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The Perm & The Skullet is a non-profit music blog devoted to bringing you music of all kinds.
Although we prefer that rustic, acoustic, unusual, whiskey soaked sound, we do like music of all styles and genres. If you have something you think we should listen to, by all mean, let us know.
All Links and MP3s are for sampling, evaluation, and introduction purposes only and are intended to provide exposure to said artist / film / site etc...
If you like it, please go buy it.
Online, we recommend Insound, emusic or directly from the artist or their label. Locally, we recommend Schoolkids Records or Bull City Records.
Most Mp3 samples are only available for a limited time, usually a week or two. If there is something you missed, and it is currently unavailable or out of print, please let us know and we can see what we can do.
MP3s, Links, and Images can easily be taken down, so if you are the owner or their representation, and would like said link or file removed, just let us know and we'€™ll be happy to do so. You can E-mail me directly here for any questions or concerns or submissions.
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“As soon as it becomes your profession to critique a book, or movie, or record then, not only do you lose your passion for it, but it loses validity for whoever you’re trying to turn it onto because they’re going to be approaching it from a consumer’s point of view, not from a professional writer’s point of view.”
Submissions
You can mail any materials to me electronically here or hard copy at:
The Perm & The Skullet
9100 Cub Trail
Raleigh, NC 27615
I promise to listen to everything, but due to the large amount of material I receive, I can not guarantee review. Thanks!
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Friday, December 30, 2005
Indie for Dummies Top 100
Indie For Dummies Top 100 is out now. They contacted music blogs, asked for their top 10 albums of 2005, and the culmination of all their hard work is now available here.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:14 PM
 
VU: Time Fades Away
Although this album is not as hard to find as On the Beach on vinyl, it packs a punch and is sometimes overlooked in favor of Live Rust. If this was a year ago I would be posting about On the Beach, one of the greatest albums ever produced, but finally Neil Young released it on cd, so we focus now on the last of the "Trilogy", yet to be released on cd or re-released on vinyl, Time Fades Away. This album is full of so much emotion and raw power, due in part to alot of drinking and heartbreak. When I introduce someone to 70's Neil Young (In this I mean Tonight's the Night, On the Beach, and Zuma) I always save this album for last. Once they have experienced those albums , the fall, the damnation, the resurection, I push Time Fades Away their way and it becomes a must have. All Music had this to say about the history of the album...
"Anyone who has followed Neil Young's career knows enough not to expect a simple evening of mellow good times when they see him in concert, but in 1973, when Young hit the road after Harvest had confirmed his status as a first-echelon rock star, that knowledge wasn't nearly as common as it is today. Young's natural inclinations to travel against the current of audience expectations were amplified by a stormy relationship between himself and his touring band, as well as the devastating death of guitarist Danny Whitten, who died of a drug overdose shortly after being given his pink slip during the first phase of tour rehearsals. The shows that followed turned into a nightly exorcism of Young's rage and guilt, as well as a battle between himself and an audience who, expecting to hear "Old Man" and "Heart of Gold," didn't know what to make of the electric assault they witnessed.  All the more remarkably, Young brought along a mobile recording truck to capture the tour on tape for a live album and the result, Time Fades Away, was a ragged musical parade of bad karma and road craziness, opening with Young bellowing "14 junkies, too weak to work" on the title cut, and closing with "Last Dance," in which he tells his fans "you can live your own life" with all the optimism of a man on the deck of a sinking ship. While critics and fans were not kind to Time Fades Away upon first release, decades later it sounds very much of a piece with Tonight's the Night and On the Beach, albums that explored the troubled zeitgeist of America in the mid-'70s in a way few rockers had the courage to face. If the performances are often loose and ragged, they're also brimming with emotional force, and despite the dashed hopes of "Yonder Stands the Sinner" and "Last Dance," "Don't Be Denied" is a moving remembrance of Young's childhood and what music has meant to him, and it's one of the most powerful performances Young ever committed to vinyl. Few rockers have been as willing as Young to lay themselves bare before their audience, and Time Fades Away ranks with the bravest and most painfully honest albums of his career -- like the tequila Young was drinking on that tour, it isn't for everyone, but you may be surprised by its powerful effects." AMG
An outstanding live album and a must for any 70's Neil Young fan. Enjoy Time Fades Away...
.: Time Fades Away
.: Journey Through the Past
.: Yonder Stands the Sinner
.: L.A.
.: Love in Mind
.: Don't Be Denied
.: The Bridge
.: Last Dance
(REMOVED 1/31/06)
Sign the petition to get the album released on cd
blog
As always, this will be available for about two weeks, so sample while you can and hit the record store in hopes of finding your copy of Time Fades Away on vinyl. Pacific Ocean Blue is close to coming off. Check it out if you haven't already. Enjoy the weekend.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 1:01 PM
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Joanna Newsom Live
Joanna Newsom,
Live at the Earl in 2004. Something I've been listening to for some time and I thought I would share it here. Great show! Enjoy.
