Root Down in the Shadow

One of my favorite series here @ Root Down in the Shadow by McGurkMusic is the Cover Song of the Week I featured the Civil Wars last week with their tour favorite Billie Jean . I ordinarily would not repeat the same band the following week, but when putting my 3 year old to bed tonight with The Decemberists , she asked if the could listen to the Civil Wars when it was done?. So really, Molly is requesting these guys, so don't be behind the 3 year old when being in the know of some great music! Between the Bars covered by The Civil Wars I'm a little partial to the version by Paste Magazine . The act actually playing on the Quad Stage bled into the audio recording, however I love watching Joy Williams float along with the recording. The original was featured on the Good Will Hunting Original Soundtrack. The late Elliott Smith made some really beautiful music, so it is only fitting that a talented band such as the Civil Wars has selected his song!

Cool Web Gem: Foster the People @ NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Set List: :"Houdini",current single "Helena Beat" & mega hit "Pumped Up Kicks". I dig this set as it is really a stripped down version of the band. You see it raw and personal. I can appreciate the album more, as I now hear his voice more than I ever did in the heavily produced super fun Torches . Oh, and for those of you wondering "What??" when you hear 'Pumped Up Kicks' Such a great song, but is he for guns and violence? Here's your answers   Fast Fact: Pearl Jam Ten Club memberships have changed .. It used to be that membership was $20 a year, and if the band got around to it, you would get the newsletter and holiday vinyl.  The band has come to terms that some fans are just not into vinyl, but also that we do so much in a digital world. Now you have the choice of Digital or Analog.  Digiital is the same old membership, but no longer getting t

One of my favorite series here @ Root Down in the Shadow by McGurkMusic is the Cover Song of the Week When a band can take a killer original and re-capture it in their own style, it is true magic. Michael Jackson songs are a good target as they are so catchy, but they can be difficult to do.     Chris Cornell years back pulled off a great cover of 'Billie Jean' and I had considered the song maxed out. However,  the Civil Wars , breathed new life into this now 30 year old song with style and passion that only they could. This song has been covered by the Civil Wars in the past, but this most recent occurrence is just fabulous! the Civil Wars covering 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson on Later with Jools Holland The Civil Wars recently had been opening for Adele abroad, and are back touring the United States.  Be sure to get tickets now , as shows are selling out quickly!

Part of the ongoing series of 'Molly Songs': a weekly look featuring songs that our children will love, but more importantly parents can enjoy as well. Molly's musical experiences lately have been vast.  She's been totally into the  Tangled  soundtrack after a visit to Florida this summer, hanging out with Ella & Liam.  She defiantly ignores the correct lyrics when signing the songs, but loves to sing them.  At this point, they are her second most frequently sung songs being  K'Naan 's  'Wavin Flag'. She loves Foster the People, but also argues with me over which songs are theirs.  It's as if they can only sing one song?  Also, in her bedroom cd player right now is a rotation of  ROME  from  Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi ,  the Civil Wars , and  Annie Lynch & The Beekeepers . Her favorite video lately has been Mary,Mary by  Jocie Adams. the Newest  Molly Song of the Week , would be  Thao & Mirah 's 'Eleven'.  That s

I had a blast doing the precursor to this post Free Music 2010 Best of . It was a load of fun finding out more of these bands and getting to share it. I absolutely fell for Buke & Gass, the #1 from 2010, and I'm really hoping to find some gems for 2011 worth checking out their albums. Keep an eye out for these posts, anything under the Free category above or the Tools to Enjoy Music category. I will keep trying to profile all the awesome places to get new and free music available for the masses; that is, if we all know where to look! 1. Those Dancing Days 'Fuckarias from Daydreams & Nightmares : I downloaded with a CMJ March 2011 sampler. It is still free from the band's website. 'Fuckarias' from Those Dancing Days on Daydreams & Nightmares Check out their whole album on their site Thanks to alaniaegon who posted on YouTube an explanation of the song title: "'Fuckarias' pronounced in Swedish sounds somewhat like “fooh-kah-R

If I didn't have that old, job, family & responsibility thing. I'd be down in Austin this weekend for the South by SouthWest festival.  But since I do, I'll settle for a free sampler.   Follow this link to download this for your self at iTunes. EDITOR NOTE: THE OFFER HAS SINCE EXPIRED!! Enjoy!