New Music

I feel so out of touch with the music scene. I haven’t had this feeling for years, but for the last month and a half I feel like I don’t know what’s going on.

I know there are new records out or coming out by artists I have liked for years, but normally I’d be able to rave or rant about those releases.  Not so much the case at the moment.  Here’s a sample what I look forward to hearing in the folk music realm:

A long-time favorite of mine, Catie Curtis, releases “Stretch Limousine on Fire” on Aug 30.  Catie’s written and sung some fantastic tunes over the years. I look forward to hearing what is next.

Kris Delmhorst is about to release a covers album (that will come in handy for the Acoustic Brunch I am sure). This won’t be just any covers album, but one dedicated to the music of The Cars.  I would have never guessed that Kris would be the first artist I am aware of to do this.  Should be interesting and hopefully good.

Indigo Girls are readying another release as well. I am rarely disappointed by these ladies. Oct 4 is the date for “Beauty Queen Sister,” though I was not thrilled with the first single on first couple of listens. I am sure there are gems on this release. 

I have heard the forthcoming live release from Slaid Cleaves.  It’s a real nice "picture" of what Slaid does live.  He’s a darn good songwriter and player and “Sorrow & Smoke: Live at the Horseshoe Lounge” might be a good first disc if you’re not familiar with him.  I’ll squeeze in a tune from in on the August 28 edition of the Acoustic Brunch.

Somehow I’ve missed hearing new releases from Chuck Brodsky (Subtotal Eclipse) and Thea Gilmore (John Wesley Harding), but they are out there, just waiting for my (and your) ears.

In the non-folk world I am excited to hear new Snow Patrol and Coldplay releases.  A two CD hits/rarities release from Barenaked Ladies makes me wonder if they’ll come up with any rarities I don’t already have and the reissue of U2’s Acthung Baby! with its multiple discs and multiple choices is also very intriguing.

It’s that time of year where we will be inundated with new music to consider spending our hard earned money on or put on our Christmas lists for someone else to buy.  Prepare yourself!

Steel Wheels, Jetty Rae and Dan Henig

Alright blog, I apologize for ignoring you.  It’s been awhile since I’ve had time and inspiration at the same time.  Today is the day.  I’m listening to a new live CD by a band called The Steel Wheels and that inspired me.  On the day of this writing, they will be playing the Ark tomorrow.  If you read this on or before August 4, go see them.  Great harmonies and a lead singer whose voice perfectly matches the modern bluegrass/folk inspired songs they write.  I imagine they’ll have copies of the “LIVE AT GOOSE CREEK” CD for sale at the show too. Save the shipping costs and buy it there.  If you’re a fan of local bands like Steppin In It and Wayward Roots, The Steel Wheels should appeal to you.

By all rights, I should be going to that Ark show on the 4^th. I know it’ll be fantastic.  I think, however, I will be attending a smaller venue show.  Not because it’s free, but because two local musician friends of mine are playing a show together again at the same place I saw them perform together last time, Crazy Wisdom Tea Room.  While I have always said The Ark trumps all venues, sometimes supporting friends trumps The Ark.  Dan Henig is a singer from Ann Arbor that sent me a couple of demos in early 2010.   Since then, I’ve been bugging him to get to work on a recording people could purchase.  His song “Gravity Bound” is a perfect slice of singer/songwriter pop – the kind we play on 107one.  Even in its raw demo form I could hear a hit.  Dan finally dropped off a finished, more polished EP.  He and I disagree on the choice for a “single” from it, but either way I think his voice and songwriting hold a lot of promise for a break-out artist from this area.  He’ll be performing with another friend of mine, the beautiful and talented Jetty Rae.  Jetty has just released a new recording, La La Lu and the Lazy Moon.  It’s a “children’s” record that sounds nothing like a children’s record.  If you’re a parent and a fan of our Sunday night show Sonic Bliss, this might be a record for you.  On the other hand, you don’t have to be a parent to enjoy it (nor a fan of Sonic Bliss).  I’m not a parent (but I love Sonic Bliss) and I do.  It’s her voice.  Hear it and fall in love with it.  See her live and hear it without the layering and really fall in love with it.  Jetty and Dan are just two examples of the relatively unknown talent Ann Arbor has to offer.  I wish I could do more to change that for them, but there’s only one of me and thousands that need to discover them.

Speaking of things trumping other things as I did above, sometimes “wife” trumps all of my decisions on what I will do (married men, you understand, right?).  I may go to neither show and regret it while meanwhile appeasing my biggest supporter.  Perhaps my next blog will be a review of the show.  Only time will tell as Asia once sang…