These are some of my favorite musical acts. Some of them are new discoveries, others I have been listening to for decades. Check out them, give a listen to their work, and let me know what you think.
New Discoveries
A.A. Bondy
I first heard him on the best radio station in America (89.7 WTMD in Towson, MD). American Hearts is his first solo release. (He used to be the lead singer for Verbena.)
current faves = “There’s a Reason” , “American Hearts” , “World Without End” from American Hearts
DeVotchKa
I first heard them on WTMD and have bought several of their CDs.
current faves = “The Clockwise Witness” , “New World” from A Mad and Faithful Telling
Kathleen Edwards
I first heard her on WTMD (There’s a reason I call it the best radio station in America.)
current faves = “Buffalo” , “Oil Man’s War” from Asking For Flowers
Neko Case
I heard an interview with her after the release of Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. I have that release, enjoy it thoroughly, am looking forward to exploring her back catalog.
current faves =”Star Witness”, “A Widow’s Toast”, Dirty Knife” from Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
Au Revoir Simone
I heard an interview with them on the etown radio show. I have yet to pick up any of their CDs or see them live but I totally dig their sound. They are the exact opposite (sonically) of Sleater-Kinny, all smooth harmonies and melodius voices. And any group that uses the xylophone as a principal instrument is OK with me (e.g.: Sigur Rós).
Old Favorites
Citizen Cope
I first saw him about Sumer 2002 at Iota Bar in Arlington, VA. There must have been 25 people in the bar to hear him. I have seen him 7 or 8 times now, mostly in the DC area but one show in the City.
David Gray
I’ve seen him in concert once at MSG in January 2003. Great show but a third of the audience left after he played “Babylon”. My favorite song of his is still “Debauchery” from his first release A Century Ends.
Wilco
I’ve been a long-time fan of theirs but I just picked up Mermaid Avenue (the first Wilco/Billy Bragg release) and am rocking out to it.
