New Vetiver Track - Can't You Tell

I've long been a fan of Vetiver's not-so-freaky freak folk.  Check out their latest track "Can't You Tell".  They took this one in a different direction than their older stuff, but I still dig it.  You can stream the track or download it for free below. 

  

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The War on Drugs

The War on Drugs is a band out of Philadelphia that once featured Kurt Vile (previous post HERE).  These guys draw many comparisons to a very indie Bruce Springsteen with their Americana influenced rock.  I hear some Velvet Underground influences in there as well, especially in "The History of Plastic" from their Future Weather EP.  They have released 1 proper album (Wagonwheel Blues) and 3 EPs (Demo, Barrel of Batteries, and Future Weather).  I really enjoy everything that I have heard and think you will too.  And thankfully, there is a good bit of material out there for your listening pleasure.

A Needle In Your Eye #16 (from Wagonwheel Blues)

Comin' Through (from Future Weather EP)

Thursday Throwback: The Band - Up On Cripple Creek

Check out this awesome version of The Band's "Up On Cripple Creek" from their phenomenal concert film The Last Waltz. I have probably seen The Last Waltz about 150 times, and it is by far the best concert film out there (with apologies to David Byrne). Filmed on Thanksgiving Day, 1976 at San Franciso's Winterland venue, The Last Waltz chronicles The Band's last concert as a group. Directed by Martin Scorcese and featuring guest appearances by Bob Dylan, Neil Young,Van Morrison, The Staples Singers, and Eric Clapton, The Last Waltz is a must own for any music fan.

Wednesday Video: Cotton Jones - Down Beside 'Em

A favorite here at YAGN performing a track off of their latest EP on Oregon Public Broadcasting.  

Wednesday Video: Lonesome Ghost - I Was Only Trying To

A lot going on in YAGN-land these days, so apologies for the limited posts. Hope you enjoy this video from Lonesome Ghost - simple video, great song. More on these guys later.

Stellar new track from Cults - "You Know What I Mean"

Cults is still a bit of a mystery to me, but their new track "You Know What I Mean" is my favorite of theirs yet.  Check it out below.

 Cults - You Know What I Mean by cultscultscults 

Under The Covers With Damien Jurado & Richard Swift

Damien Jurado and Richard Swift released an album of covers that is available for free download HERE.  Below are my 2 favorites from the sessions, Bill Fay's "Be Not Fearful" (Jeff Tweedy also does an incredible version of this) and Chubby Checker's "If The Sun Stops Shining".  Very solid versions of both.

Be Not Fearful

If The Sun Stops Shining

Album Release of the Week: Generationals, Actor-Caster

Sorry to all of the Britney fans out there, but this week's release feature is Generationals Actor-Caster.  This is the New Orleans duo's sophomore album and I like what I hear.  The album is being released on Park The Van label that is home to YAGN favorite Dr. Dog.  Check out a few tracks below, then go pick it up HERE.

Ten-Twenty-Ten

Greenleaf

Weekend Mix: 03.25.11

Daisy - Fang Island - This infectious bit of indie prog-rock is just a damn good time.

Young Pros - Bass Drum of Death - This Mississippi band is loud and I like it.

Don't Break The Needle - J. Roddy Walston and the Business - Close to what I wish Kings of Leon sounded like today.  There is more to come on the blog about these guys.

Gratisfaction - The Strokes - This one has some Billy Joel vibes on the verses.  Good new stuff from The Strokes.

YAGN Essentials: Broken Bells, Self-Titled

Broken Bells is a "super group" that actually works.  James Mercer, lead singer of The Shins, and artist/producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) teamed up for this album full of soul, indie, pop, electro, and about anything else that you can throw in the mix.  Definitely one that you should have in your album collection.  And the good news is that a follow-up is in the works.

High Road

The Ghost Inside

Yellowbirds - The Color

Yellowbirds, the side project of Apollo Sunshine member Sam Cohen, released the amazing album The Color earlier this month. Checking in at just over a half hour, The Color is already on my short list for top 10 albums of 2011. Cohen weaves together 11 diverse songs of fuzzed out countrified pop - check it out the songs and video below and pick up The Color today.

