I met Jon Porobil in New York. I’ve listened to his stuff before. Here’s a guy who can write, sing, mix, play instruments, and be super humble about it. This song sounds like the soundtrack to a Broadway play. Now, having known Jon, and knowing he went to a play recently, I have to wonder if this release is timely to that recent show he saw. If you like Broadway tunes, I’d recommend Jon’s new one. Link at bottom.
Folk Americana from Ottawa landed its way to my inbox this morning. Kathleen Edwards is a soulful, honest writer and her acoustic guitar sounds full and necessary. She happens to have done something here I’ve always wanted to do, write about my dog. It’s beautiful. There’s slight accompaniment here but Kathleen and her acoustic are the center focus. It’s a beautifully done EP. Link at bottom.
Liz Davinci and Underhatchet have teamed up to bring us some alternative that fills the rock void this week. “QRASS.” This record has some synth tones with Liz’s signature comforting vocals dolling out lyrics that float in your head like wax in a lava lamp. Great stuff, and new for both artists. Thick sounds here, but the audience is kept in mind. We have quality entertainment while people are expressing themselves their own way. To me, that’s what it’s about. Link at bottom.
Guess who is releasing cassette tapes? The Burning Astronomers, that’s who. They are a great band who tries lots of things. Today, they have a pretty yellow cassette to send you. If you don’t know The Burning Astronomers, this is the perfect time to jump in.
My friend, Steve McGrady, has released a difficult EP but a necessary one. These four songs talk about the impact and mixed emotions you might experience while in a relationship with someone who lacks empathy, understanding, or awareness. There is hope here, but it is under layers turmoil. The hope might not even be our own sickness, either. Steve pulls no punches. We aren’t to hang around and wait for someone to get better if we are suffering. That’s the sickness too. I’m so happy and hopeful for Steve as he traverses life with this EP behind him. I feel like there is someone who has moved on from a difficult situation and I find it inspiring. Because, I have come to know and love the man for who he is now. Not for who I want him to be, and not how I remember him. That is a goal for all my relationships. This EP makes me think and examine where I could be unaware. That’s high art doing its education thing. Link at bottom.
Bandcamp Friday always seems a little ridiculous to me. I have time to listen to it all. Hopefully I have saved some of your time. These are quality recordings by quality artists and they deserve some time. K
(Feel free to leave a link to your new release in comments. I’ll listen.)