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New Music Roundup
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We've got a whole bunch of music this week to get your new year started right: rare tracks from indie rock pioneers Modest Mouse, blazin' singles from Chicago's club-rap superstar Kid Sister, a groundbreaking album from minimalist composer Steve Reich, and more!
Alela Diane grew up singing with her musician parents and performing in the school choir. Diane self-released her second album, The Pirate's Gospel, in 2004 and carefully packaged each disc with paper, lace sleeves and hand lettering. As the album caught on, it was re-issued by Portland, Oregon based Holocene Music in October 2006 to critical acclaim from SPIN and The New York Times. With a strong voice and songwriting that extends way beyond her years, there's no question why Alela Diane is a standout in today's indie-folk scene.
The earliest recordings of Modest Mouse, from 1994-1995, were largely shelved and forgotten, even as the band started to gain mainstream success. Then in 2001 they were quietly released by K Records and many fans looked back to this album for insight into the beginnings of this incredible group. As a bonus, the album even includes nine songs from lead singer Isaac Brock's "Dial-A-Song" project, which could originally only be heard by calling his answering machine!
After the wild success of her "Pro Nails" single on Amie Street, we're bringing you Kid Sister's first-ever release: the Control EP. Featuring the singles "Control" and "Damn Girl," as well as instrumentals, acappellas, and a blazin' juke remix, this is just one more reason she's our favorite new MC.
Austin, TX's Kevin Peroni has been recording songs as Wiretree since 2005, and has just sent us his latest release, Bouldin. The blog Austinist calls it "perfect for drives to the lake, first date 'dinner at my house' evenings and chilly fall morning mixtapes for boys and girls that don't know you exist yet." With simple, sweet songs, and a voice like Elliot Smith's, Wiretree is an artist we'd like to hear lots more from in '08.
One of the leading singer-songwriters to emerge from Chicago, Katie Todd has shared the stage with Juliana Hatfield, Patti Labelle, 10,000 Maniacs, Kenny Loggins, and The Wallflowers. With an instinct for melodic hooks, playful arrangements and a charmingly innocent voice, it's no wonder that the Chicago Arts and Entertainment Magazine has recognized Todd as "a breath of fresh air that the Chicago music scene has been waiting for." You'll see Todd on TV in April as she recently teamed up with The National Geographic Channel to judge their first annual Film and PSA contest.
The 2007 winner of the prestigious Polar Music Prize, Steve Reich is widely respected as one of the pioneers of minimalist music. According to The Guardian, Reich has "altered the direction of musical history." Another Look At Counterpoint includes the excellent "Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices & Organ," performed by the Amadinda Percussion Group.
With their unique brand of trance fusion, the Disco Biscuits have become one of the premiere groups on the jam band circuit. In addition to making countless appearances at festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, the Disco Biscuits created their own festival in 1999 called Camp Bisco -- now a major jam band institution. Amie Street is pleased to bring you three albums from this seminal group.
Sarah, Hanna and Leah Peasall first made their mark on country music with their contribution to the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou? They have since released two albums and performed at prestigious venues including Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Grand Ole Opry. Home To You features simple, down-home country music with beautiful harmonies.
