Staff Infection: Avett Brothers

For my first stab at Staff Infection, I think I should let you know about the various ways I listen to music on a daily, if not weekly basis. This may explain why my lists aren't always going to be cohesive or may seem randomly chaotic. Well, that's because, I'd say in an average week I listen to '60s & '70s vinyl albums 30%, my iPod on shuffle with new and older music 40%, Top 40 radio, %10 (I'm a pop-culture junkie who needs to know what's hot for the masses, and well, I have a problem: I'm a little addicted to tween pop), and brand new mp3s on the Internet, 20%. Actually it's more like 39%...... that adds up to more than 100% of music-listening percentage, but hey, that's what we do here.

That being said, we all know that The Rolling Stones recently released the documentary Stones in Exile and reissued their infamous (and my favorite) album Exile on Main St. I know, I know, Mick Jagger recorded some new vocals, but it's not the end of the world because we are also given some great outtakes. Thanks to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon for showing the documentary, btw. After listening to a lot of Stones lately, I went back and fell in love with The Avett Brothers all over again. Oh, and some folks I know recently put out albums and I finally got a chance to hear them. Only one of these songs made me cry this week.

The Rolling Stones, "Loving Cup (Alternate Version)" from Exile on Main St. (Reissue)

The Avett Brothers, "January Wedding" from I and You and Love

Graham Nash, "Sleep Song" from Songs for Beginners

Matt Pond PA, "Specks" from The Dark Leaves

K-Os "Tom Sawyer," from Live show at The Gramercy Theatre (a good friend plays guitar on this Rush smash-up. I heard them play it live, opening for big-time rapper Drake and it ruled.)

LCD Soundsystem, "Dance Yrself Clean" from This Is Happening


Every week a different Green Light Go staff member will write about what bands have infected their ears for the week and give you an opportunity to hear it for yourself.

This week: Shannon McCarthy, Green Light Go Writer/Blogger-in-Chief Click Here to Read More..

Call It Folk - The Dutchess and The Duke, Gwyneth & Monko

Thanks to the upcoming national release (July 20) of Good Old Horse from our favorite folk duo Gwyneth & Monko, we stumbled upon the blog Call It Folk - A Home for Good Songs and Ballads. And golly, do they follow through with indie and brand-spanking new bands that dip their toes into traditional mixed with contemporary folk pop. Featuring groups like Band of Horses, The Dutchess and The Duke to complete unknowns, a great feature of this site is that at the end of each "review" or feature of said band, they offer you a list of other artists you may be interested in after reading about said band.

An early review of Good Old Horse by Call it Folk had only great things to say about the beautiful duo.



"Their songs are all good, but they are varied, from lone and sparse ballads like "Pine Box Sailor," to more upbeat songs with full arrangements. Being a sucker for traditional-style storytelling, and vocal harmonies, I found myself weak at the knees listening for the first time to the lovely song "Pine Box Sailor." It's awash with imagery and longing, driven by it's waltz-like tempo and folksy, universal melody. Gwyneth's vocals and lyrics combine wonderfully in this sad lament. This song is from her solo album, but the killer harmony vocals are from Michael Monko. "Lexington Ballad" in the standout from the new EP. Great vocals from Moreland, with stellar mandolin lines from Monko. This is very good songwriting from a duo with lots of talent, and, we hope, at least a few more albums to come." Click Here to Read More..

Leopold & His Fiction wake up sleepy SXSW showcase

After a busy schedule at SXSW, Leopold & His Fiction are still making an impression on new fans. The Austin Chronicle's Chase Hoffberger attended the Hella Hipster Hoedown showcase at Hoek's Death Metal Pizza in Austin last week. Though he felt much of the show was a bit of a snooze, he woke up happily when Leopold & His Fiction took the stage.

"Fortunately, there was San Francisco trio Leopold & His Fiction and their rip-roaring set of country-soul post-punk," wrote Hoffberger. "With bassist Micayla Grace stomping in rhythm to drummer Jon Sortland's barnstorming fills, guitarist Daniel James dialed up choogaloo on 2008 title track "Ain't No Surprise" with style coming straight out of the 1970s." Click Here to Read More..