Today, there are two highly anticipated album releases by two critically acclaimed artists that are exploring the territory of blues and classical music, and pulling it through a modern wormhole. What can’t Ben Folds do? The […]
Tag: Folk
She & Him have old soul sound
M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel have created yet another timeless collection of pop songs on She & Him “Volume 3,” released Tuesday, May 7. The retro sound is as authentic as it was on their […]
Iron and Wine still solid on latest album
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg “Ghost on Ghost” released Tuesday, April 16 is the fifth and absolutely best Iron and Wine album to date. Singer-songwriter Samuel Beam, performing under the moniker Iron and Wine, has progressed as a songwriter […]
Nothing childish about ‘Kid Face’
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg Samantha Crain exhibits youthful innocence and mature songwriting on her fifth album, “Kid Face,” released Tuesday, Feb. 19 on Ramseur Records. A skilled guitarist like Joni Mitchell with the unfiltered expression of Regina Spektor; […]
My soundtrack for the weekend is “A Wasteland Companion”
By SHAUN SMITH
Blogger-in-chief
M. Ward will not disappoint fans of his stripped down, reel-to-reel sound on his latest album A Wasteland Companion.
Ward (Matt Ward) has obviously been influenced by his musical relationship with Zooey Deschanel and it shows on the upbeat piano-laded “Beautiful Girl,” which stands not as a detachment of his signature style but an expansion of his talented reach. Fans of the doe-eyed hipster wonder will enjoy her standing beside Ward on “Sweetheart” and “Me and My Shadow.” Recording with Ward on this record makes her Patsy Cline style and hand claps sound authentic rather than retro.
“Boys and Girls” blends talent and emotion
By SHAUN R. SMITH
Blogger-in-chief
The Alabama Shakes has filled a void in my musical world. Blending a groovy bluesy motown sound with the sultry voice of singer/guitarist Brittany Howard, the band’s debut album “Boys & Girls” is a unique, emotional and danceable.
DMB Caravan Coverage
Travel with Shaun Smith as he delves deep into the Dave Matthews Band Caravan June 24-26, 2011. Click Here for a link to live coverage