Music Snitch

How about a little folk music for your Friday?  The Tallest Man On Earth (a.k.a. Kristian Matsson) just released a new single entitled, “King of Spain”, which can be found on his forthcoming album, ‘The Wild Hunt’ (April 13th via Dead Oceans).

Take A Listen: King Of Spain from The Tallest Man On Earth

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Download: King of Spain (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

The Tallest Man On Earth – MySpace

I was recently introduced to a six-piece (sometimes more) americana folk band from New Jersey known as, Roadside Graves. I haven’t had the opportunity to listen to their most recent full-length album, “My Son’s Home”, which was released this summer via Autumn Tone Records, but I have mingled with a few tracks.  While the music itself wasn’t egging me on to continue listening, the storytelling kept my earbuds in.

Take A Listen: Far and Wide from Roadside Graves

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Download: Far and Wide (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Roadside Graves – Website

Alex Bleeker, who is probably most widely known for playing bass in the band Real Estate, recently teamed up with a few fellow musicians to craft some traditionally spun folk music.

Alex Bleeker & The Freaks will apparently release their debut album (produced by Matt Mondanile of Real Estate/Ducktails) sometime this summer via Underwater Peoples records.

Take A Listen To: Prisoner by Alex Bleeker & the Freaks

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Download: Prisoner (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Alex Bleeker & The Freaks – MySpace

Lost in the Trees is a folk orchestra from Chapel Hill NC, led by composer/songwriter Ari Picker. This 13 member outfit obviously incorporates a vast array of instruments into their music, so you might just hear sounds from the viola, cello, tuba, french horn, euphonium, trombone, trumpet, accordion, singing saw, mandolin…oh, and the glockenspiel.

In September 2008 Lost in the Trees released the album ‘All Alone in an Empty House’ and started touring extensively with bands such as: The Rosebuds, Bowerbirds, Efterklang, Megafaun, The Physics of Meaning and Midtown Dickens.

Picker is currently writing new material for the bands next album, which they will begin recording next month. Lost in the Trees is touring this summer in support of ‘All Alone in an Empty House’ and will debut new tunes along the way.

Take A Listen: Fireplace by Lost in the Trees

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Download: Fireplace (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Lost in the Trees – MySpace

The Avett Brothers have a new album coming out in September, but they just released three tracks from the forthcoming, ‘I And Love And You’, as an EP. For those impatiently waiting the full-length release can get three songs now via iTunes, and then complete the album when released in its entirety on September 29th.

I have a real soft spot for The Avett Brothers’ music, as well as Rick Rubin, so the fact that they worked together on ‘I And Love And You’ makes my ears tingle.

The album’s title track is a simple, slow breed of piano backed folklore.

Take A Listen: I And Love And You by The Avett Brothers

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Download: I And Love And You (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

The Avett Brothers – Website

I immediately became a fan of North Carolina’s folk trio, Bowerbirds after hearing their charming full-length debut album ‘Hymns for a Dark Horse’ (2007). It’s been quite sometime since I’ve heard new tunes from Bowerbirds, so I was excited to hear about their forthcoming album, ‘Upper Air’, which will be available July 7th via Dead Oceans records.

The band is set to hit the road right after the 4th of July weekend in support of ‘Upper Air’.

Take A Listen: Beneath Your Tree by Bowerbirds

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Download: Beneath Your Tree (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

Bowerbirds – MySpace

The Cave Singers are Seattle folk trio Pete Quirk (vocals, guitar, melodica, harmonia), Derek Fudesco (guitar, bass pedals) and Marty Lund (drums, guitar). These three musicians came together after parting ways with their former bands, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Hint Hint and Cobra High.

The Cave Singers‘ debut album ‘Invitation Songs’ was released in 2007 on Matador Records, and now they are back with a new track ‘Beach House’, which is off their upcoming album ‘Welcome Joy’. The new album is set for an August 18th release date.

Take A Listen: Beach House by The Cave Singers

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Download: Beach House (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

The Cave Singers – MySpace

I know, I know, I am a bit late with this review but forgive me, I just came across this bands’ music.  Who is this new yet seasoned acquaintance of mine…well, it is a lovely band from Canada formerly known as Friday Morning’s Regret currently creating music as, The Wooden Sky.  Rather than bypass a mention because the album When Lost At Sea was released about a year ago, I figured perhaps The Wooden Sky is a hidden gem I could brush off and present as a gift to other musical chipmunks.

Upon first listen to The Wooden Sky’s music, it is obvious that these guys are definitely a talent bunch of music welders.  I give them credit because not too many bands can integrate such an eclectic assortment of instruments into their music without the final product sounding awkward. Their folk, alt country style suits Gardiner’s voice superbly and the lyrics get some added sincerity with that subtle touch of twang. The album, When Lost At Sea flows along nicely with a sufficient mix of low-tempo, mellow songs that twinkle (When Lost At Sea) and some barn dancing, jig inducing tunes (Rant In Blue).

The Wooden Sky is a track that stood out immediately…I think it is the charming cello haunting the melody…or maybe it’s the glockenspiel, I don’t know.  Another track that caught my attention after I listen, listened to it was, Virginia…the horns, the banjo, the rising intensity, the backing vocals (beautiful).

Take A Listen To: The Wooden Sky

The Wooden Sky: 

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Virginia: 

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The Wooden Sky – MySpace