Blow My Horn

Now here's a great initiative: Hiss Golden Messenger just offered a fine - and free - recording of one of their recent live shows via their Bandcamp page. Live at the Parish, Austin TX was lovingly curated by the Dick of Durham's finest: their trusted soundman Warren Parker. Keep 'em coming, good buddies!

Hiss Golden Messenger - Like A Mirror Loves A Hammer (live Austin '16)

Listening Wind

"Watch the sun's fading ember, hear the wind as she cries..." Presenting a stormy six pack for your listening pleasure. Artwork by the inimitable Tinca; buy some of her stuff why don't you. And stay tuned for part 2. Soon, soon.

Don Covay & The Goodtimers - It's In The Wind
United Travel Service - Wind And Stone
Amon Düül II - Wie Der Wind Am Ende Einer Strasse
Shelagh McDonald - Waiting For The Wind To Rise
Gene Clark - Hear The Wind
King Crimson - I Talk To The Wind

Angels Band

Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley sings the gospel. Can I get a handclap?

Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys - Over In The Gloryland

Capital F

It just happens to be funky friday today, my amigos da musica. High time to get down with the infectuous You Got To Be A Man by Frank Williams and his Rocketeers. It's the soulful year of 1967 and behind the mic there's the James Brown inspired Little Beaver, pride of Forrest City, Arkansas. "You don't have to be an angel to know right from wrong..."

Frank William's Rocketeers - You Got To Be A Man

Find A Way

Seemingly out of the blue, the always impeccable Light in the Attic label decided to re-release three albums by Erasmo Carlos, a Brazilian star not very well known outside his native country. Of these, you really need Carlos, Erasmo... from 1971, a bona fide tropicália masterpiece. All over the place, and that sure is a recommendation.

Erasmo Carlos - É Preciso Dar Um Jeito, Meu Amigo

That's Right!

Look what the cat dragged in... The Real Kids are back, and they've just announced a European tour, too. To refresh the memory a bit: their leader John Felice co-founded the Modern Lovers with Jonathan Richman back in 1973. He soon went his own way however, releasing the classic eponymous Real Kids debut in the magical year of '77. Now I'm not much of a nostalgia nerd, but these semi-legendary Boston protopunks  I just gotta see live. Come to think about it, I think I'm falling in love again...

The Real Kids - All Kindsa Girls
The Real Kids - Taxi Boys

Moon Went Down

Just got the sad news that Chuck Berry has passed away. The legendary rock & roller, who could play a guitar just like ringing a bell, was 90 years old. Miss him.

Chuck Berry - Around And Around

Sweat Of Your Brow

The good people at Pressure Sounds - still the finest roots reggae reissue label around - really leave no Jamaican stone unturned. Their latest adventure is all about the mighty singer, bass player and label boss Lloyd Parks, who was part of such legendary outfits from the island as the Techniques, Skin Flesh and Bones, the Professionals and the We The People Band. Time A Go Dread collects 22 irie tracks from the golden seventies, with not a dud between 'em. Don't forget to turn up that bass, my brethren.

Lloyd Parks - Time A Go Dread
Lloyd Parks - Strike

Nothing But A Man

Here's Memphis master Furry Lewis saluting a legendary steel driving man: easily one of the finest interpretations of the famous traditional called John Henry around.

Furry Lewis - John Henry (The Steel Driving Man) Part 1

Leave Your Doubts

Although the aptly titled Notes Of Blue indeed seems just a tiny bit more bluesy than their usual fare, there's nothing new under the sun on Son Volt's latest outing really. Which is a good thing of course, as the material is remarkably strong this time around and Jay Farrar's patent sad voice shines just like back in the days. A compulsory buy for all you country rockers and Americana aficionados out there.

Son Volt - Promise The World

In His Tiny Hands

You like strings? Now that's a coincidence. Warning: pop genius at work.

Scott Walker - The Girls From The Streets
Scott Walker - Plastic Palace People

Golden Gunn

Good news: master picker Steve Gunn has just announced an extensive European solo tour. Starting in chilly England this April, he'll slowly wind his way down south to end up deep in the heart of sunny Portugal a month or so later. Barcelona is on the itinerary as well, so I'll be sure to buy me a ticket.

Steve Gunn - Water Wheel
Steve Gunn - Wildwood

Restless Dream

The Feelies never released anything subpar, and their brand new In Between is no exception to that rule. What joy, yet another album by Halendon's finest to treasure. Chew on this if you please: the Feelies may just be the coolest combo on the planet.

The Feelies - When To Go

Same Again

I kid you not: ye olde arch druid Julian Cope, famous for his intake of all things psychedelic, has discovered the joys of booze all of a sudden. The result: a highly amusing new mini album, called Drunken Songs as it bloody well should. "And in the morning, we won't remember a thing..." You just got to love the guy. Cheers!

Julian Cope - Drink Me Under The Table

Von Harmonia

The hypnotic soundscapes of Mind Over Mirrors have gotten a remarkable load of good press lately. Even the Financial Times (I didn't even know they employed a rock critic) sang the praise of their recently released Undying Color album. Not bad for a harmonium-based psychedelic drone record without any guitars, huh? I'm not so sure it's my cup of tea yet really, but it definitely sounds original. Check it out.

Mind Over Mirrors - Splintering