ripped open my heart as a butterfly goes free from the jar
out into an edible distance
we ride like there is no too far – “Sycamore”

I’ve heard a lot of “world music” in my day. Too much, I would say. The one common thread between all of them is that even though they might incorporate elements of a few cultures, they’re almost always centered in one mainstay.

Songs Of Water‘s latest release, The Sea Has Spoken, thus far has surpassed that expectation for me. I started listening to this album expecting the typical Arabic and African percussion material that’s rampant throughout “world music”. And, while those elements are unmistakeably there, they skillfully have been incorporated in a way that only serves to strengthen the album as a whole, and not become the mainstay of the project.

The bluegrass/Appalachian/newgrass influences, however, are one thing that cannot be ignored on this album. The Skaggs pedigree undoubtedly shines on tracks like “The Family Tree” (especially with the Ricky Skaggs fiddle/banjo contribution), but I’d be remiss to not mention Stephen Roach’s killer dulcimer playing on “Everything Rises” (among others). Roach also happens to be the talent providing the lead vocals on “Sycamore” and “Willow”.

Recently, there’s been a upsurgance (yes, I totally just made that word up) of indie bands with heavy Eastern European, Balkain, and Gypsy influences (DeVotchka, Beirut). While it’s a fun and interesting sound, an entire album’s worth just gets old. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of the style as a whole. However, “Bread and Circus” really surprised me in that regard. What starts out as a melancholy, almost epic-movie-soundtrack type of song slowly builds into a darkly comedic, upbeat, well,….circus tune. It’s morphed into something that would fit right into a episode of Carnivale, before retreating back to the the previous theme.

“Sycamore” is probably my most favorite track off of this disc. It’s a laid-back groove, saturated with Jason Windsor’s baritone guitar playing. It’s really reminiscent of something Nevada desert troubadouresque, like Chris Isaak. Stephen Roach lends a great lead vocal to this track; a bit whispery with a hint of delicateness. It’s a perfect recipe for a song about longing.

No matter what your flavor of folk or world music, I think you’ll probably find something on the new Songs Of Water disc that you’ll like. I know that I certainly did. Take the next step and check out Songs Of Water on MySpace or at the iTunes store if you’re looking to purchase some music. If you prefer a real CD, you can purchase those directly from the website at www.SongsOfWater.com

Meanwhile, check out “Sycamore”, one of the tracks from The Sea Has Spoken.

Songs Of Water – Sycamore:

I found a Listmania list on Amazon for the Essential Indie Albums of 2009. Lot of good choices on there (Passion Pit, Dark Was The Night Compilation, Andrew Bird), but also a few that are kind of “meh” in my mind.

Check out the list, and grab a couple for Christmas gifts!

In popular music, independent music, often generally abbreviated as “indie”, is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels and an autonomous, Do-It-Yourself approach to recording and publishing. – Wikipedia

I was having a conversation the other day about where exactly the line is drawn. Sure, it’s easy to say bands like Paper Rival as truly indie. They were unsigned and still made a mark on the genre/industry. On the other hand, you have bands like The Dears who are label mates with Silversun Pickups. Not exactly bargain basement and do-it-yourself.

Leave us a comment, and tell us what your answer to the question “What is indie music?”

Smart, sweet, poetic, vivid lyrics make Memphis-based singer/songwriter Josh Threlkeld’s music stand out from your run-of-the-mill dude with a guitar.  His first album, For Starters, found immediate success, driving Threlkeld to head back into the studio nearly immediately.  His second album is expected in late 2009.

Each song on For Starters is wrought with stories of love and want mingled with soul that is entirely Memphis.  Threlkeld’s voice is easy and smooth, often soaring, beautifully compelling the listener to enter into the story with him.  Musical accompaniment for the album is simple and supportive of the mood naturally set.  Songs like Southern Charm paint pictures of warm Memphis evenings with music drifting through the thick air, and young hearts swelling with fondness.  Worth It entices thoughts of devotion and a blind dash toward love.

You can check out the entire album on Josh’s MySpace, or you can pick it up on his website!

Family Of The Year just dropped their new EP, Where’s The Sun on the 22nd.

Now, I’ve known about Family Of The Year for a while now, but when I heard there was actually an EP coming out, needless to say, I was pretty excited. It’s just really good, uncomplicated art. If The Polyphonic Spree slimmed down from 429 members to 5, that’s the kind of music that we’re dealing with here.

Down To The River kicks off the EP with a poppy, acoustic-driven singalong. Handclaps and a shaker really make it feel like you’re sitting around a warm campfire on a crisp night…just having a genuinely good time.

The vocal harmonies really tie together the entire album as a package deal. Summer Girl really highlights the huge vocal sound that Family Of The Year can get, even on such a minimally arranged song.

My most favorite song on the EP, Cast Off, is skillfully fronted by Vanessa Jeanne Long. It’s a sultry, smoky mess that perfectly communicates the pain of the breakup. Vanessa’s vocal grit really piles on the desperation in the song. However, James Buckey’s “barely working Fender Twin”-sounding solo (along with the slide work all throughout) delivers the final blow, pulling the song inescapably into a Reno-dive-bar-I-want-to-drink-until-my-liver-punches-me-in-the-face vibe.

Long story short, you need to get this album. They’re sure to take off in a big way after some of the upcoming shows that are scheduled. They are going to be playing an opening date for Ben Folds and the Boston Pops this weekend (October 2, 2009), and then going on tour with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros shortly thereafter, with dates in California, Tucson, Austin, Dallas, and Birmingham (November 3-9, 2009).

Purchase Where’s The Sun on Amazon or iTunes.

Jessica Lea Mayfield has performed with her family band, One Way Rider, since the age of 8. So it’s no surprise that the 19-year-old singer-songwriter has a mature sound that seems evolved beyond her years.

A featured vocalist on The Black Keys’ Attack and Release, that band’s Dan Auerbach returned the favor by producing her first studio album, recorded over the course of two years in his home studio.

Delving into country, folk and soul, With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt is a collaborative project on which Mayfield’s sultry voice adds flair to edgy lyrics and melodies. With the help of her brother, bassist David Mayfield, Jessica Lea Mayfield’s debut includes cameo appearances by Dr. Dog’s Scott McMicken and Frank McElroy on backing vocals.

Grown Man – courtesy of Athens Soundies
Kiss Me Again – courtesy of Athens Soundies

Three artists for you to check out today, and they are all from Canada in honor of Canada Day.

1. Metric – female-fronted band, kind of reminiscent of the 90s chic-rock movement. Here’s Monster Hospital by Metric.

2. Broken Social Scene – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know who they are. They are, however, a band that I have really come to like recently. Check out Lover’s Spit by Broken Social Scene.

3. Mother Mother – Here’s a band with a catchy tune called “Wrecking Ball“. Cool stuff if you like folkier indie rock.

Does Canada measure up to the US and the UK when it comes to indie bands? Personally, I think there is a strong showing. However, I want to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment and let us know what you think!