.: Yarn and Glue
.: Bridges and Balloons
.: The Book of Right On
.: Sprout and the Bean
.: Swansea
.: Three Little Babes
.: En Gallop
.: Sadie
.: Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:47 PM
The Nameless Faceless
"Classic Rock" influences mixed in the same bag that created My Morning Jacket and you have begun to scrape through the outer shell of The Nameless Faceless. The band's first album, Ribbon Blue, is now available for download on their site and the band's second album, Be In, was released earlier this year and is how I stumbled upon this four piece band from Canada. With elegant acoustic guitar work, soft ghost-like vocals and 7min tracks, what more could you want. Check out the band's website, their garageband site, their blog, and the tracks below.
From Be In
.: everything is the same now that you're gone
.: stars, trees, waves and love
Bonus via website: Ribbon Blue
1.welcome
2.rhythm and thyme
3.sleepy smoke
4.the real northern blues
5.it saddened me
6.we meet with Pete
7.I have a mind
8.when greatness gets lost
9.my lungs are in my mind
10.I have half a mind
11.thank you
You can purchase a cd or mp3's of Be In via the band's website.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 4:40 PM
The Mice
I was listening to the WXYC today and who did I hear, none other than The Mice (circa 1987 w/Carolina) So, I thought I would post two tracks from Scat Records' release of For Almost Ever Scooter, an split LP with The Mice's 1986 EP, For Almost Ever, and the 1987 LP, Scooter.
.: Not Proud of the USA
.: More Than I Can Talk About
Order For Almost Ever Scooter
Mix 2.3 is in the works, The Collective Podcast 3 should be up next week with Beck covering Nick Drake, The Fitzgeralds, David Thomas Broughton and more , and VU Series 4 will be up before the week is out.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 3:50 PM
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Half-Handed Cloud
Half-Handed Cloud is the brain child of John Ringhofer. With his array of multi instrument/media productions, HHC takes us on a journey, his journey. Just check out his website as it opens with animated kangaroos, the virgin Mary and a squirrel. He has released three full length albums and his fourth, Halos & Lassos, is set to be released on Asthmatic Kitty in March of 2006.  What struck me to write this post was the 10/05 release of the 5 track, 7" EP What's the Remedy. Recorded in a friend's basement years ago (2002) with, none other than AK's poster boy, Sufjan Stevens, the tracks combine songs of medicine, tablets, letters and graves. Check out one of the cuts below.
.: I Got A Letter
Take a listen to a few more tracks from prior releases
.: Animals are Cut in Two (from Thy is a Word & Feet Need Lamps)
.: We're Very Greatly Loved (from We Haven't Just Been Told, We have been Loved)
.: Can't Even Breath (from Learning About Your Scale)
.: The Body Binds Us (from Learning About Your Scale)
All albums can be purchased through AK or Insound or downloaded through emusic.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 10:11 AM
Don's Teeth
Releaseing his first LP in December with A Resounding Boo for the Suits, Don's Teeth (aka Jeff Nelson) has put together his finest effort to date. Altstream says the album, " tells an anti-corporate love story from the point of view that many will connect with; being trapped in a job, being trapped in a relationship, and how to look yourself in the mirror as you become what you said you never would." Take a listen below.
.: Pledge Allegiance & Pray
You can purchase the album through Insound or download at emusic.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:44 AM
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Lake Holiday - Summer EP Series
Lake Holiday
Released on the My Mean Magpie internet label, from 2002, Send Off the Summer, and 2003, American Summer, come two of the three Summer EP's from the band Lake Holiday.
Send Off the Summer EP
.: Send Off the Summer
.: Shrewsbury Girl
.: Wonder What that Light is?
.: Daylight Faders
American Summer EP
.: American Summer
.: Stereo Slave
.: Goodbye
.: Born on a Train (Magnetic Fields)
.: American Summer Version
As of 2005, the band currently consists of...
| brad davis (vocals, guitar) kate warren (keyboards, cello, vocals) tim oakley (drums) jordan armstrong (keyboards) aaron booth (bass, vocals) |
Lake Holiday has a myspace site, with updates and four tracks from their latest release, This Is How We Say Goodbye. (sample below)
.: Press Record Then Play
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 3:57 PM
Ten;Ten Compilation
On my continued quest, I ran across this compilation. There are many great tracks here and is definently worth the download. For a little history, read below...
"The year is 1998 and Lil RedWagon (run by Chris Abbott) is a new label just starting out, and a zine called Tape-Gun (written by Five Seventeen from My Mean Magpie Records) is approaching its third issue. Both are working on separate compilations. Lil Red Wagon focused its sights on the music of Japan and Tape-Gun was compiling artists for a cassette to accompany the next issue. They knew one another and, at the time, it seemed to make sense to pool their resources and funds and release a full blown CD. And the music began to pour in...
