The Low Anthem reigns from Rhode Island and consists of Ben Miller on vocals and guitar, Jocie Adams on clarinet, and Jeffrey Prystowsky on bass.  But each of them play an array of other instruments on the album and during their live shows.  They have garnered a lot of praise  from the indie music critics.  Paste Magazine called them “time-honored and astonishingly innovative.”  And they have gotten many comparisons to both Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.  That is in part due to the rough singing on some of the latter tracks on the album, or the Waits song that they cover on the new album.  But I think it’s mostly due to the sincerity found in their songwriting.  So listen to this great song and add The Low Anthem to your list of bands to see at Austin City Limits this fall.

The Low Anthem – Charlie Darwin

If you need more convincing you can stream their first album here.

Here is a great version of Silent Night, performed by Johnny and his wife June Carter.

Here is the great gospel tune “This Train is Bound for Glory” performed by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins.

The late, great Andy Kauffman showing off his expertise by doing Elvis Presley’s “That’s Where Your Heartaches Begin.”

Here are a few more versions of possibly one of the most gorgeous Christmas songs ever written.

Ben Harper & the Blind Boys of Alabama – Silent Night

Bing Crosby – Silent Night

Bright Eyes – Silent Night

Damien Rice & Lisa Hannigan – Silent Night

Hugh Laurie – Silent Night

Johnny Cash – Silent Night

Lifehouse – Silent Night

My Morning Jacket – Silent Night

Priscilla Ahn – Silent Night

Relient K – Silent Night; Away in a Manger

Sarah McLachlan – Silent Night

Stevie Nicks – Silent Night

Sufjan Stevens – Silent Night

Tom Waits – Silent Night

Wow…kind of exhausting.  So if you dared to actually sample them all please share with us your favorite.  Were you suprised by which one you liked the most. I know I was.  I hope your ears aren’t actually bleeding, I just want you really enjoy the music.