Overlooked artists at the Phorum

[Ian]

Chris Wood - Trespasser:  By far the best folk related album of the year so far.  And by far, I mean far.  It has a lovely dose of Irish influence, vivid lyrics, and maintains a very consistent feel throughout the album without ever once getting repetitive.  Unquestionably a top 10 album of the year, and the song England in Ribbons could end up being the best song of the year.

The Envy Corps - Dwell:  I'm surprised that this band hasn't turned into the new cool thing (I guess Vampire Weekend and Fleet Foxes got in the way).  There's nothing particularly unique about this album; it's indie pop/rock.  But it's not often that you hear indie pop/rock done this well.  It has it's huge anthems, it has it's tender ballads, and the whole thing flows like a dream, never repeating itself (well... maybe once), but never inconsistent.  Another thing I love about this is that it shifts moods so effortlessly; I might be depressed by Sylvia (in a good way, if you know what I mean), but Story Problems (another song of the year candidate) literally lifts my spirits no matter how many times I listen. 

Wintersleep - Welcome to the Night Sky:  This sounds a lot like the pop/rock equivilent to their name.  It actually put me to sleep the first two times I listened.  Once I got a good grasp on it, I was surprised to find that it has some great hooks that indie fans are going to love (Weighty Ghost), in addition to the moments of simplistic beauty that are pulled off amazingly well (Search Party).  Like the above albums, this albums maintains a very consistent feel, but avoids repeating itself.  The first half of Murderer is the only thing that keeps this album from perfection.

I know that we don't have time to listen to everything, but sometimes an album is so good that you just have to nag people who aren't listening.  Any albums you feel need more attention on the phorum?  List 'em and write a little bit about them here (because I'm not going to listen to a CD if all you give me is the name).

[bloop]

I can see that you really want some of us to check these out, but I can't find Chris Wood at any of the usual suspects.

[enemy anemone]

funny, the Chris Wood one was the one I could find. I think Ian and I subscribe to the same blog. XD

[phaith]

I'm going to say richard buckner. He's country/folk. I don't know if anyone here listens to this kind of music. I think he's wonderful! He has a really soulful, wrench your heart out kind of voice (I love it!) My favorite album is called "Impasse". The lyrics of each song can be read together as a short story (and that is also how he has them written up on the linner. )

Here's a link

http://www.mergerecords.com/artists/buckner

[Josh]

My candidate would obviously be The Tallest Man on Earth, whose new album is my favorite of the year so far, though I kinda understand why only a couple of us have heard him, as his record is not available in the US yet (though it is on iTunes).

As for others... hmmm, does anyone else here listen to Loudon Wainwright? He's one of the greatest singer/songwriters of the past 40 years. Seriously. His last album, Strange Weirdos, was one of my top five albums from 2007, and his upcoming Recovery is currently my #2 for this year.

[enemy anemone]

I'm going to say richard buckner. He's country/folk. I don't know if anyone here listens to this kind of music. I think he's wonderful! He has a really soulful, wrench your heart out kind of voice (I love it!) My favorite album is called "Impasse". The lyrics of each song can be read together as a short story (and that is also how he has them written up on the linner. )

Here's a link

http://www.mergerecords.com/artists/buckner

I have the vague feeling that I've listened to Richard Buckner before, but now that I'm searching my music files I don't see anything of his. hm...where have I heard of him...
maybe I'm getting him mixed up with Richard Hawley. but no, I don't think so.
maybe his music has appeared on mix cds I've gotten from people at another board. that must be it. anyway, I will look into this some more.

I took a listen to Chris Wood last night, liked what I heard so far, and will listen some more. I was pleasantly surprised that he has an accent; his music reminds me a bit of Bernard Fanning, or at least the few Bernard Fanning songs I've heard. but apparently they are not from the same place so maybe my ear for accents is worse than I thought it was. now I have to listen more to both artists...

[Ian]

omg, almost forgot to mention Clann Zu.  They broke up a few years ago, so maybe they were more popular than I think they were, but in anycase, everyone ought to try out their first CD, Rua.  They're a pop/rock band whose members are a combination of Irish and Aussies.  Their songs range from stop-you-in-your-tracks intense to Irish dances to some of the best radio-friendly ballads I've ever heard.  Their second CD, Black Coats and Bandages, is also great, although it focuses more on sounding like a cohesive whole than having good songs, which sets it back a small notch.

Seriously, check them out.