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Question of the day

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• Illinois

* It’s Friday and I have errands to run, so let’s go with something light. What new musical artist or band are you most impressed with these days? Make sure to explain yourself and maybe even give us a YouTube or other link so we know what you’re talking about.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:08 pm

Comments

1. I’ve been listening to Lydia Loveless over and over and over again this week. I saw her play several weeks ago and got to hang out with her and her band after the show. Good times.

   Loveless is a country punk goddess and if you ever get a chance to see her play don’t miss it. You’ll thank me. Trust me.

   “Can’t Change Me” is one of my favorites, but, really, I love all her stuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ4joDcwLjE

   And, for the life of me, I can’t figure out why “Learn to Say No” hasn’t hit the charts bigtime yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcVst8B46hk

   Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:13 pm

2. My nephew’s band, The Giving Tree Band, is really coming into their own this year. Just finished their 3rd album and touring constantly. I would say they are similar to The Avett Brothers, but more bluegrass influence and GTB’s live shows are high energy and more rocking than their albums.

   Comment by Rayne of Terror Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:15 pm

3. Nice pick on Lydia Loveless, Rich.

   I’ll go with Frontier Ruckus. Not sure if you personally will love this one — it’s not s**t-kickin’ like you like — and they’re not strictly new, but I’m betting they’ll be new to the ears of folks here. And I think they may touch your Townes Van Zandt spot a bit.

   Frontier Ruckus is a bunch of guys and girls from Michigan who play wordy, moody folk-rock. Recommended especially for fans of the Avett Brothers and Clem Snide. Most recent album and the only one I’ve heard is “Deadmalls and Nightfalls.” New disc coming soon.

   Website http://www.frontierruckus.com/earshot
   Youtubes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdh5UtQnFNE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_wksmHg5×8

   Comment by Reality Check Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:20 pm

4. Rayne of Terror:

   I saw The Giving Tree Band last year in DeKalb. They put on a great act and are just fun to listen to.

   Comment by NIref Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:27 pm

5. Aloe Blacc. He’s not new per se, but I just discovered him. He’s part of the whole new-old-school soul.

   “I need a dollar” is a pretty good anthem for the Great Recession. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR6oYX1D-0w

   And “Hey Brother” is a great, crunchy song that is full of horns, if that’s what you’re into. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa1eyBXqEE

   Comment by Quoteproquo Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:38 pm

6. I suppose they’re not that “new,” but I’ve been listening to Tedeschi/Trucks Band a lot lately:

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95-qrojlfc&feature=relmfu

   Comment by Deep South Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:40 pm

7. Wussy, a band out of Cincinnati with male/female leads. He sounds like Appalachian Ohio; she sounds like Chrissie Hynde; they can rock; they can sound really pretty; they’re good lyricists.

   This acoustic version of “Maglite” isn’t exactly representative because it’s acoustic and they can really crank it up, but it’s still fantastic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuyHa9OO63g

   Comment by whetstone Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:46 pm

8. I saw Japandroids last night –ZOMG.

   Japandroids - The House That Heaven Built live at CAMP Basement, London 22.05.12 - YouTube

   http://www.metacritic.com/music/celebration-rock

   Comment by Myk Snider Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:48 pm

9. Here’s that YouTube link to Japandroids again. Dunno what the prob was…
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXlJSd3Qdp8

   Comment by Myk Snider Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:51 pm

10. I’ve really gotten back into Super Furry Animals, lately (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owwhQ3lyCYg).

    But mostly, I’ve really been impressed by the dubstep scene. Which, to me, is beautifully gritty, harsh, punch-you-in-the-face electronic music, but I’m willing to bet everyone here will hate it (Beware: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lsd2xjYLmY)

    Comment by Ronald RayGun Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 1:54 pm

11. Rich, Thanks for the Lydia Loveless tip. Very good.

    Comment by Rather Be Golfing Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:00 pm

12. Thanks. I try never to steer you wrong here.

    Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:02 pm

13. I am very into Mumford and sons especially after having seen them at Bonnaroo last year.

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh_bTkyJV5s

    Comment by Political junkie Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:07 pm

14. I’ll be simple…

    Rush

    www.rush.com

    Comment by ah HA Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:11 pm

15. I love Justin Bieber.

    Comment by C. Lauzen Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:17 pm

16. One guy I like a lot is Owen Pallet. He plays with Arcade Fire some, but also has a solo career. His website: http://www.owenpalletteternal.com/
    has a couple of videos, “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” and “the Great Elsewhere” He is classically trained cello/violinist but plays a type of indie rock with electronic influence.

    The other type of music that seems to be really on the rise is Electronic Dance Music. Chicago hosted “Spring Awakening” music festival at Soldier Field last weekend and will host “Wavefront” music festival at Montrose Harbor next weekend. Plus the Pritzker Pavilion has a Thursday night program for Electronic and Experimental music. One of the stars of this music is Skrillex. I bought an album by him the other day, but must admit it is not easy listening. You tube has video’s by him, but I don’t know enough to recommend one.

    Comment by Chicago Guy Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:26 pm

17. Fitz & the Tantrums. Newly recorded old fashioned rhythm and blues. Not R&B, not blues, but real rhythm and blues. Slightly gimmicky, but I have yet to get tired of this album in over a year.

    This song is Dear Mr. President (Put Your Foot Down). My younguns even like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrGq1Zmfnvc

    Comment by Colossus Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:30 pm

18. I’ll give two:

    House of Waters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrb9buMaLJU

    And my family has yet to hear anything from the Carolina Chocolate Drops that I do not love.

