The audio of this recording isn’t the best, but Vic makes the song his own at the end. Powerful stuff.

MP3: Vic Chesnutt – “Everybody Hurts” (R.E.M. cover)

Christoper Porterfield is one of my best friends. I’ve watched Chris and his band Conrad Plymouth perform countless times over the past two plus years. Each time powerful and unique. Friendship aside, he’s one of my absolute favorite songwriters. I started a label because I believe so strongly in his songwriting and wanted to do anything to make sure his music was heard.

Tonight he ushers in the release of of Comrade Plymouth – a free, and “mostly first take solo clearinghouse for old and new songs.” Don’t let that diminish the power of these songs. I’ve listened and watched them develop over some of the best nights of my last two years in Milwaukee.

Download it here and join me in looking forward to a full-length Conrad Plymouth record in the future.

Download: Conrad Plymouth – Comrade Plymouth

I pulled back from frequently posting here as it grew increasingly difficult to come up with something daily to share that was truly blowing me away, especially new releases. That changed upon receiving Siskiyou’s Keep Away The Dead in the mail last week. Completely new to me upon pressing play, I was even more excited to learn that Colin Stetson lends his talents to the third track, “Twigs & Stones.” You can download that track below.

Siskiyou is comprised of Colin Huebert and Erik Arnesen who toured as members of Great Lake Swimmers, but don’t expect that reference point to define what you hear on this release. Start to finish you’ll find a lot to appreciate on Keep Away The Dead, look for it in October on Constellation Records. Easily one of the most exciting new discoveries I’ve found this year. There’s even a Neil Young cover on it.

MP3: Siskiyou – “Twigs & Stones”

Busy these days, here’s some stuff I’m digging lately.

Find me on Instagram

Listen to the James Blake session from WFUV.

I can recommenced the tracks I’ve heard from The Wiitala Brothers, Night Moves, Deer Tick, and Xylos.

Aquarium Drunkard introduced me to Tinariwen

NPR has a Tiny Desk concert with Other Lives.

Richard Swift’s tumblr is a must.

The New York Times interviews Stephen Malkmus and Beck.

Speaking of Beck, his interview with Pitchfork is a must read.

Consequence of Sound also interviews Stephen Malkmus, whose new album, Mirror Traffic, arrives next week and currently in heavy rotation.

I really like the Fruit Bats new album, Tripper.

If you’re using Spotify, you should check out my August playlist.

I’m reading See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody by Bob Mould.

My lack of posts is directly due to my new job and exploring my city (Austin), both of which I’m loving. Here’s the scoop on the band’s I’m working with.

Yellow Ostrich re-released The Mistress this week on Barsuk Records. The release contains three bonus tracks.

Strand of Oaks and Crooked Fingers are touring together this fall.

The Rosebuds just announced more tour dates in October. Their new album, Loud Planes Fly Low, is only $5 at Amazon. You won’t be disappointed.

So much more that I know I’ve forgotten. More soon. Listen to Willie Nelson.

Buy: Bon Iver, Bon Iver

I talked to CNN about one of my favorite bands, Sat. Nite Duets. If you haven’t heard the band, please start here.