Photographed by Paul Clarke

I’ve been watching the “Bottled Up Tight” music video for weeks, patiently waiting for Luke Sital-Singh‘s new EP release. This kid, and this voice. London, what’s in your water?

His EP Old Flint came out this morning, and I had it download before 8:00 A.M. This will wake you up and break your heart and you’ll want to feel it again over and over…if you’re anything like me. There’s nothing about him that needs selling, I want to talk less and you to listen more…so get to it. I dare you to listen to it a couple times and not sing at the top of your lungs with him towards the end of minute two.

Stream: “Bottled Up Tight”

01 Bottled Up Tight

Listen to Old Flint now.
iTunes | Spotify

Make sure to also dig into his first EP, Fail For You.

I tried hard to figure out who photographed this and was not successful…

If you haven’t read yesterdays post, please do. That’ll explain why today, you’re hearing a musician from Bristol, England.

Get used to it, Englad is killing it right now (but were they ever not?)

I’ve fallen in love with a lot of people via The Mahogony Sessions, which was introduced to me by one of you wonderful readers! And you, George Ezra, you…I’ve fallen in love with (just musically…okay, Mark?). The gravely voice from this kid is unreal. Talk about a voice beyond his years…of 17!

“Over the Creek” is my favorite, though everything I’ve found so far has been perfect. This one though, it’s so raw…so honest…so heartbreaking in the best way. This is the one I want you to hear first.

And then this one, too, because me thinks you’ll want more.

Stream: “It’s Just My Skin”

George Ezra – It’s Just My Skin

Download for free here.

I can’t even begin to imagine what his album will do to me.

Photo via Dallas Gilliam

If you love Rihanna, like I very much do, then she may have been your introduction to Mikky Ekko. Their song “Stay” from her recent album Unapologetic, is so solid…and all over the radio. Their performance of it at The Grammy’s was one of the stand outs for me – simple and beautiful.

Though “Stay” was Mikky’s first-charting material, he’s not new to the scene…just new to me. Born John Stephen Sudduth in Shreveport, Louisiana, the singer/songwriter and record producer has settled in Nashville and is signed to RCA Records.

His recently released EP Tracks has got it all for me, and “Pull Me Down” is perfect. Seductive songwriting with a sick beat? Done. I love the original track, but if you know me at all, you know I’m a remix lover to the core, and the Ryan Hemsworth Remix of “Pull Me Down” takes this already incredible track to another level. You should’ve seen the way I bounced around at 47 seconds when that beats kicks in for the first time. Good Lord, I love it so much!

Stream: “Pull Me Down (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)”

03 Pull Me Down (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)

And now, go listen to the original. SOSEXY.
Buy Tracks on iTunes.

Photographed by Jamie Clayton

They are no strangers here, so I’m keeping this short and sweet.

You’ve seen Drew. You’ve seen Ellie (and again). You’ve seen them together. And now they’re back, because their new album Good Light is out (on iTunes now and in stores tomorrow). We are so proud of these guys for dominating iTunes, and putting out yet another beautiful piece of art. The album has so many highlights for me, but “A Place To Lay My Head” is my favorite track, showcasing so much of what I love about their music.

Stream: “A Place To Lay My Head”

1-08 A Place To Lay My Head

Let’s let Drew take it from here…

Where did you record Good Light:
We went to Ardent Studios, in my hometown of Memphis. It’s a very historic studio, everyone from Bob Dylan to ZZ Top to The White Stripes has worked there. I always wanted to go home make a record in the historic Studio A room.

Drew’s favorite track:
“Tennessee”

Ellie’s favorite track:
“The Wine We Drink”

Describe Good Light in 5 words or less:
Place. Heart. Longing. Woman. Shadow.

How does this album differ from your previous:
I wrote all the songs alone, except for some writing with Ellie and Nathan. But no outside voices this time around. I wanted to see what I had to say, or needed to say, without letting other voices, both musically and lyrically, tell me where to go. We also recorded in a much simpler, straightforward fashion. No “wall of sound” with guitars and strings, just basic parts. We wanted it to sound more like what we sound like when we play live.

______

Buy Good Light on iTunes.
Make sure to check out their tour, which is about to swing back south!

Photographed by Paige Newton

Yes, I’ve shared Penny and Sparrow once before (here), but a few minutes into Tenboom and I wanted the entire world to know about this album. I sent them a little love during their Kickstarter campaign, so I received the album early and felt like I was sitting on a mountain of gold, waiting for everyone else to start digging in. But now, you can dig, too.