As is the story with many of these compilations, funds, time and delays keep putting off the release. Bands break up, lose contact and everything gets lost, only to be released elsewhere or never. However, though the delays happened, the funds disappeared, and bands disappeared Ten; Ten was released on CDR and now is archived here." - quote
01-The Yarns-Hello
02-The Long Boat-What Time Tones Mix
03-Aikagi-Automatic-Jerry
04-Kisswhistle-Game Match Were Set
05-Lunchbox-Love Is All Around
06-The Salteens-Crash The Market Version
07-Strawberry Land-Change The World
08-Mean Red Spiders-Secret Galaxy Twins Mix
09-Georgia-George Orwell
10-Jim Guthrie-Where Have All The Heroes Gone
11-Red Go-Kart-Early Morning Playground
12-Oval-Teen-Bending Spoons
13-Jumprope-Forget That Girl
14-Royal City-Theres A Hole In My Heart
15-Recycled Pop-All-Right
16-KG-EST
17-DeKooning-Fresh Fruit
18-Sisterhood Of ConvolutedThinkers-Sakura No Heya
19-Telegraph Melts-In Eggshell Seas (Remix)
20-Kymbliss-I Fall
21-UnlistedTrack-Kisswhistle-Pocketful Of Rainbows
Or Download:
64Kbps MP3 ZIP (34 MB)
VBR ZIP (94 MB)
Flac ZIP (476 MB)
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 2:05 PM
The Go! Team: Junior Kickstart
Two tracks from The Go! Team's 2003, 12" EP, Junior Kickstart are available on archive.org and below...
.: Junior Kickstart
.: We Listen Everyday
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 1:43 PM
Kill Rock Stars January releases
Now that I'm back after the holidays, I had a chance to catch up on my surfing. I was over at Kill Rock Stars and on their front page is a sampling of the January releases, so I thought I would bring them here to you.
.: Standing in the Way of Control - The Gossip
(Standing in the Way of Control LP)
.: Dawn Patrol - Exceptor
(Sunbomber EP + 12")
.: Now That You've Gone - Delta 5
(Singles & Sessions 79-81)
.: Tristan and Iseult - Tarkio
(Omnibus)
You can make all purchases through Kill Rock Stars
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 1:02 PM
Back in the Saddle
Well I'm back in wonderful Raleigh, NC and I had an amazing time in FLA. I was fortunate enough to have recieved mass quantities of vinyl for Christmas and even scored a new Mac. I figured we would work it back slow today, at least that's the way I feel right now at 9am and only 2 cups of coffee. Oh, I hope everyone enjoyed the 2 podcsts I posted over the holidays, just something new I'm trying. Anyway on to what's spining today.
Everyone has been high on Andrew Bird and I just found out why. Lucky for me he's coming my way 3/22/06. Check out one of his tracks from his latest LP, The Mysterious Production of Eggs (buy)
.: A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left
 I've been listening to the 2 sample tracks from Holy Sons new 10" EP, My Only Warm Coals (buy) on Morc Reacords. Morc discribes the record, " both old and new recordings by grails -drummer emil amos. lofi countryfolk. 12 tracks with a perfect average length of 2 mins each."
.: Under Dog Cringe
.: The Bad Sleep Well
Ever since I found out about Jim Diotte's band Between the Pine, they have been on constant rotation. Here is a track from his other band number 1, i love you.
.: kissalil' bit
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:08 AM
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Feuerbach EP
Feuerbach, the recording project, consists of Felix and Rolf, both hailing from Genk, Belgium. Their EP, Ask Us No Questions And We'll Tell You No Lies, is the result of two people,
"messing around with recording gear, and instruments that happened to be available at the time. Using acoustic and slide guitars, a banjo, playing on the drums with brushes, and soft singing
, eventually resulted in some kind of folk/pop." quote
This EP is extremely good and I hope they find proper distrubution. With the EP you'll experience beautifully orchestrated acoustic guitars and banjos, coupled with warm, heartfelt vocals and lyrics. This is what I have been listening to all morning and I highly recommend downloading it.
.: tv
.: cadillac
.: untitled
.: guilty 2
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 10:13 AM
Saturday, December 17, 2005
VU: The "King" Kong Compilation
First and formost this album has nothing to do with that damn ape. Now that that is out of the way. A few years ago my friend Peter introduced me to this amazing compilation because he knew I loved The Maytals, The Melodians, and Desmond Dekker. The album was released on cd at one point on the Mango label, but I see it going for $60 or more now and I actually perfer my LP recording of it because it is filled with analog scratches and crackles that makes for a perfect atmosphere.
