Liam McCormick’s recommendation: “I love so many different kinds of music and so many different artists, that being asked to chose just one artist that moves me is an extremely hard task. Where does one start? I could talk about a number of well known artists like Miles Davis, Cursive, Claude Debussy, Kings of Convenience, Damien Rice, Feist, and so on, but I think it is more important to talk about an artist that is less known, that deserves recognition. So, my band of choice is a small group out of Stockholm called The Tiny.
One of my best friends is an amazing Swede named Lars, and because of our friendship I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to a ton of Swedish artists. Many of them are relatively unknown in the states. I first fell in love with The Tiny during a vacation in Ireland. We were driving through a dark, wooded area around the small western village of Innestoge when we decided to throw their debut album, Close Enough, on the stereo. As cliché as it sounds, as soon the first note was sung, time seemed irrelevant, like we were the only thing that mattered at that moment. Like we’d been plucked up out of our moving car and were being spoken to individually. We didn’t speak until about 15 minutes after the record finished, once we’d had time to process how the music mixed with the scenery had changed us.
Where do you begin with The Tiny? A small band of three, The Tiny carry a perfectly balanced sound. I guess I should start with their vocalist. There is something so hauntingly beautiful about Ellekari Larsson’s tone and delivery. If you’ve ever heard a Swede sing in English, the accent is amazing. It’s hard to place, sometimes sounding Irish in nature… but there is a clean, and trebly snap in the way they articulate words that make lyrics really hit you. Ellekari’s voice has a Billie Holiday-meets-Bjork tone quality, and she sings with such cautious passion that you can almost hear her heart breaking. Then, there are the equally amazing instrumentalists that help tell The Tiny’s stories. Ellekari plays piano and sometimes the pump organ, Leo Svensson plays the cello mainly, but has been also featured playing the glockenspiel and the saw, and finally, there is their double bassist, Johan Berthling. The record also features violin and viola on a few tracks.”
New to Tiny? Liam suggests you start here: “Due to their bass-heavy instrumentation, the music on Close Enough has an amazing tonal gap between the vocals and the instruments, which allows the listener to pick up every note that each player strikes. The album is recorded live, so there is a high level of musicianship exhibited by the band. Additionally, all of the clicks and breaths that are usually removed from the final product are left untouched, which makes the songs sound extremely vulnerable and organic. It is dramatic music like this – music that takes me to another place or time – that truly enables me to write the music that I write. Listen to The Tiny while driving at twilight and try not to skip any tracks. You won’t regret it.”
About our guest author, Liam McCormick: Liam is the lead singer for The Family Crest, a West Coast collective that takes a unique stab at making music. Liam started the group on 2007 with the idea of making music with virtually anyone, anywhere. Recording sessions take place in bars, churches, streets and other unconventional locations and session players include friends, fans, non-musicians…anyone who happens to be in the right place at the right time. The resulting lineup has swelled to over two hundred and fifty ‘Extended Family Members’ participating in recordings, live performances, and media projects. The songs are full sounding and expertly orchestrated, making best use of every stringed melody and back up holler. Bay Bridged recently said of the band, “…they take their earnest, anthemic cue from The Arcade Fire, but the presence of so many string and wind instruments and the talents of frontman Liam McCormick put them on a unique frequency.” The media has latched on to the group, helping fuel a series of sold out club shows and landing them a live performance on KEXP in Seattle. The buzz is sure to continue to build as the group is gearing up for SXSW and will release their new album, The Village in March. Be sure to check the The Crest Family website for pre-order info for that record, tour dates and more.
Amy Ziff’s recommendation: “I’m inspired by so many artists, including Joni Mitchell, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Francoise Hardy, and some of today’s artists such as JD Samson, Jane Siberry, Tracy Bonham, Sia, to name just a few. One of my favorite groups is The Barry Sisters. I respond to their expression of truth and soul in songs and lyrics and phrasing. Just a simple note or breath or sigh sung by these artists, changes the way I feel about something in my life at any given time.”
