Category Archives: Check it out

You’ve got to hear this.

04.30.2013 · 4:30 pm

COVER: Donavon Frankenreiter

“Wondering Where The Lions Are”

In an attempt to ramp up my energy level for what’s sure to be a busy and active summer, I’ve gotten back to the gym recently. I’ve been taking some intense classes that are quite challenging and I’ve noticed that the music selection can really play a part in the whole experience.

Today towards the end of a class called “Butt N’ Up” (yup), this song came on. I immediately recognized Bruce Cockburn’s melody and lyrics and wondered who was covering it so beautifully. The teacher informed me it was Donovan Frankenreiter, and after a bit of poking around, I found it on an old EP of covers he put out in 2007 called Recycled Recipes. I thought that was a pretty fitting album title, since he’s taken this tune and really made it his own. I love the slower pace and gentle harmony…it sure made my trembling muscles relax just a bit more today in class. Thanks, Donavon!

Donavon Frankenreiter
*catch him LIVE on MV this summer

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04.17.2013 · 11:44 pm

SONG: Bon Iver

“Creature Fear”

I don’t have much to say…only that this song’s beauty really touched me today. The soft, quiet verses interwoven with the building, driving chorus makes for a really powerful track.

Bon Iver

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04.13.2013 · 2:14 pm

LOCAL: Adam Howell

AdamHowell

Timberwolves EP

There are a few musicians on this little island that have a real presence in their performance. They can sit on stage with just a guitar and their voice and command our attention. Adam Howell is one of those few, but he’s not only that. He can also lead a rock band, provide guitar and vocal accompaniment to other singer/songwriters, or hell, even play bass for that new project you’ve been cooking up. Speaking of new projects…

With help from a few friends, Adam has recently released an EP of three beautiful songs. He cites Townes Van Zandt and Elliott Smith as inspirations, and you can certainly hear that in this music. Enjoy Timberwolves…you can name your price for a download and make sure to pass it along!

Adam Howell
Download the EP and hear more…

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04.07.2013 · 12:28 pm

EP: WALL

Shoestring

Big thanks to S for introducing me to the music of London’s Lyla Foy. She calls herself WALL and she’s recently debuted an EP along with a sweet music video (see below!). There’s a beautiful space in her sound that at times reminds me of Mirah or Lykke Li. Her writing and vocals are compelling and she seems to have a real ear for production…these tracks are pieced together beautifully! Her music video for the EP’s title track is my favorite kind – simple, cute, and strange (watch till the end).

The EP:

The video:

WALL on Facebook
WALL on Tumblr

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03.23.2013 · 3:15 pm

LOCAL: Lezlie

This weekend, a rare opportunity arose here on the island. One of the theaters became available to a friend of mine, free of charge. A theater group had cancelled their shows at the Katherine Cornell Theater and knew that (musician, photographer and producer-extraordinaire) Anthony Esposito could put together some great live music instead. And he did! Last night we were treated to several talented island singer/songwriters, capped off by Anthony’s band. Tonight, there’s another solid lineup, including Boaz & Shelagh, Good Night Louise, The Hammerheads and Lezlie. Best part – it’s FREE! Doors at 8pm.

lezlie

Andrew Valenti & Leslie Schott make up this duo, and they’ve got a new album out called Intermittent Waves of Unusual Size and Force that you can DOWNLOAD HERE for FREE. The two of them play everything you hear on these tracks. They also wrote and recorded the songs themselves (and the mastering was done by Anthony). Check out the single, “Volcanoes”:

Volcanoes from Mothergirl Films on Vimeo.

Lezlie

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03.13.2013 · 10:09 pm

SONG: Devotchka

“How It Ends”

Last week, I returned to the radio station after a dinner break to find my co-worker Alison lying on the floor of the on-air room, listening to some very loud but soothing music. She informed me that it was “Weightless” by Marconi Union, and it was scientifically proven to be the most relaxing music in existence. What do you think?:

Anyways, today I heard a version of the Devotchka song “How It Ends” by Mychael Danna (he calls it, “The Winner Is” and both versions are featured on the soundtrack for Little Miss Sunshine). The beauty in this piece of music is undeniable. As I listened, I stopped what I was doing, my mind slowed down, I contemplated life and I was nearly moved to tears. It’s amazing to be reminded of the power of music – whether it’s scientific evidence or a feeling that grows inside.

Original Devotchka track:

Instrumental Mychael Danna version:

Devotchka
Mychael Danna

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03.12.2013 · 5:13 pm

mvyradio’s Local Music Cafe

Tonight I’m filling in for Alison Hammond on the Local Music Cafe. You can hear the show from 9-10pm at mvyradio.com. If you use iTunes, you can click on “radio” and choose “eclectic” to find mvyradio.

Here are a few of the artists I’ll feature on tonight’s show:

Tall Heights are one of my favorite up and coming Boston-based acts. Think Kings Of Convenience or Bon Iver…


Kenny Roby used to be the frontman of the Raleigh, NC-based band 6 String Drag…a band that was signed and produced by Steve Earle. Now Roby is solo and his sound is really something special. For fans of Rufus Wainwright, Jens Lekman and Devendra Banhart.

The album art from NYC trio Guards really caught my eye so I threw their CD in the player and I was delighted with their pop-infused single “Ready To Go”…


LOCAL MUSIC CAFE archives
mvyradio.com

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03.11.2013 · 11:00 pm

VIDEO: Passion Pit

“Carried Away”

I haven’t been this entertained by a music video in a really long time. First off, the pacing and vibrant visuals on this video really match the catchy, sing -along vibe of the song. It’s tough to effectively tell a story with a music video without taking too much attention from the song, but this strikes a perfect balance in that sense.

For me, what’s even more striking about this video is the simple story that it tells through clever camera tricks and flashy special effects. The story is one that we can all relate to -  the trials and tribulations of a relationship. I think my favorite part might be 1:05 into the video when the girl turns her back on the guy in bed – and he falls into the fiery chasm that opens between them!

Passion Pit

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03.08.2013 · 7:48 pm

SONG: Postal Service

“A Tattered Line Of String”

If you’re familiar with The Postal Service, you might like to pick up the 10th anniversary deluxe re-issue of Give Up, out April 9th. Some previously unreleased songs will be on the re-issue, including this track:

The Postal Service will be touring this summer too, including a date in Boston at The Bank Of America Pavilion on June 12th!

The Postal Service

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03.06.2013 · 9:14 pm

VIDEO: David Bowie

“The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”

David Bowie is back and certainly as weird as ever! This creepy music video has stuck with me since I first watched it. Gotta hand it to Bowie, it’s a great concept…here he (and director Floria Sigismondi) reverses the roles of famous people and those who are obsessed with them, highlighting how absurd it all can get. Tilda Swinton is a perfect co-star for Bowie, and overall the video is the perfect mix of unsettling and thought-provoking:

David Bowie

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