Yellowbirds - "Beneath the Reach of Light"
Yellowbirds - "Our Good Days Are Gone"

New Bon Iver Album Due in June

Rolling Stone reported yesterday that a new Bon Iver release is on the way this summer.  I, for one, cannot wait.  Justin Vernon, the driving force of the band, has been busy since the debut album with various side projects and a contribution to Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which was a hell of an album.  I hope that this news excites you as much as it does me.

For Emma

Beach Baby

Up & Comers: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

I remember first hearing "Vocal Chords" by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. while still in Telluride.  It is such an awesome song.  This duo out of Detroit has 2 EPs full of bouncy, electro tinged pop.  They have a funny name, but there music is no joke.

Vocal Chords

Simple Girl

Wednesday Video: Surfer Blood - Swim

I really love Surfer Blood and "Swim" is my favorite track from their debut LP Astro Coast.  This video is from a live SXSW 2011 performance of the West Palm Beach band.  Hear and buy the album HERE.

Wednesday Video: Punch Brothers - Next to the Trash

Today's video comes from Chris Thile and The Punch Brothers. The band originated as a backing group for Thile's excellent album How to Grow a Woman From The Ground in 2006 and have released two albums under the Punch Brothers name. Their most recent release, Antifogmatic garnered much critical praise and featured the song heard (and seen) in the video above.

Under The Covers With Justin Townes Earle

YAGN favorite Justin Townes Earle delivers a great version of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" with the help of up and coming Chicagoan Joe Pug. I would highly recommend both JTE's Harlem River Blues and Pug's Messenger Listen to and download "Atlantic City" below:

Justin Townes Earle (with Joe Pug) - Atlantic City

Under The Covers With The Avett Brothers

Check out the video of The Avett Brothers doing Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days" and download the track below.  Also, check out an older post of the Avetts doing a fantastic version of Jessica Lea Mayfield's "For Today" HERE.

Glory Days

Summer Fiction - Throw Your Arms Around Me

Summer Fiction (Philadelphia's Bill Ricchini) released his self titled debut this past December and has generated quite a bit of excitement throughout the music scene. A psuedo-concept album that loosely follows a young girl’s coming of age told from the journal entries of the guys who fall for her throughout her life, Summer Fiction is available on the band's bandcamp page for only $8. Check it out today!

Summer Fiction - Throw Your Arms Around Me

Kurt Vile, Smoke Ring For My Halo

For a while, Kurt Vile's name led me to believe that his music would not be quite as pleasant as it is.  His 4th album Smoke Ring For My Halo is a really enjoyable listen.  Listen to 2 tracks from it below to see what you think.  I also included a song from his solo debut Constant Hitmaker because it is a good nice weather track and kinda sounds like an indie Tom Petty song.

Baby's Arms
Jesus Fever

Freeway (from Constant Hitmaker)

Album Release of the Week: The Strokes, Angles

This one was easy.  The Strokes return tomorrow with their third album Angles, their first in 5 years.  It has its ups ("Under Cover of Darkness", "Gratisfaction", and "Taken For A Fool") and downs, but I enjoy it more than First Impressions of Earth.  No downloads this time, but you can stream the album in its entirety by clicking the link below.

The Strokes, Angles

Weekend Mix: 03.18.11 - Hey laaadies...

Get Some - Lykke Li - From her stellar new album, Wounded Rhymes.  So far, she has done no wrong.

Safe At Home - Eternal Summers - Nice track from this Virginia duo.

You And I Know - Ra Ra Riot - This one is for EB (she loves this song).  Cellist Alexandra Lawn leads the band for this song that she also wrote.  With her Stevie Nicks-ish vocals, she needs to sing more often.

The Robot - Alessi's Ark - Alessi Laurent-Marke's vocal style is unique.  Couple that with the wonderful accompaniment and you have a song that keeps you coming back.

Youth Knows No Pain - Lykke Li - I couldn't decide which song to put up, so I am going to post both of them.  Like I said, she can do no wrong.  Did I mention that her new album is really, really good?