New to The Barry Sisters? Amy suggests you start here: “My parents played At Home With The Barry Sisters for me and my siblings when I was growing up. Listening to them sing, made me want to pursue Life as a singer and performer. And here I am, in a band with my own sister and best friend for more than 20 years…still loving what we do together and how we make music and travel the world. Long live rock n roll.”
About our guest author, Amy Ziff: Amy is the lead vocalist for BETTY, the pop/funk band that formed in the ’80s in Washington, DC and later migrated to New York City. Some may know the band for their theatrical performances of BETTY:Inside Out and BETTY RULES (directed by Michael Greif (Rent). Others may know them from their appearances on The L Word (the show for which they also wrote the theme song for) or their performances at gay rights rallies and breast cancer benefits. But theater, fund raisers and television are only parts of the BETTY puzzle. They also have eight studio under their belt, the latest being Bright & Dark, a collection that is produced by David Maurice (Garbage) and features a vocal collaboration with Kate Pierson of the B52s. The album is consistently packed with whip smart stories (watch the Did You Tell Her clip below to get the feel) and shifts effortlessly in styles, from funked up grooves to grungy guitars. Be sure to cath their fantastic live shows by checking hellobetty.com for tour dates.
Shelby Earl’s recommendation: “There are a number of artists who move me or whose music makes me feel deeply, but there is one at the top of the heap – one who regularly takes me somewhere special with his music: Icelandic artist, Jonsi. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Jonsi live multiple times, both with his band, Sigur Ros and solo (I even got to see him play IN Iceland!) and every show has been extraordinary. I don’t know what Jonsi’s spiritual beliefs or practices are, but to me he seems undeniably tapped into the divine. He lays himself bare when he plays music and he takes his listeners to church every time. It’s as though he is dedicated to beauty above all else in his art. Through his ethereal voice and his songwriting – both seemingly full of immense heartache AND hope – and through instrumentation so beautiful it’s almost painful (strings, winds, keys, heavy rhythm, layered voices, etc), Jonsi’s music is utterly transcendent. And not only is he a brilliant artist, but I had the opportunity to hang out with him after a Seattle show in 2010 and found that he’s also an incredibly kind and genuine person. How rare and exciting to learn that an artist’s heart is as beautiful as the music they make. He is an inspiration on all levels.”
New to Jonsi? Shelby suggests you start here: “I would recommend every Sigur Ros album – especially Takk (2005) and Með suð í eyrum… (2008) – but above all I would recommend Jonsi’s debut solo album Go (2010).”
About our guest author, Shelby Earl: Shelby’s story is the sort of underdog tale that both inspires and restores faith for artist-wannabe office workers who think about trashing their steady gig and risking it all to pursue their dreams. Shelby spent her days at several arts related jobs in the Pacific Northwest, including stints at The Experience Music Project and as a music liaison at Amazon, but her true calling was song craft and performing. “To be totally honest, I was pretty unhappy those last couple years doing the 9-5,” Earl told Spinner, so she quit, threw herself into writing and caught the attention of two heavyweights on the indie music scene: John Roderick, lead singer of The Long Winters, who went on to produce Shelby’s collection of tunes, and Rachel Flotard, the can-do powerhouse behind Visqueen who also runs Local 638 Records. Her debut, Burn the Boats quickly gained support from Earl’s long time acquaintance, Ann Powers (NPR/LA Times) who passionately wrote “… I don’t want this record to get lost in the avalanche of releases that confronts every critic and music fan…Burn the Boats is an album beyond trends, a classic work of singer-songwriterly craft and beautifully framed confession.” Praise for Earl poured in from other outlets as NPR made At the Start the song of the day and Seattle Weekly dubbed the same track as “…an early frontrunner for best song put out by any artist in 2011.” To cap off this feel good story, Burn the Boats snagged the number one spot on her former employers’ (Amazon) “Outstanding 2011 Albums You Might Have Missed” list. Be sure to visit Shelby’s site for tour dates, to join her Facebook page and more.
