Chip Taylor: Yonkers NY

An Observer review

Among songwriters, Taylor is a wild card. Having penned million-sellers like "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning" in the 60s, he became a professional gambler before returning to performing in the 90s. After a string of fine country-drenched albums comes this genial oddity, a song cycle detailing his early life. There are affectionate portraits of his father and his "Bastard Brothers" (one of whom is actor Jon Voight), tributes to early heroes like Johnny Cash and homage for his home town of Yonkers. The sound is accomplished country-rock, the mood intimate and wry, the voice (with spoken interludes) like well-aged whisky.

Yonkers NY

HURTS - Wonderful Life (Arthur Baker remix)

6 minutes of joy

Somi "Ingele"

Somi singing "Ingele" an original song about heartache. (In Swahili)



Somi @Amazon.com

Le Loup: Family (Indie)

(Wikipedia)

Le Loup is an American indie band founded in late 2006 in Washington, D.C. by Sam Simkoff (keyboard/banjo). The band also includes Christian Ervin (computer), Michael Ferguson (guitar), Dan Ryan (bass), Robert Sahm (drums) and Jim Thomson (guitar). The group has drawn comparisons to Sufjan Stevens,Arcade Fire, The Books, Animal Collective and Yeasayer.

Part of a review from AltSound

In the age of the iPod, it’s encouraging to know that there are still bands producing albums that work as a whole document, not just a collection of discordant singles and obligatory filler. Each and every track on Family ties together beautifully, justifying their place without question or doubt and creating a whole that leaves no need to be filled. If Animal Collective go on to stand a true test of time then there is every promise that with them will be preserved a band of equal majesty in Le Loup; and even if not...you’ll always be able to rely on Family.

Family

White Lies – To Lose My Life

White Lies: To Lose My Life ...

Austin Walkin' Cane

706 Union Ave.

Progressive Bluegrass - Sara Watkins

Sara started off with Nickel Creek but is recently pursuing a solo career with Nonesuch records.





Part of BBC review

An assured debut that will undoubtedly extend her commercial reach even further, there's an understated approach with no hints of showy grandstanding or cheap-shot appeal. Watkins' time in the spotlight is a triumph with her agile playing and the kind of voice that gives your goosebumps the shivers.

On the moving album closer, her vocals hover above gently murmuring electric guitars, a shimmering, imploring presence. ''When my voice no longer soothes you / Where will we be?'' Prepare to have you jaw on the way to the floor with this one.

Sara Watkins