Tuesday Double Feature: Lana Del Rey "Born To Die" & Tristan Prettyman " My Oh My"

Beautiful women and exotic cats, is apparently the theme of this week's Tuesday Double Feature. I don't know that I planed it that way but we'll run with it now.

Lana Del Rey - "Born To Die"



The ache of Lana Del Rey's voice holds a beautiful sorrow. Combined with lush musical arrangements her music has a power and grace that is almost classic in nature. Like old Hollywood with it's lovely facades and dark secrets, Del Rey's music is unforgettable. Having released the Born to Die: The Paradise Edition in November. This deluxe edition collects all of her singles and packages it with originally unreleased material. It's a must have for fans and new converts alike.

Tristan Prettyman - "My Oh My"



The sultry blues of Tristan Prettyman is empowered with her bold vocals and a dynamic beat. Fresh on the heals of her latest release Cedar+Gold, Prettyman is in the midst of a North American tour. She'll blow through Portland in late January with a show at the Doug Fir Lounge on the 26th. I look forward to see how her musical energy translates to the stage.

Living Room Performance: The Mavericks "Come Unto Me"

The Mavericks - "Come Unto Me"
2012 Americana Music Festival
Ryman Auditorium, Austin TX



Nashville veterans The Mavericks have been making their unique style of Country-rock for over twenty years. This January the band will be releasing In Time, their first album seven years to coincide with the 20th anniversary of their first major label release. Enjoy this performance of "Come Unto Me", a track you'll find on the new album.

Tuesday Double Feature: Alialujah Choir "A House A Home" & The Last Bison "Switzerland"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature includes two videos with Fantastical dream like imagery.

Alialujah Choir - "A House A Home"



This Portland Oregon side project is made up of some of the best folk artist this rain soaked city of ours has to offer. Their dreamy organic music is earthy and comforting. Spaciously sparse and boldly arresting the Alialujah Choir create songs that are beautifuly emotional. Celebrating the recent release of their dedut self-titled album we should expect to see more from this great band.  

The Last Bison - "Switzerland"



This Virginia based band combines elements of alternative rock, folk and chamber music to create wonderfully unique arrangements. With the recent release of their latest EP Inheritance on Republic Records The Last Bison are starting to build momentum. Having made an appearance at this years Musicfest NW, we can only hope that they won't be strangers to the Northwest.

From The Shelf: Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls (2012)

Alabama Shakes
Boys & Girls
ATO Records

Thank God for Brittany Howard and the Alabama Shakes. The soulful blues ache in her voice almost makes you want to cry. If you're like me and was raised on your parents Motown albums, then listening to their debut LP Boys & Girls is like a sweet memory you didn't even know you had. Occasionally affected by coffee shop impulse buying, this is the first album I've bought at a Starbucks that I didn't regret after three tracks. Filled with some of the most emotionally bold soul music to be played in over four decades this album is a must for anyone that loves Aretha Franklin, Carol King or Otis Redding.

From the aching groove of "Hold On" to the driving build of the closing  track this album is an audio time machine through the history of soul. There's the subtle rocking pew sway of the 50's in the title track "Boys & Girls."  "Rise to the Sun" on the other hand personifies the dancing shake of the heyday of 60's soul, while "I Found You" is the strutting gize and attitude rich flavor of Apollo nights of the politically charged 70's.

Stylistically and emotionally rich this album is amazing from start to finish. It has the three element that make all truly great soul music; Amazing instrumentation, a voice that can knock you to the grounds and faith. If the band can stay true to all three of these  facets then they are sure to be with us for a long while and will find the recognition that they truly deserve.   
 

Living Room Performance: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit "Danko/Manuel"

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - "Danko/Manuel"
WorkPlay Birmingham, Alabama
August 17th, 2012



Having launched his career as a songwriting member of the Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell has spent the last several years proving his individual greatness as the lead of his own band the 400 Unit. Isbell released his first full-length live album Live From Alabama  just yesterday. So in honor of the occasion we've posted this performance. Enjoy 

Tuesday Double Feature: Reckless Ones "Dead & Gone" & The Hillbilly Moon Explosion "My Love Evermore"

This week's Tuesday Double feature feels like it's right out of the Grindhouse Theaters of the 60's and 70's.

Reckless Ones - "Dead & Gone"



This post-apocalyptic video from Minneapolis rockabilly band the Reckless Ones plays like Lance Mungia's Six-String Samurai. This Midwest three piece personifies all that is holy in the rockabilly world: Tattoos, hot-rods and curvacious women worthy of a Petty pin-up calender. Denying the sterile sound of the present these boys wrap themselves in the warm tones of their retro goodness and the world is better for it.

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion - "My Love For Evermore"



Like a David Lynch film this video by Zurich based The Hillbilly Moon Explosion has an off putting high art feel that would make Tarantino jealous. With a brand new album Buy,Beg or Steal filled with the haunting vocals of Emanuela Hutter and the swinging top shelf Americana their known for. This band is expanding it's fan base with leaps and bounds.

Cure for the Mondays: Smoochknob "Meet Me Half The Way"

Smoochknob - "Meet Me Half The Way"


Clown-love In Portland, makes a cute video but a scarey internet search.



Home town favorites, Portland's Smoochknob are known for their fun antics. So this humorous little video for the upcoming single off their forthcoming album is no surprise. With any luck we'll be seeing the new album in spring of 2013. Until then, I hope that your Monday doesn't suck too much.