I could say that for a man of 24 years, Blake Mills is wise beyond his age. I could say that the guitar work on here is exemplary of what he has to offer the world, filled with warmth and character and more interesting than many guitarists double his age. I could note that this intriguing pick of a cover, “Heart of Mine” from Bob Dylan’s ‘Shot of Love’ period echoes his confidence as a performer.  

He may not have all the commercial credit he deserves, but to any artist he’s on the top of their list, from touring mate Lucinda Williams, to Dawes, even Jackson Browne have been proud to share a stage with him. 

Chimes of Freedom, the Amnesty International tribute album composed of Bob Dylan songs, could thrive on the strength of this number alone amongst 75 other compositions, and we’re all the better for it.

Check out the free download below

“Heart of Mine” is on the upcoming Amnesty International tribute album, due for release on January 24th

Heart of Mine- Blake Mills and Danielle Haim

I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little underwhelmed with this years music releases, not that there weren’t plenty of quality albums out there, but the trend seemed to be going a place that my ears didn’t want to hear.  Thank God for Lord Huron.  While I was trying to come to terms with the much lauded “guitar rock” that both Wye Oak and Real Estate boasted, Lord Huron went out and crafted the best guitar song of the year. (Also, when did opiate-laced vocals become so popular?) “Man Who Lives Forever” features a kaleidoscope of guitar imagery, from the buoyant picked intro to the slow burning swell of the low strung E that rumbles and hums in the background. For all the wrong steps that music might have taken this year, “Man Who Lives Forever” stands to correct them, and Lord Huron delivers with one of 2011’s best songs. Check out the video  from Rollo & Grady and below check out the free download.

Lord Huron – Man Who Lives Forever from Rollo & Grady Sessions on Vimeo.

Man Who Lives Forever- Lord Huron