New Music Picks (Week Of 2-4-14)

It's been a long damn time since I've posted one of these. The real question is, how have you chosen what music to listen to without it? Don't answer that. It doesn't matter. Things are back as they should be. As always, I'll highlight a few records I dig then I'll list some more I like but am too lazy to write about. You do it. Give a man a fish, teach a man to fish situation.

Okay. On to it.

John Butler Trio "Flesh + Blood"

I will preface this by saying I am a massive JBT nerd. We've traveled to cities specifically to see him play and he NEVER disappoints. If you know him, you have this already because...I mean, he's great. He's a magnificent player and I don't know if it's because I know his stuff so well but I always know it's his guitar the second I hear it. He's also Australian which is super exotic. The Trio portion of JBT tends to rotate and I had a real affinity for that last 2 guys but these guys are solid. Butler is the star here though.

Highlights: 'Livin' In The City', 'Devil Woman', 'Blame It On Me', 'Wings Are Wide'...ALL OF IT.

Video for 'Only One':

This is an updated, live version of a song called 'Ocean' (not on the new record but amazing):

Young Fathers "Dead"

I'd never heard of these guys before yesterday but I will be checking out their older stuff too. I think they're considered alternative hip hop. They're the alternative to formulaic, cookie cutter hip hop for sure. The group consists of three guys out of Edinburgh, Scotland. All I really know about Scotland is the kilts, bag pipes and that awful season of Sons Of Anarchy. Wait...is that Ireland? Whatever. Man, I don't know if you'll like this but I find myself coming back to it quite a bit. Cool and unexpected.

Highlights: 'Get Up' , 'Low', 'I've Arrived'

Grand Magus "Triumph & Power"

Hey bro. Don't come at me whilst I'm jamming Grand Magus because I WILL VANQUISH you. I will vanquish the hell out of you. Know it. The opening track begins with the sounds of a galloping horse. Man, I want to vanquish something. My beard is growing as I listen to this. Where is my damn chalice??!! Really though, I like this band. They do what they do really well. I see them listed as doom metal but it's more like less pretty power metal to me.

Highlights: 'Steel Vs. Steel', 'Dominator' , 'On Hooves Of Gold'

Third Man Records

The Haden Triplets 'The Haden Triplets"

This is another I'd never heard of but, man I like it. I've been in a real old school country/bluegrass/folky mood as of late and this fits that bill. These ladies have apparently been on songs/performances by the Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Beck, Green Day and more. I'm not a fan of the Rascal Flatts-y country music. I know gazillions of people are, it's just not for me. THIS is the kind of country stuff I grew up listening to and it really resonates with me. They're on Jack White's Third Man Records and that dude knows good music.

Here's a promo video for the record that will give you the vibe: