Audio

Elton John owned 70’s music, easily the highest selling artist of that decade and the man behind such hits as “Bennie and the Jets”, “Crocodile Rock” “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man” to name a few. Lost in the shuffle however was his most challenging and gorgeous early effort, the concept album Tumbleweed Connection released in 1970, which profiled the myths of the American west. Perhaps the finest gem of the bunch is “Love Song” which finds John only backed by some breathtaking harmonies and lovely guitar playing. I’ve also decided to include “Burn Down the Mission” another epic off of Tumbleweed Connection as well as a fine cover of The Rolling Stones “Honky Tonk Women” from his underrated 11-17-70 live album.

Love Song- Elton John
Burn Down the Mission- Elton John
Honky Tonk Women (Rolling Stones Live Cover)- Elton John 

Delta Spirit have come a long way since the release of their debut Ode To Sunshine, a nostalgic, golden and sunny album that featured an old photograph of one member’s uncle as the cover.  Befitting their name, the band’s sound has evolved and this atmospheric number “Into the Darkness”, the ninth song off of their latest album Delta Spirit, is exceptionally produced with a great rhythmic groove and one of my favorite songs of 2012 thus far. Check it out.

Into The Darkness- Delta Spirit

Delta Spirit was released on March 13th, 2012 on Rounder Records. You can find the vinyl version on Insound  and the digital release on iTunes.

It’s a good time to be a folk music fan. Ever since Fleet Foxes, and then British imports Mumford & Sons set the world on fire with catchy and organic folk anthems the music world has exploded. I’ve posted before about Boy & Bear but 2012 seems to be the year for The Lumineers, a Denver by way of New York based band that has been fueled by turmoil, a band member’s brother’s drug overdose, an expensive and unfruitful stint in New York city that left them headed to greener pastures. Lucky for us, they’ve managed to turn their pain into passion and a gift for songwriting. Check out “Big Parade” the eighth song off of their self-titled debut.

Big Parade-The Lumineers

The Lumineers was released April 3rd, 2012 on Dualtone Records. To preorder the vinyl, check out Insound. To buy the digital version, head on over to iTunes .

A great melody, Beatlesque harmonies, as well as what may be the best use of a fiddle in music this year come together in glorious matrimony on “Easy Come Easy Go”, the seventh song off of the new Great Lake Swimmers album, New Wild Everywhere. Be sure to listen to the wonderful amalgamation as you learn new words for saying marriage. Music can be good and educational too!

Easy Come Easy Go- Great Lake Swimmers 

New Wild Everywhere was released on April 3rd, 2012 on Nettwerk Productions. You can find the vinyl at Insound and the digital version on iTunes.