The White Buffalo - Once Upon a Time in the West (2012)

There was a time when I considered The White Buffalo my "new" favorite artist. Three LPs, three EPs, hundreds of live shows, and seven and a half years later we can hardly refer to The White Buffalo as being "new," but he still remains one of my favorite recording artists and his tunes remain fresh.

I've always enjoyed The White Buffalo's lone, guitar-slinging musical bandito routine. I prefer his one-man performances for the freedom it allows him to jam through multi-song country medleys and the emotion that hovers in the room when it is just his exceptional baritone and the guitar keeping time. "Once Upon a Time in the West" adds additional musical layers to The White Buffalo's previous releases, namely in the consistent backing of a near-full band, and pulls it off without losing the authentic Americana feel of the solo White Buffalo. A few tracks are downright rollicking with up-tempo drums, howls, and "Hey"s. Despite the quality of the full-band tracks, I still find myself gravitating toward the thoughtfulness and simplicity of slower tracks such as "Sleepy Little Town," "Wish It Was True," and "One Lone Night." They are alluring, if not haunting, songs that remind me (if not the collective us) of how captivating good songwriting and vocals can be. Have a gander at the video below and tell me I'm wrong. Enjoy this album and support this artist. His music is as good as his personality. Worth buying; worth sharing.

Wilderness of Manitoba - "November"

I know it's the middle of summer, but that's when I'm most likely to trapse around in the woods and, if my friends were more talented, we would all sing and strum around a campfire like the Wilderness of Manitoba, whose backsides are apparently more impervious to the winter chill than mine. Unfortunately, I don't think any of my friends are capable of the beautiful and hushed harmonies on "November," so I'll just have to settle for seeing the band play at the Mission Theater on Friday, August 26th when they open for the Cloud Cult.

FNBP: Damnation Golden Ale & Bon Iver - Bon Iver (2011)

Both fragile and confident Bon Iver’s Bon Iver is a very solid follow-up to the immensely popular For Emma, Forever Ago and the Blood Bank EP. There is certainly more going on here musically than on his past offerings, with layers of instruments and some harder rocking; however, the music remains stripped down, intimate and emotionally impactful. I can’t count how many times I have sung “never gonna break, never gonna break” while sipping my morning coffee or slipped this album on while reading Cormac McCarthy's tales of savagery and hopelessness. From the album art to the music itself, the album just seems right for early mornings and quiet evenings. The soothing “Towers” is best while reclining into a comfy microfiber couch, with “Holocene” and “Calgary” coming in a close second place tie. As far as I’m concerned, the only blemish on Justin Vernon’s record is being associated with the New Moon Soundtrack, for which he was likely pleasantly rewarded, but I'm willing to forgive him for such a move when I am soaking up this album with a tall, cool Damnation in my hand.

Russian River Brewing Co.’s Damnation Golden Ale out of the 750mL cork finished bottle provides the perfect accompaniment to Vernon's sleepy falsetto and rustic instrumentation. Damnation is a smooth, but earthy beer with plenty of kick and a mouthful of flavor. It is a quintessential backwoods log-cabin beer (albeit a Belgian log-cabin) that could be consumed out of an old coffee mug or a tin cup, with the thick creamy head sloshing over into your bowl of waterzooi. The cork bottle is elegant much like a fine champagne, but the name and label make it clear that this is not a beer to be trifled with. Much like Bon Iver, it is a real strong effort for a wide range of occasions that I would certainly recommend to folks who haven't tried it yet.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (2011)

