Wow, That's a Good Song: Sarah Siskind, "Falling Star"
I was introduced to Sarah Siskind's music for the first time last night, when she opened for Over the Rhine at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I'll write more about her later on, once I write my review for that show, but until then, I want to introduce you to her, in hopes that you'll fall in love with her, too.
Wow, That's a Good Song: April Smith and the Great Picture Show, "Terrible Things"
I've featured April Smith on here before, and I continue to be in love with her music. This track from her most recent album, Songs for a Sinking Ship, is no exception.
Wow, That's a Good Song: Pink, "Raise Your Glass"
Pink may have come along onto the music scene at the same time as other teen pop idols like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, but the difference is in Pink's message. She was telling people that it's okay to be different long before Lady Gaga had her legions of little monsters.
Wow, That's a Good Song: Hollerado, "Americanarama"
As a former Pittsburgh-area resident (because we all know anything 30-45 minutes outside of the city is still Pittsburgh-ish), I don't know that I'm contractually allowed to show any love to a song that references Philadelphia. This song and video, shot all in one take, may make up for the city reference, however.
Hooray for Covers! Alex Winston, "White Blank Page"
Detroit-native Alex Winston actually covered a second Mumford & Sons song, "The Cave", on her recent EP, The Basement Covers, which is available for free download from Heavy Roc Music.
Album Review: Dave Rawlings Machine, "A Friend of A Friend"
The first show after the release of A Friend of A Friend was at the Melting Point in Athens, Georgia, and I was there. They went on an hour late -- because, Rawlings said, he was trying to make a set list and eventually just threw up his hands and figured it'd all work out somehow. The result then, and in every tape I've heard and show I've seen since, was something only slightly more formal than a jam session -- which is important.
Wow, That's a Good Song: Cadillac Sky, "Hangman"
The guys of Cadillac Sky have all of the elements that make a great live show: entertaining band members, catchy songs, great senses of humor, and some serious talent. Their opening sets for Mumford & Sons definitely converted me into a huge fan.
Young Buffalo: Three Deep
Fact: Young Buffalo are not actually a herd of buffalo. They are, however, pretty darn young looking. Like I needed to feel any older this week.
Hooray for Covers! The Rescues, "Teenage Dream"
Sensitive, dreamy pop can even make Katy Perry's music (for a given value of 'music') better.