Here’s what I’ve been listening to this week. What non-Idol music has been on your Ipod?
Lucinda Williams - Little Honey - Alt-country queen, Lucinda Williams has been one of my favorites since her 1989 self-titled release. A gifted songwriter, Williams often pens songs that are dark and wrenching. But this latest outing finds her in a happier mood. While the subject matter may be lighter, the music–sh*t kicking blues and rock–is tougher than past outings. There’s even a cover of an AD/DC song, “Long Way to the Top.” As always, her honey-rough vocals cut right to the heart of her songs. Do I have to pick favorites? Well, OK: “Jailhouse Tears” Elvis Costello duets! The raucous and joyful opening track “Real Love,” and the soulful “The Knowing”–which brings Curtis Mayfield to mind. AmazoniTunes
Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain - Admittedly, I hadn’t heard of the singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne until Taylor Hicks performed his song “Trouble” during the Season 5 competition. I know Taylor turned a lot of his fans onto Ray’s music, so I’d be remiss not to include him in my post this week. And actually, I’ve also come to appreciate the notoriously shy singer/songwriter’s impressive talents. This, his third album, should not disappoint his fans. Raspy, soulful vocals wrap around songs that hark back to singer/songwriters of the 70’s like Van Morrison and Jackson Browne. Favorites: ”Meg White” an ode to the White Stripes drummer. Seriously! “Sarah”, which sounds like it belongs on Morrison’s Astral Weeks and the delicate “Winter Birds.” Amazon iTunes
Keane - Perfect Symmetry -My first listen through Keane’s latest had me scratching my head, and a tad disappointed. Synthesizers replacing piano at the center of their sound? Adding *gasp* guitars to the mix? WTF? If I wanted this shiz, I’d wipe the dust off my old Talk Talk albums. Or listen to The Killers. Ha ha. But, damn if I wasn’t totally hooked by my third listen. In fact, I’m completely mesmerized by this record. It’s still got the big, hooky choruses the band is known for, with the 80’s new wave influences expanding and twisting their sound in a welcome way. Favorites: “Better Than This”, “You Haven’t Told Me” and “Playing Along” have ringing choruses that I can’t get out of my head. I’m going to turn up the volume until I can’t even think. AmazoniTunes
New Singles: Those crafters of clever pop songs, The Decemberists, have a new double single available for download. “Valerie Plame,” an ode to the outed CIA agent, boasts banjo and horns around a jaunty melody that ends in a “Hey Jude” like singalong. Love is lost in the less-impressive, “O New England.” Tip: You don’t need tokens on the Blue Line any more! iTunes
Not So New: Thanks to Cheese and PJ for turning me on to the indie band Ra Ra Riot. Strings, guitars, great hooks = pop songs made of win! Me likey. AmazoniTunes
Videos after the JUMP!!!
Lucinda Williams on David Letterman - Real Love
Ray LaMontagne - Winterbirds (more videos at this page)
Keane - Video for Spiralling
The Decemberists - Valerie Plame
Ra Ra Riot on David Letterman - Can You Sing
Ra Ra Riot - Video for Ghost Under Rocks
32 Responses to “New Music - Ludinda Williams, Ray LaMontagne, and Keane”
OMG MJ!!! You’ve just posted about two of my fave singers: Ray LaMontagne and Lucinda Wiliams.
Lucinda is so amazing. Just saw a clip of her when she was on the david Letterman Show: She’s looked blowsy and shopworn…that woman has lived! My faves on her Little Honey Album are: Knowing and Well, well, well. I got turned on to her when a friend played me: Here in California, Greenville wth EmmyLou Harris, and Wild Horses with Elvis Costello. After llistening to those 3 songs I became the biggest fan her and her music. So glad Little Honey is doing well.
Yeah, some of Ray LaMontagne sounds a bit Van Morrisonish…but for me no one will ever be greater than Van Morrison, and his Astral Weeks and Veedon Fleece remain my two best loved albums EVER and I don’t think that will ever change. He is well loved here in denmark…he used to live here and wrote a song called Vanlose Stairway (Staircase?)which is about his life here. He gives the best fuckin’ concerts.
I do love every song on his RLM’s new album. The songs which have touched me the most are: You are the Best Thing, Meg White and Let It Be Me.
