Hahaha

This college student is a bad poster. ..anyway.
   
     Bon Iver you know the awesome folky band that won the 2011 Grammy for best new artist.  Even though For Emma, Forever Ago has gotten near constant rotation both literally and figuratively, in people's CD players since 2008.  This is why I love the Grammy's they always seem just a little late to the game, despite the fact that they represent the pinnacle of the music industry.  The Grammy's have always struck me as a band of crusty old men in black robes that are always a bit behind the curve, and it's moments like this that solidify that for me.  Don't get me wrong I think Bon Iver totally deserves a Grammy, but best new artist ...seriously?  Yeah you grammy wizards are a little behind the times.  Thank god we weren't... Now if you'll excuse me I need to go sing along to Skinny Love and bob my head.

As always tour page

This Side Up! *hearts* Josh Ritter

Often when you hear a new artist is the heir apparent to Bob Dylan; it's to be taken with a grain of salt. It's been said of a lot of young artists who can operate a guitar, write a good verse, and have crazy person hair. But Josh Ritter makes me think there maybe some truth in the overused statement. He writes wonderfully. Taking on knotty issues like religion, and progress, as well as the more common folkster fare like love, or the lack of it. His lyrics when they are political in tone, never grab you by the throat (Something at times, that irked me about Dylan). They don't need too, Ritter's combination of personal details, and poetry, are far more effective. Whether it's describing his home, permanently altered by the fisheries and mill towns,"Like a stretch of future graveyards" or living in a missile silo with your true love waiting for "WW aye aye aye." Ritter's political lyrics are some of my favorites. He also writes some really sweet love songs, which make the romantic in me gush, (but I will spare you).

He's also wonderful live. With a great backing band, an aww shucks demeanor, and a wonderfully goofy sense of humor. I've caught him three times, and have never been disappointed.

Tour Page...as always

Wings from Hello Starling

The Temptation of Adam from The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter

Kathleen from Hello Starling

Summer Lovin'

Today I spent the whole day outside. I sipped jasmine green tea, watered the flowers, sunned myself, and chased the pups. It was the best day anyone could ask for. Also it's a sad day, first as you all know it's memorial day, so there are a lot of families missing their loved one's. What you might also not know is Bruce "Utah" Phillips passed away of heart failure on the 24th. Folk singer, storyteller, and Korean war veteran. Utah was an inspiration to me, I love the warmth of his voice, and you can practically hear that twinkle in his eye, when he tells his stories. He will be sorely missed. This blog entry is for him.

Korea - Utah Phillips with Ani DiFranco
Natural Resources - Utah Phillips with Ani DiFranco (both tracks from "The Past Didn't Go Anywhere")