Vincent Neil Emerson – “Son Of A Bitch”

Vincent Neil Emerson, someone I have never heard of, released a new single “Son Of A Bitch” a few weeks ago, and it’s a stripped-down, sad bastard country tune I can dig.

I discovered this song and artist through a personal connection and a hometown girl doing good — Jeana Mahan — who plays the jilted woman at the beginning of the video. You see, I was at the hospital the day she was born, and babysat her and her brother, so it brought me out of hiding to blog about it.

Vincent Neil Emerson is someone I should have heard of before this video, but I have been so far removed from music for various reasons, and it’s about high time I get back to listening to some tunes. Last year, Vincent released a self-titled album on La Honda Records (Colter Wall), and will be touring with my fellow West Virginian, John R. Miller.

Vincent Neil Emerson: Website; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube

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Jeremy Squires – Many Moons

When Jeremy Squires started writing Many Moons it was with all intentions of being his last album. He felt it was time to move on to something different, but that was until he realized that the album he had just made was special. It was by far the best thing he has ever written. Many Moons conveys everything Jeremy has felt, been through, current feelings, what his family was going through, and what was happening in his life.

The album starts with “Hazy” — a song that speaks volumes about depression, contemplating suicide, and mental health struggles that he and so many people face on a daily basis, therefore it is a song people can relate to. This post punk, New Wave-esque track is driven by only the snyth and drums. Jeremy composed the song to be both catchy and beautiful while also placing attention solely on the vocals to draw the listeners creating a canvas for what is to come in the album.

“Cast Spells” is a song that Jeremy wrote years ago and has gone through many changes before ultimately finding its place on Many Moons. On this song, Jeremy plays only the guitar and drums, because, again, he wanted prominent vocals that cut through and hit hard.

The most personal song on Many Moons is “Vanishing” — a song about severe mental illness and drug addiction. The song is about dealing with the guilt of passing Bipolar Disorder down to his son, and facing his mother’s and father’s addiction issues and mental illnesses. It also speaks in detail about his son’s addictions. “Vanishing” perfectly and vividly paints a picture of the realities and delusions of addictions and mental illness.

Jeremy’s favorite song on the entire album is “Swan Dive”. It features Whit Wright on pedal steel while Jeremy plays all of the other instruments — drums. bass, and guitar. “Swan Dive” is both heartbreaking and beautiful. An euphemism for suicide as well as a graceful dive with arms out and head back making it another very personal song about confronting his feelings about his mother’s struggles with addiction, mental illness, and loss.

Jeremy Squires really opens up on Many Moons, and like every album before he plays what he feels creating something unique and personal. While recording the album, a lot happened in Jeremy’s life causing him to find himself again, and that is why Many Moons is his favorite album to date. However, unlike previous albums, Jeremy experiments with different instruments and compositions while also managing to stay true to his own distinct sound. And, as far as the future goes, he doesn’t know how many records he will make, but he does know that Many Moons will not be his last.

Purchase Many Moons: Website; Bandcamp; Amazon

Jeremy Squires: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Bandcamp

Land of Talk – “Diaphanous”

Photo by Joseph Yarmush

Due to the pandemic the release date for Land of Talk’s new album Indistinct Conversations has been pushed back for the end of July. However, new songs have been released “Weight Of That Weekend”, “Compelled”, and “Diaphanous” to tide us over until we can get our hands on the album.

“Diaphanous” is the album’s stunning opening track and exactly exemplifies its meaning — light, delicate, and translucent. Elizabeth Powell’s songwriting and airy arrangement floats and hums building up to the anthemic refrain, ” I get caught up in the wrong stuff.” In the press release Powell writes, “What begins as an airy groove swells into a sweeping anthem for going easy on oneself. And, the importance of levity.”

Land of Talk’s Indistinct Conversations is due for release via Saddle Creek on July 31st, and is available to pre-order now.

Pre-Order Indistinct Conversations
Land of Talk: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify; Bandcamp; YouTube

 

Will Stewart – “Southern Raphael”

“Southern Raphael” is Will Stewart’s lead single from his new EP, Way Gone, released on May 8th via Cornelius Chapel Records. A synth-driven, rootsy rock track that is fascinating and complex with its anthology of stories about brief encounters with interesting characters. Stewart told American Songwriter about “Southern Raphael,” “I wanted it to tell a story of those chance encounters you have with transients who make an impact on you, and how strange and beautiful it can be knowing that you’ll never see that person again.” And, he masterfully accomplished his intent by bringing each character to life. He even makes a reference to the band Morphine, which I seem to be on some cosmic kick lately — First, with my last Q&A with John Statz who often collaborates with Morphine’s former drummer, Billy Conway, and, secondly, this song. This makes me happy that there are more people familiar with Morphine, and, possibly, more who will become familiar with their work. So, if you are feeling the vibe “Southern Raphael” is putting out, then go check out his new EP.