Jason Young’s recommendation: “My pick is Nada Surf. Most people remember these guys for their gimmicky 90′s hit Popular, but the records they have made in the last ten years are the ones that resonate with me. The formula is simple: drums, bass, guitar with great melodies and clever lyrics. These guys write great songs that feel good and flow easily into your life. They have this vibe about them that seems to whisper ‘It can be a cold dark world outside but there’s a fire inside’.”
New to Nada Surf? Jason suggests you start here: The Nada Surf record that hooked me was Weight Is a Gift.
About our guest author, Jason Young: Jason is the full time drummer for The Ruse, but Heartour represents the place where Jason is boss and becomes a one man maestro that expertly blends calming vocals and driving electronic bleep/bloop filled soundscapes that bring to mind the best of New Order and Yeasayer. His latest album, Submarine Sounds is his strongest yet and we equally love the bouncy opener, Big City Drinking, the bolder sounding Yaaay!, which evokes a sunnier Nine Inch Nails and the gorgeous album closer, The Idea of You (mp3 below). This is an ‘up’ album, so grab your headphones and prepare to move. Check the Heartour web site for more info.
Joe Grushecky’s recommendation: “My favorite CD of the past couple of years is Horsefly by a journeyman singer/songwriter/guitarist named Pat McLaughlin. I saw Pat play at Douglas Corners in Nashville and was blown away by his band and songs. The CD has everything I look for: great playing, impeccable grooves, intelligent meaningful lyrics, and passionate soulful singing. I think it really speaks to an audience that has a few miles on them (like me!). I have listened to this album endlessly.
Also, I have recently discovered Eli “Paperboy” Reed and his Come And Get It CD. I grew up listening to a lot of soul music, both mainstream and obscure stuff. Eli has an authentic sound. It is timeless, modern, and retro all at the same time. I like the horns and really admire his singing. My son discovered it in my car CD player. “Hey Dad, listen to this!” Listen indeed.”
About our guest author, Joe Grushecky: Joe has been making straight forward, righteous rock records since 1979. His first record with the Iron City Houserockers caught the attention of Rolling Stone’s Greil Marcus as he wrote, “…their debut album is strong, passionate and a little desperate…I hope they’re around for a long, long time.” The praise continued into the early ’80s as Joe and the band released three more albums, including Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive which was slugged by Rolling Stone as “a new American classic.” Joe split with his first band and took a position as a special education teacher in Pittsburgh (where he still lives and teaches today), but the rocker was far from finished. He formed a new group, The Houserockers, put out three more three more gutsy, earnest records and in 1995, Joe released American Babylon, a collection produced by fellow working class hero, Bruce Springsteen, whom Joe had met through Steve Van Zandt. Bruce co-wrote two of the songs for the album and even toured with Joe and the band. That marked the first of several collaborations between Joe and Bruce (the most recent being a November, 2011 two-night stand in Pittsburgh, review here) including the pair co-writing Code of Silence which has become a staple in Bruce’s live show. Joe has a new live CD out called We’re Not Dead Yet and you can catch his full-throttle performances by checking his tour page.
Alyssa Graham’s recommendation: “Two of the greatest influences on my music, my life and my worldview are Neil Young and Nick Drake. I have spent numerous hours and days listening, loving and disappearing to these two profound and magical artists. However, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about two of my more recent obsessions, namely Francoise Hardy and Serge Gainsbourg. Gainsbourg is one of the most interesting, creative and diverse artists I have ever explored. Gainsbourg has experimented in jazz, funk, pop and rock. He often explored morbid sexuality and suffering and recorded concept albums with themes like Lolita and Nazis. He is “limitless.” His music is always progressive and always deep and it challenges me to go deeper into my own music and expression. When talking about Serge Gainsbourg and how he influenced French pop music it is impossible not to point out the sensual, lush and dreamlike voice and music of Francoise Hardy whom Gainsbourg often worked with. Hardy’s beautiful and spare sound can always lull me into a deep peaceful meditation. The subtle arrangements and the whisper and hum of Francoise’ vocals allow me to imagine and create in a continuous world of beauty and euphoria. She is a constant source of inspiration for me and was a big influence on my current project, The Lock, Stock & Soul EP.”
