NPR Gives Away 12-Song Folk Sampler

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival.  This historic event is taking place this weekend (Aug. 1-2) at Fort Adams Park in Newport, RI.  Pete Seeger, one of the co-founders of the festival will actually be there performing both nights.  Tonight he’ll be joined by Judy Collins.  The line-up is pretty incredible, including both the legends of folk music and the contemporary pioneers.  Yesterdays line-up was simply stellar with acts such as The Decemberists, Fleet Foxes, Billy Bragg, The Avett Brothers, Iron & Wine and more.   I can only imagine what musical euphoria was experienced in Newport yesterday.  Amazingly enough, today has just as great of a line-up with Joe Pug, Deer Tick, Elvis Perkins, Josh Ritter, Neko Case and of course closing with Pete Seeger and Judy Collins.  I know what you’re thinking, and I feel your pain.  Why can’t events like this take place closer to us.  Well even though we may not have gotten to experience this historic weekend, thanks to NPR we don’t have to leave this weekend empty handed.  The great folks at NPR Music have put together a 12-song folk sampler made up of artists that performed this weekend at the Newport Folk Festival.  It’s a great playlist and is completely free to download. 

Wilco on ACL Tonight

Hello my friends and loyal readers.  I realize that if you have the television on tonight that you undoubtably be watching college football all evening.  But in case of a blow-out, I thought I would give you all a back-up option.  Wilco is going to be playing on the famous Austin City Limits television show on PBS.  Should be a great show to watch.  I haven’t been able to see them live yet, but I have caught several of their performances on late night television which have each boosted my appreciation for this super talented band.   They have been closing a lot of their tours lately with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.”  If they do it again tonight you’ll surely be in for a treat. Here is a preview of what you most likely get to see in the encore.

Wilco and Fleet Foxes – I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan)

New Fleet Foxes Video – White Winter Hymnal

after hearing this song, i now know what all the buzz is about. this is one of the most gorgeous songs i’ve heard in a long time. i haven’t gotten the chance to hear the entire album yet, but it is definitely now on my to-do list. and if the rest of it is anything like “white winter hymnal,” then it is sure to end up on my year-end list.

fleet foxes – white winter hymnal (removed 2/13/09)