What I want to say about this album has already been said in an email to Kyle and Andy, so I found it most fitting to simply tell you what I told them:

I’ve been trying to figure out what to say since my first listen – about two minutes after I received the email last night. Sitting on my computer, editing photos, rain hitting the window outside. My heart was in the right place to take in beauty – I was already overwhelmed listening to Peter Bradley Adams “Bring You Home,” on it’s second repeat in a row. And then my inbox dinged, and my heart dropped. I have been anticipating this album since the EP – three songs not being close to enough of the beauty I knew could be created. My expectations were so high – probably unfairly high. After all, you’re only men, right? It’s just music…

But we know it’s not. It’s more. And somehow, what I didn’t think possible has become so – you exceeded my expectations. You may have seen my tweet: that only 2 minutes into the album, I lost it. Jesus, singing to me through Andy. “Come and look for me – I’m sorry but it’s like that sometimes. I hate to make you bleed – unless it leads you limping homeward….Come back to my house – I’ll give what they can’t offer. It’s just blood on the couch – we’ll clean it up together.” I’m not sure which of you wrote this – but this is without a doubt one of the most hauntingly beautiful lyrics I have ever heard. Ever. Maybe it’s Advent, maybe it’s the tragedy our heavy hearts are holding in this country. Maybe it’s just Jesus in His overwhelming beauty – but I can’t get enough of this one. 

And then the album goes – beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, stopped in my tracks. Turns out you can write one helluva sexy song. I, who have an entire playlist called Go Sexy, am a harsh judge. “Duet” is unreal. The tone, the lyrics, the truth. This song is marriage. It’s the first one I played for Mark, and he said before listening to any other song on the album yet that this is his favorite. It’s pretty unreal, boys. 

I could go on. I could write about how “Bones” is the second song that makes my eyes well up the most. I could do this for every song – and maybe you wish I would. But I’m lacking words, I really don’t know else to say. I haven’t stopped listening to it since I downloaded it, and it has a way of becoming more and more beautiful. 

Thank you, thank you for this album. 

Stream: “Just and Just As”

Just And Just As

Stream: “Duet”

Duet

______

What was your experience with the Kickstarter campaign like:
Kyle: It was so great – we went back in forth about using it, but decided that it would be a good chance to involve others in our adventure. Tons of generous people donated and we are so thankful for it. The site is crazy easy to use also. We’re still in the process of redeeming people’s rewards (including yours!)

Describe the new album in five words or less:
Kyle: Very pretty and soulful folk.
Andy: Music I would wanna hear.

What is “Tenboom?” I guess from Corrie Ten Boom? I’ve been intrigued since I heard the title announced.
Kyle: You nailed it. It’s named after Corrie Ten Boom – we love her story and we love her name. Both beautiful.

(If you can pick) what’s your favorite song on Tenboom:
Kyle: Currently it’s “A Woman Caught.” It’s my favorite song to play live right now. It switches all the time though.
Andy: Mine is still “Duet.” My favorite musical moment in the album is that stand-up bass solo in the middle of the song…

Anything else you want people to know about your music, or this album:
Kyle: Somebody told us to write music we would wanna listen to….and so we did!!

______

Listen to Tenboom here.
And then buy it.

   “Well, I would greatly like to oblige, Mr. Collins, but I cannot make this reindeer fly…He only flies on Christmas Eve.” – Kris Kringle

1. JD McPherson – “Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights)”
Twinkle
… single on iTunes. Talk about a new jump-jivin’ sing along. I listened to this three times in a row when I first heard it – it’s just so dang catchy. Thank you, JD.

2. The Dirty Guv’nahs – “Christmas Must Be Tonight”
Christmas Must Be Tonight
… get it for free here. It’s The Dirty Guv’nahs. If you know, you know. If you don’t…then know now.

3. Seabird – “Angels We Have Heard on High”
01 Angels We Have Heard On High
… on Over the Hill and Everywhere (iTunes). My collection of versions of this song has grown quite a bit this year. I’ve got a favorite version to play at full volume (Annie Lennox – “Angels from the Realms of Glory”). Glo-o-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-o-O-ri-a. I’ve got a favorite folk version (by Folk Angel, perfect enough). But this one takes the cake for an unexpected rendition that is perfect in its own way. Still shouting “Gloria,” but while tapping and stomping and head bobbing. You killed it, Seabird.

4. The Eastern Sea – This is Christmas
01 This Is Christmas
… on First Christmas (iTunes). You can download this track for free on Soundcloud. I love this rhythm so much. I love the vibe. I love the lyrics. I love it all. And at 2:12, when it takes it up a notch, by heart jumps. Every time.

5.  fun. – “Sleigh Ride”
sleighride
… on Holidays Rule (iTunes). The back of our Christmas card this year said “Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.” This season, this has been the song stuck in my head the most. That line…over and over. This new version by fun is…well…fun.

Subscribe to Go Christmas on Spotify for Merry Music Madness.

 “Blast this Christmas music. It’s joyful and triumphant.” – The Grinch

1. Stream: Over the Rhine – “Darlin’ (Christmas is Coming)”
02_darlin_christmas_is_coming
… on Snow Angels (free on NoiseTrade), Over the Rhine‘s second full length Christmas album. This vibe just makes me so happy.

2. Stream: The Ones and Nines – “Merry Christmas Baby”
06 Merry Christmas Baby
… on Mint 400 Records Presents a Very Merry Christmas Compilation (iTunes). The Ones and Nines bring some rhythm and blues to the Otis Redding/Charles Brown classic.

3. Stream: Marcia Ball – “Christmas Fais Do Do”
10 Christmas Fais Do Do
… on Alligator Records’ Genuine Houserockin’ Christmas (iTunes). Put a little Cajun in your Christmas. Marcia Ball gets the award my favorite track on the compilation.

4. Stream: Duke of Norfolk – “Lovely Winter”
The Duke of Norfolk – Lovely Winter
… on European Robin (here – track for $.50 here). This song is poetry and was the first Duke of Norfolk song I’d heard. I’m now a fan.

5. Stream: Roman Candle – “It’s Christmas. Go on and say hello.” 
07_its_christmas_go_on_and_say_hello
… get the single for free here. One of the best songs Roman Candle has recorded…in my opinion.

Subscribe to Go Christmas on Spotify for more Merry Music.

 “Christmas is awesome. First of all you get to spend time with people you love. Secondly, you can get drunk and no one can say anything. Third, you give presents. What’s better than giving presents? And fourth, getting presents. So, four things. Not bad for one day. It’s really the greatest day of all time.” – Michael Scott

1. Stream: Andrew Belle – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
01 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
… get the single on iTunes. One of the best Christmas songs, and this version, released last year, became my favorite the first time I heard it. It’s hard to imagine a better version ever being made. When I listened for the first time, I cried. Andrew Belle has turned a song that tugs on my heartstrings into a song that rips them out in only the way beautiful music can. It’s perfect.

2. Stream: Matt Pond PA “Holiday Road”
Holiday Road
… on Winter Songs EP (iTunes). National Lampoon’s Vacation made this song famous, and Matt Pond PA turns this not-really-a-Christmas-song into something that just feels wintery.

3. Stream: Ellery “Going Gone”
02 Going Gone
… on Down, Down, Down: A Holiday EP (iTunes). I love how the lyrics paint a beautiful snow day: “Silver flakes halo our faces…we’re all rose and shine…two tracks wandering home, in a thundering snow…back to the fire and wine.” Ellery‘s Holiday EP was released in 2009 and is an all around solid collection of original and classic tunes. It’s getting heavy rotation.

4. Stream: Brave Combo “Feliz Navidad”
12 Feliz Navidad
… on It’s Christmas, Man! (iTunes). Every Christmas playlist needs a great version of “Feliz Navidad,” and this is my favorite. One of my most unforgettable nights in college was dancing in the Denton square to Brave Combo‘s Christmas concert my senior year. The hometown band always draws a huge crowd and puts on an incredible show, and that night goes down in my Top Ten Dance Floor Dominating Moments.

5. Stream: Matthew Mayfield “It’s Christmastime Again”
It_s Christmastime Again
… on A Rock By the Sea Christmas::Volume 3 (iTunes…but you can get this song for free here). Matthew Mayfield is one of the best singer/songwriters out there. The man is just incredible. Make sure to also snag his EP, Maybe Next Christmas, on iTunes. And then if you haven’t yet…listen to everything else he has ever done.

New Merry Music goodness added err’day to my Spotify playlist, Go Christmas.

“Yes! Yes I do! I like Christmas! I LOVE Christmas!” – Ebenezer Scrooge 

It’s that time of the year again – freakinChristmasmusicallday time! Last year I gave you four volumes of Merry Music Monday: five songs every Monday, and if it didn’t make your life, I’m not sure you have a heart. I’m picking up where I left off. Annnnnnd go!

1. Stream: Green River Ordinance “Silent Night”
01_silent_night
…on both A Green River Ordinance Christmas EP (iTunes) and on The Music Bed‘s Fireplace Songs holiday sampler (free on NoiseTrade). One of the best versions of “Silent Night” I’ve ever heard.

2. Stream: Sugar & The Hi-Lows “Shake That Gift”
02 Shake That Gift
…on Snow Angel (iTunes). Trent Dabbs and Amy Stroup, the duo behind Sugar & The Hi-Lows, turn everything to gold. This is one of my favorites from their six song Christmas EP…probably because it’s a tad scandalous.

3. Stream: Fiction Family “I Don’t Need No Santa Claus”
01_i_dont_need_no_santa_claus
…on Fiction Family’s Holiday EP (free on NoiseTrade). Will Hodge describes this one perfectly as “landing somewhere between a jaunty bluegrass number and a nostalgic classic Christmas song of the 40s and 50s.”

4. Stream: Old 97’s “Here It Is Christmastime”
01 Here It Is Christmas Time
…on iTunes. It’s Old 97’s singing about Christmas. What else is there to say?