Music is Golden

There’s a lot going on right now. My first born is set to make his way into the world any day now, and I am in the final semester of graduate school. I’m reading books about legal issues in public relations and I am reading books about how to teach a child to sleep on their own. It’s a strange, busy time around here. Of course in the midst of all the painting, crib construction, picture hanging, thesis writing and studying, I am still listening to lots of music. I’m not really taking the time to write about it as much as I’d like, but trust me, I’m listening. In the last 2-3 weeks, I’ve been listening to the new Steven Fiore a ton, and the new Vampire Weekend found it’s way to my iPod and is getting lots of love. It’s been a very solid year for music so far, and I just wanted to share a few of the songs that I haven’t really talked too much about yet, but love.

Matt Nathanson – Mission Bells
Everyone knows how much I love Matty Nay and this song has me so pumped for his new album that I can hardly stand it. The album cover looks sweet and if “Mission Bells” is any indication, this will be one of my favorite albums of the year. The full band version can be found here, and it’s well worth your $0.99. For now, here’s the acoustic version.
Mission Bells

Andrew Galucki – A Shot For Us
I have absolutely no information to give you on this guy. Someone who works for me mentioned that he was from New England, forwarded me the song and I’ve been listening to it since. He’s done some outstanding covers that are floating around, but not a lot else out there. Hey Andrew, if you Google yourself and this post pops up, how about sending a blogger some songs man. Help me help you.
A Shot For Us

The Young Romans – Where You Go
One of the best ways of finding new music is by simply checking out the bands that bands you like talk about. Twitter is a great way to do this. Make a list that is made up of your favorite bands, and check in from time to time. They share lots of similar (and great) music. The Young Romans were getting a lot of love from Dave Barnes recently, so I grabbed the album. A Barnes song was used when I proposed – a Barnes song was our first dance – and a Barnes song has been the unofficial “anthem” for our unborn son. I trust the guy. After listening to this song, chances are, you will too.
Where You Go

Shane Gamble – Turn My Way
My good friend Reid is my go-to for country music. He almost always gives me stuff that’s way too country, but occasionally he’ll throw me someone like Love and Theft or David Nail. He emailed me about Shane Gamble a few days ago, and I have to say – I dig it. I think a lot of you will too.
Turn My Way

Bastille – Overjoyed
These guys hooked me a while back with a killer Youtube rendition of “Overjoyed” acapella. A US album release has yet to be announced (as far as I can tell), but everything I’ve heard so far is interesting. It’s A LOT more electronic than anything I’d normally listen to, but give it a shot.
Pompeii

Oscar Isaac – Never Had
I recently watched a decent movie with my wife that had an AMAZING four minute stretch. There aren’t many instances when a live performance of an original song is the best part of a movie – this was one of those times. Oscar Isaac is a very good actor and an even better musician. He was cast as the lead role in the upcoming Coen Brothers movie, Inside Llewyn Davis, so chances are good you will see his face soon. Youtube searches of Isaac will find him playing alongside Marcus Mumford and also playing small coffee houses. He’s got a great voice, and is a killer songwriter. Here’s proof:
Never Had

Glenn Yoder and the Western States – Just Want You to Love Me
The older I  get, the less I am able to keep up with Boston’s music scene. Live shows are becoming harder and harder to attend but every now and then, you hear so much about a band that you have to check them out. Thankfully, I was able to see Glenn Yoder and the Western States. They’re a little bit country, a little bit blues and a little bit pop. The combination works well. “Javelina” is a fantastic album and it’s got nearly everything you’re looking for in an Americana album.
Just Want You to Love Me

Sons of Fathers – Roots and Vine
A few weeks ago, a Sons of Fathers album fell onto my desk. I’d heard a bit about them through a friend and wanted to hear what all the fuss was about. The fuss was justified. From the first track, I fell in love with the harmonies, the booming vocals, the songwriting and the alt-country/blues/gospel style. These guys are perfectly loud when they need to be, and on songs where a little more intimacy is necessary, they deliver as well. The album contains some of the best two-man harmonies I’ve heard in a while, and it’s a must-have for any alt-country fan.
Roots & Vine

Ivan & Alyosha – Running for Cover
I’ve been listening to Ivan & Alyosha for a few years now, since I first heard “Easy to Love,” and I’ve always wanted “more” from them. It’s as if you could hear the potential in every song.  Their most recent release is by far their best work, and honestly, it’s exactly what fans have been waiting for. The Seattle based band certainly delivers with this album and I am excited to see what happens as they continue to evolve.
Running for Cover

Greg Holden – She’s Got Something
Everyone of you has heard Greg’s work. No really. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE OF YOU.  Holden co-wrote the Phillip Phillips mega-hit “Home” with Drew Pearson. Holden’s music can also be heard in tons of commercials, making it even more difficult to escape. Holden’s been known to play with The Damnwells, so you know he’s aces in my book.
She’s Got Something

Johnnyswim – Home
Handclaps. Killer harmonies. Male/female vocals. A character named Peggy Sue in a song. Do I need to to keep going?
Home

Judah & the Lion – Our Love
The Sweet Tennessee EP is perhaps one of the more accurately named EPs I’ve ever listened to. If I asked you to tell me what Tennessee sounds like, you’d mention a banjo. You’d mention a mandolin. You’d probably expect subtle harmonies and lyrics with a gospel influence.  You would be dead on.
Our Love

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