Sean Rowe

I honestly don't remember how I first came across Sean Rowe. Maybe myspace? All I know is that every time it's been a while since I've listened to him, and I play a song, and I'm like ohhh yeah, I really really like this guy's music. He's got a really unique, deep & gravely voice, paired with quality songwriting and guitar. For people who like these sorts of comparisons, let's see... maybe you'd get something close to Sean Rowe if you crossed Ray Lamontagne with Martin Sexton and then added some Barry White and some Nina Simone. But even then, he's still his own musician. He now has a youtube I can share with you. I recommend his 2003 album "27." highly. Apparently he's working on a new album now too (yay!)- he's got a couple new tracks posted on his myspace page now. He plays fairly regularly in NYC (he's based in Albany) - I really need to check him out live one of these days soon. Can't believe I haven't already. If anyone's interested, let me know.

Sorry

Sorry it has been so long since I posted... I don't know where the past 2 weeks have gone. I was out of town for part of it, saying goodbye to dear friends/newlyweds, saying welcome to my sister who just moved to NYC and started her first "real" job, visiting with a childhood friend who was in town briefly, and, of course, manically working on my dissertation study.

Since this is a mostly music blog, what has been musically notable (haha that's almost a bad pun) in my life in the past couple weeks?
1. A fun impromptu "DJ Charlie & Me" set late night Sat/Sun. We pulled our gracious little audience back through time via such gems as "Put It In Your Mouth", "Informer", "Push It", "California Love", "It Takes Two" & "Poison" ... we also had some crowd members tragically attempting to replicate the MC Hammer dance, the Kid N Play, NKOTB's Hanging Tough video ... (okay, okay... me included)
2. I have been trying really hard to love the new Kelly Clarkson album, but I would say I like 1/3 of it. (I still love Kelly regardless).
3. I have been effortlessly loving the new Patrick Wolf album, The Magic Position & a lot of the new Spoon album. Patrick Wolf's new album is kind of like Sufjan Stevens meets Tahiti 80, with a heavy spot of New Wave. And I was never a huge Duran Duran/Depeche Mode (the vocals were too melodramatically damp in my ear or something), but I really love this Patrick Wolf album. There are parts that definitely border happy bop bop, so maybe even my dear husband will like it (check out "Get Lost" & the title track). Listen to "The Underdog" and "Finer Feelings" from Spoon's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - you'll want the whole album.

P.S.... Pela

If you don't know Pela, check them out. They're a rock band - their debut album, Anytown Graffiti was just released last month. I like 'em.

Speaking of Awesome Voices: Feist

Feist's new album, The Reminder, was released today. Many many lucky people who get advance copies of albums have already written lots about it. It is indeed a glittering album. Her best work yet.