Iron and Wine

I was turned onto this band by a former co-worker.  He liked them so much that he went and made me a dvd of their music, positive he was that I would like them too. And he was right.  Iron and Wine is now one of my top favorite bands – I dig their music a lot. Lush throaty melodies, haunting lyrics, and beautiful guitar work. It’s folk like smooth. Iron and Wine is one Samuel Beam, and the guy delivers some of the best chill out music I’ve ever heard. Here’s an awesome clip of Iron and Wine doing Flightless Bird. Smooth is an understatement. This tune is off the third album Iron and Wine released, 2007′s Shepherd’s Dog. Check it out.

Jeff Mangum – Two Headed Boy and Gardenhead (acoustic)

I discovered this singer songwriter musician a couple of years ago. He’s the lead for Neutral Milk Hotel, now one of my favorite bands. I was hooked right away, drawn in within the first few bars. Lyrics that take you away to crazy far off places, strong guitar rifts, and power vocals. This guy can belt out a tune. Amazing range. Check it out for yourself. Jeff Mangum blowing Two Headed Boy and then making it up with an awesome rendition of Gardenhead.  Live at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia, back in “97.

Slacker and the Demolition Doll Rods

I meant to opt out of my Slacker music service before my seven day free trail ended and my obligation to pay began. I wanted to get an iphone, a device I pan to have, before I subscribed. Slacker integrates so well with the iphone’s functionality, much better than it does on my PC, so I planned to wait. Oh well, I missed a time sensitive step in the opting out procedure, so I own a piece of Slacker now. I suppose I can live with that, and really begin to dig deep down into the music scene for new stuff. I already imagine my travels and adventures being all the sweeter now. And I’ll continue to keep you posted on what I’m finding.

Right now I’m listening to the Demolition Doll Rods. They’re for sure going into my on the road repertoire of selections. They rip down and dirty this trio of sisters. Out front, with classic garage band power vocals and guitar, is Margaret Doll Rod. They got their start out of Detroit in the early 90′s, and then went on to open for Igggy Pop, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and the Cramps, among others. They’re worth a listen. Now, I’m going to go check out the Cramps. I might need to start a blog dedicated to music at this rate. Stay tuned.