Thursday, September 25, 2014

Eddie Berman Performs Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" with Laura Marling

Well over a year ago many of us were introduced to LA- based singer/songwriter Eddie Berman thanks to his stellar duet with Laura Marling on Bruce Springsteen's hit "Dancin' in the Dark." The duet was marked with stoic simplicity, which resulted in an awe-inspiring, almost spiritual cover. After a long wait, the duo is back with yet another remarkably tranquil cover, this time tackling another legend with Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone." Take a listen below.



Eddie and his band the Iron Rails have since played a few shows in London and LA and have a moody, folky EP out, "Blood & Rust" which for some reason was insanely hard to find at the time of Eddie and Laura's "Dancin' in the Dark" duet. None of Eddie's music was available on music services like iTunes or Spotify, which has, thankfully, changed and is now available on Spotify. I, for one, am really pleased to see this incredibly talented plucker, singer/ songwriter get his music out there.  His new album, Polyhymnia, is out October 21st.

In the meantime, revisit one of the best covers I've ever heard, and check out "Blood & Rust" below.

Check out more Eddie Berman music on his Facebook page and more Laura Marling on her website.

More Laura Marling here, herehere, here, and here.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

U2 Drops New Album for Free Today



Speaking of Irish musicians, anyone who just watched the latest Apple reveal also found out that U2 just released their latest album (surprise!) for FREE today on iTunes, called "Songs of Innocence."

The band's last album, "No Line on the Horizon" left a bit to be desired in many fan's minds - aside from "Magnificent" and "Moment of Surrender," it was a bit of a lost album to me, as though they were trying too hard. So while I'll save any 'reviewing' of the new album until I've actually had a chance to let it sink in, upon first listen I'm pleased to hear music that's "U2," but refreshed. There are some tracks that have a harder edge ("The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)") songs that kind of have a throwback U2 sound ("Every Breaking Wave," which is a song the band has performed since 2010), slower ballads ("Song for Someone"), songs that will appease U2 traditionalists ("Iris"), and infectious rock-pop tunes ("Raise by Wolves" and "Cedarwood Road"). On its surface, it appears the main ingredient is it's alt-rock flavor, with a continuous undercurrent of early U2 works.


You can download for free right now on iTunes.



What do you think of the new album?

Monday, September 8, 2014

New Damien Rice

As a sucker for any music made by anyone Irish, ever, I am pret-ty darn excited to discover that Damien Rice is releasing a new album soon. His new album will be his first in 8 years (has it been that long!??), "My Favourite Faded Fantasy" out November 11. While you can preorder on Amazon, November 11th suddenly feels like a long way off. But no worries, we've got a short, two-minute long piece to whet our appetites till then. Check it out below.

(via Stereogum)



More of my favorites from Damien Rice to tide you over:

Amie:




Damien Rice covers U2's One in a haunting fashion:




Damien Rice covers Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah:





The Blower's Daughter:






9 Crimes:





What's your favorite (sorry, a-hem, favourite) Damien Rice song?

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ryan Adams, Broken Bells, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Hozier, David Gray on NPR

I'm sure there is other music happening on the webs out there, but right now I'm all about what NPR Music is playing. For a limited time NPR's First Listen is streaming Ryan Adams' new album, plus in-studio performances from Hozier, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, Broken Bells and David Gray. Good stuff NPR, good stuff.


NPR First Listen: Ryan Adams "Ryan Adams"


In studio with Hozier:



KEXP Presents Broken Bells:



Clap Your Hands Say Yeah perform "Coming Down" on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic:



David Gray performs "Back in the World" on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic:



On iTunes: