posted by Patrick on February 19, 2012
Washington, D.C. was once a hotbed of indie music. Fugazi, Dismemberment Plan, Shudder To Think, and Jawbox are from the District. Henry Rollins and Dave Grohl grew up here, and Dischord Records is still chugging away. But as yuppification marched through D.C. like Sherman through Atlanta, the city started to price itself out of the indie scene. New bands sought cheaper rents and beer in Baltimore, while the old standard bearers got … old. So although I live here and love it, it’s been slim pickings for District-based music blogs.
Here’s hoping Pree is the start of something new. Formed by May Tabol, previously of D.C.’s Le Loup, Pree defies obvious labels. The band’s most recent E.P., “Folly,” includes lyrical, catchy folk like ‘Lemon Tree,’ and the more dischordant and psychedelic ‘Songs of Promise.’ A third track, ‘Fresh Paint’ is slowed-down bluegrass with a ghostly, warbling chorus in the background. Most of the band’s music combines high-register vocals with darker lyrics and weird sound effects. It’s an odd mix, but it works. Listen closely to the lyrics of ‘Lemon Tree’ and you’ll see how a band can subvert expectations, layering dark-dream ideas over sing-song sounds. Pree’s music is addictive and strangely fascinating, not unlike their hometown. As I said, here’s hoping for more of the same.
Pree – Lemon Tree (Downloaded 261 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Americana • Beautiful Lyrics • Catchy • Clever Lyrics • Female vocal • Folk • Psychedelic • Twee
(12 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 336 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Acoustic • Americana • Folk • Male vocal
(10 votes) Loading ...posted by Tina on August 11, 2011
Nothing makes me happier than getting a new band’s music out there before they hit the mainstream. Hotels & Highways was a project begun in the fall of 2010. Seems more and more bands these days are applying a collaborative effort into creating their music. Each band member can contribute their own individual style of writing and then go back to their home towns and continue to work together on the music until they achieve the sound they are going for. For Hotels & Highways this plan became successful and the three band members released their CD in March this past year. A comparison that came to mind was The Civil Wars. Upon looking further into the band’s history, they had the opportunity to play with The Civil Wars at this past year’s SXSW music festival. For a music festival like that, they could not have found a better combo to perform together. A comfortable blend of folk, country and a little pop in between, you would not think the band spent just over a week creating the songs for their first release. Sure, there were long months in between but the hard work payed off and Lost River was the result. For Lisa Piccirillo, Patrick Thomas and Erin “Syd” Sidney success is on the way. Shortly after the release of Lost River, the CD is a 2011 Amazon.com Editor’s pick. I couldn’t be more happier for them. Make sure you check out their music and listen to the whole CD on the band’s website. For this trio hailing from California, Vermont and my current home town of Brooklyn, New York I’m guessing the band will be spending a lot of time together on the road of touring musicians.
Hotels & Highways – Figueroa (Downloaded 356 times)
Hotels & Highways – Twenty Questions (Downloaded 293 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Alt-country • Folk • Harmonic • Poppy
(11 votes) Loading ...posted by Tina on June 23, 2011
If you haven’t yet discovered the voice and music of Ray LaMontagne, I would encourage you take a listen. When I first heard LaMontagne’s voice, it inspired me to think about a hot summer day, hanging out on a front porch, sitting on a swinging bench. His raspy voice will ease your mind and soul. Interestingly enough, LaMontagne didn’t set out to be a singer songwriter. Though LaMontagne did not set out to be a singer songwriter, upon hearing his music, you would assume he had aspired as such…
You might be familiar with his more popular tune “Trouble” from his 2004 album release Trouble. LaMontagne’s voice will start you off with a story and take you to a different level of listening and appreciation for music and its effect on your soul. Did I really just say soul? Yeah…I think I did. Follow up with his latest CD in August of 2010 God Willing and the Creek Won’t Rise. It’s hard for me to say which tunes are my favorites. They all mean something to me. LaMontagne’s music gives me some peace and solitude. Whether it’s a sweltering hot summer day or an immensely cold winter evening, I can find a tune that sets the mood…
Ray LaMontagne – For The Summer (Downloaded 915 times)
Ray LaMontagne – Trouble (Downloaded 477 times)
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» Meaningless labels: Amazing Voice • Folk • Male vocal
(17 votes) Loading ...I’ve been a fan Ray Lamontagne for awhile now. Incredible music. Have you heard of Burlap to Cashmere? You’d probably like them too.. their music is kind of similar and they just came out with a new album. Listen to this: http://mediaplayer.creativeonlineteam.com/content/burlaptocashmere/index.html
will always be my fav bearded man.
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August 16th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
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