Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

For those indie-folk-country fusion loving folks, Rocky Votolato will soothe your soul. With his free-flowing raspiness, and his soft spoken lyrical genius, Votolato writes intelligent, well-crafted folk songs that not only strike deep into the heart of many but maybe even into the heart of Texas (and that’s quite a feat). Be sure to check out his new album The Brag and Cuss, which is chock full of delightful ditties—enjoy.
“Postcard From Kentucky” (4.7/5)
“Red Dragon Wishes” (4.8/5)

1. Voxtrot: “Firecracker” – One of the best–certainly one of the catchiest–songs on their most recent self-titled release. It takes a minute to really get going, but then it’s nothing by fireworks until the end. Check out the CSV post on Voxtrot. Plus, head over to their website for summer tour dates–I’ll be at the Baltimore show.

2. Ryan Adams: “Firecracker” – Some upbeat, harmonica-clad, Ryan to celebrate the day with: “well everybody wants to go forever / I just wanna burn up hard and bright / I just wanna be your firecracker / And maybe be your baby tonight.” Check out the recent CSV review for Easy Tiger, and the 5 worst Ryan Adams songs.

3. Cold War Kid: “Indoor Fireworks” – An Elvis Costello cover and a dern good one. Plus, we get a friendly safety disclaimer: “Indoor fireworks can still burn your fingers…they’ll bring a tear when the smoke gets in your eyes.” Be safe this ‘fourth! Check out this site to get three free live tracks recorded in Amsterdam.

4. Weezer: “Holiday” – Bet you didn’t see this one coming! Enjoy your holiday and one of Weezer’s last good songs. Cheers!

We have Athlete (the band) and now Athlete (the man). Alan Webb is a US track star who my brother actually went to high school with at South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia. I wanted to post a video of a recent Alan Webb victory in the men’s mile. Even non-runners will enjoy this video–it has an amazing ending. Plus, it’s short: 3:52.93, a meet record. Enjoy!

Athlete will follow up their #1 UK chart-topper, Tourist, with Beyond the Neighbourhood on September 3, 2007. Beyond the Neighbourhood is sure to be met with similar acclaim in the UK and surely will gain significant buzz in the US indie rock scene. Indeed, ‘the Neighbourhood is a fantastic collection of psychedelic pop-rock tunes that are masterfully arranged and painfully catchy. Athlete certainly has their own sound, refining and expanding it with each album.

The first single off the new album is “Hurricane,” a signature Athlete blend of emotive lyrics and a catchy guitar riff, completed by guitar and keyboard ornamentations, and a drum machine backed bridge. What I love so much about Athlete is that nothing sounds forced or contrived–every song sounds as though the band is having fun and pouring their hearts out. Athlete records never have throwaway songs or songs that don’t quite seem up to par. For my sake, I’m just hoping for some US tour dates in the near future!

Pre-order Beyond the Neighbourhood
Indulge in the first single, “Hurricane” (4.879/5)

The Sea and Cake, that is. This summery indie pop veteran band has been reeling out consistent quality records for years, and their newest album Everybody is another excellent effort. Although short at only 10 tracks, I’m only complaining because I want more of their soft-spoken, substantial music that glazes over you like a waterfall cascading with pure goodness. This album is dripping with catchy pop hooks and delightful guitar riffs, and even my brother thinks it’s pretty awesome. Take his word for it and check out Everybody.

Listen to “Middlenight” (4.65/5)
Listen to “Lightning” (4.8/5)