Here’s another Stellar track from Paula Frazer and Tarnation. I don’t know of another artist who brings such a fresh take on American country roots music, making a contemporary sound while quoting freely from any period or region of their choosing. Singer Frazer also happens to be a superb lyricist, a modern urban poet with old school songwriting chops, making them a potent creative force. I recently posted “Sleeping Dreams”, also from this  record, which has this Superfan’s highest recommendation. “Now It’s Time” is the first full length from this beloved San Francisco band in a decade, and it is a major, beautiful work. Enjoy.

Paula Frazer and Tarnation
“Bitter Rose” (mp3)
from “Now It’s Time”
(Birdman Records)

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This song is oober moving.  Simple.  Sometimes less is more. This sounds like something you’d hear at a good open mic.  You know.  That girl who walks onstage in a long dress and seems quite shy.  Maybe too shy to introduce herself… and all of a sudden she’s got a killer voice, and a great story to tell. If you’re wondering where the gr8 contemporary Americana is hiding, here it is. From their new album on Birdman Records, San Francisco’s Paula Frazer and Tarnation, with their shimmering, breathtaking, and redemptive original, “Sleeping Dreams.”

Paula Frazer and Tarnation
“Sleeping Dreams” (mp3)
from “Now It’s Time”
(Birdman Records)

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“American Spiritual” is the perfect name for this record. It’s a right swamp boogyin’ guitar twangin’ snake handlin’ freakout. And fun! Dirty Sweet from San Diego, CA conjures an original sound that draws hungrily from American musics North, South, East and West. On this tale of madness and impending fate, lead singer Ryan Koontz’ powerful tenor sails over a deliciously apocalyptic musical gumbo. Very tight band, gr8 singer, and they rock live. We’ve been warned.

Dirty Sweet
“You’ve Been Warned” (mp3)
from “American Spiritual”
(Acetate Records)

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Though created by a one man band, this lovely track by The Singleman Affair sounds every bit like a classic small band recording. Over a sexy, lazy swinging beat, laden with warm acoustic guitar and analog keyboard licks, singer-songwriter Dan Schneider weaves a tale of a good goodbye. Seeing Tim Buckley, Skip Spence and Nick Drake listed among his influences on myspace, I was curious, to say the least. I’m happy to report the mp3s there do not disappoint next to those considerable names. It’s all gr8 stuff, with haunting, beautiful vocals and relaxed, elegant accompaniment. Plus, the lyrics are sublime.

The Singleman Affair
“Good Goodbye” (mp3)
from “Racehorse – EP”
(Cardboard Sangria Records)

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I want sunshine in a shot glass. Who wouldn’t, really? Instant liquid photosynthesis and a natural tan? I’m for it. Today’s pick is a country-fried, slide  git-tar on fire lament that could only ever have been made in middle America. Fans of Cracker, Old 97s, Drive By Truckers, Social Distortion and even Soul Asylum will drink down 500 Miles To Memphis hungrily without any concern for the consequences. Morning? What morning? Nihilistic, self flagellating country doom rock at its very best.

500 Miles To Memphis
“Sunshine In a Shot Glass” (mp3)
from “Sunshine In A Shot Glass”
(Deep Elm)

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You know, as an mp3 blogger, I’m not really a critic, because I only ever talk about music here that I really, really like, and not music I don’t like. That’s my thing. And while I try to discuss intelligently whenever I can, the gems I find, sometimes, I must confess, I am left without words. This live recording of Ivory Joe Hunter singing “I Almost Lost My Mind,” at The Grand Ole Opry is so good, that I will have to sit out, and let it speak for itself. Enjoy.

Ivory Joe Hunter
“I Almost Lost My Mind” (mp3)
from “Live At The Grand Ole Opry”
(LocoBop)

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