I hope you enjoy your weekend that should be full of sunshine.  We'll see you next week.

Drive By Truckers in Denver Tonight

About to hit the road for the long drive to see one of my favorite bands, Athens' Drive By Truckers. DBT are playing two shows at Denver's Ogden Theater and I will hopefully have some good coverage of the shows to share with you all next week. In the meantime, enjoy the video below:

The Weakest Man - Acoustic - Go-Go Boots - Drive-By Truckers from Drive-By Truckers on Vimeo.

YAGN Essentials: Beach House, Teen Dream

The third album was the charm for this Baltimore duo.  Beach House's Teen Dream (not to be confused with Katy Perry's) is so great.  You will love it from the get-go and continue to fall deeper in love the more time you spend with it.  If you already own the album, pull it out and listen to it a few more times.  If you don't, you should be downloading it right now!

Zebra

Walk In The Park

The Rural Alberta Advantage

This Canadian trio has released 2 LPs, their debut Hometowns and their follow-up Departing.  Lead singer Nils Edenloff sounds like Jeff Mangum minus the intensity and insanity.  If you like what you hear, both albums are worth checking out -- my personal preference is their debut.  Below is a track from each.  Enjoy.

Rush Apart from Hometowns

Barnes' Yard from Departing

Up & Comers: The David Mayfield Parade

From his role as guitarist for Cadillac Sky to his Grammy nominated production/engineering studio work, David Mayfield has been plenty busy in a supporting role.  At the insistence of the Avett brothers, he decided to take center stage with the release of The David Mayfield Parade's self-titled debut.  His sister, Jessica Lea Mayfield, and both Avetts lend their talents to the LP.  It is worth a listen.  Sample the tracks below then do yourself a favor by picking it up HERE.

I Just Might Pray
Udine

Chris Bathgate - No Silver

Chris Bathgate is a singer/songwriter out of Michigan that is releasing his 6th album, Salt Year, on April 26th.  I was able to preview the album and it is pretty darn good.  Listen to a little preview below.

No Silver

Wednesday Video: Megafaun - His Robe

Megafaun - His Robe | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

This is an awesome Take-Away Show performance by the eccentric folk trio Megafaun.  Check out the other 2 videos from this session HERE (1 of them is a new song).

Cass McCombs - County Line

Cass McCombs released one of my favorite albums of 2009 with Catacombs, so you can imagine my excitement when I read that his new album Wit's End is set for an April 26th release.  Below is an awesome track from this upcoming album.  I cannot wait to hear the rest of it.  If you like what you hear, click HERE to listen a track from Catacombs featured in a previous post.

County Line

Under The Covers With Fruit Bats

Below you will find Fruit Bats (another YAGN favorite) covering Bob Dylan's classic track and the blog's namesake "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere".  I was planning on stopping there, but then I found their cover of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart".  The original is a guilty pleasure of mine and, apart from the missing sax solo, I think their cover does it justice.  Enjoy my friends...

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Never Tear Us Apart

Under The Covers With Futurebirds

YAGN's unhealthy obsession with The Futurebirds continues. Enjoy their take on Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" - and the return of Tuesday Covers! This song still brings back images of the original video. And... umm.... other emotions...

Wicked Game by Futurebirds

Jason Isbell - Codeine

New track off the former Drive By Truckers guitarist/vocalists upcoming release Here We Rest. "Codeine" starts off with a lonesome sounding fiddle intro and gets better from there. The best song about Codeine since "Sippin on Some Sizzurp." Give it a listen.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - "Codeine"

Trailer for Arcade Fire and Spike Jonze's short film Scenes From The Suburbs

I'm intrigued....

Album Release of the Week: Caitlin Rose, Own Side Now

I just came to know Caitlin Rose yesterday and love what I've heard.  This 24 year-old singer/songwriter out of Nashville is making country music that sounds as it should.  Buy Own Side Now tomorrow and her EP, Dead Flowers, HERE.

Answer In One of These Bottles (via Daytrotter and from Dead Flowers EP)

For the Rabbits (Demo)

Weekend Mix: 03.11.11

Americle - Futurebirds - A great track from a YAGN favorite.

