Friday, December 21, 2007

Brother Down

(click HERE to listen)

In the spirit of the season I've decided to make this weeks post a family affair. My brother Eric has a keen ear when it comes to music and has dropped SEVERAL great artists onto my listening plate over the years (Jimi Hendrix in 1993, Ryan Adams in 2003, Magnolia Electric Co. in 2006, and Josh Ritter in 2007 to name but a few). He's spending Christmas down under in Australia this year with his girl (hi Cheryl!) so the least that I can do is give him a musical shout out. Eric picked the majority of the tracks (his notes are in italics), the rest are songs that he has turned me onto over the years. Let's get to it!

Portland, Oregon - Loretta Lynn & Jack White (Van Lear Rose)
This pairing may at first glance seem a little strange, but all it takes is one listen to fall in love with this duo. Recorded in 2004, this stellar track showcases Lynn's classic country vocals along with White's patented guitar & vocal assault.

To The Dogs or Whoever - Josh Ritter (The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter)
Josh Ritter is a true talent. Trust me, you'll never get bored listening to his songs. This song is like a playful non-related sequal to Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'...if that makes any sense.

Soon Enough - The Constantines (Tournament of Hearts)
The Constantines - A band that I would love to see live. This is one of my favourites by them. The line: "...the tournament of hearts, somebodys gotta lose" sounds like it was written by The Boss himself.'

Co-ordinates - The Violet Archers (The End Of Part One)
The Violet Archers are led by my favourite vocalist from the legendary Rheostatics - Tim Vesely. This song is the single from their excellent debut album (from a few years ago) entitled 'The End Of Part One'. The entire album is really great. Hopefully there will be more to come from them.

Werewolves of London - Magnolia Electric Co.
A great cover of a Warren Zevon song. Jason Molina having fun never sounded so sweet.

Oh My Soul! - Thrush Hermit (Clayton Park)
Although it's eight years removed from Plaskett's other song featured in this weeks podcast, it hits the mark every time. Long live the Hermit!

Myriad Harbour -The New Pornographers (Challengers)
I wasn't always a fan of Dan Bejar's songs with The New Pornographers but this song is brilliant.

If The Brakeman Turns My Way - Bright Eyes (Cassadaga)
I think this is one of the best songs in the Bright Eyes catalogue. Conor Oberst is a talented lyricist and musician and this song showcases both.

Girls In Their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen (Magic)
This is one of my favourite songs from Bruce's latest album. Once again, Bruce tells the story (like only he can) of some chap who's down on his luck ("The girls in their summer clothes, pass me by"). The Boss loves to namedrop characters and places that have previously appeared in other songs and he does it again with this song.

Hold On - Tom Waits (Mule Variations)
A song recommended to me by New York Ian. Found it on a juke box at Chez Lucien's....the rest is history.

Methamphetimine - Son Volt (The Search)
Jay Farar tends to write some heavy songs and this one is no exception.

If I Am A Stranger - Ryan Adams (Follow the Light EP)
I took Eric 4 years and cost him three Ryan Adams LPs, but he finally converted me into more than just a casual fan of Mr Adams. RA is a master at re-inventing himself so it was no surprise that on his latest EP he re-recorded a few of his own songs with his current touring band (the Cardinals). The results were nothing short of outstanding.

Paris 1919 - John Cale (Paris 1919)
This is the black sheep of the bunch. I don't know. It just sounds great...like it could be a b-side off of Sgt. Pepper's or something.

Soundtrack For The Night - Joel Plaskett Emergency (Ashtray Rock).
Leave it to Joel Plaskett to write a mini rock opera and nail it. I think the best thing about this song is that it's so easy to picture Joel and the Emergency playing it live complete with the gang vocals...."who do you love?".

Breathless - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Abbatoir Blues)
Not many people can write a love song using childish imagery and get away with it...but Nick Cave does it and man does it sound good.

Hangover Days - Jason Collett & Leslie Feist (live)
My Beautiful fiancee has been on a huge Broken Social Scene kick over the past few weeks, and while hunting for EVERYTHING BSS she found this fantastic live performance . It being the holidays and all I thought the title was fitting.

Minors’ Refrain – Elephant Micah (Agrarian Malaise)
Elephant Micah was recommended by Jason Molina (of Magnolia Electric Co.) on his myspace. Check them out.

Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole - Martha Wainwright (s/t)
There are few songs that strike a chord like this one does. wow

Be safe if you're traveling over the holidays and be sure to raise a glass or two and give thanks.
From the Restless Radio team, Happy Holidays everyone!

tracklist
1. Portland, Oregon - Loretta Lynn & Jack White
2. To the Dogs or Whoever - Josh Ritter *
3. Soon Enough - The Constantines *
4. Coordinates - the Violet Archers *
5. Werewolves of London - Magnolia Electric Co. *
6. Oh My Soul! - Thrush Hermit
7. Myriad Harbour - the New Pornographers *
8. If the Breakman Turns My Way - Bright Eyes *
9. Girls In Their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen *
10. Hold On - Tom Waits *
11. Methamphetamine - Son Volt *
12. If I Am A Stranger - Ryan Adams *
13. Paris 1919 - John Cale *
14. Soundtrack for the Night - Joel Plaskett Emergency *
15. Breathless - Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds *
16. Hangover Days - Jason Collett & Leslie Feist
17. Minor's Refrain - Elephant Micah *
18. B.M.F.A - Martha Wainwright

* = Eric's picks

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