Slim Pickins

So this week I don't really have a whole lot to share with you.  Not many artists released new music this week, but I did find a few gems.

The first band is an awesome indie-folk group from Portland, Oregon called Blind Pilot.  They originally started as a duo of just guitar and percussion touring the West on their bikes and playing small shows.  They have now grown to a full 6 piece band.  Israel Nebeker, who is the guitarist/singer an amazingly gifted songwriter.  His songs are simple but incredibly melodic and beautiful.  Sometimes I feel like people overproduce their music and it sounds too cluttered but Blind Pilot really stripped down their music and the effect is perfect.  Their album sounds like an intimate concert in a coffee shop.  Their release this week is not really new music, it's just a live in studio session with the full band, but it does include a previously unreleased track called "Get It Out" and a cover of Gillian Welch's "Look At Miss Ohio" which is featured in the video below.  I also have included my favorite song from their debut album "3 Rounds and a Sound."



Blind Pilot - The Story I Heard



The second band has been part of my library since my brother bought me an EP of theirs while I was in college.  John Butler Trio is a great roots rock band from Frematle, West Australia.  Their songs often carry messages, either political or moral.  They have a very unique sound that encompasses attributes from folk music to reggae to rock to even hip/hop and soul.  They have a funky groove that is infectious.  They are easily one of the leading groups to come out of Australia.  Their latest release is the first single from their upcoming album "April Uprising" titled "One Way Road," which I have included here.  The song is a little more on the rock side than usual however their sound seems to be heading in this direction based on their last few albums.  I have also included one of my favorite tracks for your listening pleasure.


John Butler Trio - One Way Road


John Butler Trio - Fire In The Sky

My "band you must hear" this week is MuteMath.  They are a very forward thinking experimental band who in the process create some gorgeous songs.  Hailing from New Orleans, these artists have a very eclectic musical influence.  Their music invokes aspects from jazz, blues, funk, electronic, and rock, but the sound they create is all their own.  And not only have they created a brand new sound, but they have invented instruments and effects for their shows, and they continue to push the barrier.  With Frontman Paul Meany's voice, which sounds like Sting when he was with The Police, a drummer that could be considered virtuosic, and enough creativity and musical talent to fill the Super Dome, this band is one of the most exciting bands in music.  Oh and did I mention that they put on one of the most entertaining live performances that you will ever see?  Check out these songs which I hope are enough to show the range of talent these guys have.


MuteMath - Armistice (2nd Line Version with Rebirth Brass Band)


MuteMath - Noticed


MuteMath - Lost Year

Hope you enjoyed all the music this week.  Tune in next week same bat-time same bat-channel.

-Emerson