The Damnwells / Werewolves

The Damnwells' new album Nobody Listens to the Band Anymore is dropping in March, and I’m sooo looking forward to it. In the meantime, lead singer Alex Dezen has made a very informal video for the gorgeous track “Werewolves,” which gives us a chance to get an advance listen to the studio version.

Liam's"Four Letter Word"

Check the video for "Four Letter Word," from Liam Gallagher's post-Oasis project, Beady Eye. More rocking than your average Oasis track, it's got a psychedelic tilt, with some very nice searing guitar lines, and of course, Liam's distinctive vocals. The new album, "Different Gear, Still Speeding," is scheduled for a February 2011 release.

Ho-Ho-Ho!

Merry Christmas, kids!

Rock for Christmas

Angus apparently knows what he wants in his stocking this Christmas...

Dancing On My Own

It's been a long, cold week, but at least it's Friday, kids. So here's Robyn performing an achingly lovely stripped-down version of one of the best songs of this year, "Dancing On My Own," on BBC Live Lounge.

Take Me Down, Little Suzy...

For some reason, I'm in a Rolling Stones mood, and "Dead Flowers" popped up in the YouTube. Here's a nice stripped down version from a live show in Amsterdam back in 1995.

Darlingside @ The Red Palace Thursday

If you’re in DC Thursday night, check out the Massachusetts 5-piece acoustic-pop act Darlingside. Rich-sounding harmonies that exceed the typical two and three parts, along with string instrumentation, give them a very polished, lush sound. Self-described as “string-rock,” they can also bring the hooks. Like what you hear? They’ll be headlining at The Red Palace (formerly The Red & The Black) in DC Thursday, December 9^th.

MP3: Good Man - Darlingside

"More" From Usher...

I heard this RedOne Jimmy Joker remix of Usher's "More" on a mix today, and I cannot get it out of my head. The remix really takes the track to another level, and next time I'm in the club, I know what song I'm requesting! Oh wait, I don't really go to the club. But if I did...

I’d Teach My Heart To Lie If I Thought That It Would…

I’d previously heard of folk singer/songwriter Lori McKenna, but I had never had actually listened to her, even though I had meant to. So when I got an advance copy of her new album Lorraine (1/25/2011 release) the other day, I immediately pressed play, and I’m very glad I did.

It’s bare, achingly lovely folk-country-think a combination of early Living With Ghosts-era Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter. McKenna’s lonesome sound is enriched by the harmonies added by a smattering of various male vocalists (including producer Barry Dean) throughout. The melodies are strong and arrangements are sparsely elegant, though it sometimes takes a second listen in order to focus all of one’s attention on the lyrics.

While McKenna doesn’t necessarily break new lyrical ground on Lorraine (which happens to be her given name), the subject matter that she does cover is done well. It’s an intimate set of songs that tell of small towns, love, growing up and overcoming loss, with tracks ranging from the gorgeous ballad “The Most,” to the intensity of “You Get A Love Song.”

Lori McKenna will be performing at the Library of Congress this Saturday night December 4th, at 8:00 with the current top ten country artist Little Big Town. Tickets are “free,” but since they must be purchased from Ticketmaster, there’s of course a nominal service charge with each ticket order. There is a limit of 2 tickets per person.