MURRY
HAMMOND ** AUTOGRAPHED (while supplies last)** I Don't Know Where I'm
Going... Murry
Hammond is, perhaps, best known as the bass player for The Old 97's. Do not expect
a rehashing of the Old 97's sound on Hammond's solo debut. I Don't Know Where
I'm Going... is rooted in traditional folk, country and old-timey. Hammond, always
good for a song or two on each Old 97's release, offers up 17 tracks that seamlessly
mixes originals with traditional songs and songs by The Carter Family and Eliza
Snow. Producer Mark Neill's "analog only" recording adds warmth and
character to Hammond's gentle acoustic tales. He can make his living with his
day job playing bass for the Old 97's. Let's hope this first foray into his solo
recording career is only a precursor of more to come. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of
Music (self)
GOOD
INTENTIONS Poor Boy The
Good Intentions have captured a gorgeous Byrds-ian country/folk-jangle that gently
oozes out. Peter, Paul and Mary is the obvious touchstone for the poignant harmonies
of R. Peter Davies, Gabriel Monk, and Frank Roskell. The music feels relaxed,
alive, vulnerable, and spontaneous. Charlie McGovern's sensitive production, as
well as expert backing from Rick Shea, Rob Douglas, and Mike Stinson, gives Poor
Boy a laid-back vibe that grows richer with every listen. (Boronda) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS
IT'S
A CRACKER! THE
DIVORCEES You Ain't Getting My Country New
Brunswick’s The Divorcees claim their 'life is a country song.' The Divorcees’
You Ain’t Gettin’ My Country isn’t like the mainstream country
music. It’s real, old-school country by real, old-school cowboys. The songs
are about working-class life in a small town and all that accompanies it: partying,
gambling, booze, fighting, women and wishing you were anywhere but there. . .
[T]his album may seem like something you’d find in your dad’s old record
collection, there’s no denying The Divorcees deliver great old-fashioned
country. -- Sara Audrain, The Gazette
IT'S
A CRACKER! MEKONS The Mekons Story Originally
released in 1982, The Mekons Story (also known as It Falleth like the Gentle Rain
from Heaven) is a collection of rare and unobtainable tracks from the U.K. punk
legends Jon Langford describes as "our revenge on the world". This 20
track CD includes brilliant outtakes, unreleased tracks, alternate versions, B-sides,
as well as a handful of live radio sessions recorded between 1977 and 1982 during
the first Mekons incarnation. With a drunken sounding David Spencer providing
a between cuts "history" of the band, this, more than any other Mekons
recording, shows their crucial and comic postpunk development. From cacophonic
punk, primitive disco, agitated funk and new wave, and synth pop, the consistent
thread in this material is the sheer brilliance of the Mekons` literacy in songwriting.
Tracks: Letter`s In The Post / Not a Bitterman (Born To Be Mild) / Dance and Drink
the Mekons / Bomb Train / Trouble Down South / Car-Men / Eden / Frustration /
Fight The Cuts / Byron / This Sporting Life / Rosanne / Garden Fence of Sound
/ Miriam Always / Walking Song / The Building / I`m So Happy / I Bought You These
/ He Beat Up His Boyfriend / 1st Guitarist (Buried Treasures) MORE
INFO CD $14.99
PETER
COOPER Mission Door Peter
Cooper brings the eye of a journalist -- his day job -- to his songs, but adds
sympathy to what is otherwise honest reporting. He writes about idealized and
fallen idols, barrooms and shady characters. Cooper is joined by steel wizard
Lloyd Green on the record and in the producer's chair. Evocative songs, exemplary
playing and Cooper's easy delivery combine making Mission Door an album rich for
repeated listenings. (Red Beet) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $12.49
FAYSSOUX Early Fayssoux
McLean was best known in music circles for providing harmonies on the first four
Emmylou Harris solo albums. Journalist and musician Peter Cooper coaxed Fayssoux
from retirement resulting in this sublime country album. McLean and Cooper combined
her originals, traditional songs her grandma used to sing, and classics from well
respected songwriters. Cooper, Lloyd Green, and Brandon Turner provide a gentle,
aching country backing. Several old friends and admirers contribute, including
former boss Harris but never overshadow the true star in this production, Fayssoux
McLean. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Red Beet)
Read
the fascinating back-story on how this album came about 30+ years after Fayssoux
unofficially retired from the music business.