While the Sun Giant EP and self-titled album generally caught everyone off-guard with newfound baroque, minstrel pop stylings of woven harmonies and rhythmic acoustic pluckings, three years later everyone knew what to expect from Helplessness Blues. As my most anticipated album of 2011, I was itching for new Fleet Foxes, due in no small part to listening to any and all Fleet Foxes on repeat throughout the California Bar prep period. The group bring a big(ger) sound on many of the tracks with more prominent instrumentation accompanying the formally vocally-centric emphasis. The group still maintains that coming-of-Spring feel, which is what fans have come to know and appreciate, reveling in the free-spirited harmonizations and frolicky folkiness that makes the album, and their corresponding live shows, stand tall above the current indie folk noise. It is a complete album, running a range of tones, with "Battery Kinzie" providing drum-driven, soaring vocal harmonies, "Montezuma" for melancholic movements, "Helplessness Blues" for the single-structured, catchy chorus; however, for my money, it is the strummy, pace-changing "The Shrine / An Argument" that embodies what I love about Fleet Foxes... multiple melodies and moods in one song. Excellent from beginning to end, this effort fills a much needed void in my personal collection — some songs to whistle to, sing-along to, stum to, or (even) wave your hands in the air like a symphony conductor to, this album takes hold and only lets go at the final, wavering notes.

Credit to Nesto for his insightful comments.

Tom Williams & The Boat - "Too Slow"

Tom Williams & The Boat's "Too Slow" is macabre lament, with a pounding drum that builds into riotous cacophony. Their dark acoustic folk rock reminds me a bit of the much loved The Builders & The Butchers. They seem to have a similar Gothic world view. I look forward to hearing the rest of the album.

Mumford And Sons - "The Cave" (Acoustic Bookshop Sessions)

Sigh no more! My much-anticipated Mumford and Sons show is this week and I am beyond excited to finally see these Brits get their banjo on, even if it's at the less-than-intimate NYC monstrosity otherwise known as Terminal 5 (a venue that seriously needs to accidentally burn down already, as I've requested many moons ago). QuickCrit is no stranger to loving Mumford hard this year, so where's the harm in gushing a little more? I serendipitously stumbled upon some baller acoustic versions of M&S playing their tracks at Treadwell's Bookshop in London. Oh please, please, please play similarly stripped-down versions at T5 and maybe I'll refrain from jig dancing. They even called this performance the "Bookshop Sessions." Flawless acoustic Mumford... in a bookshop? Blimey! I think I just had a tiny musical orgasm.



"Little Lion Man" sounds great too, no surprise there.

James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning (2010)

Remember when people went bonkers for everything Bon Iver? I do, because for a stretch there I was one of those people. James Vincent McMorrow may not revive the exact same feeling of "I hope it rains today so I can stay inside under a blanket and listen to For Emma, Forever Ago on repeat" to the full extent as Bon Iver,  but he takes a damn good stab at it. Perhaps more musically clean, complex and upbeat than his Wisconsin counterpart's record, the similarities certainly hold water, in no small part of the diverse use of acoustic instruments and falsetto vocals. Additionally, Early In the Morning was allegedly recorded under similar isolationist, introspective circumstances as For Emma, Forever Ago -- but this is far from a "copycat" effort. Tracks like "Breaking Hearts," "If I Had A Boat" and "Sparrow & The Wolf" all exemplify the exceptional talent rooted in McMorrow's musicianship and songwriting independent of references to Justin Vernon. So far this album has only been released in the UK (that I know of) so keep your eyes open for when it heads west. For now you can stream (legally) the full album here. Enjoy, I know I have.

Murder By Death - Good Morning, Magpie (2010)

You'll likely need a bottle of whiskey and a beer-back for this one, 'cause Murder By Death loves singing 'bout drinking. Honestly, I was a little bit down-trodden upon first listen of Good Morning, Magpie, simply because I was not initially drawn in by any particular track in the same way that I was drawn in by most of the tracks off of Red of Tooth and Claw. However, as many albums do, certain songs began to sink in and did more than an adequate job of chasing away my temporary disappointment. Additionally, I admittedly start listening to new albums from bands I love with expectations that are fashioned by my intimate relationship with records and tracks of the past, momentarily forgetting that bands typically move forward and evolve. I would say that MBD may have matured, but certainly not "moved on." Adam Turla's voice remains as old-fashioned and gritty as ever, the musicianship perhaps is more impressive, and the lyrics are still a tasteful mixture of melancholy & good, drunken times.  I ultimately enjoy GM,M more than In Bocca Al Lupo but less than Red of Tooth and Claw, in general. "Foxglove," "King of the Gutters, Prince of the Dogs," "As Long As There Is Whiskey In The World" and "The Day" are my favorites and make for good starters, but as suggested above I'd grab a bottle or two and run through this one a few times so it settles in deep with your warm, whiskey buzz.

