A while back I watched a DVD titled It Might Get Loud which featured Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White talking about music and jamming. There was a lot of great music but my favorite part was some very early footage of U2 performing before they were famous. I was thinking about that U2 performance today while preparing this post which features a video that I made of a local group named “or The Children’s Crusade’.
Talented new bands like U2 from back in the day, and “or The Children’s Crusade” today, have an energy level and palpable sense of ambition that most established bands seem to lose over time. I don’t know where fate will take the career of “or The Children’s Crusade” but I do know that their sound is refreshing and that they have a lot of potential. Without further ado, I give you “or The Children’s Crusade” performing How Nice.
If you like what you hear, you can follow the band’s career on their Facebook page:
I think their new CD is schedule to drop in the next couple of weeks so be sure to grab one when its available. Think how cool it will be to have that CD twenty years from now if they hit it big.
Here are a few things that you might have missed so far this year. If you give them a chance, I think you will find some new music that you like. My favorites are Kathleen Edwards, Snow Patrol, and Bruce Springsteen.
I have also include a couple of coming attractions for upcoming releases scheduled for the next couple of months.
1. Todd Snider, In Between Jobs (Album: Agnostic Hymns and Stoner Fables)
A hard, unblinking look at our country, as it exists today.
Bonus Todd Snider: Conservative Christian……
2. Alex Chilton, EMI Song (Album: The “1970” Session)
Alex between the Box Tops and Big Star. Enjoy!
3. The Cranberries, Tomorrow (Album: Roses)
The Cranberries are back….in a big way.
4. Kathleen Edwards, Change The Sheets (Album: Voyageur)
I have been a fan for years. With Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on board as producer, she has exceeded my expectations.
5. Jackson Browne, Love Minus Zero/No Limit (Album: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan)
Jackson and Dylan….need I say more?
6. Snow Patrol, The Garden Rules (Album: Fallen Empires)
I love Snow Patrol. This album continues to grow on me.
7. Not An Airplane, Speak In (Album: It Could Just Be This Place)
Alt Country’s version of mini rock operas.
8. Bruce Springsteen, Shackled and Drawn (Album: Wrecking Ball)
Bruce holds up a mirror to the US in 2012. Why has this man not been appointed Poet Laureate?
9. The Jezabels, Endless Summer (Album: Prisoner)
An amazing US debut for The Jezabels!
10. Kevin Gordon, Colfax/Step In Time (Album: Gloryland)
I have been saving this one for a Long Song Tuesday post but Kevin deserves a shout out as one of the best so far in 2012.
Looking Forward To These In The Next Few Months
1. Alabama Shakes, How Many More Times (Album: Boys and Girls – April 10, 2012)
This group hits close to home…literally. This Led Zeppelin cover is not on their upcoming album but it provides an excellent introduction to the group.
2. Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Horse Back (Album: ???)
Do you sit around and worry that no one remembers the art of the jam? Rest easy…the Horse is back. I can’t wait for the new album.
3. The Temper Trap, Rabbit Hole (Album: The Temper Trap – June 5, 2012)
I have to be honest, this first track from the upcoming album by The Temper Trap was a disappointment to me. Still hoping the remaining songs on the new album will be as good as those on Conditions.
Chairlift, a duo from Brooklyn, has been around since 2008 but I just recently learned of them. I really like Met Before off of their new album Something that was released last month. Take a listen:
This song reminds me of The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, one of my favorite current bands. I’m anxious to see if the remainder of the new album is equally tasty. As always, let me know what you think.
Today we have a real treat for you. First Aid Kit is a Swedish duo consisting of two sisters. This video is from their new, soon to be released album. I am really looking forward to this one. I am a sucker for “blood harmony”.
You probably guess it already but in case you didn’t the video was filmed in Joshua Tree National Park. Let me know if you don’t get the connection.
In case you missed it, checkout this First Aid Kit of Fleet Foxes’ Tiger Mountain Peasant Song.
This is great stuff. As always, let me know what you think?
As I type this post it’s New Years Day 2012. All of my favorite music blogs are posting their Best of 2011 picks (check out I Am Fuel You Are Friends – a link to their favorites of 2011 will be provided in my next post) so I decided to get with the program. In keeping with my plans for thebestmusicyouhaveneverheard I have chosen to take this opportunity to introduce you to Mount Moriah, my pick for best new band of 2011.
It’s been a couple of years since The Everybodyfields announced their plans to split and pursue solo careers and I have been in a funk since that announcement (more about The Everybodyfields in a future post). My discovery of Mount Moriah last year started to fill the alt country gap left by The Everybodyfields!
Mount Moriah was formed by Heather McEntire and Jenks Miller in 2010 and they released their self-titled album last year. For a review of that album check out “hear ya” at the following link (if you look around I think you can also find a couple of free tracks from the album):
thebestmusicyouhaveneverheard 