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”.
Andrew Bird - “Heretics”
Violins, guitars, glockenspiel, whistling…Andrew Bird is able to take this amalgam of instruments and use it to create wonderful indie music. As the former leader of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Bird has managed to find a sound all his own.
One of the most compelling aspects of Andrew Bird’s body of work is his ability to recreate it in a live setting. Using loops and effects and any other technology available, he allows you to watch the songs develop right in front of you.
This song is off of his most recent album, Armchair Apocrypha which, while not as solid as his former releases (Weather Systems and The Mysterious Production of Eggs), still helps to solidify Andrew Bird’s spot as one of the best indie artists creating music today.
Martha Wainwright - “See Emily Play”
Last night I went to Martha Wainwright’s sold out CD release at Joe’s Pub and I was pretty blown away. This chick really throws herself, especially her emotions, into her song writing and performance.
Martha has a very distinct raspy voice. It took a little bit for me to get used to it while listening to the CD, but seeing her perform live makes it all come together.
Since I’m a fan of more upbeat music, I chose this song to post. Other favorites of mine off her June 10th release, I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too are “Hearts Club Band” and “Bleeding All Over You.” I suggest you check ‘em out!
To finish off her set, her mother hopped up on stage and accompanied her on piano. It was great! What a talented family. Too bad Rufus couldn’t make it!
Frightened Rabbit - “The Modern Leper”
Frightened Rabbit’s The Midnight Organ Fight is an album I got a while ago, on the strength of a lot of hype, but didn’t really give a proper chance until today. It struck me that this would be a great Summer album, and with Summer just around the corner, that’s pretty fortunate timing. Particularly since I plan on listening to it rather a lot. “The Modern Leper” is the opener off the album, and sets a great standard for the rest of the album.
Chad & Jeremy - “A Summer Song”
In keeping with those acts originating across the pond, here is a perfect song to welcome the cold beers, hot sun, and salty beach air of the current solstice. Taken from their 1964 release Yesterday’s Gone (and of course the Rushmore soundtrack), “Summer Song” will instantly lift your cares away. Reminding me of America’s own California crooners Jan Berry and Dean Torrence, Chad and Jeremy carved out the surf and sun sound of the British Invasion. Their beautiful harmonies, laid back songwriting style, and easy tempo are a perfect compliment to any summer day.
The Dø - “On My Shoulders”
The Dø — apparently named after the first note on the standard musical scale — are a duo from Paris and Helsinki. They class themselves as folk rock on their myspace, but they’ve actualy got a fairly diverse sound, incorporating elements of avant-garde noise, hip-hop, and even classical. This track is from their debut, A Mouthful, released January this year.
James Taylor - Country Road
It’s Mother’s Day! Best wishes to all the moms, grandmas, great-grandmas, surrogates, and baby mamas out there. Your love and kindness makes us all who we are, and we at Tuneage would like to thank you for that!
One of the greatest experiences ever for me was when Mom and I saw James Taylor at MSG Theater, 4th row center. Having grown up with him, Billy Joel, Neil Young, and Carol King playing around the house, I developed a strong connection between JT and my family. It was emotional and fun - Happy Mother’s Day Mom!
What artists or songs did your Mom offer you?
Jonathan Coulton - First of May
Today, of course, is the first of May, and I can’t think of a better song to post. Although I freely admit to not personally being the biggest Jonathan Coulton fan (although he does have some excellent songs to his name), I can’t help but love this song. It’s simple, sunny, Springy melody belies the saucy chorus, and it’s laughter all around.
Note: some of the lyrics could be mildly NSFW, so if, like me, you work somewhere uptight, I recommend headphones.
The Felice Brothers - Frankie’s Gun
“…I hurt him so damn bad I had to hide in Jersey…”
Here’s a cut from my new folk-rock obsession The Felice Brothers. They are from upstate New York, but apparently got their start playing in the subways of the City. That’s surprising, because for someone that frequents the NYC subways, well, frequently, I’d heard nothing of the sort.
This track is off their self-titled release from March, a monster 15 track record clocking in at an hour of classic folk-rock tunes with exceptional lyrics.