Open Season - High Highs - Nice one from this New York folk-y band.  Click HERE to go to their BandCamp site for a free download of their new single "Horses".

Don't Stop - The Dodos - Stellar guitar work on this track from their new album, No Color dropping on the 15th.

Forever Green - The Felice Brothers - From the Brothers' 7th album that apparently slipped past me until today.  Can't wait for their new release on Fat Possum later this year.

Have a great weekend and we'll see you back on Monday!

The Cave Singers - Swim Club

You may recognize Cave Singers from our February mix - the Seattle band has been recording their brand of Pacific Northwest Americana since 2007. After signing to the Jagjaguwar record label in 2010, the band released their first album (No Witch) on that label this past February. Cave Singers will be in Birmingham and Atlanta at the end of the month, so if you like what you hear check them out!

Cave Singers - Swim Club

YAGN Essentials: Band of Horses, Cease To Begin

Coming off a critically acclaimed debut, Band of Horses looked to avoid the sophomore slump with the release of Cease To Begin.  And did they ever.  Their sophomore effort has it all and still stands tall after the release of their latest effort, Infinite Arms.  I have really enjoyed each of their albums, but Cease To Begin is the one I revisit when I need a BoH fix.

Cigarettes Wedding Bands

The Marry Song

David Vandervelde - A not-so-guilty pleasure

David Vandervelde is part T. Rex, part Kenny Loggins (read on), and 100% badass.  His latest output sounds like the awesome soundtrack to a good-time 80's movie - listen to "Learn How To Hang" and tell me that drum beat doesn't bring "Footloose" to mind.  His previous albums and EPs vary from electronic infused tracks to acoustic based ones.  It is all worth a listen, but this recent Nashvillian is currently making incredibly infectious rock/pop that is a blast to listen to.  It will provide the perfect soundtrack to your spring and summer.

Learn How To Hang

Checkin' Out My Baby

Thursday Throwback: Neil Young - Are You Ready For the Country?

Neil Young's Harvest may be one of my favorite albums of all time (although it contains a song degrading my home state, but that's another story). Released in 1972, Harvest is a folksy album that features Neil Young at his most accessible, but was critically panned for being too derivative of Young's previous efforts. The album features guest appearances from all of his former CSNY bandmates as well as James Taylor and Linda Rondstadt - Taylor played banjo on "Old Man" - bring that up at your next cocktail party. "Are You Ready For The Country?" is a rollicking, piano driven track that closed out the first side of the album and is sure to get your toes tapping.

Neil Young - Are You Ready For The Country?

Junip - In Every Direction

Junip is the trio of Jose Gonzalez, Elias Araya, and Tobias Winterkorn.  Their first release was in 2005 and after a 5 year hiatus came Fields in 2010.  Admittedly, I haven't ever been a huge Jose Gonzalez fan, but the opening track on the album jumped out at me.  Check it out below.

In Every Direction

Wednesday Video 2: Damien Jurado, Black Cab Session

I told you there was more to come from Jurado and this is it --- for today.  Enjoy.

The Bears of Blue River at Hi Tone in Memphis tomorrow night

If you are in the Memphis area, don't miss the Bears of Blue River tomorrow night at Hi-Tone with US Royalty. Doors open at 9pm.  Also, stream their new single "Boy Toy" from the forthcoming Dames below (click the link to download).  I hope to see all my fellow Memphians there!

 Boy Toy by thebearsofblueriver 

Wednesday Video: Paper Bird - Sacrifice

I had an opportunity to see Denver's Paper Bird last night here in Telluride and it was an amazing show. The band's lineup features a banjo, trombone and 3 very talented female vocalists. The highlight of the show was a very original take on John Prine's "Angel From Montgomery" in which the band sped the song up a bit and put their own stamp on the classic tune. Check out a video of their song "Sacrifice" below, along with a link to a Daytrotter session they did last year. Their album Anything Nameless and Joymaking is also available on itunes.



