Harlem River Blues - Justin Townes Earle

Justin Townes Earle is a name that probably seems familiar to most of you, but you can't quite place why. He is the son of Steve Earle, country western troubadour of extraordinary talent and troubles. Earle named him after one of his greatest influences Townes Van Zandt, one of America's legendary country singer-songwriters. JTE is on his way to living up to his name. Having already received awards and nominations from the Americana Music Awards for his last album and for Emerging Artist, his newest album, "Harlem River Blues", has just been nominated for Album of the Year.

"Harlem River Blues" is a foot-stomping, urban blues-gospel fully-equipped with a sing-along chorus. The song is about redemption and accepting our mortality, a common theme in both gospel and country music. The topic is universal, but becomes even more relevant when you hear JTE talk about the "troubled days are behind me now", as he has been battling drug addiction from his teenage years (including several years he toured with his dad). It is a great song that takes common themes and classic styles and makes it feel new and relevant. Listen and download for free here: www.justintownesearle.com

The rest of the album is great with standouts like "Slippin' and Slidin'" and "Ain't Waintin'". The album is really affordable from Amazon right now at $5.99. JTE's last album, "Midnight at the Movies" is also on sale for $5.99 and is great, also. It is more country, with less production and does not have the same flavor of blues/gospel as his new one. "Mama's Eyes" is a outstanding song that we can all relate to, but again has extra weight when you consider who's singing it. Still worth checking out, especially for 6 bucks. Of course, with this great album and all the good press he is on tour right now, mostly in the midwest, so if you get a chance, go see him!

Typhoon - Starting Over

For the first post, I feel compelled to further expound on my love for my new favorite band, Typhoon.

First, a few great things about this band. They reside in SE Portland (one of my hometowns), they are a rather large band, and they got their start playing packed house shows. They took what they knew about that sound and exploited it on their new full length, Hunger and Thirst. It was recorded in a house and you can hear the space on the album. There are pockets that you can wallow in, enjoying the feel and tone of the notes. The orchestral reality of the band is not overwhelming and no one instrument gets favored status, except, maybe, the lead vocals. Which is fine with me, since the lyrics are amazing. Lyrics about growing in many ways; older, wiser, emotionally. Even though some may be songs of a sad reality, they are presented with a joy that you can't help but share in.

Starting Over is the lead track on Hunger and Thirst and is available for free download on their website:

http://www.wearetyphoon.com/discography/hunger-and-thirst/

For a great OBP interview/in-studio session check this out:

http://www.opbmusic.org/studio_sessions/146-Typhoon

They recently came out with a new EP called "A New Kind of House" that almost acts as a second act to Hunger and Thirst.

Finally, I have to thank Andres for leading me to this awesome band. He played them on his radio show "The Omission" and I was hooked.

Let me know what you think about the post and what would keep you coming back. Hope you enjoy Typhoon as much as me.