It is a VERY exciting day for new music. I spent just about my entire month’s CD budget on music today.  Hugh Laurie has a CD coming out today. Yeah, that guy from House can sing! He’s playing a show at The Mint September 30^th. Lindsey Buckingham also has new music and who doesn’t love this Fleetwood Mac troubadour?!? Also, True Blood and music fans alike should rejoice in the release of the TV show’s soundtrack: volume 3.

However, I will be filling my shopping basket with some of my favorite, perhaps lesser known artists who have discs coming out today…so while you’re busy music shopping, I have a few recommendations. Check them out!

 

Joe Firstman – Swear It Was A Dream 

Joe Firstman has been one of my favorites for years now. He has a new album out today…this is cause for celebration! Upon quick listen, Swear It Was a Dream seems to reflect Joe’s more country roots…slide guitars, mandolins, and violins are plentiful. So far tracks I’m lovin’ include the more piano-driven opener, “Take the Rain,” “Who’s Turnin’ Your Light Out,” and “Standin’ on the Porch.”

Steam the album here: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds#/11
Buy Swear It Was a Dream on Itunes

But as all Joe fans know, where the man really shines is in his live performance. Joe is once again on the road, but he’s touring with a new group, The Cordovas. I had the extreme pleasure of seeing The Cordovas this past Saturday at The Hotel Cafe and I was blown away. Joe rockin’ out on the guitar and singing harmoniously alongside Jaron Lowenstein (remember Evan and Jaron?). They do a killer version of Joe’s “Standing on The Porch” a breathtaking song in acapella, and a closing song so much fun, I’d dare you not to smile.

To see when The Cordovas are coming to a town near you: http://thecordovas.com/

 

Aunt Martha– Norway, ME

I fell in love with Aunt Martha at Bonnaroo this past June. I am a big fan of their EP, Bloodshot, and am very excited about this full length effort.  You can download this album for FREE at their website.

Here’s a video for “Starter” off the new record:

 

Moderne Man– Moderne Man   

Do you remember the band, Until June? No? Well, they were one of my favorite bands in Los Angeles for a while. They aren’t really playing any more, but a couple of their members have a new group called Moderne Man. I keep meaning to get out to one of their shows, but it hasn’t happened. However, their self-titled debut album comes out today and I fully intend on checking it out.

buy Moderne Man on Itunes

 

Jon McLaughlin– Forever If Ever 

I have been a fan of Jon McLaughlin since Indiana found my ears sometime in 2007. I was excited to see he had a new CD coming out, his first since 2008’s Ok Now. If Forever If Ever is anything like its predecessors, I know I’m going to like it. If you’re a fan of singer-songwriters who enjoy rocking it up a bit on the piano, I’m sure you’ll like it too!

You can listen to clips of the new songs on Jon’s website, but here is the first single off Forever If Ever:

buy the album on itunes or amazon

 

The Horrible Crowes– Elsie 

Listen to the track, “Behold the Hurricane” on The Horrible Crowes’ website and you might think it sounds a tad familiar. That would be the voice of Brian Fallon, better known as the frontman of Gaslight Anthem.  Fallon has teamed up with his Gaslight Anthem guitar tech Ian Perkins for this new side project and their CD, Elise, comes out today!  Seeing that they already have over 10,000 facebook likes and a European Tour booked before their CD is even released, I’d go ahead and say it is probably worth checking out. You can listen to the CD in its entirety on the Rolling Stone website: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-album-stream-horrible-crowes-cinematic-debut-elsie-20110901

Check them out in LA next Weds (Sept. 14^th) at The Troubadour or if you’re in New York City they play Bowery Ballroom this Thursday (Sept. 8^th).

Buy Elise on itunes or amazon 

 

Happy Listening!

~ Kristen