Paper Birds - Daytrotter

Damien Jurado, Saint Bartlett

Damien Jurado's Saint Bartlett is so very good that you must check it out.  Jurado has been singing/songwriting since 1997 and has struck gold with this album.  I am currently on a big Jurado kick so there is more to come from him on the blog.  Check out the 2 tracks below and do yourself a favor by getting the album HERE.  

Cloudy Shoes 

Arkansas

Ducktails - Killin The Vibe

Ducktails is New Jersey native Matthew Mondanile, who you may also recognize from 2009 buzz band Real Estate. Both of Mondanile's bands appear on the outstanding Underwater Peoples Label (Mountain Man, Julian Lynch, Tennis), an up and coming collective that is releasing some of the best indie music right now. Check out "Killin the Vibe" which, like most Ducktails songs, is centered around a simple but catchy riff that Mondanile delivers with his fuzzed out Stratocaster.

Ducktails - Killin the Vibe

Up & Comers: Spectrals

Louis Jones, aka Spectrals, hails from the UK and is making some 50s/60s inspired surf-rock that you should check out.  I've only heard a few tracks and I dig each of them.  Can't wait to hear more.  Check out 2 tracks below and hear more HERE.

Peppermint

Keep Your Magic Out Of My House

Free New Tracks from Fleet Foxes Frontman Robin Pecknold

Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes offered 3 recently recorded solo tracks for download via Twitter today.  Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear offers backup vocals on "I'm Losing Myself".  Check out the track below.  You can download all of the songs HERE.

Where Is My Wild Rose

Album Release of the Week: Wye Oak, Civilian

Each Monday I will pick out an album releasing that week to be the Album Release of the Week.  This week's album is Wye Oak's third release Civilian.  Good album and great cover from this Baltimore female-fronted duo.  Sample "Civilian" below then go pick this one up tomorrow.

Civilian

Oregon Bike Trails - A Summer Thing

Awesome new track from Zach Yudin, aka Oregon Bike Trails. Dig it.

Great Lake Swimmers - Pulling On A Line

Here's a good little easy listener I've been digging to get your Monday going.  Check back for more later.

Pulling On A Line

The Strokes' SNL Performances - 03.05.2011

Check out The Strokes from SNL.  I am a bigger fan of "Under Cover of Darkness", but I am glad that these guys are back.  And that is a sweet sleeveless shirt that the bassist is wearing -- good look for him...

Under Cover Of Darkness


Life Is Simple In The Moonlight

Weekend Mix: 03.04.11

Here is a little mix to take you into the weekend.  This one should get you pumped for the weekend's festivities.

Under Cover of Darkness - The Strokes - The first single from their upcoming album, Angles, is a return to form for the band.  Don't forget to catch The Strokes on SNL tomorrow night!

I Was Thinking - Gauntlet Hair - The name of the band is pretty ridiculous (it makes me think of Caleb Followill's old HAIRCUT), but this song is solid.

Come Home - Chappo - A fun little rocker here.

Landline - Oberhofer - Been digging Tacoma/NYC's Brad Oberhofer's tunes, especially this demo.

Friday 2 for 1 Throwback

Life got it the way of the Thursday Throwback yesterday, so to make up for it today, enjoy a couple of tracks from Paul McCartney and John Lennon, post Beatles. McCartney's Ram and Lennon's Plastic Ono Band are two albums that show each artist branching out on their own after the band split in 1970 and embracing the styles that made their individual unique marks on the Beatles. Although I consider myself more of a Rolling Stones kinda guy, I would rank both of these albums right up there with some of The Beatles' work. I've included the first track of both albums below - check them out!

Ram, released in 1971 showcases McCartney's unique gift for melody and his sometimes whimsical side. McCartney's wife Linda also is featured prominently on the album (actually released with "Paul & Linda McCartney" as the artists). A couple of the songs on Ram ("Dear Boy" and "Too Many People") were purportedly written as jabs at Lennon - and upon listening closely, its easy to see why.

Paul McCartney - "Too Many People"

Plastic Ono Band (1970) is vintage Lennon. Earnest, spiritual songs that often deal with heavy subject matter, and speak out on many social issues of the day ("Working Class Hero" & "Power to the People" for example). Check out "Mother" which ends with Lennon laying down some of the most powerful vocals of his career.

