ACL Preview – Sara Watkins

For the next artist in our ACL Preview series, I have chosen a very lovely and talented musician that I have seen perform twice before.  Both times, she played more of a supporting role.  Once with her former band Nickel Creek (it’s kind of hard for anyone to be in the spotlight for long with Chris Thile sharing the stage with you.)  The second time was actually at ACL in 2oo6.  She joined Ray Lamontagne on stage for several songs during what turned out to be my favorite performances of the weekend.

The 27 year old singer-songwriter and fiddle player has just recently released her first solo album.  Although there isn’t hardly anything “solo” about this record.  This album was just as much, if not more of a collaborative effort than any of the albums she released with Nickel Creek. Produced by former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, this self-titled debut finds Sara surrounded by an array alt-country friends and stars such as Gilian Welch and David Rawlings, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench,  and Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas, as well as both of her Nickel Creek bandmates.

The album has a nice combination of original pieces along with several covers and traditional pieces.  I really love her rendition of the traditional hymn “Give Me Jesus.”  It has long been a favorite of mine, and I think her and Thile’s instrumentation definitely does the song justice.  But the standout track for me was the closing track “Where Will You Be,” an original by Watkins.   It is a very honest and lovely song that that asks a simple question that anyone can relate to. Overall the album is very enjoyable.

She is likely to find herself surrounded by a group of talented musicians this year at ACL.  I would definitely put her on my list of artists to see.  She has a lots of charisma and a great stage presence. She will put on a great bluegrass show that will be a grand ole time.

Sara Watkins – Long Hot Summer Days

Sara Watkins – Freidrick

Sara Watkins – Where Will You Be

Dark Night of the Soul

Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) have apparently  teamed up with direct David Lynch to release an album.  The initial idea was for the album to be released packaged with a series of photos taken by Lynch.  But due to a some indisclosed legal issues with EMI, for the time being, the album will be released as the booklet of photographs along with a blank recordable CD-R that will be labled as such: “For legal reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will.”   Hopefully they will get these unfortunate issues worked out soon so they can release the record for all to hear.  Until then, you can go to NPR for an “Excluse First Listen.”  I listened to the album once through and it was definitely dark and haunting.   But it was also very beautiful and multifaceted.  This album was able to evoke a plethora of emotions in me in just a 45 minute span.

Although Danger Mouse and Linkous were the brains behind this project and did the bulk of the songwriting, they weren’t without help.  Dark Night of the Soul is filled with many vocal guest stars, including The Flaming Lips, Black Francis, James Mercer of the Shins, Iggy Pop and more.  One of the highlights of the album for me was actually one of the more chipper and lighthearted tracks, “Daddy’s Gone,”  sung by Linkous and Nina Persson of The Cardigans.  But there was hardly a song I didn’t enjoy. So head  on over to NPR and check it out.

Song of the Day: Donny Hue and the New Colors

Brooklyn’s “Donny Hue and the New Colors” just released their sophomore record earlier this week on Kora Records.  The new album, Letter From New Virginia, was recorded in an old barn in the middle of Luray, VA.  I haven’t gotten the chance to hear the new album yet, but I just found this B-side from the album that they are giving away for free.   Don’t judge this song, just because it didn’t make the cut.  This is no second rate song.  I encourage those of you that enjoy this track to listen to the rest of the album and let me know what you think.

Donny Hue and the New Colors – Oh Lord

Michael Jackson Rest In Peace

I’ve been waiting for a chance to share this song with you, and with the “King of Pop” passing away last night, I now have the perfect opportunity to share it with you.  He may have been a little screwy in the head, but he sure new how to write a pop song.  If you’re not a believer, I have the perfect song to change your mind.  Here is a great cover of “Billie Jean” by Foy Vance.  It is a perfect tribute to a fantastic musical legacy.  Farewell Michael Jackson.  Thanks for making our ears bleed for the past 40 years.

Foy Vance – Billie Jean (Live)

I would also like to take this sad time to encourage you all to take a look at the “man in the mirror.”

Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror