Black Tables by Other Lives

Originally, this band was called Kunek.  They released their debut album Flight of the Flynns in 2005.  This was how I knew the band.  I worked with their lead guitarist Eric in Oklahoma where they formed.  After a falling out, Eric left and the remaining five members regrouped as Other Lives.

This track is from the band’s sophomore album of the same name (I guess technically it would be their debut since they are now a new band).  It’s hard to define the genre this band fits into.  Indie, post rock, ambient, and many other labels fit well.  This track has a great piano and ambient feel that really stands out as one of my favorites from the album.

The Light Around Your Legs by Sonya Cotton

Continuing with the female artists; this one is from Sonya Cotton’s 2006 album Out of the Ocean.  She has since worked with Cris Kiehne on the critically acclaimed National Lights album The Dead Will Walk, Dear and recently completed another full-length album titled Red River.  Cotton has a light quality to her voice that is both catchy and compliments her folk-style music.

The Part Where You Let Go by Hem

I am very picky about female vocalists.  It’s rare when I find one that really grabs my attention.  Hem’s Sally Ellyson has one of those voices and it can melt you.  With a bit of a southern inflection, there are times when I can hear some Gillian Welch in her voice.  Still very distinct, her voice has a more airy/angelic quality that fits perfectly with the orchestral and folk instrumentation.

Early Spring Till by The Wheel

Local Denver artist Nathaniel Rateliff’s solo work.  Not yet properly recorded and released, this is a lo-fi recording of one of his signature songs.  His lyrics and powerful voice can both inspire and fill you with sorrow.  His songs command attention and don’t disappoint.  He is kicking off his first US-wide tour today.  If you have a chance to catch his show near you, you’re in for a treat.

http://www.myspace.com/thewheel

Sinkin’ Low by Joe Purdy

Another classic song of love and loss.  This one really digs down deep though.  You can feel the emotion build and swell as the song drills deeper and deeper.  Joe Purdy has an extensive catalog that covers a distinct, yet vaguely familiar tone.  This tune is from the 2007 album Take My Blanket and Go.  And, to me, one of the most impressive things about this singer/songwriter is that he is his own record label.  You can listen and purchase all his music directly from him here… http://joepurdy.com/music

Barter Blues by J. Tillman

Released in 2009 on the album Vacilando Territory Blues.  In my opinion, this song represents the culmination of Tillman’s songwriting to date.  It incorporates the sparseness of his earlier recordings, but builds on it to achieve a level unparalleled in his writing career.

Burden by Brown Bird

David Lamb (Brown Bird) is an often overlooked folk/americana/singer/songwriter.  Oft-compared to artists such as Chris Bathgate, Will Johnson, and J. Tillman; David’s imagery and haunting lyrics provide a lush landscape for his songs.  This song was released on the second of his two self-released albums, Such Unrest, in 2007.  His third record, The Bottom of the Sea, was released by Peapod Records in 2008.  A new, full-length release is currently in the works.

Pull and Rise by Fillup Shack

A rare track from Matthew Houck’s (Phosphorescent) first band.  Recorded way back in 1999 while he was still playing small dives; this was only pressed 500 times to sell at shows.  I was lucky to find a chap in the UK selling this on gemm.com for cheap.  I just had to share with everyone.  It’s quite a departure from the direction he took.  This shows his quiet side.  It’s still beautifully haunting even when the song is stripped down to just Matthew and his guitar.  enjoy!

Mountain Laurel by Shearwater

Recorded in 2004 and released on the split CD with Okkervil River titled Sham Wedding/Hoax Funeral.  In my opinion, this song shows how far and how polished the band would become in only two short years.  It still has the simplicity of the earlier recordings, but also shows its depth that has come to define their latest releases.  This song and ultimately this album is a great starting point for anyone wanting to delve into Shearwater’s catalog.

Priest Alley Song by Red House Painters

Mark Kozelek’s first band.  This song is from the album Songs for A Blue Guitar.  Kozelek, like Will Johnson from my previous post, is a prolific singer/songwriter.  Red House Painters gave way to Mark’s solo work in 2000 and later transformed into his current band, Sun Kil Moon.