Quote Originally Posted by Mike
So what you been listening to??

Cheers
Mike
Pretty good week for me:

Elf Power, Walking With The Beggar Boys- Took a chnace on this one. Never heard of 'em, but apparently they've been around a while. Good indie-pop, but may be a bit too far to the pop side of that equation for a long-term treasure for me. Vic Chesnutt sings harmony one tune, so it couldn't be a bad thing, IMO.

Loretta Lynn, Van Lear Rose- OK, so I succumbed to the hype surrounding this one and bought it. Verdict- absolutely wonderful. I really am unfamiliar with Jack White and his Stripes, but gained a lot of respect for him based on what is going on with this cd.

Magnetic Fields, i- I think I read somewhere that Merritt socred a couple of movies in the interim since 69 Love songs. This one sounds like he forgot he wasn't still writing movie songs. Glossy toons, a couple are almost embarrassing to listen to, IMO. Not a favorite of mine, but okay.


Devendra Banhart, Rejoicing In The Hands- Yes, it is that good and more. My favorite 2004 release to date. Strange, innocent folky songs that don't necessarily sound like they're from another time so much as from another dimension. Banhart's highly mannered vocal style may be an acquired taste for some. Somewhere down the road of a hybrid Nick Drake/trippy-era Donovan with an occasional dash of Tiny Tim. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Still heavily rotating Damien Rice, Jolie Holland, Mountain Goats. And a bunch of vinyl on the wk-end.