Blind Pilot - iTunes Sessions EP (2009)

As Portland's biggest acoustic export these days, it makes sense for Blind Pilot to release a live EP with their now expanded their lineup to tide fans over until their next studio full length. Three of the five tracks off the EP are quietly beautiful stripped-down versions of well-loved songs from 3 Rounds And A Sound. However, after having listened to the album pretty heavily for the last two years, the two new recordings are the real treat. "Look At Miss Ohio" is a loping Gillian Welch cover that they fill out and make their own, while "Get It Out" is brand new song that builds into a pleasantly catchy chorus. Overall, it's a solid EP for fans. However, after seeing them perform a fantastic version of MGMT's "Kids" at the Crystal Ballroom I wish they included a version of that too.

The video of "Kids" is cut off and doesn't really capture rich acoustic sound of the performance, but it'll give you an idea of what you missed.

The White Buffalo @ Café Du Nord

Although the chemistry of a group of musicians when they are perfectly in sync and rockin' out is always impressive, for me, there is something even more impressive and emotionally transcending about just a voice and a guitar manipulating a room packed with people. Snap shirts were in full effect at Café Du Nord this past weekend of The White Buffalo, and everyone in attendance was treated to a powerful solo acoustic performance that, for the most part, entranced the spectators into silence. One nice component of the solo show, is that The White Buffalo (aka Jake Smith) can go in any direction he likes during the performance, for instance finishing his set off with a country legends medley and constantly bantering with the engaged rowdies up front. I would normally say that the The White Buffalo should be looked into, but in the case of the solo performance, I'd have to escalate my recommendation to the lofty "not to be missed" plateau.

The man is currently on tour will be making a stop in Portland, Oregon tonight (Wednesday, January 27) at Mississippi Studios. If you know what's good for you, you'll be there. Tell him "America" sent you... you'll get it when you see the video.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 11:11 (2009)

Hey ya'll just finishing up the first quarter of school and have a minute to do a post. Rodrigo y Gabriela are two acoustic guitar players from Mexico that formed a band in Dublin, and their latest album is 11:11. My favorite jams are "Hanuman" and "Buster Voodoo." I first heard them do a cover of Metallica's "One" and thought it was a group of like 4 or 5 dudes, but it's not, just two people dominating the strings. All I can say is that they fuckin' jam really hard—like if you don't pay attention to what you are doing, you might just randomly break out into some traditional Aztec dancing, or possibly just start rocking a power V and seduce your cleaning lady, feather duster and everything, not a word spoken. The new album is all originals, I believe, and is amazing as a change of pace. Some people aren't really feelin' it cause there are no vocals, but I can dig it, and if you can't, just check out their Youtube videos of "Stairway to Heaven" and "One" cover songs. Yeah, I rest my case, shenanigans.

Hanuman - Rodrigo y Gabriela

**Side note: Going to see Hockey on sat night at the Blank Club near mi casa, thanks for telling me about these guys mercy, awesome band.

Ra Ra Riot @ Golden Gate Park

Who knew that the cello could be the make-or-break instrument for a band? I certainly didn't (unless the band is actually a symphony led by Yo-Yo Ma); however, that was what Ra Ra Riot proved when they called a scheduled hour-long, early morning set after just two songs on a foggy morning at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. It was an inspiring and ambitious idea: Coffee, bagels, and donuts segueing into a 9-10AM set before the band hit the road on their way from San Francisco to Reno, but after just one song, the group announced that they would play only one more song due to a malfunctioning cello to the chuckling amusement of the unbelieving crowd. So, after acoustic, un-miked renditions of "Each Year" and "Dying Is Fine," the crowd of about 30 onlookers, the band, and the Spin Earth TV video crew packed up and wandered off into the fog. Although I highly respect their willingness to get up early and perform in a picnic like atmosphere, the execution of set was just a little awkward. Nevertheless, it was fun and here's a taste of the performance...

