You Can't Put Your Arms Around An Mp3

The American Analog Set "Magnificent Seventies"

In my interview with Andrew Kenny of The Wooden Birds, I stated how his band The American Analog Set was one of my favorite groups. I loved their mellow groove; their sound wasn't too stoned or too hippie for my taste; their music felt like a slowed-down Stereolab, and they made some great sounds.

One of my favorite releases of theirs was a single, "Magnificent Seventies," which was released before what many consider their masterpiece, 1998's The Golden Band. Let's take a moment to listen, shall we?

Listen To: "Magnificent Seventies"

Isn't that nice? Yeah, I think so, too. It's like a cool drink on a warm day, a warm drink on a cold day, and a walk through the woods on a lovely fall Friday afternoon. I fell in love with this song from the moment I heard it--playing that vinyl over and over and over again. You can do the same thing right now, enjoy!

Blitzen Trapper Black River Killer EP

I must admit to being late to the Blitzen Trapper game, but after having invested in their latest release, the Black River Killer EP, I am sufficiently impressed enough to investigate their music. This isn't necessarily a collection of "new" material; the title track is taken from their album Furr, while the rest of the songs are taken from a self-released tour EP from last year. It's a good thing that these songs were rescued from obscurity, because they are simply superb.

For a newly-introduced listener such as myself, Black River Killer proves to be a varied and compelling collection of songs. It's obvious these guys have a love of "classic rock," as what they do never delves into parody or pastiche. The upbeat moments, like "Big Black Bird," remind of Lynyrd Skynyrd--but only in the best possible way. "Silver Moon" reminds of more recent retro-minded groups like Beachwood Sparks or Brian Jonestown Massacre. Blitzen Trapper has an excellent grasp on how to write winning hooks, melodies, and lyrics.

Pardon me, though--I have to leave you now, because I've gotta go buy some more Blitzen Trapper. I'm hooked, and this EP, for those unfamiliar, is an excellent start!

Listen To: "Black River Killer"

Black River Killer is available now from Sub Pop

Faron Young "I've Got Five Dollars And It's Saturday Night"

One of the aspects of country music I like is the celebration of life it often portrays. What better song to highlight this than Faron Young's superb "I Got Five Dollars and It's Saturday Night." Your humble correspondent remembers hearing this song as a boy and thinking, "I can't wait to be older and go out on Saturday night!" So as a youngster I'd sit home and listen to KWKH's broadcasts of vintage Louisiana Hayride shows.

It sucked for me then, but as an adult, I think that part of my childhood ruled.

This song would be played on the weekends a lot, because, well, let's look: the song's about a poor kid who doesn't have much more than his name, yet he's not letting his poverty keep him from enjoying life. It's an anthem for letting go, cutting loose, and simply having a darn good time on a Saturday night!

Listen To: "I've Got Five Dollars and It's Saturday Night"

Duane Pitre & Pilotram "Piano Improvisation for Mr. Cage"

Every year, the fine record label Silber Records has tried to release free compilations around various holidays. One of my favorite releases ever is The Silber Sounds of Christmas. (Click on the link to find out how to get this excellent album.

The most beautiful song of the bunch, IMHO, is "Piano Improvisation for Mr. Cage." Instead of reading your humble correspondent's opinion on the matter, please take pause, download, and appreciate the beauty of the sound.

Listen To: "Piano Improvisation for Mr. Cage"