Purchase Way Gone: Bandcamp; Website; Amazon
Will Stewart: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Spotify

What’s New, Tomboy? – Damien Jurado

For years I hoped that and waited for Damien Jurado to make an appearance on Mountain Stage, and last summer my dream came true. And, just between you and me, I may or may not have cried when he walked on stage. His set was everything I could have wanted — quiet, intimate, warm, and entrancing. I did not leave disappointed, and I look forward to the next time I have the opportunity to see him live.

Now, on to Jurado’s new album, What’s New, Tomboy?…

This is Jurado’s third full-length album in three years, 19th full-length album, and his second under Mama Bird Recording Co. His last album In the Shape of the Storm was pert near stripped to the bare bones containing only Jurado’s voice and acoustic guitar with the purposeful additions of guitar by Josh Gordon, whereas Tomboy is more fleshy with organ, drums, and bass guitar. However, in the midst of the fuller arrangements, Jurado is able to maintain an intimate, incandescent warmth.

What’s New, Tomboy plays like a collection of character poems from a contemporary Edgar Lee Masters with over half of the songs named for their subjects. The first being “Ochoa”, a tribute to his good friend and collaborator Richard Swift (born Ricardo Ochoa) who passed away in 2018. Jurado’s tender vocals combined with his gentle fingerpicking and evocative lyrics creates a touching eulogy. Other songs included in his character sketches are “Arthur Aware,” “Francine,” “Frankie,” “Fool Maria,” and “Sandra.”

“Fool Maria” is a finger-picked beauty with poignant lyrics like, “I am only living sentences/ That were long before I got here/And you are proof in flesh/ That God himself is behind this/You don’t need to understand/But truly you must live it/And I want you to be free/And I want to be at ease” feels like a private conversation between lovers or friends.

While “Alice Hyatt” is seemingly named after the main character in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. The song has some deep, and, maybe not so deep lyrics like, “Michael was the alphabet/ Susan was a play/ I was busy being myself/ There are things/There are people…Walk on by…Leave it be.” The meaning behind the song may be too much to unpack for this short blog, but I believe the meaning of the song is be yourself, keep moving, and leave those things that can’t be changed alone.

Stream What’s New, Tomboy? Spotify; Apple Music
Purchase What’s New, Tomboy? Bandcamp; Amazon; Rough Trade
Damien Jurado: Website; Facebook; Bandcamp
Mama Bird Recording Co.: Website; Bandcamp; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Spotify

The Neon Skyline – Andy Shauf

Canadian singer-songwriter, Andy Shauf, is truly gifted when it comes to storytelling and the narrative-based songs, and it really shows on his new album The Neon Skyline. He has the ability to transport his listeners into his world where we have the opportunity to watch what is happening first hand. Andy’s knack for conceptualizing albums around towns, parties, and about a couple of friends’ night out at the local pub talking about an ex who is back in town.

Each song on The Neon Skyline is an intimate bar stool dialogue accompanied by Shauf’s instrumentation and an easy soft-rock that masks the intensity of the subject and emotions. The Neon Skyline is a nostalgic collection of wistful songs laced with a sense of humor, but sounds like his relationship with Judy is lacking closure. Each song is a standard of quiet realizations and insights that most — if not all — adults have faced at some point their lives.

Andy Shauf: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram
Purchase The Neon Skyline: iTunes; Amazon; Bandcamp

“Fortune” – Wye Oak

Photo: Kendall Bailey Photography

I’m completely obsessed and enamored with Wye Oak’s most recent song, “Fortune”. I know, I know, I’m behind in the times again, but that’s what happens when life strikes and a two year old doesn’t leave you alone long enough to finish a thought. I just wanted to share the song and my humble thoughts on the track.

Anyway, back to the song. Wye Oak really hit the jackpot with this song. It’s a shimmering, glistening piece of dreamy-electronic-folk. It’s just as delicate as a fragile crystal while at the same time as strong and durable as a diamond. It’s one of the first times Jenn Waser and Andy Stack have lived in the same city since 2012, and it really shows – the constancy, the togetherness, and the maturity. This amazing piece of dreamy electronica swirls around and pulsates in your head while the guitar riffs in the chorus are unexpected and blows the mind. This is a song that would put Beach House to shame (and, that is just my opinion, folks). It’s probably one of the most attractive songs from Wasner and Stack in a while. Wye Oak aare golden with “Fortune”.