The "King" Kong Compilation (1968-1970) reveals the wealth of classic rock steady and early reggae produced by Leslie "King" Kong."One of several successful Chinese-Jamaican producers, Leslie Kong cut important sides during the ska, rocksteady, and early-reggae years up until his premature death in 1971. Working out of Beverley's, the restaurant/record shop he and his brothers owned, Kong came to prominence in the early and mid-'60s cutting hits for Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, and the Maytals, among many others.  His early-reggae output circa 1970, though, represents some of his best work, and this Mango compilation brings together 16 highlights from that stretch. Besides such U.S. and U.K. hits as Dekker's "Israelites" and the Maytals' "Monkey Man," the disc includes equally stunning work by the Pioneers, the Melodians, Ken Boothe, and Ansel Collins." - AMG
Trust me, this is a must for anyone who is a fan of reggae and I hope you enjoy the cuts. As with all of the VU series, this will be available for a limited time. Deadwood Divine has now been removed and I hope you had a chance to sample the tracks while you could. Enjoy The "King" Kong Compilation.
.: Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
.: Monkey Girl - Toots & The Maytals
.: Sweet Sensation - Melodians
.: Freedom Street - Ken Boothe
.: Let Them Say - Tyrone Evans
.: Samfie Man - Pioneers
.: It's My Delight - Melodians
.: Peeping Tom - Maytals
.: Rivers of Babylon - Melodians
.: Gave You My Love - Delroy Wilson
.: Bitterness of Life - Bruce Ruffin
.: Sentimental Journey - Ansel Collins
.: Long Shot Kick de Bucket - Pioneers
.: Ah It Mek - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
.: Why Baby Why - Ken Boothe
.: Monkey Man - Maytals
I do highly recommend picking up a few essential reggae albums of the artist's above, especially the work of The Maytals, Melodians, and Desmond Dekker. Send me an email or post a comment if you would like my suggestions on any albums to purchase by these artists.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:52 AM
Friday, December 16, 2005
Merry Christmas from the Mountain Goats
-both tracks are very good-
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 4:58 PM
Between the Pine
I was searching a few labels this afternoon and checked up on 80H, a primarily web based label with most releases available for direct download. On the front page is a beautiful record cover of two pine trees, two mountains and it looks to belong to an artist I may like. I am a sucker for great album art and when checking out new music, an album cover is all I have to go by. Nine out of ten times I find a winner when the artwork sticks out to me and this time is no exception.
Between the Pine is Jim Diotte and I have to say I don't know much about this band other than he is from Road Island, but when I heard the tracks from 80H's free 3 track s/t ep, I was hooked. We Awoke draws Sufjan refrences, but stripped down to it's purest form. Please Sit Down, is deuted with his wife and their vocals blend so well together against an acoustic backdrop. I'll Carry My Father's Joke, plays more with instrumentation, but don't get me wrong, Diotte's vocals are still dancing in the foreground.
This EP is great, and that I just discovered it is even better, and that it's free blows my mind. Download Between the Pine now. Check out Jim's website here and purchase is new LP from Hot Rod Porta. Check out We Awoke from the Between the Pines EP.
.: We Awoke
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 4:07 PM
Wilco: Live from Montreal
Another Big O post and I will just link a few, but check them out to get the full 26 track album Wilco: Live from Montreal, Quebec 2005. Soundboard quality and amazingly good.
.: Spiders/Kidsmoke
.: Handshake Drugs
.: I'm the Man Who Loves You
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 2:41 PM
The Very Most
The Very Most moniker is more of a one-man band based around singer/songwriter Jeremy Jensen, who records with the help of numerous friends. On the Coming in Second label, The Very Most has released Making the Case For Me, an album of, according to the label, "is powerful pop medallions, suitable for nights of quiet contemplation or the occasional frantic ice cream social." I don't know about this, but what I do know is that the two covers on his website are really good. I'll have to check out the LP and get back to you, but here are those great covers.
.: I Can't Believe You Actually Died (Microphones)
.: Cemetry Gates (Smiths)
You can purchase Making the Case For Me here and download some great demos here.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 1:05 PM
My sincere thanks...
Black Ice on the roads but we're here safe and sound. I wanted to take a moment and thank a few new people who have recently been linking to me. Please check out each of these blogs, because they are all really good and make sure to check out the links on the side (aka Blogroll). The new links though belong to Brooklyn Vegan, Hanszun, and Take Your Medicine. Thank you all for posting about topics that are on the P&S and thanks for the links. I hope everyone is digging the music I'm posting and I'm honored and amazed at the traffic this site has been receiving (nothing huge, but for me it is) So thanks to the new guys on the list and a of course, a continued thanks to the rest of you.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:33 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2005
You Should'a Been There: Rock 'n' Roll Sessions
No I didn't join in last week when eveyone was writing about John Lennon, so I guess this is my Lennon tribute. It's merely pointing you in the right direction if you haven't been there yet, but Big O has posted tracks from a recording session, dubbed the You Should'a Been There: Rock 'n' Roll Sessions from October of 1973, produced by Phil Spector. Below are three tracks for you to sample, but to download thewhole album and artwork check out Big O.
