Root Down in the Shadow

Finally, the 2013 XPoNential Festival is here! Arguably the best weekend of live music Philly has to offer, you need to be prepared. Rather than the typical blog post where one source tells you who to like for an upcoming fest, we at Root Down in the Shadow are going to take a different approach to giving you a listening guide to the artists at the upcoming fest.  I've asked my contributors and some of the festival artists for their views on who to see. Here's the results:  Aaron Brown of Aaron & the Spell (Wiggins Park- Friday 5:30)   Another band i'd like to see on the day I play : I'm actually pretty excited to see Michael Kiwanuka .  It's not because, he plays right after [Aaron & The Spell].  I saw him when he played at the Trocadero in the winter and I enjoyed the show.  I've been listening to Home Again , and really dig the title track Another band i'd like to see on Saturday or Sunday :  Wilco ! They play on Sunday and are on

Today's post is the first READER EDITION 2012 Album of the year list! I may have started this blog to share my music finds, but it was never intended to be just my views. Anytime I catch up with a music friend, the first question is "Whatcha listening to these days?" Likewise, while putting together my year end lists, I asked a few of my music enthusiast friends to contribute their lists as well! The first post is from James Ferris, a Pittsbugrh local, college friend, and one of the few people I know with a music collection that puts mine to shame.  He likes The Weedrags, Leadbelly, and Kid Rock. READER EDITION 2012 Album of the year list - JAMES FERRIS EDITION! 1 – 3. The Weeknd , “ Trilogy” The Weeknd emerged into the world so fully realized, so self-aware, it’s hard to believe that Abel Tesfaye was only 21 when he simultaneously released three albums last year, each one a fully formed, unique piece of music. Tesfaye’s delicately balanced falsetto summon