6/28/12- Fang Island- Sisterly

I have had this song on replay for the past 2 days. I am really looking forward to these guys next album, Major. If it is anything like their last then it is going to be amazing.

6/27/12- Duane Eddy- Rebel Rouser

Country rock twang!

6/26/12- Talk Talk- Talk Talk

If you can wipe away what you see in this video the track is actually pretty awesome. You have some heavy synth 4 on the floor synth drums supported by a tasty slap bass line and swirling keyboards on top- all the makings of a solid 80's tune. On the other hand this video also shares all the makings of a outstanding 80's music video- over the top performances, geometric screen cuts, futuristic sets, and hazy  soft lighting. Combine the two and Talk Talk have accomplished something classic.

6/25/12- The Byrds- You Ain't Going Nowhere

A stellar cover of a Dylan tune by a Byrds group, who was at this point very much lead by Gram Parsons' country music influences.

6/22/12- The Beatles- Birthday

It's a big day for Lawrence, KS- specifically for one of the hallmarks of the city. Historic Liberty Hall is celebrating its 100th year! This amazing building has a seen a lot in its time... including (in a very small way) our wedding last year! Liberty Hall's walls have been home to everything from theatrical productions, films, comedy, political speaches, a wide range of musical acts, and even KU NCAA tourney watch parties. Check out this link to learn more about its history. Thank you to Liberty Hall for being a big part of why Lawrence KS  rocks so hard! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

6/21/12- Royal Thunder- Whispering World

There are some killer metal groups coming from Georgia- Baroness, Mastodon, Sevendust, and now Royal Thunder. Maybe it's the heat and humidity that makes this music so thick and sludgy.

6/20/12- Darondo- Lucious Lady

Did a little digging for this one- thank you Spotify for suggesting William Pulliam aka "Darondo". This guy's background is crazy- According to Wikipedia Durando is, "little known by anyone except serious enthusiasts of his genre...The mythology surrounding (him) is that he was a pimp. Darondo recorded three singles and played four shows in the '70s, and then stopped and drove home in his Rolls Royce after he opened for James Brown. Later he traveled the world collecting interesting artifacts, became king of Bay Area cable with three shows per day, and worked as a physical therapist coaxing patients to walk again". Whatever the case, this song is seriously funky. Enjoy.

6/19/12- Boyoyo Boys- Tsotsi

Like Paul Simon's Graceland? He surely deserves a lot of credit for that amazing album, but much of it would not be possible without the musicians whose sampled playing makes up most of the instrumentation and for the direct influences from South African music that gave the tunes the feeling they have. One such group of inspiration are the Boyoyo Boys. Take a listen and give thanks because without them there would be no Graceland.

6/14/12- Pickwick- Hacienda Motel

A bunch of 20 something white guys playing soul music doesn't sound quite right, but that is exactly what Pickwick is. I stumbled upon this young Seattle group trying to find an artist/group that I had not heard of and was pleasantly surprised. In a day where lo-fi rock and electronic infused tunes seem to sift to the top of music trend setters top rated lists, these guys are hitting on something that needs to praised more often- the revitalization of soul, funk, and 50's/60's R&B. I will definitely be following this group's progress.

6/13/12- Jimmy Sutton's Four Charms- Up Jumped The Devil

Enjoy this summertime tune.
  

6/11/12- Misfits- I Turned Into A Martian

Sometimes you only need 1:42 to get your point across. This song is pure adrenaline. Play loud.

6/8/12- Everything Everything- Schoolin'

Im a sucker for intimate sessions with musicians, and this Mahogany Session thing is just that. I can't believe  I didn't come across it sooner. Anyways after spending a little time watching a few sessions by some groups I know and others I don't, I decided to post this group as today's TOTD. Never heard of them before but this English group has a pretty unique approach to their music- equal parts rock, pop, jazz, electronic- a little akin to TV on the Radio. Im diggin. Make sure to check out more sessions here.

6/7/12- Danny Barnes- Get It While You Can

Barnes is a super talented banjo player that is just as innovative and talented as the better known Bela Fleck. This guy has a load of personality and is definitely worth getting in to- especially his best known project the Bad Livers and his new project Split Livers- a duo between Barnes and Wayne Gottstine who plays mandolin in Split Lip Rayfield (another group to check out). Even if you don't like the banjo or americana music, you have to admire the musicianship. Enjoy.

6/6/12- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- I Don't Want To Pray

A tip of the cap to my buddy Garret for turning me on to these guys (or should I say re-turning me on). I had known them before for their popular tune "Home" but wrote them off for not having a lot of depth beyond a good pop alt-rock tune- probably because it was all over radio and television. This is often one of my shortcomings- not digging deeper with certain groups. After this past weekend and hearing this song, I did that digging and yes, this group is super solid. If you are like me and wrote them off, give them another listen...the new album "Here" is pretty fantastic.

6/5/12- The Lumineers- Ho Hey

After a short hiatus from TOTD to celebrate the marriage of two great friends Alex and Rachel, I want to get back in to the fold with this amazing tune that celebrates love- something we need to do more often. A tip of the hat goes to my buddy Pat Mcginn for turning me on to this group. Killer new find...next stop will be another good find from the weekend.