If you’re happy and you know it…
John Vanderslice: Dagger Beach
Sometimes it seems like the Kickstarter thing is getting a little out of control, but if the DIY fundraising can help produce an album like John Vanderslice’s newest, I guess I can live with it. Written on the heels of his wife leaving him, Dagger Beach is surprisingly upbeat in its weird, magical way. Vanderslice is one of those acquired-taste types of songwriting genius and repeated listens of this one, possibly his most experimental album, with its nonlinear pieces, gorgeous instrumentation and odd little instrumental “interludes” pay themselves back with interest.
Spotify: John Vanderslice – Dagger Beach
MOG: https://mog.com/m#album/84862779
Rhapsody: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/john-vanderslice/album/dagger-beach
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00D4318BA
Brass Bed: The Secret Will Keep You
Hey, sometimes all you need is a great set of pop songs from a great rock band. As a counterpoint to the wonderful John Vanderslice CD, I offer you Brass Bed and their nothing-fancy-thank-you-very-much new album. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, they play a hard-meets-soft, happy-meets-dark brand of straight-up rock and roll that reminds me a little bit of a RecommNed favorite, Zeus. Great tracks up and down and plenty to sing along to, pop this one into your summer playlist.
Spotify: Brass Bed – The Secret Will Keep You
MOG: https://mog.com/m#album/81606155
Rhapsody: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-brass-bed/album/the-secret-will-keep-you
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00BQEGFAS
