Music

Josh Small

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Juke

Important Life Lesson, Part II: Yesterday, I made a case for going early to concerts, because you never know what the opening act gods will send your way. This goes double for Justin Townes Earle shows. First it was Joe Pug at the Southern, and then Friday at the Camel, I found out about Richmond local Josh Small. Within moments of starting his opening set, his passionate singing and foot-stomping steel guitar playing made it feel like we were all sitting on the back porch of a cabin deep in the woods, soaking in his intricate and energetic brand of southern-influenced folk. I picked up both his albums (sound familiar?), and am so happy I did. His most recent is called Juke and features the same passion I saw live, but with the added bonus of eclectic instrumentation.

Joe Pug

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Messenger

Important Life Lesson: Go early to concerts! I wrote yesterday about how I first saw Justin Townes Earle when he opened for Old Crow Medicine Show. So I went to see JTE at the Southern in Charlottesville … you see where this is going … and that’s how I discovered Joe Pug! HIS opening set was so compelling, I walked directly to the merch table and bought both his full-length albums, Messenger and Nation of Heat. Both are full of thoughtful, personal folk songs that contain some of the sharpest songwriting you’ll find anywhere, with vivid lyrics that stay with you long after the album has finished. I’m sad to say I just missed him headline at the Southern, but I have my fingers crossed that he’ll come to Richmond soon.

Justin Townes Earle

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My friend Giselle and I like to argue about who told who about Justin Townes Earle (you’d think we’re both claiming to have told the other, but it’s the opposite … weird, eh?). I DO know the first time I saw him live, he opened for Old Crow Medicine Show, and he made a hell of a first impression. It’s a few years later, and I listen to his music nearly every day. I saw him at the Camel this past Friday, and he was outstanding as usual. He’s the consummate performer – tells stories, sings with raw emotion, and he occasionally slows his songs down live, which has a deeply haunting effect. Here’s a slow, contemplative, soulful performance of “Midnight at the Movies” from his album of the same name.

Brian Eno-David Byrne

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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts

I filled up my laptop’s hard drive (mostly with music), then tried starting a DVD conversion project. Turns out computers don’t like to boot up when they’re too full. Whatever. The upside is that transferring music to an external drive has helped me discover music I own but haven’t explored yet. For example, a while back, my friend Tex homeshared with me My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, and after finally diving in, I found that it’s a fascinating record, full of rhythmic craziness and imagination. All the vocals are sampled (IN ANALOG, which must have been an unholy pain in the ass), which makes each track a unique piece of art, worthy of exploration and enjoyment. Hard to believe this record was released in 1981.

Jogger

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This Great Pressure

Important Follow-Up Message: Jonathan Larroquette, half of the hilarious podcasting duo that gives us Uhh Yeah Dude (described below), is also half of a musical duo named Jogger. I learned about Jogger from the same friend that recommended UYD. Their album, This Great Pressure, features rich and diverse electronic music that’s anchored by guitar and moves from one genre to the next fluidly. The album is at once sparse and chaotic, dark and uplifting … it’s an immersive roller coaster ride, perfect for people who love all types of music. As my friend who told me about them would say, “Get that shizz!”

Johnny Otis

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Rock 'N' Roll Revue

Important Vinyl Update … The Artist: Johnny Otis. The Album: Rock ‘N’ Roll Revue. The Store: Plan 9 in Richmond, VA. The Price: $5.

My father-in-law recently told me about Johnny Otis, a musician, composer and band leader who was most successful in the 1940’s and 50’s. (he’s also the father of Shuggie Otis). This album is upbeat and fun – part big band, part rhythm and blues, part early rock. Well worth your $5. Johnny Otis fun fact: he once said, “As a kid I decided that if our society dictated that one had to be black or white, I would be black.” Just a Greek dude keeping it real.

Panda Bear

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The wait is (sort of) over! Thanks to the amazing people at NPR music, we can stream the new Panda Bear record, Tomboy. I’d heard a few evolutionary versions of these tracks, and a few final cuts when Panda Bear (real name Noah Lennox) played a guest DJ set for NPR, but I’m so excited to be exploring this beautiful record in its entirety.

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

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Wandered into Venue 222 while in Austin for SXSW Interactive. They had free beer. They had aerial acrobatics. And then I saw a poster saying The Pains of Being Pure At Heart were playing. I’d heard their name, but hadn’t heard their music. Now I have, and I suggest you grab their new album Belong right now.

Holger

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Sunga

Heard about Holger via NPR’s awesome coverage of SXSW. They’re from Brazil, and while I can’t find their music on iTunes, here’s a link to SoundClound. Very danceable, diverse, joyous music. Would go see them in a heartbeat. I have a feeling it would be a big dance party.

The Weeknd

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House of Balloons

Just learned of The Weeknd (project by an R&B singer named Abel Tesfaye from Toronto) via Pitchfork. I highly recommend downloading this free mixtape for the following reasons:

  • It’s kinda creepy (in a fun way)
  • It’s got some really cool textural elements
  • One of the lyrics is “Just let me muuufuckin love you!”