    My pick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPl8qlKq41o

    My son’s pick (and my wife’s): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xOxHyTP91c

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:33 pm

19. My summer soundtrack has been a lot of:

    Alabama Shakes - Rich has written enough about them
    Of Monsters and Men - awesome folk/rock band from Iceland.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g-1UG8rX1o

    Civil Wars - great simple folk duo
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrOUwbsy12E

    Comment by dave Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:35 pm

20. White Denim from Austin is undeniable live and pretty damn good on album:

    http://whitedenimmusic.com/

    Comment by B Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 2:52 pm

21. Of Monsters And Men: “Little Talks” is a gateway song to the rest of their U.S. debut album. Not sure what’s up with the Naboo-inspired costumery and cosmetics, but it’s a fun video:

    http://youtu.be/ghb6eDopW8I

    Comment by Northsider Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:08 pm

22. John Fullbright

    Comment by watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:09 pm

23. Whatever John Fritchey’s dancing to at the Pride Parade this weekend.

    Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:30 pm

24. Not necessarily new, but I have been really into the Head and the Heart and Trampled by Turtles lately. Here is a link to a terribly catchy Trampled by Turtles song called Wait So Long.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjdkc14-zwQ

    Comment by JL Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:35 pm

25. Frazey Ford is a good one - great voice and original songwriter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyXhP6prhc0

    And while not a new artist, I’ve been listening a lot lately to the late great Blaze Foley. Here’s a rare video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRLc2O1xtYk

    Comment by OldSmoky2 Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 3:50 pm

26. Good stuff, everyone. Here’s a couple:

    Paul Smith — North Atlantic Drift
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcA0VMBH6YY

    Dry the River — Chambers and the Valves
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR3Dv74htec

    Comment by Phineas I. Godwinn Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:05 pm

27. It’s not a new artist, but Rich’s brother Devin has recently posted the finished documentary about Carbondale legend Tawl Paul. Its really well done. Link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Ens7wkvrs

    Comment by John A Logan Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:11 pm

28. Mastodon

    Almost progressive-style, hard, sludgy rock. Gritty lyrics, slow guitars, timely percussion and an easy-flowing sound. Jam music for people like me who can’t stand hippy jam bands:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hippie,_Die

    Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:18 pm

29. The only time I feel truly out of my depth here at Cap Fax is when you bring up music. I have nothing to add except my thanks for the great recommendations. I used to be of the opinion that there hasn’t been much good music produced after about 1982, but you people almost always surprise me. Thanks for that.

    Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:22 pm

30. Not very well known, but a mutual friend introduced me to Jaik Willis and since seeing him at Summer Camp I’ve been trying to get my hands on whatever recordings he has. Insane vocals and amazing lyrics, not to mention he usually plays an acoustic flying V which is just cool. Here’s one of my favorites:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UOUW5vtPBA

    Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:34 pm

31. We featured White Denim here almost exactly a year ago. Great band.

    Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:45 pm

32. Eric Bibb for one. Not a new artist but he is as soulful as it gets. He put on a great show in Springfield last fall:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0WDTtIeSAI

    I also saw One eskimO on Randolph Street in Chicago. They did their first CD top to bottom and each song was well crafted. They know how to write a hook. This song was originally recorded by Patsy Cline just before she died, but One eskimO’s version is more along the lines of the Candi Staton take in the 70s.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_tBHoRaxns

    Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:45 pm

33. Beach House and The Head and The Heart.

    Among not so new bands, The Black Keys and Silversun Pickups.

    Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:48 pm

34. Not exactly new….but recently discovered by me. Beth Hart….”LA Song”.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrZw8RToN2Y

    Comment by Chevy owner/Ford County Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:55 pm

35. Some new, some new to me:

    The Black Keys!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_426RiwST8

    Gregory Hyde! (a friend of a friend)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg2t8xI-Kxo

    The Hold Steady! (best live show I’ve seen in years)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTIiXJg0xL0

    Gomez!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8bDpzpDVu4

    Comment by Lefty Lefty Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 4:57 pm

36. Jl, big HEdoublehockeysticks on trampled by turtles! I saw them at double door and was impressed with the 2.5 hour no break show. In that same genre, have to say Charlie parr (whose album backslider is my current favorite), the gourds, the devil makes three and William Elliot whitmore are favorites.

    Comment by Americana Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 5:02 pm

37. Sorry, forgot “yeah” after hockeysticks!

    Comment by Americana Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 5:03 pm

38. Rich….Linda Loveless sounds quite a bit like Lone Justice’s Maria McKee from the late ’80s early ’90’s. Great pick…..

    Comment by Chevy owner/Ford County Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 5:07 pm

39. Walk the Moon…Ohio band that caught my eye when they were on Jimmy Fallon. this week they debuted their first album and were on Letterman. nice stuff
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDVW81bXo0s

    Comment by Jean Luc Picard Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 5:21 pm

40. Ben Bedford in Springfield, a nice, Dan Fogelberg vibe. I think he has a future. Obligatory hipster suggestion: “Boards Of Canada”.

    Comment by Techboy Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 5:36 pm

41. Finally home and can post Ane Brun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lI30Qw69AQ

    Comment by walter sobchak Friday, Jun 22, 12 @ 8:35 pm

42. Lydia Loveless is very good and sounds a lot like the young Neko Case. The first time I heard her, I thought the song was an outtake from Case’s first album.

    If you like country soul, the new Kelly Hogan record is excellent. Linking is difficult on my phone, but search for “I like to keep myself in pain.”

    Comment by Boone Logan Square Saturday, Jun 23, 12 @ 10:59 am

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