ROY
DAVIS THE DREGS Deadweight Roy
Davis wrings emotion from his voice as if he learned the "how-to" from
Neil Young. For Davis, hitting the notes are less important than the feeling.
Jon Nolan's production places Davis' ragged voice to ride atop the country-rock
laments most closely resembling the sound of Wilco's A.M. Davis' outstanding debut
Grey Town showcased an artist with tumult. Fortunately, for the listeners it sounds
like he hasn't personally worked much out yet. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (self-released) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $9.99
JOE
FOURNIER Dirt Road Joyride Americana-UK.com's
Dave Cowling described Fournier's style as, "... mixture of John Fogerty
and Jim White. Underneath the bluster there is a genuine eye for detail and storytelling
that doesn’t get in the way of a decent riff." Three records into his
late-starting career Joe Fournier has refined -- if you can actually "refined"
for a guy who sings with a voice that is as much a holler as it is singing --
his style. The songs are detailed stories about unfolding events. Sometimes hilarious,
sometimes heartbreaking but always rocking. He is very much an America heartland
rocker, even if he hails from the Eastern edges of Canada, compiling a collection
of songs that are infectious and immediately memorable. Joyously sing along with
Joe even while his stories are breaking your heart. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music
(Junkyard Dog) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $14.99
DAVE
INSLEY West Texas Wine Dave
Insley may have left Arizona for Austin, but he hasn`t let the neon flame he carries
for vintage honky-tonk dim. With a reedy baritone recalling early Willie Nelson
(vibrato and all), Insley`s delivery and material make him less of a singer, more
of a storyteller. And he is capable of telling a fully-formed tale in less than
four minutes ("Geneva," "Exit 93"). His backing band, The
Careless Smokers, provide the Bakersfield-inspired instrumental foundation for
Insley. Several songs feature hints of modern jangle-pop like the bouncy "Waitin`
Where She Hides" and "Beating Ya Down." There are also whimsical
touches - such as the jaw harp and glockenspiel on "Everything`s Broken Again"
- that nicely underscore the lyrical content. Insley isn`t afraid to go back to
the country catalogue. His intriguing choices are performed admirably. On Johnny
Darrell`s "Come See What`s Left Of Your Man," he comes across with the
sly charm of early Roger Miller. He puts his own deft touches on "Ol` What`s
Her Name." A solid, engaging recording. -- Linda Daily Paulson, countrystandardtime.com REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $12.99
THE
HUMMING FIELD The Humming Field Matt
Cullen, veteran of the Easthampton. MA rock scene, returns with his first post-Ware
River Club project. Tom Sturm of valleyadvocate.com summarized The Humming Field
thus, "The disc will surely please fans of Bowie, Simon and Garfunkel, XTC,
Elliot Smith, Radiohead and of course, The Beatles; in fact, it plays very much
like a modern-day, Americanized George Harrison solo album in a lot of ways."
The band works in the same roots/Brit-pop mix of The Wallflowers and Minibar.
Cullen's vocals are rough-hewn but melodic adding an edge to the band's outstanding
release. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (self) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $12.99
ADAM
PUDDINGTON ** REVIEW + SOUND CLIPS new and improved ** For The Meantime Reminiscent
of fellow contemporary collector of songs Jim Bryson and folkies of the past such
as Gordon Lightfoot, Puddington is a former member of East coast alt-country group
the Guthries ... [T]he poetic Puddington continues to lean towards folk and Canadiana
on his latest disc, offering a refreshing roots record. Filled with succinct and
pleasing songwriting, For the Meantime is a captivating collection of 11 songs
that grow on you with each subsequent listening session. Raised in rural Ontario,
the songwriter now finds inspiration in the East coast; yet, both these locales
play prominently as inspiration for his songs, which tell stories of Puddington’s
restless journey. The most telling tale is “Deer in the Headlights”
where he humbly states: “I have no notions of grandeur/ I’m provincial
at best.” While Puddington doesn’t look for grandeur, the songs that
make up this finely crafted collection are sure to give the folk singer wider
acclaim. -- David McPherson, exclaim.ca
IT'S
A CRACKER! DALE
MURRAY Brighter Lives Darker Side With
the Guthries spread far and wide across the country’s music scene, songwriter/pedal
steel player Dale Murray continues the band’s roots rock approach on his
debut solo album. Brighter Lives, Darker Side happily cribs from some of the best
and Murray’s influences arrive from far and wide. His love for country is
still apparent on songs like 'Don’t Wanna See' and Liverpudlian harmonies
abound on intro pop-rocker 'Driving Song,' 'On His Line' and 'When It’s Gone.'
