The Chapin Sisters are an L.A. band that you might have caught opening for She & Him (they’re also part of the backing band) this year. They recorded their debut album – Lake Bottom LP – with their sister, Jessica Craven, but the band is now comprised of Abigail and Lily Chapin. As others have said, their sound is reminiscent of both the country and motown – of long-forgotten harmonies in gaslit cabins, and of doe-eyed variety singers. Yet, beyond this is a sophistication of craft, and an intricacy of sound, that is positively captivating. And really, I ought to let their sound speak for itself…
SwimDrinkFishMusic with Great Lake Swimmers
This week, Great Lake Swimmers released “Ballad of a Fisherman’s Wife” for Swim Drink Fish Music Club. The charity was developed by Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, and other Waterkeeper organizations in Canada. Here’s how they describe their mission: “The Swim Drink Fish Music Club brings together artists, activists, and citizens just like you who care about clean water. By celebrating the Club’s exclusive and rare music, you are contributing to the fight for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water in your community.”
As for the Great Lake Swimmers track, here’s a bit about that:
“”Ballad Of A Fisherman’s Wife” was written after hearing, with great dismay, news about the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Most striking and heart-felt to me were the sentiments of outrage from those who made their living in and along these waters, especially the fishermen, and especially their wives. I wanted to comment on this ongoing crisis from that very specific viewpoint.”
You can head over to the site to hear the track, and you can sign up for only $10. While you’re there, check out more Great Lake Swimmers, and browse around a bit. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like!
Out Now: Dear New Orleans – Benefit Album
Out now, for the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, is Dear New Orleans – A benefit album from Air Traffic Control. The album features Laura Veirs, The Wrens, Indigo Girls, Mike Mills of R.E.M., and dozens of other artists. Here’s how they describe the project:
Air Traffic Control has been co-hosting artist activism retreats in New Orleans for the last four years. To mark the 5 year anniversary of the storm and floods we thought it appropriate to produce a benefit album. We started by asking the 60 alumni artists who participated in the retreats if they’d be interested in donating a track for a benefit album – we had no idea over half of them would send us music.
We are grateful they did.
Some of the songs that appear on this album are specifically about the city, or the disaster. Others pay a more oblique tribute, and still others are songs that the artist played at the concert we close each retreat with.
Dear New Orleans is a letter of gratitude and promise to the city and her people — to never forget what happened and to continue to rebuild.
You can listen to the album after the jump, and you can find lots more info on the Dear New Orleans website. I definitely encourage you to do what you can to help out, and to spread the word.
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Robin Pecknold Performs Three New Songs in Seattle
On August 4th, during his opening set for Joanna Newsom at Seattle’s Moore Theater, Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes) performed three new songs. And thanks to the hard work of the fine folks over at We All Want Someone to Shout For, and Stereogum, I’m very pleased to bring them to you.
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Other Stuff You Might Like: Mountain Stage
Ages ago, I found this R.E.M. bootleg at a now-defunct record shop. It was wonderful, and intimate, and full of strange cover versions I had never heard. Just before launching into “World Leader Pretend,” Michael Stipe says: “We’re really happy to be here at Mountain Stage. We’re surrounded by really good people, and we’re gonna do a couple songs for you.” At the time, I had no idea where, or what, Mountain Stage was… but I wanted to be there. Years later, thanks to the magic of the Internet and NPR Music, I get to experience amazing, live concerts by an enormous array of musicians. And so can you!
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