Merchants Of Rock

Bahamas – Barchords Album Review

Heather — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:36:09 +0000

Last year we introduced you to Afie Jurvanen, a Canadian guitarist for hire who toured with Feist and whose first solo album Pink Strat was one of my favorites of the summer. I have been anxiously awaiting his sophomore effort Barchords since then and after absorbing the album for several weeks, I am happy to report that it has more than lived up to my lofty expectations.

An album full of subtlety Barchords expands on Jurvanen’s previous efforts but with the help of well placed background singers and a more flushed out sound, everything is brought to a new level. He still relies on his stripped down gentle guitar and melancholy lyrics to tell the story but this time around there is a quiet strength and confidence to the music. “Lost In the Light” is simple, lovely and my early favorite on the album. The song starts quiet and gentle but slowly creeps towards the powerful and space filling chorus. “Caught Me Thinking” is adorable and bouncy although the subject matter is anything but. “Your Sweet Touch” is charming and highly benefits from a well placed guitar solo while “Overjoyed” meanders along reminding you that both Afie’s albums were recorded in a cabin in the middle of the wilderness.

Utterly beautiful and already one of my favorites this year Barchords is an album meant to be slowly absorbed not quickly devoured. In an age where everyone wants the straight forward pop song Jurvanen leans instead on nuances and subtlety; the type of music that unfolds more with every listen as it slowly reveals it’s many layers and draws you in.

The album is out on the 7th but you can stream it over at Paste right now here.

Justin Townes Earle Video Teaser

Heather — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:11:03 +0000

Justin Townes Earle’s new album, Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now might not be due out until the end of March but in true internet form he has released a cool little video to heighten excitement. The video features Earle in the studio churning out some soulful bluesy country tunes in only the way he can. Although we only get a VERY quick taste of the new material, it should be enough to peak interest. Hopefully there will be a full single to listen to soon, but for now enjoy the video below and check out his tour schedule here.

Stream New Dr. Dog Album – Be the Void

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:24:17 +0000

Finding that perfect balance between throwback and fresh, Dr. Dog has long been a staff favorite here at MOR. With their last album Shame, Shame still in our heavy rotation – it’s time to make way for their latest effort Be the Void out next week via ANTI records.

You won’t have to wait for next week’s release to check out the new disc, as the new album is streaming in it’s entirety over at TeamCoco.com.

Listen to Jack White “Love Interruption”

Curt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:41:40 +0000

Odds are pretty much any music related blog you have checked out today is reporting on the new Jack White single. They are most likely even posting the same shower shave photo courtesy of Third Man Records PR.

Beyond saying “Listen”, what else is there really to say about the first official Jack White solo single.

We honestly couldn’t be more excited.

The new tune comes with the announcement of a bonafide full length album, Blunderbuss out on 4/24 via the ever prolific Third Man Records.

Neil Young and Crazy Horse In Studio Jam

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:08:13 +0000

So in case you haven’t heard by now, Neil Young is back in the studio with his on again off again partners in crime Crazy Horse. Word on the street is that Young and the boys not only have a new album in the can, but are working on yet another new disc as we speak. This morning, Young added to the excitement by dropping the following video on his website, neilyoung.com. The video is a 38 minute jam session presumably recorded as recently as this week. This seems to be nothing more than a jam session, but it is excited to hear Neil and Crazy Horse rocking it out (about 19 minutes in, they go into the Zuma standard “Cortez the Killer”). Unfortunately, the video doesn’t capture any of the action itself, but it does keep things interesting with a little studio tour. Check it out below:

Damien Jurado – New Song “Museum of Flight”

Heather — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:58:54 +0000

Not too long ago Damien Jurado released “Nothing is the News” off his new album Maraqopa, which is due out next month. Now he has been kind enough to release another stellar tune, “Museum of Flight,” which is incredibly endearing and had me hooked immediately. Check out the new song below and if you like it, download it – it’s that easy folks.

Dr. Dog – New Song “Do The Trick”

Heather — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:48:02 +0000

With their highly anticipated (at least by us) album Be The Void out in just 2 short weeks Dr. Dog continues to tease the fans with more new music. The band kicks off their interview with “Do The Trick” a slow yet funky little ditty with all the usual Dr. Dog ingredients. Following a short interview, which consists mainly of discussing their choice of head wear, they rock out “Lonesome” the lead track off the album that was leaked yesterday. The boys then discuss what they’ve been listening to lately, where they are forced to list Etta James and ultimately provide vague references to entire genres of music, including Jamaican? They finish things up with “That Old Black Hole,” which pretty much speaks for itself by now.

You can listen to the whole interview below or just the first 5 minutes for the newest song. Enjoy.

Watch The Flaming Lips & Nels Cline Cover the Beatles

Curt — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:34:14 +0000

Despite being ten years removed from their magic run of albums (has it really been ten years since Yoshimi?), the Flaming Lips never seem to be far from the indie rock news feeds. Whether it is songs that last for days, innovative album packaging, or exciting collaboration announcements the Lips remain a staple in the 2012 music scene.

As far as awesome collaborations go, this pro-shot take of the Lips joined on stage by Wilco Axe-man Nels Cline at the band’s New Year’s Oklahoma homecoming set is right up there. The Lips and Nels (or is it Nels and the Lips?) take on John Lennon’s angst ridden Abbey Road opus “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” much to the liking of seemingly sedated hometown crowd. The tune clocks in at a full ten minutes longer than the 7+-minute original, so there is plenty of time for Nels to do what Nels does with his Jazzmaster.

If you like repetitive ominous tones topped with shredding guitars, this one’s for you. Otherwise, it is worth checking out a minute or two of the video below.

What can I say, I love it when these guys do covers! Enjoy.

Brendan Benson – New Song “Bad For Me”

Heather — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:10:40 +0000

Brendan Benson is up to his old tricks again with “Bad For Me,” the first single off his new album. As he says in the beginning of the song “well here it goes again another losing streak” – looks like more heartache for Benson but at least all the pain seems to provide ample inspiration? Benson’s new album What Kind of World won’t be out until Aril but you can get excited and listen to some new music here.

Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur

Heather — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:15:24 +0000

Kathleen Edwards is no stranger to the music scene. After releasing her first album in 1999 she has been a favorite for critics and fellow musicians alike. Although she has never really been able to “break through” to pop stardom she continues to churn out great folk/country/rock music and her newest album Voyageur is no different. After pairing up with the man of the hour, Justin Vernon, on tour and on her new album she seems to be getting some well deserved attention. Voyageur is a heartfelt and highly likable album which chronicles a love affair from beginning to end. Best part is you can give the album a free spin on her website here and decide for yourself. Happy Monday!