In fact, Murray is at his most comfortable channeling the quiet Beatle with Harrison
slide licks adorning a couple of the album’s stronger tunes such as 'The
Way Back.' ... The lyrics never quite reach the class of his melodies, instrumentation
and production, but on those last three points, Brighter Lives scores all tens.
-- Brent Hagerman, exlaim.ca
CLAY
MCCLINTON Son of A Gun Like
the sons of Texas stars Jerry Jeff Walker and Waylon Jennings, Clay McClinton
is following in the huge boot prints of his legendary father, Delbert, to pursue
a career in Texas roots. [T]here is no denying what’s in the blood.... With
Son of a Gun. . . McClinton demonstrates his stellar honky-tonk credentials on
songs like 'One of Those Guys,' and 'Dig Deep,' His R&B genetics shine through
impressively on 'Howlin’ at the Moon,' a tune with a distinctive Delbert-style
groove -- not surprising since it’s a collaborative effort with dad. . .
Escaping the long shadow cast by a music icon can be tough going, but with Son
of a Gun, this chip off the old block is wasting little time carving out a name
for himself. -- Patrick Cosgrove, Austin Music Magazine REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $14.99
DAVE
MC CANN & THE TEN TOED FROGS Shoot The Horse Shoot
The Horse, recorded live at the venerable and claimed-by-civic-progress Sidetrack
Cafe, is long, hot goodbye kiss. Alberta resident Dave McCann and The Ten Toed
Frogs took the opportunity to use the excellent recording system at the Cafe and,
maybe, the finality of the club going away, and let the band breath a little country-rock
fire. McCann's Joe Ely-like voice soars over the sonic country crunch of the band.
The band captured a moment when they let loose and weren't afraid to walk the
edge. This is no beer-soaked live pity party for the club. In fact, the audience
is an occasionally added instrument, not played to by the Ten Toed Frogs. This
a "live" album in name only. On this particular night the band hit the
set-list hard without dropping a note. That is happened to be one long take with
a group of friends standing mere feet away is a footnote. Shoot The Horse is an
amazing country-rock record. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Old Man River Folk
Music) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $13.99
GWIL
OWEN Gravy When
is the blessing of a nomination for an interntionally acclaimed award the moment
when you realize the business of music isn't for you? Gwil Owen had that moment.
After being nominated for an Oscar with Allison Moorer, Owen concluded he wanted
to make music for himself. That was 1999. The title of Owen's 2008 release "Gravy"
speaks of how he views this album. Made outside of the machinations of Nashville,
outside of the desire to achieve stardom and notice, Owen has put together a loose,
stylistically diverse and uplifting album. Tired of introspective shoe-gazing
songwriters? Gwil's the guy for you. Besides the title track, he charms with Faith,
Peace & Love and the always popular Don't Break Funky On Me. Gravy is a man
releasing himself from the machine and not only coming out whole, but also coming
out happy. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Rambler Records) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $11.99
BUTCH
RYAN BAND Time To Wait Butch
Ryan portends to be a cautious man on one of the many outstanding tracks on this
2008 release. There are so many hooks, so many moments of transcendence, so many
singularly great musical moments that I fear that I might be able to physically
take it all in if Butch ever just let go. The vocals are full of sadness, reflection
and, thankfully, optimism. Recorded while the band's drummer was suffering (and
finally succumbing) from brain cancer must've put Ryan into a reflective mood.
Tragedy sometimes makes great art. On 'Time To Wait' Ryan and longtime co-producer
Steve Connelly caught the essence of a sad an vulnerable period. Ryan's earlier
work was full of hooks and heart. He has taken a tremendous leap with this record.
-- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (self-released) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $10.99
THAD
COCKRELL To Be Loved EP Thad
Cockrell's angelic voice shines on these six tracks of devotional country. Produced
by Jason Lehning. Tracks: Price (Won't Get Us Where We Are Going) / Greast Rejoicing
/ A Country Of my Own / The Master's Calling / He Set Me Free / O To Be Loved
By Jesus (self) MORE
INFO + SOUND CLIPS CD $7.99
COLLIN
HERRING Past Life Crashing Art
springs from personal hardship? Frequently. Especially on 'Past Life Crashing."
Herring spent the last several years of his life tearing himself down, picking
himself up, making an unreleased version of this record, and repeating the process.
Andy Riggs wrote on Americana-UK.com, "It’s a superb record full of
regret, looking back, looking forward and a record that asks for one more last
chance." His mix of ballads and up-tempo rockers meld with his wrenching
melodies do not hide his disquieting search for redemption. His third CD may be
his best but it was emotionally costly. Let's hope he can get right and make music
this good again without hitting bottom a few times in the process. -- Jeff Weiss,
Miles of Music (self-released) REVIEW
+ SOUND CLIPS CD $12.99
THRIFT
STORE COWBOYS Lay Low While Crawling Or Creeping REVIEW
+SOUND CLIPS CD $12.99 TRUCKSTOP
SOUVENIR Leave Nothing Behind Review+Sound
Clips CD $12.99 CHARLIE TERRELL Taking
The Jesus Pill: Songs From The Original Stage Play Review
+ Sound Clips CD $10.99
We
do our best to offer you only the foremost titles of the independently released
CDs we receive. Ok, sometimes we do the favor of bringing in a second record by
a band that made a really good debut but then suffered from the legendary sophomore
slump. But that's another discussion. This conversation is about our guarantee,
and about us making the statement: “We think you will enjoy your independent
artist purchases so much that you will never want to take us up on this offer!”
When you see "IT'S A CRACKER" next to a release listed on our website,
in our e-mail, in our blog or told over the phone by one of our courteous operators,
it means we guarantee that you will enjoy that record. If you don't, send it back
and we'll give you full credit of the cost of the CD towards your next purchase.
Here are the rules:
1) You have to make your decision within 14 days
of receipt of the item. We know approximately when it arrives based on shipping
date so make an effort to open it up and listen to it when it arrives so you can
make a decision. If you decide by the end of those 14 days that you do not want
to keep it let us know via e-mail (info@milesofmusic.com)
or phone call (818) 284-6426 and we'll give you a return authorization number
(RA#) to include on the package.
2) The CD has to arrive back here in
"as new as humanly possible" condition, given that we know you've played
it at least once. Any item of “questionable condition” may require investigation.
In other words, if you used it for a coaster because the wife would kill you if
you left a water circle, then no-go.
3) You have to pay to ship it back.
4) We're working on the honor system here so if we see a pattern of folks
buying, burning, and returning, they'll be cut off.
5) The selected titles
are all independently released. That is, they are not available through distribution,
so your local store will likely not carry them. We are doing this as a way to
encourage you to support more independent music. As long as they remain independent
we will guarantee them. Once the title is picked up for distribution the fun is
over (and the price usually goes up).
Peter
Cooper brings the eye of a journalist -- his day job -- to his songs, but adds
sympathy to what is otherwise honest reporting. He writes about idealized and
fallen idols, barrooms and shady characters. Cooper is joined by steel wizard
Lloyd Green on the record and in the producer's chair. Evocative songs, exemplary
playing and Cooper's easy delivery combine making Mission Door an album rich for
repeated listenings. (Red Beet)
Fayssoux
McLean was best known in music circles for providing harmonies on the first four
Emmylou Harris solo albums. Journalist and musician Peter Cooper coaxed Fayssoux
from retirement resulting in this sublime country album. McLean and Cooper combined
her originals, traditional songs her grandma used to sing, and classics from well
respected songwriters. Cooper, Lloyd Green, and Brandon Turner provide a gentle,
aching country backing. Several old friends and admirers contribute, including
former boss Harris but never overshadow the true star in this production, Fayssoux
McLean. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Red Beet)
Roy
Davis wrings emotion from his voice as if he learned the "how-to" from
Neil Young. For Davis, hitting the notes are less important than the feeling.