 

Purchase & Stream “Fortune”: Bandcamp; Amazon; iTunes; Spotify
Wye Oak: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram

Like The River Loves The Sea – Joan Shelley

With every new album my love for Joan Shelley grows exponentially more, and I’m not sure if it’s possible to love someone this much.

So, let me tell you about her new album Like The River Loves the Sea, and it’s melancholic hope. Her sweet, delicate voice sounds beautifully wistful and mourning for love or something from the past. Her collaboration with partner Nathan Salsburg is always magically. The duo always knows how to play to each other’s strengths. Salsburg allows Joan’s voice room to breathe moving it to the front and center without any distraction, while Joan knows when to give Nathan his time to shine.

Joan Shelley is one of the reasons I have not given up on music. Her music is a salve to my music-tired soul and always fills my heart with the love of music and something else that I just can’t put my name on. In my opinion, she is one of the few artists making beautiful modern folk music. Her ability to mix the old sound with new is one of Joan’s greatest gifts. The music she creates never grows old and is the epitome of timelessness; however,  she has grown with every album since Ginko. With each album Joan has created a collection of songs that have been sheer perfection for that specific time, but it is this album that has set a benchmark for Joan’s discography and all of the albums to come.

Purchase Like The Rive Loves The Sea: Bandcamp; Apple Music; Amazon; No Quarter
Joan Shelley: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube

Remembering Jason Molina: The Great Lake Swimmers

Photo by Harold Zijp

 

As part of a series called “Remembering Jason Molina,” I’m collecting stories about Jason and his impact on songwriters, musicians, and music writers. These are all individual tributes, on how Jason has affected their music, their perception of music, or just anecdotes on meeting him or seeing him live.

A lot has happened since my last post last year — too much to even talk about in a blog post. I’ve been dealing with my son’s developmental issues, my mom’s health issues, my own health, and unemployment. Regardless of what I have been dealing with, I try my best to continue setting priorities and not pushing too hard, because this busy life of taking care of people often forces me to put things on the back burner. I’ve also rediscovered an old hobby that has totally taken over some of my free time, and, thankfully, I’m not finding myself burned out like I have with CFM.

Anyway, this past Spring, The Great Lakes Swimmers released a YouTube video session of Tony and company covering Magnolia Electric Company’s “The Dark Don’t Hide It”. I asked if someone from the group could share a few words about Jason and what his music has meant to them, and Tony Dekker was kind enough to share. I just feel bad that I haven’t posted this sooner…

Photo by Ben Schreiner

Several years ago we lost Jason Molina, a brilliant songwriter and a powerful voice in the world of independent music. I’ve been thinking about his songs a lot lately, especially while reading the book about his life, Riding With The Ghost by Erin Osmon. We had the honour of opening for Magnolia Electric Co. a few times over the years in places as disparate as Austin, Texas and Brussels, Belgium. Jason’s music has always meant a lot to me, as Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., and also in his solo albums and collaborations, and it is in regular rotation in our tour van. Our cover of  ‘The Dark Don’t Hide It’ by Magnolia Electric Co., recorded live for the Dutch series The Influences (Onder Invloed) is an homage to his influence and the body of work he gave us.

Purchase Farewell Transmission: The Music of Jason Molina
Jason Molina: Secretly Canadian, Graveface Records, Amazon
Magnolia Electric Co: Secretly Canadian, Amazon
Great Lakes Swimmers: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Shop, Amazon

Video Premier: Jeremy Squires – “Fragments”

Back in March, I premiered Jeremy Squire’s video for the song “Heaven” which will be on his upcoming album Poems. And, now, I’m premiering the video for another song off of the same album — “Fragments”. Jeremy has been working hard on the new album and has been releasing videos at a steady stream and each song and video just as good as the last. “Fragments” has the familiar Squires poetic lyrics that are wistfully romantic and intimate, but it also has a different sound that is more electric and percussion-driven.

This video as well as the others have me excited for his upcoming album. I don’t know when Poems will be completed, but in the meantime, you can check out Jeremy’s other videos on Adobe and Teardrops and One Chord To Another.

 

Jeremy Squires: Website; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Spotify; Bandcamp