John Lennon - "Mother"

YAGN Essentials: The Black Keys, The Big Come Up

The Black Keys are one of the most solid bands around.  All of their albums are good -- if not great.  Their debut, The Big Come Up, is a rocking, bluesy romp of an album .  From the first track, it is obvious that Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney were destined for the big time.  Carney's tireless percussion and Auerbach's soulful vocals and dirty blues guitar work were music perfection to me then and remain so to this day.  9 years and 6 albums later (only counting band releases), they are still one of my favorite bands.  If their latest Grammy Award winning album Brothers is the first you have heard of them, it is time for you to check their back catalog.

Busted

Countdown

Free My Morning Jacket

YAGN favorite My Morning Jacket is giving away free downloads of songs from their Terminal 5 shows this past October. For the next 6 weeks, MMJ will give away mp3's from these legendary shows in which they performed their own albums live. The giveaway will culminate with a track from their upcoming album Circuital. Check out their website to sign up for the emails!

http://www.mymorningjacket.com/T5/

Up & Comers: Boy & Bear

There are a lot of new bands out there that are not very easy to listen to.  Boy & Bear is not one of those bands.  This group of Aussies is drawing comparisons to Fleet Foxes and I can hear it in "Blood to Gold".  From what I have heard, the band definitely has some potential.  To listen to a few more tracks click HERE.

Blood to Gold

The Storm

Timber Timbre

Ontario's Timber Timbre has been releasing spooky folk music since 2009. Taylor Kirk, the man behind the band, describes his music as "gothic rockabilly blues." Their upcoming LP, Creep on Creepin' On has the best album title I've heard in a while. Check out a couple of their tunes below. Thanks to friend of the blog Andy for the rec.

Timber Timbre - Black Water (Creep On...)

Timber Timbre - Demon Host (off their self titled debut)

Gospel Claws, C-L-a-W-S

C-L-a-W-S, the debut LP from this Tempe, Arizona band is steeped in infectiously soulful rock 'n roll that should be enjoyed by fans of My Morning Jacket (less of the ethereal Americana and more attitude than early MMJ).  I'm not sure what's going on with that name, but this album is a really great way to get things rolling.  They also have a stellar self-titled EP available.  Keep an eye on these guys...

Gospel Claws Website

Walk Me Down

Householder

Shakey Graves - Chinatown

I've been on a really big Americana/Roots music kick lately, and Texas' Shakey Graves are right up my alley. "Chinatown" is a beautiful, ragtime inspired tune that sounds like it would fit right in on the soundtrack of any Coen Brothers film. Enjoy!

Shakey Graves - Chinatown

Shakey Graves Bandcamp

Wednesday Video - Spirit Family Reunion - 100 Greenback Dollar Bills

Spirit Family Reunion "100 Greenback Dollar Bills" from Possum Den Productions on Vimeo.

The Walkmen - Orange Sunday

This track is from the Lisbon sessions, but didn't make the cut on the album.  From listening to it, one wonders why?  Also, here is an awesome video for the track "While I Shovel Snow" from Lisbon.  I hope that your Wednesday is treating you well.  Check back for more later today.

Orange Sunday

The Bears of Blue River revisited...

I know that I already posted one of their songs last Friday, but I am digging them and felt they deserve their own post.  This Chicago sextet is cranking out breezy indie pop for the much anticipated (at least by me) spring.  Pick up their incredibly enjoyable EP - The Killer Bee Scare - on iTunes.  And if you are in Memphis on Thursday, March 10, go check them out at Hi-Tone.  Perhaps we'll bump into each other.  Cheers!

The Wringer (Daytrotter)

Cry Baby (Daytrotter)

Secret Cities - Love Crime

Secret Cities, from the music hub of Fargo, North Dakota released their sophomore album Pink Graffiti last year. With its varying musical styles and complex arrangements, its really hard to summarize Pink Graffiti. Its just... fun. Give a listen to "Love Crime" and you'll see what I mean.

Secret Cities - Love Crime