Jon Nolan's production places Davis' ragged voice to ride atop the country-rock
laments most closely resembling the sound of Wilco's A.M. Davis' outstanding debut
Grey Town showcased an artist with tumult. Fortunately, for the listeners it sounds
like he hasn't personally worked much out yet. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (self-released)
Americana-UK.com's
Dave Cowling described Fournier's style as, "... mixture of John Fogerty
and Jim White. Underneath the bluster there is a genuine eye for detail and storytelling
that doesn’t get in the way of a decent riff." Three records into his
late-starting career Joe Fournier has refined -- if you can actually "refined"
for a guy who sings with a voice that is as much a holler as it is singing --
his style. The songs are detailed stories about unfolding events. Sometimes hilarious,
sometimes heartbreaking but always rocking. He is very much an America heartland
rocker, even if he hails from the Eastern edges of Canada, compiling a collection
of songs that are infectious and immediately memorable. Joyously sing along with
Joe even while his stories are breaking your heart. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music
(Junkyard Dog)
Dave
Insley may have left Arizona for Austin, but he hasn`t let the neon flame he carries
for vintage honky-tonk dim. With a reedy baritone recalling early Willie Nelson
(vibrato and all), Insley`s delivery and material make him less of a singer, more
of a storyteller. And he is capable of telling a fully-formed tale in less than
four minutes ("Geneva," "Exit 93"). His backing band, The
Careless Smokers, provide the Bakersfield-inspired instrumental foundation for
Insley. Several songs feature hints of modern jangle-pop like the bouncy "Waitin`
Where She Hides" and "Beating Ya Down." There are also whimsical
touches - such as the jaw harp and glockenspiel on "Everything`s Broken Again"
- that nicely underscore the lyrical content. Insley isn`t afraid to go back to
the country catalogue. His intriguing choices are performed admirably. On Johnny
Darrell`s "Come See What`s Left Of Your Man," he comes across with the
sly charm of early Roger Miller. He puts his own deft touches on "Ol` What`s
Her Name." A solid, engaging recording. -- Linda Daily Paulson, countrystandardtime.com
Like
the sons of Texas stars Jerry Jeff Walker and Waylon Jennings, Clay McClinton
is following in the huge boot prints of his legendary father, Delbert, to pursue
a career in Texas roots. [T]here is no denying what’s in the blood.... With
Son of a Gun. . . McClinton demonstrates his stellar honky-tonk credentials on
songs like 'One of Those Guys,' and 'Dig Deep,' His R&B genetics shine through
impressively on 'Howlin’ at the Moon,' a tune with a distinctive Delbert-style
groove -- not surprising since it’s a collaborative effort with dad. . .
Escaping the long shadow cast by a music icon can be tough going, but with Son
of a Gun, this chip off the old block is wasting little time carving out a name
for himself. -- Patrick Cosgrove, Austin Music Magazine
Shoot
The Horse, recorded live at the venerable and claimed-by-civic-progress Sidetrack
Cafe, is long, hot goodbye kiss. Alberta resident Dave McCann and The Ten Toed
Frogs took the opportunity to use the excellent recording system at the Cafe and,
maybe, the finality of the club going away, and let the band breath a little country-rock
fire. McCann's Joe Ely-like voice soars over the sonic country crunch of the band.
The band captured a moment when they let loose and weren't afraid to walk the
edge. This is no beer-soaked live pity party for the club. In fact, the audience
is an occasionally added instrument, not played to by the Ten Toed Frogs. This
a "live" album in name only. On this particular night the band hit the
set-list hard without dropping a note. That is happened to be one long take with
a group of friends standing mere feet away is a footnote. Shoot The Horse is an
amazing country-rock record. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Old Man River Folk
Music)
Butch
Ryan portends to be a cautious man on one of the many outstanding tracks on this
2008 release. There are so many hooks, so many moments of transcendence, so many
singularly great musical moments that I fear that I might be able to physically
take it all in if Butch ever just let go. The vocals are full of sadness, reflection
and, thankfully, optimism. Recorded while the band's drummer was suffering (and
finally succumbing) from brain cancer must've put Ryan into a reflective mood.
Tragedy sometimes makes great art. On 'Time To Wait' Ryan and longtime co-producer
Steve Connelly caught the essence of a sad an vulnerable period. Ryan's earlier
work was full of hooks and heart. He has taken a tremendous leap with this record.
-- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (self-released)
Thad
Cockrell's angelic voice shines on these six tracks of devotional country. Produced
by Jason Lehning. Tracks: Price (Won't Get Us Where We Are Going) / Greast Rejoicing
/ A Country Of my Own / The Master's Calling / He Set Me Free / O To Be Loved
By Jesus (self)
Art
springs from personal hardship? Frequently. Especially on 'Past Life Crashing."
Herring spent the last several years of his life tearing himself down, picking
himself up, making an unreleased version of this record, and repeating the process.
Andy Riggs wrote on Americana-UK.com, "It’s a superb record full of
regret, looking back, looking forward and a record that asks for one more last
chance." His mix of ballads and up-tempo rockers meld with his wrenching
melodies do not hide his disquieting search for redemption. His third CD may be
his best but it was emotionally costly. Let's hope he can get right and make music
this good again without hitting bottom a few times in the process. -- Jeff Weiss,
Miles of Music (self-released)