“Change the Sheets” / Kathleen Edwards

The weekend is almost here. The sun is shining. Here’s a bright tune by Canadian folk singer (and the Bon Iver dude’s  ladyfriend), Kathleen Edwards, off her 2011 album, Voyageur. I give our northern neighbors an A+ for giving us her and Sarah Harmer. Way to be, Canadia.

iTunes: Change the Sheets – Kathleen Edwards

Rogue Wave on tour

Rogue Wave, 2008 by Joachim Beckers (CC BY-NC-SA license)

Not to sound like a braggart, but in the past two days I have scored tickets to both Paul Weller and Rogue Wave (with Caveman.) Stoked art I. Neither acts have sold out their NYC dates. Some might say that means they are unpopular. I say, people just don’t know better.

Admittedly, I could have been in that ignorant set of Rogue Wave Who? masses had I not accompanied a friend to see The Stills in 2007. I was barely paying attention to even the mere name of the opener when all disregard was replaced by utter hypnosis. It was one of those sets that just oozes magic–players being on-point, enjoying their playing, laying hearts on the stage, and putting amazingly catchy yet thoughtful songs in your ear. From that show, I became particularly attached to “Eyes” and “Every Moment.” Later, I’d discover their hauntingly beautiful cover of Buddy Holly’s “Everyday.” And onward it went.

What makes me gravitate toward this band is the ability for them to create a catchy yet complex track. They have that introspective quality, shared in 90s bands like REM and Toad the Wet Sprocket, that lends itself to an enjoyable yet enriching listen.   Their garage band charm and Zach Rogue’s nasal warble give a personal, relatable quality to songs like “Lake Michigan,” “We Will Make a Song Destroy,” and “Publish My Love.” But they aren’t  just indie rock song-smiths of radio friendly tracks– “Catform”  and “10:1” off perhaps their most beloved album, Descend Like Vultures, pulls from all the deftly fused influences to show that, bluntly: they are a fucking good band.

In short: give them a first date listen. I’m sure you’ll be blowing up their phone soon after.

iTunes: Rogue Wave (keep an eye out for their new release, Nightingale Floors out June 4.)

So long, Richie Havens

Richie Havens, by Emily Rodgers on 1/23/2010

Richie Havens passed away yesterday at 72. What’s a good Richie Havens song, you ask? Admittedly, covers were Havens’ bread and butter.  On my way into work, the local radio station played him covering the Who. After, they called him “the great interpreter.” I agree.

Back in high school, I came upon a Bob Dylan tribute album. It included “Masters of War” covered by Pearl Jam; “Times Are a Changin'” by Tracy Champan; and “I Shall be Released” by Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. But the most memorable, evocative tribute? Richie Havens’ version of “Just Like A Woman.”

I have always considered Bob Dylan a poet first, a songwriter second, and a vocalist last–dead last. Honestly, listening to stuff like his new “Duquesne Whistle” is painful for me. Dylan gets a bad wrap from people who can’t overlook (or perhaps overhear) his vocals, but it definitely takes effort and tolerance. Luckily, Richie Havens illuminated the true beauty of Dylan for me in a single song.

Havens’ smokey rasp and frenzied guitar playing is undeniably soulful.  His ability to tap into a deep place when performing elevates mere listening to an experience.

Here are some tracks to remember his legacy by:

iTunes: Richie Havens