Wednesday, 7 Jan 2009
Yesterday I got an e-mail from my friend and trusted ear, Lou of Lewis & Clarke. The last recommendation of his turned out all diamonds and was one of my favorite records of the year. This time was no different.
Strand Of Oaks the nom de plume of Timothy Showalter, who is the latest artist to put out a record on the always reliable La Société Expéditionnaire label. The upcoming release, Leave Ruin offers ballads, traditional folk, banjo, slide, and songs that are very much stories. There’s hope and reflection in the lyrics. There’s also a good dose of self-reflection – the good and bad – it’s the coming to grips and understanding of all the world’s push and pull that makes this album one that all can relate too.
“While escaping a relationship gone worse, Showalter returned home to a house burned down, leaving all of his earthly possessions charred in flames. Spending nights in downtown hotels and on park benches with a borrowed guitar, he began to face the proverbial demons. Like any good roller coaster ride there came an upside, as inspiration grew like weeds within the rubble; songs led to shows, which led to tours of the US and UK with Jason Anderson and Kimya Dawson.”
Do yourself a favor and me the honor of introducing you to a beautiful record by listening/downloading the track below.
Buy: Amazon Digital ($7.99)
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Myspace: Strand of Oaks
MP3: Strand Of Oaks – “End In Flames”





January 7th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Thanks Ryan, another wonderful introduction! You definitely provide one of the best sources to find new music!
January 8th, 2009 at 10:31 am
big big Lewis &Clarke fan too, and this is a gorgeous song. can’t wait to hear the rest. Thanks!
January 9th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Just thought I would let you know I bought this the same night you posted it and have been listening to it regularly since. This album really helps me put things in perspective and just relax! Gotta love a record that can do that!
January 9th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Andy – very cool. I’ve been listening to it non-stop as well. We’ll have to make sure to spread the word to everyone else so it doesn’t get lost in the crowd.
January 17th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Amazing record.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
UIVlMN hi! nice site!
January 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I have been a fan of Iron & Wine and most recently Bon Iver and I just DL’d Leave Ruin from eMusic…..It is an amazing album and is better after listen. I now have to check into Lewis & Clarke. I keep telling my friends there is unbelievably great music out there just look…..
February 25th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
beautiful site..))
I will go to you.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Just grabbed the feed… thanks for posting this.
July 12th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Hi, very interesting post, and I agree with alot of it. I have already bookmarked your blog
.Thankyou.
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