New To Serge Gainsbourg and Francoise Hardy? Alyssa suggests you start here: “Gainsbourg’s 1971 concept album Histoire de Melody Nelson is a great place to start. Often referred to as his “Lolita-esque” pseudo-autobiographical album, Histoire De Melody Nelson is a combination of funky guitar styling, dark string arrangements and spoken word like vocals. A quintessential Gainsbourg creation. A new super deluxe version coming out this month. Also, 1971, Francoise Hardy’s LA Question is truly a masterpiece. Subtle and spare, seductive and romantic, La Question is brilliantly produced and offers everything you could ever want from this dreamy and stunning artist.”
About our guest author, Alyssa Graham: Praise has been following Alyssa Graham for some time now. She co-led a band called Blindman’s Holiday in college and the group was quickly recognized by Entertainment Magazine as one of the best college bands in the country. The hype helped the band get touring gigs with The Band, Lisa Loeb and The Wailers. Not a bad college education, huh? (Note that Alyssa did graduate while holding down the tour schedule.) Graham then enrolled at The New England Conservatory of Music and released her debut album, What Love Is, in 2005. The album was chosen by All About Jazz as one of the Best New Recordings of 2005 and set the stage for her 2008 release, Echo, a collection that was named one of the Top 10 Vocal Albums of the Year by iTunes. Graham is now back with her new EP, Lock, Stock and Soul which features contributions from Me’Shell Ndegéocello (bass) and David Garza (vocals) and is described by Team Graham as “…a full circle return to Graham’s longtime musical loves: Neil Young, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan.” We hear a bit of Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell in there as well and one can’t help to hear a echos of Norah Jones too, and for good reason. Graham was able to snag Grammy winning producer Craig Street for this record, who happened to produce Jones’ breakthrough Come Away With Me and Jesse Harris, who penned Norah’s smash, I Don’t Know Why wrote Watching the Sky (mp3 below). Alyssa has friends in high places and is utilizing them perfectly on this EP. The praise ain’t gonna slow down for this sort of talent folks, so be sure to check Alyssa on the road before the venues get bigger and the bandwagon gets too crowded.
About our guest author, Liam McCormick: Liam is the lead singer for The Family Crest, a West Coast collective that takes a unique stab at making music. Liam started the group on 2007 with the idea of making music with virtually anyone, anywhere. Recording sessions take place in bars, churches, streets and other unconventional locations and session players include friends, fans, non-musicians…anyone who happens to be in the right place at the right time. The resulting lineup has swelled to over two hundred and fifty ‘Extended Family Members’ participating in recordings, live performances, and media projects. The songs are full sounding and expertly orchestrated, making best use of every stringed melody and back up holler. Bay Bridged recently said of the band, “…they take their earnest, anthemic cue from The Arcade Fire, but the presence of so many string and wind instruments and the talents of frontman Liam McCormick put them on a unique frequency.” The media has latched on to the group, helping fuel a series of sold out club shows and landing them a live performance on KEXP in Seattle. The buzz is sure to continue to build as the group is gearing up for SXSW and will release their new album, The Village in March. Be sure to check the The Crest Family website for pre-order info for that record, tour dates and more. 
for me and my siblings when I was growing up. Listening to them sing, made me want to pursue Life as a singer and performer. And here I am, in a band with my own sister and best friend for more than 20 years…still loving what we do together and how we make music and travel the world. Long live rock n roll.”
