(playlist at the bottom)
Richard Buckner
The man has this great wavering bluesy voice that is as gruff as it is beautiful. I met him a few years ago when he played a few songs live on WUAG. I recorded them - it was my job at the little college radio station. In walked this hulking gentle beast w/ bleary eyes and more tattoos than I would've imagined. He was traveling around in this beat up pickup truck with just his acoustic guitar. I think when u hear this track, you'll see it's all he needs.
"Put on What You Wanna"
Gram Parsons
Mr. Fallen Angel himself. I don't know if I'm just attracted to the music of tragic fuckups, but Gram's voice makes me want to cry every time I hear it - even when he's singing a light-hearted, happy tune. Best known for his work w/ The Flying Burrito Bros. and his solo career, often times alongside Emmylou Harris, Gram's got it in the voice department - a true original. If you haven't seen it, I recommend the documentary on him.
"Streets of Baltimore"
Dave Doughman
It's no secret I'm a fan of the music of Mr. Doughman. Swearing at Motorists may always be my favorite hidden gem. Dave has a penchant for melodrama, or maybe it's just that he's saying what we're all thinking but are to afraid to voice? He has a knack for overlaying vocals and creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in the room with him, recording on a busted 4 track. His voice is like the dude from Thin Lizzy, only he's not partying with the boys - he's standing on the street looking up at the window of his ex gf's house on a cold winter night. Check this harmonic chant that takes a new spin on the Hallmark Holiday:
"Goodbye Second and Main (Pink Violence)"
pretty intense huh?
Mark Kozelek
Some know this guy as the bass player for Stillwater in Almost Famous. Hmmm, maybe just a few folks huh?
Others know him from his bands the Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon. The SKM record was a college radio smash hit in my small circle in school, which got me interested in the man and his enchanting voice. It borders on this new wave thing mixed with Neil Young's vibe. Needless to say good music for Fall and being freshly dumped. Good Stuff...
"All Mixed Up"
Townes Van Zandt
Another late, great genius. I'm probably not even qualified to write anything about him. I just really like his earnestness and frankness. He definitely had some issues w/ substances, but I feel like it doesn't really affect the beauty of his music. Playful and sad all rolled into one. I recommend the album Live at the Old Quarter for the clarity of the recording and the distasteful jokes in between songs.
"To Live is To Fly"
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