.: Be My Baby
.: Ain't That a Shame
.: Medley: Rip It Up/ Ready Teddy
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 3:50 PM
Celebrate Christmas with Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire spreading that holiday cheer from Win's 2001 Christmas party. The tracks were given to Big O as a gift and I will pass this one along to you as well. Check out Big O for the four tracks and sample one of them right here.
.: O Holy Night
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 10:15 AM
Phosphorescent
I've been listening to Phosphorescent since A Hundred Times or More and with his debut on Mirsa earlier this year (Aw Come Aw Wry), he takes his music to another level with unforgetable vocals and more defined arrangements of experimentaion. It's been spinning here more recently so I thought I would bring to your attention "the most significant American in his field since Kurt Cobain" - London Evening Standard
"Aw Come Aw Wry moves the band's loose, ever-shifting arrangements away from the sparse and melodic and toward the rowdy and unhinged, at times conjuring a free, revival-tent spirit awash in homespun orchestrations and brushed with spiritual and psychedelic undertones." -Misra
Check out his Mirsa site here, his myspace, and you can purchase to download here or cd here.
.: Joe Tex, These Taming Blues
.: I Am a Full Grown Man (I Will Lay in the Grass All Day)
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:31 AM
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Prayers and Tears: Psalterie available
The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers have released their long out of print first album, Psalterie for free download on their website. This is a true treat and thanks to TB for the heads up. Due to many requests, and the kindness of the band, we now can own a copy of the album that started it all, with new artwork, cover and reverse to download as well. Please partake and enjoy.
Psalterie
book i
1. on the occasion of a departure (ps 39:4)
2. eterna (concerning the end of the world) (ps 30:9)
3. another rock star laments (ps 88:5)
4. a second reply to st. anselm of canterbury in his adolescence (ps 17:15)
5. shaking apart (ps 35:14)
book ii
6. the sun fell on you (ps 119:82)
7. come ye sinners poor and needy (ps 109:22)
8. the most important words (ps 80:5)
9. saving since september (ps 89:49)
10. new york (all the right angles) (ps. 59:6)
epilogue
11. honesty out / unhappy in love
I highly recomend checking out their website here and purchasing the Mother of Love Emulates the Shapes of Cynthia. Here is a sample:
.: concerning lessons learned from the aliens
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 10:26 AM
WXYC: Webcasting 10th Anniversary cd
I'm new here (NC), well it's been about 5 years now, but one thing that I have found here in North Carolina is good music. Whether its radio like WKNC or WXYC or if it's venues like The Cat's Cradle and Local 506, the Triangle provides oppourtunities for musicians/fans to explore all different types of music. My friend and former DJ, Todd (that's twice now) turned me onto WXYC and with their webcast (first station in the country by the way), I have another option for good music pumping through my speakers everyday. To celebrate their 10th Anniversary of webcasting they released, what else, but a cd of some of the music that has graced the station's airwaves. The whole thing is available for download by mp3 or by torrent. I'll post a few tracks here, but check out their site to get the whole album and help support an independent college radio station. For more information about WXYC's Webcasting 10th Anniversary Celebration, click here.
Tracklisting:
1. Report about WXYC’s Pioneering Webstream
2. JETT RINK - Born Hungry
3. THE MOANERS - Everybody Wants My Baby
4. PROTEAN SPOOK - Live at the Penland (NC) School of Crafts
5. AUDUBON PARK - The Blasted Heath
6. MALT SWAGGER - Binger
7. SHALLOW BE THY NAME - maxi-yow-mini
8. SPECTAC & MEDIAN - Life Ain’t Easy
9. BRINGERER - Bush Laden Family BBQ
10. BLACK TAJ - Woke Up Tired
11. CANTWELL GOMEZ & JORDAN - Shayna Wuz Here... Peeing Like a Cheetah
12. $TINKWORX - Pararrayos
13. MICRO-EAST COLLECTIVE - Cells - One to Many
14. WORK CLOTHES - South Bronx
15. CAN JOANN - the victor
16. TORCH MARAUDER - Manowar (Sweet Revenge)
17. HOTEL MOTEL - Breaking Into Pictures
18. COLD SIDES - Carrier Frequency
19. SHARK QUEST - Open Season
20. ETTA BAKER - Lost John
21. LIBRANESS - Sykes Temple Lane
22. THE SAMES - All We Need Is a Friend
23. JACUZZI BROTHERS - bright tiger
24. BILLY SUGARFIX - A Space Nomad’s Wildest Dreams
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:01 AM
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Benjamin Costello
I just found out about Benjamin Costello, a singer/songwriter from Ithica, NY. I posted his cover of Such Great Heights on my Covers selection and Im really getting into his stuff. He has a bunch of covers, originally pinned material, and an impressive 13 song acoustic set of Radiohead tracks that he performed in concert. Acoustic guitar accompained by a soft sweet voice, makes for a perfect Sunday morning soundtrack. If you like the samples below, please check his site out and try to catch one of his shows. You can sample much more of his work here and visit his bandspace here. Definitetly worth a listen.