About our guest author, Amy Ziff: Amy is the lead vocalist for BETTY, the pop/funk band that formed in the ’80s in Washington, DC and later migrated to New York City. Some may know the band for their theatrical performances of BETTY:Inside Out and BETTY RULES (directed by Michael Greif (Rent). Others may know them from their appearances on The L Word (the show for which they also wrote the theme song for) or their performances at gay rights rallies and breast cancer benefits. But theater, fund raisers and television are only parts of the BETTY puzzle. They also have eight studio under their belt, the latest being 
, a collection that is produced by David Maurice (Garbage) and features a vocal collaboration with Kate Pierson of the B52s. The album is consistently packed with whip smart stories (watch the Did You Tell Her clip below to get the feel) and shifts effortlessly in styles, from funked up grooves to grungy guitars. Be sure to cath their fantastic live shows by checking 
About our guest author, Shelby Earl: Shelby’s story is the sort of underdog tale that both inspires and restores faith for artist-wannabe office workers who think about trashing their steady gig and risking it all to pursue their dreams. Shelby spent her days at several arts related jobs in the Pacific Northwest, including stints at The Experience Music Project and as a music liaison at Amazon, but her true calling was song craft and performing. “To be totally honest, I was pretty unhappy those last couple years doing the 9-5,” Earl told Spinner, so she quit, threw herself into writing and caught the attention of two heavyweights on the indie music scene: John Roderick, lead singer of The Long Winters, who went on to produce Shelby’s collection of tunes, and 
.
About our guest author, Jason Young: Jason is the full time drummer for The Ruse, but Heartour represents the place where Jason is boss and becomes a one man maestro that expertly blends calming vocals and driving electronic bleep/bloop filled soundscapes that bring to mind the best of New Order and Yeasayer. His latest album, 
by a journeyman singer/songwriter/guitarist named Pat McLaughlin. I saw Pat play at Douglas Corners in Nashville and was blown away by his band and songs. The CD has everything I look for: great playing, impeccable grooves, intelligent meaningful lyrics, and passionate soulful singing. I think it really speaks to an audience that has a few miles on them (like me!). I have listened to this album endlessly.
CD. I grew up listening to a lot of soul music, both mainstream and obscure stuff. Eli has an authentic sound. It is timeless, modern, and retro all at the same time. I like the horns and really admire his singing. My son discovered it in my car CD player. “Hey Dad, listen to this!” Listen indeed.”
About our guest author, Joe Grushecky: Joe has been making straight forward, righteous rock records since 1979. His first record with the Iron City Houserockers caught the attention of Rolling Stone’s Greil Marcus as he wrote, “…their debut album is strong, passionate and a little desperate…I hope they’re around for a long, long time.” The praise continued into the early ’80s as Joe and the band released three more albums, including 
is a great place to start. Often referred to as his “Lolita-esque” pseudo-autobiographical album, Histoire De Melody Nelson is a combination of funky guitar styling, dark string arrangements and spoken word like vocals. A quintessential Gainsbourg creation. A new super deluxe version coming out this month. Also, 1971, Francoise Hardy’s 
is truly a masterpiece. Subtle and spare, seductive and romantic, La Question is brilliantly produced and offers everything you could ever want from this dreamy and stunning artist.”
About our guest author, Alyssa Graham: Praise has been following Alyssa Graham for some time now. She co-led a band called Blindman’s Holiday in college and the group was quickly recognized by Entertainment Magazine as one of the best college bands in the country. The hype helped the band get touring gigs with The Band, Lisa Loeb and The Wailers. Not a bad college education, huh? (Note that Alyssa did graduate while holding down the tour schedule.) Graham then enrolled at The New England Conservatory of Music and released her debut album, What Love Is, in 2005. The album was chosen by All About Jazz as one of the Best New Recordings of 2005 and set the stage for her 2008 release, 
, a collection that was named one of the Top 10 Vocal Albums of the Year by iTunes. Graham is now back with her new EP, 
