With a big holiday weekend here, I’m getting the 2008 poll ready – here are some great EPs (some free) and new tunes which tell me 2009 will continue to offer great music:
The Davenports “Thinking About You, Maryann”
It’s been way too long a wait for this EP from these NYC favorites. The title track is a gentle McCartneyesque ballad with intricate acoustic picking and upright bass that just hits the sweet spot. The holiday song “Whore for The Holidays” has just a lovely melody and wry wit that recalls Fountains of Wayne and is one of the best new Christmas songs I’ve heard. It’s rounded out by “Don’t Cry Mary” – another winner, if this EP doesn’t perk you up — you’re probably “dead, dead, dead”. Plus on Amazon, you get one song for FREE!
My Space | E Music | Amazon (free song)
The Kickbacks “Even the Blues”
Here’s your chance to get yet another goody this holiday season, The Kickbacks have parts of the new album still available for free download. Tad Overbaugh and Steve Scott, brings quality musicianship to this highly polished rock and roll album. If you are fans of both The Lemonheads and The Gin Blossoms you’ll enjoy these laid back guitar lead melodies. “Figure You Out” has a Westerberg-like growl and steady guitar rhythm. The other songs have a Stonesy feel with a modern twist. The EP is a free download but, I would encourage you to get the whole album.
My Space | Kickbacks website (Download here) | CD Baby
Michael Carpenter and The Cuban Heels “Give the Dog a Bone”
This time we find power pop legend Michael Carpenter has gathered together The Cuban Heels, a loose collective of musicians. The name of the game here is rootsy Americana, evidenced by the Gram Parsons-like “Bad Poetry” and though the guitar and melody of “Wonder Why” is along the lines of Beach Boy song, its got the slide guitar and catchy honky tonk goodness to make it real ear candy. The country shuffle of other tracks (“Bleeding Money”) make me want to suggest he should tour with Gary Louris or Rhett Miller . The sound is as rich as ever and he sounds like he’s having a ball on “Different With You” – you will too with this highly recommended EP!
My Space | Not Lame | big radio