SXSW

Rather than give you Rhapsody links today, how about pointing your browser to South by Southwest for some downloading goodness? Many, many of the showcase artists have offered mp3's of their music on the site. There is a link to a Bittorrent file, or you can get them individually. Some of my favorites:

(Artist name is pop-up link to their SXSW page, song title is link to mp3 download)

Brandi Carlile - "Throw It All Away"

Melissa Ferrick - "Beijing"

Phil Roy - "Melt"

Jupiter and Teardrop - "Bring Me Down"

the amazing Pilots - "The Price of Winter"

Pitty Sing - "Radio"

Jeff Lang - "The Save"

Husky Rescue - "New Light of Tomorrow"

Amos Lee - "Arms of a Woman"

Of Montreal - "So Begins Our Alabee"

Harvey Danger - "Wine, Women and Song"

Albums of Interest

Since I've been way too distracted to make any playlists of importance lately, how about a couple of albums that I can't do without? Some new, some old. Give it a listen.

Ray Lamontagne - Trouble - I just can't stop listening to this. The song "How Come" sounds remarkably similar to Joe Cocker's "Feelin' Alright," but it's all good. Think Van Morrison. Sit back and enjoy.

The Sundays - Static and Silence - In my view, their best album. "Summertime" was a minor radio hit but the rest of the album stands on its own.

Blue Merle - Burning in the Sun - Say what you will about them being a Coldplay knockoff. Catchy songs that make you feel good.

Summer at Shatter Creek - self-titled - Recommended by a friend. On the same label as Mark Kozelek from Red House Painters.

Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days - Sam Beam's new EP, "Woman King," isn't yet on Rhapsody but this album is fantastic. Hushed and low, you almost have to strain to listen. Great headphones listening. "Love and Some Verses" is a personal favorite.