.: Vincent
.: Such Great Heights
.: Motion Picture Soundtrack
.: Nice Dream
.: The Scientist
.: Fall (original)
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:35 AM
Covers: (you know you love them)
.: Ohio (Damien Jurado) - CocoRosie
.: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (Neutral Milk Hotel) - Matt Pond PA
.: Always on My Mind (Willie Nelson) - Iron & Wine/Calexico
.: Harvest (Neil Young) - James Mercer (of the Shins)
.: Such Great Heights (Postal Service) - Benjamin Costello (website)
.: Don't Think Twice (Bob Dylan) - Nick Drake
.: Ignition (R Kelly) - Bonnie 'Prince' Billy
Just some of my favorite covers that I'm listening to right now. Support the artist, buy their albums.
**Deadwood Divine tracks are coming down soon.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:43 AM
Monday, December 12, 2005
Cast King
Well I owe this find solely to Songs:Illinois (that's two mentions in one day, check out his blog if you haven't already)
Cast King,
"a 79 year old country music journeyman hails from a small spot in the hills of Alabama between Heaven and hard luck called Old Sand Mountain where he has been distilling and refining original country music tunes for the last 6 1/2 decades. The singer and guitarist, who disappeared from the music scene in the early 1960s, was rediscovered by Matt Downer, a country-music aficionado who was traveling around Alabama documenting the songs of aging musicians. Together they recorded "Saw Mill Man," a collection of ballads with names like "Cheap Motel" and "Wino."
- Locust website
I am totally in love with his music and the downloads I got from his site. To top it all off, I just heard him on our local radio WXYC and I knew that I had to purchase his LP, Saw Mill Man. I just made the purchase a few moments ago, one of 500 vinyl copies. This will be perfect to listen to alone, in my den, with a glass of MM. You can purchase your copy here.
I also wanted to post this to let you know that emusic just uploaded the album and it is now available for download here. This album is a must!!!
.: Wino
.: Saw Mill Man
.: Memphis, TN
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 6:11 PM
Mix 2.2
Ancient Crys - Norfork and Western
Familar - Radiant Darling
Last Songs - Gunshy
Saw Mill Man - Cast King
10,000 Roses (For Me) - Marzuki
The Pruner's Pair - Josephine Foster
The Golden Gate - Dame Satan
Amateur Drunks - Casey Meehan
The Clock Makers Daughter - The Notes and Scratches
The Ghost Mary and her Friends - Pet Politics
Julia
This is a must download, from Secretly Canadian comes Jens Lekman: Live at Stora Teatern. You can download it from emuisc here. Highly Recomended!
Speaking of Jens, through a link from Song:Illinois, leading us to Lonoise, comes 5 mpeg clips from Jens Lekman and Jose Gonzalez Live in Gothenburg (2003) dvd
All music may be purchesed here or downloaded here. If you like what you hear, please go and support independent music.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 12:16 PM
Friday, December 09, 2005
VU: Pacific Ocean Blue
Recorded from September 1976 through the Spring of 77, Pacific Ocean Blue has to be one of the best records ever made, period. For some reason there has been no official cd release ( edit: it has come to my attention that POB was released for a few month’s in the early 90’s. Thanks.), although in the early eighties they did released cassette versions of this amazing album. There are a few albums that have been on my must have list and when I found my copy of Pacific Ocean Blue, it was like Christmas x 10.  In my opionion Dennis Wilson is highly underrated and the songs in which he wrote rival that of any Beach Boys or Brian Wilson tune. With the Beach Boys he released Forever, Love Surrounds Me, and Baby Blue, to name a few (although Love Surround Me and Baby Blue were scheduled to be on his follow up album to POB, Bamboo) and at the time of there release, they were by far the best songs on their respective albums. Some point to Dennis' increased role in the BB as being directly related to Brian Wilson's departure, and this may be true, but this increased role in writing and vocals helped give birth to , what I consider one of the greatest albums ever recorded, Pacific Ocean Blue.
 I am listing only seven tracks from the album. It will give you a broad overview of the album and if you would like me to include the other five tracks, let me know. Due to the emails I recieved the Whole Album is available. When I was searching for the ablum a few years ago, I came across Dan Addington's website, a detailed history of Wilson's solo career, so check it out if you have the interest. It's a great read. Remember, these tracks will only be available for a few weeks, so sample them while you can and I really hope you enjoy Pacifc Ocean Blue.
.: River Song
.: Dreamer
.: Thoughts of You
.: Pacifc Ocean Blues
.: You and I
.: Farewell my Friend
.: End of the Show
.: What's Wrong
.: Moonshine
.: Rainbows
.: Friday Night
.: Time
(**Jan. 7th - removed**) (3/07 Can be found here on the site)
(all in mp3 format - right click, save as)
(edit: Well after the emails I recieved, I posted the remainder of the album. Enjoy)
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:27 AM
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The Collective and other News
Well I'm finally getting that music video show (The Collective) together and I really have some great videos planned for the first episode. I've been working with Barsuk and Beggars (looking for any and all other record / independent labels to contribute) and some local labels to produce the first show. Locally we will air videos from Farewell, a band out of Greensboro, The Know, from Raleigh, and Jimmy and the Teasers (they do the theme music for Second Cinema). Nationally we will have videos from Nada Surf, The Mountain Goats, Devendra Banhart, Calla, and The National to name a few. We are really excited and hope that we can help expose these artists to the general public in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. If you guys know any artists, or you are an artist, and would like to contribute to the show, please send me an email.
 In other news. I just purchased The Notes and Scratches cd last night and it's great. If you liked the samples that were up here yesterday, then you will love the album. If you purchase online you get the hand drawn cd mailed to you, but you also get immediate access to all songs via mp3 download and a digital booklet. Awesome album! You can purchase Uh OH! here.
Alessio and Francesco from Indie for Dummies , an Italian MP3 Blog, contacted me (their trying to contact every music blog, so no, I'm not that special) in regards to providing them with a Top 10 list of the albums of 2005. Very difficult to narrow to ten, but I did, along with 6 extra albums that had to be mentioned. I look forward to their results and check out their site. Thanks guys.
Well it seems that I have been posting alot lately, but I guess I have the time and trust me there's plenty to post about. I will be doing another Vinyl Upload Series installment either tomorrow or this weekend so check that out. It'll be well worth it.
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 12:14 PM
Vetiver
Vetiver is a San Francisco band consisting of frontman and cheif songwriter Andy Cabic, accompanied by Devendra Banhart, Alissa Anderson, and Jim Gaylord. I confess I didn't know much about the band, but when I heard the tracks below I knew it was an absolutley a must have. I downloaded it from here and was I right. What a gem!!!
They have released tracks on samplers and what not, but finally released the full length album in 2004 and are currently wrapping up the mixing of their latest endevour. They released the Between EP earlier this year and I can't wait to hear what's next. Check out their website here. You can order through Midheaven or download here or here. Enjoy two tracks from their S/T debut and one from the the EP.
.: Farther On (from s/t)
.: On A Nerve (from s/t)
.: Been So Long (from Between EP)
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 10:09 AM
Fairytale of New York re-issue
I always find it crazy when you read a post on someone else's blog that you yourself were going to cover. So I was searching my favorite blogs this morning with my first cup of coffee and low and beyold, Justin at An Aquarium Drunk had beat me to the punch on the song Fairytale of New York, and only by a few hours or so. So I will direct you guys to An Aquarium Drunk for posting the track before me, but I have some news that is not over there. The band of course is The Pogues, the song Fairytale of New York, the news:
"The most famous single by The Pogues is to be re-released on December 18, 2005. The song was originally released in 1987 and reached number two in the UK Christmas charts. The re-release date was chosen to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of Kirsty MacColl, who duets with Shane MacGowan on the track. Proceeds from the record will be donated to the Justice For Kirsty Campaign, which is petitioning the Mexican government to more thoroughly investigate the circumstances of Kirsty’s death, and the homeless charity Crisis At Christmas."
The formats will be as follows:
* 7" - Fairytale / Battle March Medley
* CD - Fairytale / Instrumental Singalong
* DVD - Fairytale / Fairytale Video / TOTP performance
 Also the BBC will air the documentary The Story of Fairytale of New York on December 19, 21:00 on BBC3. Repeat showings will be on December 22, 23:30 and December 25, 00:40 on BBC3. More showings may be announced later.
This documantary, produced in late 2005, features interviews from all of The Pogues involved in the recording, Matt Dillon (featured in the music video), Jean MacColl (Kirsty's mother), Steve Lillywhite (the song's producer and Kirsty's husband), Nick Cave, Jools Holland, and many more.
So if your across the pond make sure to check that out. Hopefully we will get it here on my regular BBC channel. A truly amazing song and hands down, one of the best Christmas song ever written. (mp3) Fairytale of New York
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 8:43 AM
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Gunshy: Souls
Speaking of The Gunshy, yesterday he released Souls. Matt Arbogast has been performing under the moniker of The Gunshy for around six years now and is one of the constants in my music library. Souls is an amazing album of love and desperation and should be in your catalog.
SOULS RELEASE PARTYS!
3 JANUARY 2006
THE HOUSE
263 E Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL
w/ Ricky Fitts, Mustangs and Madras
18 JANUARY 2006
SCHUBA'S TAVERN
3159 N Southport, Chicago, IL
W/ Get Him, Eat Him, This is Me Smiling
If you are in those areas try and catch the show and grab a copy of the LP. The Gunshy's website is here and Souls can be purchased here.
