Late last week, Bon Iver released a video featuring five songs he recorded at AIR Studio’s Lyndurst Hall. Accompanied only by drummer Sean Carey, who plays the second piano in this video, the set is a stripped-down run through songs from the Blood Bank EP, Bon Iver, and a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The result is an exquisitely intimate session that truly captivates and reminds us why Bon Iver came to be celebrated in the first place. Have a listen below:
(Via NPR)
Hi, Everyone! Well, it’s that time of year again! The time when I get to pontificate about the top releases of the year. However, as usual, I have a really difficult time ranking things. This is something that carries over from my work as a professor. After all, what is the difference between a 93 and a 94? I know it when I see it, but just how to explain? So, I’m just going to wimp out present some of the albums I loved in no particular order. For those of you looking for a more ordered (and possibly comprehensive) list, I would recommend checking in with Pitchfork, Slowcoustic, or NPR Music. All right, let’s get on with the show!
Modern Tapes makes excellent post-punk/new wave music. This is what I know for sure. The band’s Facebook page also tells me: “MODERN TAPES formed in a bomb shelter in 2010. They played and recorded underground for almost a year. They used equipment left behind by a past generation.” And there we are… quite the mysterious/romantic bio, no? Fortunately, the gang at All Things Go brought the Tel Aviv-based band to light, and now we all get to enjoy them!
Melaena Cadiz‘ Rattle the Windows is an absolute gem of alt-country/folk that I’ve been sitting on for entirely too long. But now, as the weather turns more fully to spring, this album which talks of honeybees and dragonflies, walks in the night, and other vernal fare, is one that compels me to finally make amends and share its treasure with you. So, let’s talk…
Continue reading “Mailbag: Melaena Cadiz – Rattle the Windows”
Robin Pecknold sent word of this Sean-Pecknold-directed video for “Grown Ocean” off the forthcoming Helplessness Blues, and now we’re even more excited for the May 3rd release. Yay!