DOWNLOAD: Sonny & The Sunsets - I See The Void
San Francisco group Sonny & The Sunsets, led by musician and songwriter Sonny Smith, has released two albums, each showcasing his introspective, vintage musical tendencies. Now the band will release its third LP, Longtime Companion, on June 26 via Polyvinyl – a collection of songs that Smith has described as country. “I See The Void" certainly has twang, rounding out its acoustic sparkle with Smith’s pensive drawl.
STREAM: Cory Branan - Survivor Blues
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Nashville musician Cory Branan will release his third effort, MUTT, on May 22 via Bloodshot Records. The LP, which follows Branan’s prior efforts, 2002’s The Hell You Say and 2006’s 12 Songs, is the artist’s first release for the label, but hopefully not the first thing you’ve heard from him. If it is, though, allow me to introduce “Survivor Blues” – a gritty alt-country number that will make you want to sit out on your porch with a glass of whiskey. At least, that’s what it makes me want to do.
DOWNLOAD: Nikki Lane - Sleep For You
If Phil Spector produced country music, his trademark technique might have been known as the Wall Of Slide Guitar. That's how newcomer Nikki Lane would have it, at least. "Sleep For You" is a modern indie take on mid-20th century country music with big beat drums and a slide sound so huge it could have been recorded in a barn 300 times the size of my apartment. Its near-orchestral whine is a perfect complement to Lane's Americana-honed vocals. Her debut album Walk Of Shame is out now on IAMSOUND Records.
DOWNLOAD: Nikki Lane - Gone, Gone, Gone
(Photo: Glynis Selina Arban)
"I've been waitin' for something good to come my way," sings countrified newcomer Nikki Lane on "Gone, Gone, Gone" -- a sentiment that's been around as long as American music. And what better time to bring back that down-on-your-luck style than now? Lane, equal parts Neko Case and Loretta Lynn, leads the way with a sultry, Southern-accented vocal performance over anchored bass, clip-clop drums and just the right amount of slide guitar. No, it's not contemporary country, but more like something from a past era we're living through over and over again. Lane's debut LP, Walk Of Shame, is out September 27 via IAMSOUND and an EP with this track is available now.
DOWNLOAD: J Roddy Walston And The Business - Brave Man's Death
J Roddy Walston And The Business look like American rock band should—grizzled, greasy, and like they could go from sitting-to-shit-kicking in mere seconds. That’s a pretty apt description of their music, too. “Brave Man’s Death” brings alt-country honor to the inevitable. More down and dirty tunes can be found on the band’s upcoming EP teaser (June 8) and eponymous album (July 27) on Fairfax Recordings/Vagrant. In the meantime, catch ‘em in all their whiskey-shooting glory at Mercury Lounge tomorrow night.
J Roddy Walston And The Business - Brave Man's Death
PREMIERE: Hugo - Bread & Butter
In support of Roc Nation’s newest rebel Hugo, we're gifting his down-home rock anthem “Bread & Butter." Below, find a theme song for dusty pickups, good whiskey, and loose morals, with more available for purchase right here, like this epic and not-to-be-missed country-fried version of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” Seriously.
RCRD OF THE DAY: Phosphorescent - It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)
(Photo: Sebastian Mlynarski)
We've never been, so we can't vouch for the validity of the lyrics in Phosphorescent's latest alt-country jam. What we can say, is "It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)" is Matthew Houck at his most earnest, crafting a pleasant, ramshackle tune with endearing horns and a big ole Southern gee-tar. Here's To Taking It Easy will come from the good folks at Dead Oceans on May 5, with Phosphorescent taking their hard-won pride and rollicking live show to venues in the US and Europe starting May 10.
Phosphorescent - It's Hard To Be Humble (When You're From Alabama)
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PREMIERE: Trumpeter Swan - Loose Lips
Drew Patrizi, of the much-lauded indie outfit What Made Milwaukee Famous, has got a new project named Trumpeter Swan. WMMF is a jewel of the Austin rock dynasty, so Drew (sans the band) has got a tall order. And he knocks it back easily with genre-bending, finger-snapping alt-pop. In “Loose Lips,” the horns get lush, the county-line echo grows loud, and by the end, we’re grinning like fools, ‘cause this dude’s full of joy and we need some more of that. Pick up Listen For The Clues right here.