Last Songs (from Souls)
What Will They Speak of you When Your Gone (EP)
Bonus:
Reason to Retreat (from No Man's Blues)
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 11:36 AM
Mix 2.1
Various Stages - Great Lake Swimmers
Black Cab - Jens Lekman
Are Birthday's Happy - Jens Lekman
You're In Maya - The Mountain Goats (live Cat's Cradle '99)
Black Cats - Broadcast (download from Better Propaganda)
Older - Mi and L'au
Popstar Reaching Oblivion - Flotation Toy Warning
On a Nerve - Vetiver
Oceans of Weep - Ariel Pink
Deep Sea Diver - Grizzley Bear
Blue Bird - Rosebuds
At the Department of Forgotten Songs - Jens Lekman
Bonus:
American Boys - Broadcast
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:40 AM
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
The Mountain Goats: Jack & Faye 7"
Jack & Faye 7"
unreleased
About the Jack & Faye 7" from John:
"Jack and Faye was to have been a 7" containing the final recordings by theMountain Goats of the Sweden/Nine Black Poppies/Nothing for Juice era. There were multiple delays. At one point there was finished artwork. Then there were more delays. Eventually history staked its claim on these recordings and it was almost as though they never even existed at all.
The songs themselves were recorded in December of 1995 and January of 1996 in Chicago, Illinois and San Dimas, California. John and Rachel considered them some of their best work and were especially fond of "Raid on Entebbe." Time has given them a somewhat melancholy air. We hope you enjoy them."
Above from Mountaingoats.net. Enjoy...
Side A:
Raid on Entebbe
Adair
Side B:
An Inscription at Salonae
There Will Always Be An Ireland
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 4:53 PM
Floation Toy Warning
Flotation Toy Warning are ..."rooted in creating a truly postmodern sound. Their ambitious debut album, Bluffer's Guide to the Flight Deck, cements this London five-piece as modern masters of their own brand of baroque, experimental pop." bio from Misra
They truely do expand the horizon in experimental pop and it does draw a slight comparision to that of Jens Lekman/mixed with the Flaming Lips and maybe that's why I am getting into them and wanted to pass along these guys to you. An orchstra of beautiful sounds, dream-like harmonies, electronic beats and sound samples, mixed with the amazing vocals of Donald Drusky and co. provides the listener a glimpse into a sonic landscape of epic proportions. Check out their website and the two tracks below.
Popstar Reaching Oblivion
Happy 13
You can purchase the album here or download here or here
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 11:56 AM
Love Is All
To stick with the Swedish theme here, what is being reported by Pitchfork as being the first great band of 2006, we have Nine Times The Same Song from Love Is All. Unfortunately the album has been delayed, but that won't stop me from promoting it. It's available for preorder here and what I've heard so far sounds great. I've been spining these two tracks here at the office for the past few days, so I thought I would pass them along. They are still working on a website so I won't link to that but here is Pitchforks review (8.7)
Make Out, Fall Out, Make Up
Talk Talk Talk Talk
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 9:40 AM
Monday, December 05, 2005
Jens Lekman
I've really been getting into this guy for a while and I should have included him in my top 15 of 2005. Honestly he has a sound all his own, although I recognize the references to Morrissey, Belle and Sebastian, and others, but his orchestral pop songs combine what's great about those "bands" and reinvents it into a truely, almost cinematic experience. Oh You're So Silent Jens, his new collection of previously released singles and B-sides, was released by Secretly Canadian earlier this year and has been on constant play here. A great find over at SC is Jens Department of Forgotten Songs. There are demos, unreleased and hard-to-find material and all is worth owning. Click the link above to check it out or sample some of the tracks below.
(mp3) Black Cab (from Oh You're So Silent Jens)
(mp3) You Are The Light (from Oh You're So Silent Jens)
From Dept. of Forgotten Songs:
(mp3) Past, Present, and Future
(mp3) Do Impossible Things
(mp3) The Wrong Hands
(mp3) Draw a Dinosaur For Me
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 11:51 PM
Great Lake Swimmers
Somewhere floating between the ghost of Nick Drake and the souls of Will Oldham and Neil Young is Tony Dekker, the lead singer of the Great Lake Swimmers. With the release of their second album, Bodies and Minds, the GLS continue what they starter with their alt-country sense, gentle vocals, and delicate instrumentation. Bodies and Minds was recorded in a lakeside church in rural southern Ontario and for some reason I would expect nothing less. GLS have been on rotation here on this cold rainy afternoon, so I thought I would give you a taste of what we're listening too. Enjoy.
Various Stages (from Bodies and Minds)
Bodies and Minds (from Bodies and Minds)
Moving Pictures Silent Films (from s/t)
I will Never see the Sun (from s/t)
Merge, A Vessel, A Harbour (from s/t)
You can purchase with download here or here and purchase cds here
posted by Matt Hayhurst @ 2:17 PM
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