I am kind of a little out of it today, so please forgive me; at least I’m not skipping another week, right?! Whatever would you do? Oh yeah, go on as if nothing happened. Ha! Anyway… There are some slow songs, some up-tempo alternative tracks, and even a blast from my high school music past. Interestingly enough, all of the artists today are also male. Well, let’s get this party started, alright?
Hayden – Let It Last
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_612_hayden-letitlast.mp3]
I got a huge, welcome surprise when I looked at the new release list on iTunes this week; one of my favorite Canadian folk artists, Hayden, released a new CD, The Place Where We Lived! You may remember that his amazing In Field and Town made my year end list for 2008, coming in at number 7 on that list. While I was surprised that he was releasing another album so quickly, I wasn’t surprised when I listened to it; it is beautiful, and has the same amazing quality that permeated In Field and Town. With this album, Hayden has crafted another brilliant album full of songs that do not stray from his tender style of folk rock. This is my favorite track on the album, and it is a sweet and subtle duet between Hayden and a female singer. This was a GREAT find, and will definitely be somewhere amongst my favorite albums of the year.
Matthew Barber – Where The River Bends
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_612_matthewbarber-wheretheriverbends.mp3]
Well, it looks like this week, we have not one, but two Canadian singer-songwriters! I mentioned Matthew back in May when I discovered his AMAZING track, Easily Bruised. Well, after falling for that song, I went and downloaded his album Ghost Notes, from which the song hails, and I found many more amazing tracks. His style reminds me a bit of Hayden at times, as well as other folk-rock acts like Joshua Radin and even Bob Dylan. This song is achingly beautiful, and it reminds me why I love searching for new music; occasionally, I stumble onto something truly amazing. This song is just that; truly amazing.
Jack Pe̱ate РPull My Heart Away
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_612_jackpenate-pullmyheartaway.mp3]
I have featured Jack on the 5SF in the past, but I quickly lost interest in him because of how many of the songs from his debut where a bit too similar to stand out for me. Well, I heard that he was revamping his style, and releasing a new record this month, and after checking it out, I must say that I have regained my interest in him; big time! I love the changes he made to his sound, and I find myself really liking this album. Pull My Heart Away is my favorite track that I have heard so far from the aptly titled, Everything Is New; which is out June 22.
Patrick Wolf – Hard Times
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_612_patrickwolf-hardtimes.mp3]
I was late to come to the church of Patrick Wolf, but honey, I am swaying the pulpit now! I liked several songs off of his previous release, The Magic Position, but overall, the entire album didn’t resonate with me for whatever reason. When I heard he was to release a new album this month, I was excited to see what he would bring me next, and I must say, after listening to The Bachelor, the entire album resonated with me on a much deeper level. It took me a minute to appreciate the often avant garde style Wolf harnesses in his music, but once I did, I realized how fantastic he is. There aren’t many artists out there carving their own niche anymore, and Wolf really reminds me of the innovativeness of artists that came before him; especially those like David Bowie. Watch this kid, because he is doing some pretty amazing stuff with music.
Blur – Slow Down
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_612_blur-slowdown.mp3]
Lastly today, I wanted to pay homage to one of the greatest bands ever, the almighty Blur. When I was in high school, Blur was one of those bands that made me really realize how much music meant to me, and it helped me appreciate really great music at the same time. This song, from their AMAZING debut, Leisure, is a fantastic reminder of so many good times from those days, and a welcome stroll down memory lane every time I hear it. Leisure is one of those albums that I can listen to from beginning to end, and it will always be amongst my favorite records of all time; along with many other Blur albums too.
I hope everyone found something they loved in this week’s 5SF. I really like all of these songs, and think they are all pretty amazing. As always, let me know what you liked, or didn’t like, and please tell me what YOU are listening to. Unless it is the Black Eyed Peas; and in that case, I couldn’t care less. HA! Have a great weekend!
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