It's that time of year again. To be honest, I wasn't sure this year's Ode to Friendship mix CD would come together. First, I was limited on time. Second, I put myself on a strict book and CD budget this year. I thought the budget would certainly cramp my style. Enter NoiseTrade and Brite Revolution, as well as fair pricing by indie artists. Heaps of good new music fell in to my lap during 2011 and I can't help but pass on my recommendations to you.
For those that are new to OTF, a little history. I've always been a big music fan. I love sharing my favorites with people (disclosure: none of these artists have ever heard of me and I receive no perks for featuring them here...but hey, if they'd like to give me a perk or two, let's talk). I started making these mix CDs in 2004 for those reasons, but also because I love giving gifts. This is my way of giving to all my friends without going broke.
My rule is that I have to own the album before I can feature an artist. So while I've been a fan of The Avett Brothers for awhile now, I didn't buy any of their CDs until this year, making this their debut. And that's why Liz Longley, Andrew Ripp, Daniel Martin Moore, St. Vincent, Vandaveer, James Morrison, and so many more will have to wait longer. (Is this a subtle hint about present ideas for me? Perhaps.) I also only feature an artist once.
Without further ado, here's this year's collection. Enjoy!
1. The Vespers- Tell Your Mama
Wednesday nights, there's a cool thing called Music City Roots over at the Loveless Barn. I went one spring night to see The Civil Wars, groupie that I am. The Vespers were in the line up that night and their harmonies and bluegrassy goodness blew me away. I saw them at The Station Inn a month or so ago and am still so impressed. Two sisters + two brothers = musical goodness.
2. Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors- Baby Tomorrow
It seemed like everyone was buzzing about Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors last Christmas when they toured with Dave Barnes. I love Drew's voice and his chemistry with wife Ellie and the rest of the band. I got to see them at Live on the Green this fall and when they announced their Christmas show at 3rd and Lindsley, I knew I had to be there. It's surely my new Christmas tradition.
3. Afterlife Parade- Nothing But Love Can Stay
I'm grateful to Brite Revolution for this particular find. The band's founder faced several losses, both his own and those of others, and felt compelled to comfort those who mourn. The resulting songs on the two-part album (Death and Rebirth) show that "death is a homecoming, rather than a reason for grief." As a former hospice social worker and bereavement counselor, Afterlife Parade's music resonates with me personally and professionally.
4. Josh Garrels- White Owl
Love & War & the Sea in Between is my favorite album of this year. I can't believe that Garrels is offering it for free for a whole entire year. Don't miss out. I had such a hard time narrowing down which song to feature here but I find this one to be particularly haunting.
5. The Hawk in Paris- Curse the Love Songs
A trio of friends (whose names you're probably familiar with) put an EP together, in advance of the album which comes out early 2012. Loved their melancholy exploration of relationships.
6. Evan McHugh- So Long
I can't really formulate why I enjoy Evan McHugh so much but I'm grateful his CD found its way to NoiseTrade. A great blend of folk, pop, and rock.
7. Ben Rector- When a Heart Breaks
Oh, Ben Rector, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. But first, let me thank my pal Rachel who first turned me on to him. I've been fortunate to see him perform this past year (as well as jump in on a few Christmas shows.) Fantastic entertainer, talented musician.
8. James Vincent McMorrow- This Old Dark Machine
My college friend Danielle told me to listen to McMorrow. We have similar (read: excellent) taste in music and I was not disappointed. I mean, he's an Irish folk music singer-songwriter. What's not to love?
9. Graham Colton- Pacific Coast Eyes
Another NoiseTrade find. Quality stuff. It's really just a matter of time before everyone knows his name.
10. Farewell Milwaukee- Coming 'Round to Get You
You can't go wrong with a rock band that's proud of their Midwestern roots. Personally, I appreciate the honest lyrics and instrumentation. I look forward to hearing what's next for them.
11. Matthew and the Atlas- The Fisherman's Wife
Part Americana, part English folk, wholly loveable.
12. Matthew Mayfield- Come Back Home
I believe my music twin Laura first told me about Matthew Mayfield a few years back, when he made an appearance on a mix she made for me before I visited Boston. I've kept tabs on him ever since.
13. Elenowen- Save Me
Did you watch The Voice at all? I confess I enjoyed the try-outs more than the actual competition. Elenowen caught my attention by singing a song from Once- nothing like a good tribute to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The husband and wife duo didn't win but I think they'll be just fine. I was quite charmed when they played at Musician's Corner this summer.
14. Concerning Lions- Preacher's Son
My best friend likes to joke that OTF is full of musicians no one's ever heard of. Tracy is not musically-obsessed like me but I have to give her credit for telling me about this band. She and Joel attended a fundraiser and Concerning Lions performed. She told me she thought I'd like them and I certainly did.
15. Ben Sollee- Huddle on the Roof
Sollee performed at Musicians Corner this fall and I knew I'd have to track him down. He was funny and unexpected that day, what with the choice of instruments and the way he introduced each song.
16. Amy Stroup- Hold on to Hope Love
Love Amy's voice and lyrics. Much deliberation went in to selecting the song here. I have to give an honorable mention to Come On Back ("come on back when your heart is ready/you're not wasting my time."). It was great seeing her perform as part of Ten Out of Tenn at Live on the Green. If you like finding out about great musicians, keep Ten Out of Tenn on your radar. Always a stellar group.
17. Jenny & Tyler- Faint Not
My friend Lauren is a fan of Jenny & Tyler's so I gave them a listen. Upbeat yet honest. This song especially speaks to me right now.
18. The Avett Brothers- Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
Oh man. What shall I say about The Avett Brothers? Surely you are already well acquainted with their greatness. I'm not certain when or how I first heard about them but it's been a few years. I do know that Natalie Lloyd stoked the fire of my fandom by often posting her favorite videos of their music. Yet it took me until this year to finally buy a CD. I can't afford my habit! This is why I need a sugar daddy.
19. Leagues- Mind Games
I first heard about Leagues when Thad Cockrell jumped on the stage at a Sandra McCracken show. I listened, I downloaded, I loved.
20. Tara Leigh Cobble- Pinata
I wrote last month about discovering Tara Leigh's books and music. Seriously, y'all. Read Orange Jumpsuit, listen to Morning's War, and get back to me.
21. The Black Keys- Howlin' For You
Oh man. The Black Keys get under my skin in the best of ways. I challenge you to listen to their music and not feel compelled to dance around your living room with wild abandon.
22. Punch Brothers- You Are
You like Nickel Creek, right? This is mandolinist Chris Thile's new band and is it ever wonderful!
23. Peter Bradley Adams- Always
I could be wrong but I believe music twin Laura also told me about Adams. In any case, this is good listening on hard days.
24. Simon Fagan- Falling in to You
I would like to thank Brite Revolution once again for featuring this Irish folk singer-songwriter. Fagan tends to have bigger arrangements and a more rocking vibe than you'd expect for someone of this genre and that's why I love him.
Merry Christmas Jill, Jen, Jason, Donna, Karin, Dani, Ross, Joel, Tracy, Mark, Erin, Jill, Casi, Rachel, Lauren, Elizabeth, Kibibi, Linda, Alise, Jen, Chad, Mark, Amanda, Melissa, Kelly, Brooke, Danielle, Annie, Junice, Laura, Traci, Heather, Sam, Shannon, Heatherly, Kat, Kelly, Mary Kathryn, Kim, Suzannah, Christy, Amanda, and...you? If you're a regular reader and you'd like a copy of this year's mix, let me know in the comments and I'll email you the link.
What music have you loved this year?
