Foxes, Cowboy Junkies, and more. I hope you’ll enjoy…
Continue reading “Mix-Tape Monday: Still Raining in New England…”
It’s Monday, and that means those loveable scamps over at NPR have some fresh delights for us! As part of their First Listen series, you can hear new albums by Death Cab For Cutie, Joseph Arthur, and Thurston Moore. So, why wait? Head on over, and have a listen!
Okkervil River‘s I Am Very Far is one of those albums that I’ve been looking forward to, this year, and now I’m happy to report that NPR has it up for listening. The album is available through their First Listen series, and can be enjoyed until its release on May 10th. So, head on over, and check it out. Enjoy!