posted by Tina on March 3, 2012
I know it’s been awhile Indieball friends….I apologize for the hiatus. I could never stay away forever.It’s music that drives us from deep within our soul. It’s just so powerful that no matter what mood you’re in…music either amplifies that mood, or changes it. If you have not yet heard about Wye Oak, then I’m happy to bring some of that powerful music to you.To me, this duo out of Baltimore, Maryland keeps Indie rock alive and popular.
Comprised of Jenn Wasner (vocals and guitar) and Andy Stack (drums and all the rest of their sound including back-up vocals) Wye Oak brings pleasing guitar sounds along with a measured balance of drums. Their latest release from March 2011 is one of those CDs that I can put on and just let it play over and over. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you ‘ll recognize “Civilian” from last week’s episode as the exit music. A great tune to be heard if you’re on the passenger side of life. “Dog Eyes” is a tune that puts you in a trance, then wakes you up so you can really absorb the guitar sounds to their full extent. To me it seems the “duo” bands are becoming more and more popular in the music world. No longer do you need a slew of members to create an amazing sound that makes people stop and listen. I look forward to more music from Wye Oak and hope to catch them live sometime. Should they come to your town, be sure to grab tickets as soon as you hear about a show, as I gather they sell out quick, and be sure to tell Indieball what you think.
Wye Oak – Civilian (Downloaded 273 times)
Wye Oak – Dog Eyes (Downloaded 210 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Indie • Vintage
(6 votes)
Loading ...posted by Tina on November 9, 2011
Who doesn’t like a good drum beat? Certainly not me. Formed in 2008, Bronze Radio Return bring the beat back to Indie music. Is it coincidence that so much good music comes from states where it gets really cold in the wintertime? What else is there to do besides coup yourself up and write music that makes people move? Every time I hear one of their tunes I find myself looking at Pandora to see who it is and lately it’s been New England’s Bronze Radio Return. Each of the six band members have managed to contribute their best music making capabilities to form their latest release Shake Shake Shake. Like any band that comes into its own over time, you can only hope that each new album release will be even better than the last. BRR have accomplished just that with this second album. Front man Chris Henderson makes music just the way I would…if I was so musically talented. First the creation of a melody, which turns into a tune, which then leads to coming up with lyrics that fit the tune.
“Worth Wondering” comes from their first album Old Time Speaker released in 2009. The kick drum will pull you in and if that doesn’t the snare drum will. Add to that a little tambourine and you’ll be moving and tapping your foot before you can even ask “Who is this band?” Then hit the play button again. Old Time Speaker was well received and launched BRR into a relentless touring schedule. Two years later came Shake Shake Shake and found the band reuniting with producer Chad Copelin in the town of Norman, Oklahoma. “Warm Day, Cold War” is just one of the catchy tunes off the latest release and by far not the only one you’ll want to hear. As you find yourself taping your foot or nodding your head to the music, you’ll realize the band has clearly accomplished their goal of making people want to move.
Bronze Radio Return – Worth Wondering (Downloaded 561 times)
Bronze Radio Return – Warm Day Cold War (Downloaded 372 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Catchy • Danceable • Happy • Indie Folk
(13 votes) Loading ...posted by Tina on October 4, 2011
It’s been awhile since we brought up a Seattle band. I always seem to find the singer songwriters. Listening to a little Ray Lamontagne radio on Pandora brought Rocky Votolato into my life. One of my favorite things about music is discovering the history of where the music comes from. How did it come about? Why these lyrics? Why this guitar pitch? What keeps them going and writing? Moving forward till they reach that level of success where the music finally does what the creator meant it to do. Get to you. You would never guess it, but this singer songwriter started out punk rock. Through life’s trials and travails it brought him to a serene place where he was able to find peace and produce music with a soft spoken voice and passion from within…
His latest release True Devotion in 2010 shows signs of brilliance and ethereal lyrics with just a hint of sadness from experiences we can all relate to. Being lost at one time? Finding it hard to find your path and your purpose in life? Rocky Votolato covers it all. You can always find that musical artist who hit home with one or two tunes. But to put those experiences into music with all your heart is an accomplishment that should be well praised. I know I couldn’t do it. Rocky Votolato can. I chose to post a song from one of Votolato’s older albums Makers as it strikes a match and hits a chord that I’m familiar with. And let’s face it…it’s just plain catchy.
Rocky Votolato – White Daisy Passing (Downloaded 290 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Acoustic • Male vocal • Singer-Songwriter
(6 votes) Loading ...posted by Tina on September 5, 2011
If my Indieball friends haven’t figured out by now what a HUGE Band of Horses fan I am…well…now you know. I’m always keeping my eye out for any side or solo project that comes from any of its five band members. Tyler Ramsey is no exception to that rule. You might recognize him as the extremely tall guitar player in Band of Horses but Tyler had his solo music out before he joined the band in 2007. I recently made a visit to Asheveille, NC where Ramsey calls home and I cannot say enough what an extremely great and musical town Asheville is. Seems where ever you go, no matter what bar or venue I was at, there was some sort of sign, book, or comment made about “Asheville’s own” Tyler Ramsey. And why wouldn’t they be proud of such a talented guitar player…occasionally referred to as “fingers”…
Ramsey’s first self titled release was put out in 2004 followed by A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea in 2008. I chose the tune “Ships” as the lyrics always catch me every time I hear it and the violins in the music are a soft subtle hint of sounds from his home. If you like what you hear, then good news follows. Tyler has a new release coming out this month called The Valley Wind. Recorded while on and off tour with Band of Horses this past year, Tyler found the time to make it to Alex The Great studio in Nashville, TN to record his third album release. Bandmate Bill Reynolds helped produce and contribute bass to create this heartwarming and comfortable music that is his own. You can check out a sample off the new release on Tyler’s facebook page. Tyler is also touring for the next few months. Should he make a stop in your hometown, be sure not to miss him. It’s those smaller quieter venues that singer songwriters choose to play at, that stick with you forever…
Tyler Ramsey – Ships (Downloaded 331 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Acoustic • Americana • Folk • Male vocal
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November 9th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Probably my two favorite songs on the two CDs. Awesome choices to post. Awesome live band as well.
February 19th, 2012 at 11:54 pm
nice !