Kunek — “Good Day”
Kunek has been my go-to mellow music since their debut album Flight of the Flynns came out in 2006. “Good Day” is off that album but don’t be fooled by any hint of optimism or happiness in the title, Kunek is for when you’re depressed and want to stay that way.
Their music is simple and clean. You can tell an actual person is playing the piano and not a computer. It’s classical quasi folk at its finest and I imagine it as being conceived as a barn in Oklahoma (which, to be fair, is where they’re from).
Kunek’s also got a new album in the works and a handful of demos from it are up on their myspace.
Johny Flynn & The Sussex Wit - “Tickle Me Pink”
Johnny Flynn — a 25-year-old Shakesperean actor, poet, and songwriter — plays wonderful folk rock with his band The Sussex Wit. They’ve been around for a few years now, under various guises (they started as just The Sussex Wit, but soon made Johnny their frontman), but their debut album A Larum wasn’t released until last month on Vertigo records.
“Tickle Me Pink” was one of the first singles from the album, and iTunes’ Free Single of the Week recently.
There’s plenty more on his MySpace — including another favourite of mine from the album, “Cold Bread”.
The Frontier Brothers - “Everyone’s A Neutron Bomb”
I’ve been pretty obsessed with ‘brother’ bands lately and I’m not sure why. Seated somewhere between the Avett Brothers and the Felice Brothers lie the Frontier Brothers. Hailing from the city of Austin in the state of Texas, The Frontier Bros. have this subdued yet intense folk-rock sound. The vocals almost sound out of place, but that just makes for greater enjoyment. There’s also something British about their sound, but I can’t place it. Help me out in the comments if you can.
They’ve also got a great flyer on their MySpace. Too bad the show was last week.
Beth Orton - “She Cries Your Name”
Beth Orton worked really hard to become a musician, much like how artists work waitressing jobs and go unnoticed until they finally network into the right people. Well, that is exactly what she did to wind up supplying the vocals to “Alive Alone” from the Chemical Brothers’ Exit Planet Dust album. “She Cries Your Name” is another very profound song from her first album Trailer Park. The song is also a collaboration resulting from a chance meeting.
Dixie Chicks - Everybody Knows
One of the reblogs from our podcast post called us out for not posting any country music. Now I have no affinity for country, but I absolutely recognize its insane-o popularity throughout the rest of the country nation. The track above, off their Grammy sweeping record “Taking The Long Road,” is not only a great country track, but a great song altogether. My favorite parts are Natalie Maines’ hair-raising, goosebump-inducing vocals, and the dreamy twang of the pedal steel. Click play y’all!
If you’re into country, give us some recommendations!
Thanks for the nudge Sale For!
Newton Faulkner - Teardrop (Massive Attack cover)
It’s a tall order trying to creatively and respectfully cover an MA track, let alone one their best and most recognizable. The seminal British trip-hop band has long been heralded, so attempts at recreating any of their genius would obviously be considered futile.
Faulkner pulls it off though - and in my opinion with great aplomb [yes I went there]. The dreadlocked-Brit is poised to make impression on ladies everywhere. Have a listen and let me know what yout think. Play or Pass? Oh and make sure you ratchet up the drop at 1:35.
Steel Train - I Feel Weird
This is the first track off of Steel Train’s most recent album, Trampoline. It’s full of high energy and fun melodic hooks. It almost reminds me of Bruce Springsteen in a way… the xylophones especially! (Coincidence since both come from Jersey? Hmm…)
I never heard anything from Steel Train before, but I know that they used to be a bit of a jam band, but have since modified their sound since forming in 1999. This band should definitely be given another chance for those who already have heard them. They’ve come along way since lead singer/guitarist Jack Antonoff dated Scarlett Johansson. I seriously suggest you check out their album if you’re down for ridiculously melodic indie pop/rock/folk. You can tell these guys put a lot of time and effort into this album to ‘reinvent’ themselves…for the better.
They’ll be touring a lot this spring in support of Trampoline. If you’re going to Bonnaroo, check ‘em out! :)
Jeff Buckley - Everybody Here Wants You
Okay so I know I continue to stray from the doo wop theme… I’m sorry I just can’t help it. I have a great one for tomorrow, that’s for sure, so definitely check back early and often.
As for the tune above - Jeff Buckley is a legend; there is no doubt about that. Just as Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Selena, and a host of others were taken from us under unfortunate (and in some cases, avoidable) circumstances, Jeff too died at a very young age, and before his true ‘grace’ was known. His legacy does live on though, and for any serious JB fan, you might be getting that feeling in the pit of your stomach, knowing that you are about to hear something very, very serious.
I feel strongly about Jeff’s music. He showcases a vulnerability that is so sad, honest, and heartfelt that it’s transformed into a rock-solid confidence - confidence that to his listeners may seem unattainable. It’s a bold statement, but is Jeff the Bob Dylan of the 90s?
I’ve listened to 1994’s Grace an inordinate amount of times, as I’m sure any JB fan has, but have yet to find a song that touches me as much as “Everybody Here Wants You” (from Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk). I’ve met that girl. I’ve seen her around. I know exactly how Jeff feels in this one…
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Its use in a VW commercial (even if it is one of my favorites) aside, Nick Drake’s Pink Moon could be the best “quiet, relaxed night at home” song ever.
Yael Naïm - Toxic
First off, I wanted to say it was great meeting fellow Tuneage contributor, Rach, last night at the meet up! Alright, now back to business :)
This is off of Yael Naïm’s latest album, which comes out on Tuesday, the 18th. One way to describe her album is … beautiful. It’s absolutely gorgeous! It’s mainly acoustic French pop. (Perhaps I just made up a new genre? Naaaah…) She sings in Hebrew and in English, yet the album has a very French sound. (Be sure to check out her song Paris on her Myspace page)
I love this cover of Toxic. It reminds me of an eerie circus. The swirling ascending/descending synth and xylophone sounds enhance that feeling. Covers are a great way to interpret someone else’s song. I really like what she did with this one. It’s a completely different song!
