Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside: Dirty Radio

I figure Kira is about to post this since she’s “in the know” down in Santa Cruz, the Portland of California. The most interesting thing about The Outside Sound, besides being this epoch’s Squirrel Nut Zippers, is that they have a member named Sallie Ford and Ford Tennis.  That is pretty awesome. I really enjoy […]

The Barr Brothers: Self Titled

The Barr Brothers are on NPR this morning. Most of you will know these two characters, Brad and Andrew Barr, from one of my favorite pseudo-jam, folk, rock bands, The Slip, which is currently paused while the brothers chase down women and musical inspiration in Canada. I have already talked about The Barr Brothers self-titled […]

Crooked Fingers: Breaks in the Armor

Crooked Fingers is one of those bands who can’t decide where they’re from.  But, it’s OK, we don’t blame them, I don’t want to live in Atlanta either. Their most recent album, 2011’s Breaks in the Armor, is my favorite of the many I’ve heard.  It is more refined and calm than most, except perhaps Reservoir […]

Of Monsters and Men: My Head is an Animal

In 2010, Of Monsters and Men managed to win the Icelandic “musical experiments” competition: Músíktilraunir, becoming just the second band in the competition’s 29 year history to win with a name Americans can actually understand (previous winners include Dáõadrengir and Soõin Fiõla). Naturally this probably means that they will be a smash hit in the […]

Real Estate: Days

An exquisitely crisp, clear December morning requires music of an equally elegant articulation.  Real Estate has managed to press a stunningly appropriate album for just such a day. I understand that you’re apt to know: this album was released in October!  But hear me out, Real Estate is based within the frigid eastern state of […]

Phish: Hampton/Winston-Salem ’97

To choose a favorite show from within the ever expanding catalog of live Phish shows requires one of two things: either an intimate knowledge spanning venues, playlists, recording quality, audience involvement, and on and on and on…   or, nothing.  It is completely acceptable to choose a favorite based solely on the fact that you […]