My current obsession is Sam Sparro! I love every track on his album. I think most people have heard of his first single, Black And Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qQSW2p1IvE
I can also highly recommend: Rachael Yamagata…her new album is called “Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart”. Her 1st album “Happenstance” is quite brilliant too…especially the song “Even So”….makes me tear up every damn time! Reminds me of an old love.
Aww, Dave…I can’t forget how much he enjoyed Joss Stone’s performance.
I just read my friend’s review for The Cure’s new album, saying let’s not ask more from Robert Smith. Trickye has a new album out it’s really good if you like Electronica.
Not new at all: I’ve been listening to Concrete Blonde and Black Box Recorder all week. Well I’m always listening to them.
2 things related to David…3 maybe.
1. Jason Mraz co-wrote To Have Heroes(Andy…)’s Story of You Life.
2. Ah he mentioned Mogwai! I don’t know about America, here post-rock and indie pop are the most popular things among colleges. They rule.
3. Our Lady Peace’s best album is their live album. And the song I like the best in it is Are You Sad. That’s not about the song, it’s what Raine Maida says before singing it. “The problem is usually the time when this person needs the most help is time when they don’t want your help.” That’s so true.
Jason recommended Justin Nozuka a while ago but only today did I get to check his music out (saw the link from a video of Gabe Bondoc, who hardkandy recommended last week, so thanks, hardkandy!). Apparently, I’ve been missing out. I really like his music (it doesn’t hurt that he reminds me a little of my fave Mraz in sound and style). I now know what my next album purchase will be. I just hope I can get a copy of his album locally.
I didn’t know that! Do you have a link to that song? :)
I didn’t know that either, I’m still not 100% positive about it. I saw people talking about it, but didn’t see the source myself. Anyway, this is his…their MySpace.
Bob Dylan’s new bootleg series and Todd Snider’s EP, Peace Queer. Todd does an amazing cover of Fortunate Son. Here’s a live version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDS54qBHJE but he’s truly a gifted songwriter (he’s less a gifted singer). Here’s somebody covering one of his songs in a bathtub… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SraRbxOC0DE
I like this thread a bunch and will check out most of what’s mentioned here. I love Lucinda Williams.
Jason recommended Justin Nozuka a while ago but only today did I get to check his music out (saw the link from a video of Gabe Bondoc, who hardkandy recommended last week, so thanks, hardkandy!).
Yay that’s a good thing you discovered him then. I love Justin Nozuka too!
I love checking out new music, this addition to the blog is great!
Waiting For My Rocket To Come is my favorite Jason Mraz cd and I also like Concrete Blonde who I only really discovered not too long ago.
I’ve been listening a lot to Travis, anyone else here like them? I am SO excited for the new CD, can’t wait!!!!
I tried posting a link but it didn’t work, i’m a technical doofus………sorry.
Wow thanks for all this! Since I became interested in new, more rock-like music again thanks to you-know-who from AI, this is GREAT stuff! I have Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and LOVE it. Lucinda Williams is a unqiue female artist. I think I’m gonna have to listen to Ray LaMontagne now too, buy his album. Gave a test-listen yesterday and really liked it. And test out some of these others I’ve not heard. OK, I might have to listen to some more Jason Mraz. I didn’t like I’m Yours but maybe I didn’t hear enough and I’ll like something else if I listen.
I’m pretty sure too that Jazon Mraz co-wrote with Andy Skib on Andy’s To Have Heroes EP. Check out Andy’s myspace fer shure!
Thanks for this new music info, mj, and everyone else!
(I DO have to set priorities and must have funds available for Mr. Cook FIRST!)
T2, I’m into Paolo Nutini as well- can’t wait for his new album. Anyone who likes Jason Mraz and James Morrison would probably enjoy him as well- acoustic rock with a bit of a Scottish flair.
Thanks MJ and others for the tip on Ra Ra Riot. They’re from my husband’s Alma Mater of Syracuse University (and my hometown). We’ve been listening to them on MySpace this AM. We really like the addition of the cello and violin- adds some depth that reminds me of OneRepublic in some songs.
I’ve been listening to Carolina Liar and Sublime this week.
Carolina Liar is sort of a combination of Augustana and Snow Patrol. Their lead singer/songwriter is from South Carolina and most of the band is from Sweden- leads to some interesting music! Their song “I’m Not Over” has been getting a lot of play on our local Alt station, and I heard it on our Hot AC station this week too (Yay!).
Sublime is old, but I missed them, since I was living under a Barney and Raffi-shaped rock for most of the 90’s. They’re ska-punk, and their lyrics aren’t for the faint of heart. Jason Castro covered their song “Santeria” pre-Idol, then I heard the original on the radio last week. Love those rhythms!
I see from Ra Ra Riot’s MySpace that they’re currently touring with Vampire Weekend, which is another ska-type band that my family likes. Too bad the tour is in Europe, or I’d go! Here’s Kim Caldwell doing a “Meet Vampire Weekend” piece on TVGuide, and then Vampire Weekend on David Letterman:
The Keane album in mp3 is only $2.99 on amazon. A great price for something I would have paid full price for. I love the variety of styles on the album - from the full-on 80’s-style ‘Spiralling’ and the gorgeous closer ‘Love is the End’.
Will have to check out the new LaMontagne. His first album was great, but the second one was rather slow and depressing.
Keane is one of my favorite bands. I’ve seen them twice in concert and the lead singer’s voice just soars. Absolutely one of my favorite voices ever! I was psyched to see the new album for only $2.99 on Amazon. Get it now everyone!
MJ, I love both Lucinda’s and Ray’s new albums. My local AAA station had an in-studio performance and interview with Ray a few weeks ago. I kinda felt sorry for the DJ. Getting him to answer a question with more than one word was like pulling teeth. He wasn’t being rude at all… just a man of few words, I think.
Adding Carolina Liar and Justin Nozuka to my list of artists to check out…
I listened to Keane on Rhapsody and wasn’t overwhelmed. I’ll give it a few more listens since MJ says it grows on you. :)
i got ray’s album when it came out (and im with you mj, idol got me acquainted with him, except mine was when kelly clarkson covered his version of Shelter for the Tsunami Relief benefit) and i dont htink there is a person on the plant who can match his soul. its unreal.
its funny how you can hear a singer doin a song and think hmm so so and turn it off.. then you hear them do another track like
adele -make you feel my love and OMG i’m in love with that song now.. but not overly crazy bout her other stuff but after this i will give it another go
and rachael yamagatA … WOW i absolutely love this girls voice
ty ty for these links and reviews
my mp3 player got some new stuff on it today weeeeee :)
Thanks for posting mj! I am liking the sounds of Ray LaMontagne and the Decemberists. I’m not ready to download anything yet, but will through your site once I am!
I watched Lucinda on DL and thought she wasn’t getting into this rock song much, however, I will check out her other songs on this new album. She just kinda stood there singing. IMO you gotta rock whether in an emo way or just rockin’ out!!!!
I love learning about all of this new music!!! Please keep them coming!
OMG MJ!!! You’ve just posted about two of my fave singers: Ray LaMontagne and Lucinda Wiliams.
Lucinda is so amazing. Just saw a clip of her when she was on the david Letterman Show: She’s looked blowsy and shopworn…that woman has lived! My faves on her Little Honey Album are: Knowing and Well, well, well. I got turned on to her when a friend played me: Here in California, Greenville wth EmmyLou Harris, and Wild Horses with Elvis Costello. After llistening to those 3 songs I became the biggest fan her and her music. So glad Little Honey is doing well.
Yeah, some of Ray LaMontagne sounds a bit Van Morrisonish…but for me no one will ever be greater than Van Morrison, and his Astral Weeks and Veedon Fleece remain my two best loved albums EVER and I don’t think that will ever change. He is well loved here in denmark…he used to live here and wrote a song called Vanlose Stairway (Staircase?)which is about his life here. He gives the best fuckin’ concerts.
I do love every song on his RLM’s new album. The songs which have touched me the most are: You are the Best Thing, Meg White and Let It Be Me.
My current obsession is Sam Sparro! I love every track on his album. I think most people have heard of his first single, Black And Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qQSW2p1IvE
My other favorite tracks:
Cut Me Loose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cse8WuVlK8U
Still Hungry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9D7YZQWVSY
Waiting For Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky_zN4jhhf4
21st Century Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woVrC8ZgIa4
Hi hardkandy, will give this Sparro guy a try.
I can also highly recommend: Rachael Yamagata…her new album is called “Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart”. Her 1st album “Happenstance” is quite brilliant too…especially the song “Even So”….makes me tear up every damn time! Reminds me of an old love.
oops…didn’t see the Lucinda Williams video when I made my first post…did you just add that MJ?
Love her.
Aww, Dave…I can’t forget how much he enjoyed Joss Stone’s performance.
I just read my friend’s review for The Cure’s new album, saying let’s not ask more from Robert Smith. Trickye has a new album out it’s really good if you like Electronica.
Not new at all: I’ve been listening to Concrete Blonde and Black Box Recorder all week. Well I’m always listening to them.
2 things related to David…3 maybe.
1. Jason Mraz co-wrote To Have Heroes(Andy…)’s Story of You Life.
2. Ah he mentioned Mogwai! I don’t know about America, here post-rock and indie pop are the most popular things among colleges. They rule.
3. Our Lady Peace’s best album is their live album. And the song I like the best in it is Are You Sad. That’s not about the song, it’s what Raine Maida says before singing it. “The problem is usually the time when this person needs the most help is time when they don’t want your help.” That’s so true.
Have become a big Jason Mraz fan…he is just so damn cute! love his voice and his blend of musical genres.
I didn’t know that! Do you have a link to that song? :)
Jason recommended Justin Nozuka a while ago but only today did I get to check his music out (saw the link from a video of Gabe Bondoc, who hardkandy recommended last week, so thanks, hardkandy!). Apparently, I’ve been missing out. I really like his music (it doesn’t hurt that he reminds me a little of my fave Mraz in sound and style). I now know what my next album purchase will be. I just hope I can get a copy of his album locally.
After Tonight
Don’t Listen To A Word
Save Him
No Heaven
Whew! Those last two songs are intense, especially No Heaven (which even reminds me of a Jeff Buckley performance I once saw).
I didn’t know that either, I’m still not 100% positive about it. I saw people talking about it, but didn’t see the source myself. Anyway, this is his…their MySpace.
Bob Dylan’s new bootleg series and Todd Snider’s EP, Peace Queer. Todd does an amazing cover of Fortunate Son. Here’s a live version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDS54qBHJE but he’s truly a gifted songwriter (he’s less a gifted singer). Here’s somebody covering one of his songs in a bathtub… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SraRbxOC0DE
I like this thread a bunch and will check out most of what’s mentioned here. I love Lucinda Williams.
Yay that’s a good thing you discovered him then. I love Justin Nozuka too!
Other recommendations…
Adele, one of my favorite songs right now: Make You Feel My Love
McFly, POV (Acoustic)
The Pierces, Three Wishes
I love checking out new music, this addition to the blog is great!
Waiting For My Rocket To Come is my favorite Jason Mraz cd and I also like Concrete Blonde who I only really discovered not too long ago.
I’ve been listening a lot to Travis, anyone else here like them? I am SO excited for the new CD, can’t wait!!!!
I tried posting a link but it didn’t work, i’m a technical doofus………sorry.
^HAHA, Selfish Jean has a super funny video.
Trying again
Closer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2hYn_4yuhc&feature=related
I do! One of my all time favorite songs is from them - “Side.”
Am lovin’ this thread…love bein turned on to new music. …and it takes my mind of Cookie and waiting for the damn record to drop!
LOVE Travis. :).
Wow thanks for all this! Since I became interested in new, more rock-like music again thanks to you-know-who from AI, this is GREAT stuff! I have Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and LOVE it. Lucinda Williams is a unqiue female artist. I think I’m gonna have to listen to Ray LaMontagne now too, buy his album. Gave a test-listen yesterday and really liked it. And test out some of these others I’ve not heard. OK, I might have to listen to some more Jason Mraz. I didn’t like I’m Yours but maybe I didn’t hear enough and I’ll like something else if I listen.
I’m pretty sure too that Jazon Mraz co-wrote with Andy Skib on Andy’s To Have Heroes EP. Check out Andy’s myspace fer shure!
Thanks for this new music info, mj, and everyone else!
(I DO have to set priorities and must have funds available for Mr. Cook FIRST!)
I’m Yours is one of the few Jason songs I don’t like, the only version I can stand is the one on We Sing EP. But that’s his biggest hit…
Check out his other songs, Halfway Home, Song for a Friend.
Thanks MJ, I love me some Keane! :)
Paolo Nutini
Josh Logan Band
A week of heart-wrenching rock and soul music. These guys are too good for words.
A lot of Jason Mraz love here so I’m gonna share my favorite song from him: Prettiest Friend
T2, I’m into Paolo Nutini as well- can’t wait for his new album. Anyone who likes Jason Mraz and James Morrison would probably enjoy him as well- acoustic rock with a bit of a Scottish flair.
Thanks MJ and others for the tip on Ra Ra Riot. They’re from my husband’s Alma Mater of Syracuse University (and my hometown). We’ve been listening to them on MySpace this AM. We really like the addition of the cello and violin- adds some depth that reminds me of OneRepublic in some songs.
I’ve been listening to Carolina Liar and Sublime this week.
http://www.myspace.com/carolinaliar
http://www.myspace.com/sublime
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRxSUoFsFig
Carolina Liar is sort of a combination of Augustana and Snow Patrol. Their lead singer/songwriter is from South Carolina and most of the band is from Sweden- leads to some interesting music! Their song “I’m Not Over” has been getting a lot of play on our local Alt station, and I heard it on our Hot AC station this week too (Yay!).
Sublime is old, but I missed them, since I was living under a Barney and Raffi-shaped rock for most of the 90’s. They’re ska-punk, and their lyrics aren’t for the faint of heart. Jason Castro covered their song “Santeria” pre-Idol, then I heard the original on the radio last week. Love those rhythms!
I see from Ra Ra Riot’s MySpace that they’re currently touring with Vampire Weekend, which is another ska-type band that my family likes. Too bad the tour is in Europe, or I’d go! Here’s Kim Caldwell doing a “Meet Vampire Weekend” piece on TVGuide, and then Vampire Weekend on David Letterman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWbmBlupG0o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ5TEg6vfLE
CathyMK, I love Carolina Liar!! I’ve been obsessing over “California Bound.” It reminds me a little bit of The Killers, Sam’s Town era.
“California Bound”
The Keane album in mp3 is only $2.99 on amazon. A great price for something I would have paid full price for. I love the variety of styles on the album - from the full-on 80’s-style ‘Spiralling’ and the gorgeous closer ‘Love is the End’.
Will have to check out the new LaMontagne. His first album was great, but the second one was rather slow and depressing.
Great music reviews MJ!
Keane is one of my favorite bands. I’ve seen them twice in concert and the lead singer’s voice just soars. Absolutely one of my favorite voices ever! I was psyched to see the new album for only $2.99 on Amazon. Get it now everyone!
thanks for pointing us towards Amazon. Downloading now.
I love this thread.
MJ, I love both Lucinda’s and Ray’s new albums. My local AAA station had an in-studio performance and interview with Ray a few weeks ago. I kinda felt sorry for the DJ. Getting him to answer a question with more than one word was like pulling teeth. He wasn’t being rude at all… just a man of few words, I think.
Adding Carolina Liar and Justin Nozuka to my list of artists to check out…
I listened to Keane on Rhapsody and wasn’t overwhelmed. I’ll give it a few more listens since MJ says it grows on you. :)
i got ray’s album when it came out (and im with you mj, idol got me acquainted with him, except mine was when kelly clarkson covered his version of Shelter for the Tsunami Relief benefit) and i dont htink there is a person on the plant who can match his soul. its unreal.
hardkandy and layla
its funny how you can hear a singer doin a song and think hmm so so and turn it off.. then you hear them do another track like
adele -make you feel my love and OMG i’m in love with that song now.. but not overly crazy bout her other stuff but after this i will give it another go
and rachael yamagatA … WOW i absolutely love this girls voice
ty ty for these links and reviews
my mp3 player got some new stuff on it today weeeeee :)
Thanks for posting mj! I am liking the sounds of Ray LaMontagne and the Decemberists. I’m not ready to download anything yet, but will through your site once I am!
I watched Lucinda on DL and thought she wasn’t getting into this rock song much, however, I will check out her other songs on this new album. She just kinda stood there singing. IMO you gotta rock whether in an emo way or just rockin’ out!!!!
I love learning about all of this new music!!! Please keep them coming!