Why is the best Americana release in the past 5 years by a London Punk Artist and being sold by label that is known more for its coffee then its music? Why I don't know. With his latest release,
Secret, Profane and Sugarcane, out June 9, Elvis Costello proves he can conquer any type of music. Really it is not a strech for international art theif Declan MacManus, he has been toying with Americana with albums like
Almost Blue,
Delivery Man, and
Momofuku, but this album produced by T Bone Burnett is full on Americana. This album could have been made by the Flying Burrito Brothers, or Lyle Lovette. However know one could do what he does and he makes the music his own. As Alice Hartzell once said he does an A+ job with a B- voice. It is true.
Highlights of the album are Hidden Shame, How Deep is The Red, Sulphur To Sugarcane and Complicated Shadows (a song orginally written for Johnny Cash).
Well enjoy, and sound off below if you can figure out how Elvis became the savior of Americana
Oh and if you are so inclinded I posted the full copy of Wilco (The Album). So that is that.
There is no lack of fresh hip-hop coming out of the Twin Cities these days. I'm not too familiar with Prof, but St. Paul Slim has been known to associate with both Rhymesayers and Doomtree. The influences in this album are apparent, from Mos Def to Jay-Z, but the style is unique. And true to Twin Cities form, there are plenty of guest MCs including P.O.S. and Slug. Of course, this if just the free download. You'll have to shell out $5 if you want the whole thing.
Just before I went to see M. Ward this past April, I was talking with a co-worker about being excited to see The Watson Twins who were opening. I was familiar with The Watson Twins from their album with Jenny Lewis, Rabbit Fur Coat. That got us talking about Rilo Kiley. I said I had heard much from Rilo Kiley so my co-worker lent me this album, Take Offs & Landings. It's all about traveling and riding in airplanes and such. Pretty good alt-country rock. The songs with Jenny on vocals are best. And I really like the album artwork. But then again, I'm a sucker for slide guitar and isometric technical illustration. Put the two together and you have a winner with me.
Just got the new Silversun Pickups album, it's called Swoon. It's pretty solid. People have compared their sound to The Smashing Pumpkins, and while I can see the similarities, they do have their own sound going on.