Michael Dean Damron - Father's Day (2009)

I'd be surprised if fans of the Drive-By Truckers' Patterson Hood and Lucero's Ben Nichols aren't immediately drawn to Portland's similarly scratchy-voiced Michael Dean Damron and his barroom folk songs of heartbreak and regret. I also hear a lot of Steve Earle's simultaneously world-weary and rebellious attitude. He seems to aspire (and fit) Earle's definition of a "Hard Core Troubadour", a song referenced on "I'm A Bastard". Damron's soulful vocals on "Dead Days" mix acceptance and reflection and allow the electric guitar to provide a touch of optimism. Like early Bottle Rocket's albums, black humor runs throughout Father's Day, evident in songs like "Boy With A Car" and "SOS", which could be country punk if he picked up the pace. As usual, I tend to favor the electric guitar and harmonica driven tracks like "Tornado Song", but he does justice to the slower acoustic numbers as well, like a couple of covers of Townes Van Zandt and King Harvest.

The Lonelyhearts - Disaster Footage At Night (2008)

A great collection of radiant and melodic southern rock and folky Americana. The San Francisco/Iowa based duo get it done with acoustic and electric guitars, keyboard, a bit of synth, and honest, Tom Petty-like vocals (at times) and story-telling lyrics. A really solid, mellow album, with my personal favorites being: "New Virginia," "Harlequin Bands," & "Concrete and Chrome."

The White Buffalo - Hogtied Revisited (2009)

About six years ago I received two copies of Hogtied Like a Rodeo from the man himself, Jake Smith: vocalist extraordinaire and guitar man, and it instantly became my go-to mellow, "play-for-everyone-I-know," acoustic album. As the title suggests, many, but not all, of the tracks off the now discontinued original are revisited on Hogtied Revisited with new recording and a slightly different approach, but there are a few newbies as well. Of the new tracks, "Damned," an acoustic guitar and piano backed piece, is the most powerful and showcases Smith's impressive baritone's emotion and range (think: Greg Brown with a touch of Eddie Vedder, but the comparison really doesn't do his voice justice). Of the "revisited" tracks, "Bar and the Beer," remains a personal favorite imbibing song, while "Today's Tomorrow," "Story," and "The Woods" encapsulate the exceptional vocals and pleasant country-americana instrumentation that has made The White Buffalo one of my favorite acts for the better part of a decade.

For a taste of his sound, check out this video for the song "Love Song 1" off of The White Buffalo Ep... if you like what you hear, you will love this album.

Horse Feathers - House With No Home (2008)

Do you like hushed, wavering male folk singers? Because if you do, you need to check out Portland's Horse Feathers. The delicate vocals are backed by warm and supportive acoustic guitar, banjo, and cello. Justin Ringle's voice falls somewhere between Sam Beam and Justin Vernon. House With No Home feels sparse, as the musicians allow the music to breathe and the instruments to become quiet for a cappella sections. It's a really quiet album. I kept turning it up. The music almost seems reluctant to come out of the speakers. It's also quite beautiful and restrained. Check out the album art, it is perfectly matched to the music. My favorite tracks are "Working Poor" and "Helen".

Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds And A Sound (2008)

My friend Brian kept telling me to check out these local Portland boys and I kept on forgetting their name, literally, for months. Then finally he mentioned them and I went right home and downloaded them off eMusic. And they were awesome. And I realized I’d wasted at least three months not knowing who these guys were. Don’t make my same mistake. They sound like a cross between Elvis Perkins and the Shins. It’s mostly two guys singing over a strummed guitar and a light snare. That sentence would probably turn me off too, but the songs are catchy. Don’t mistake this for boring ass folk, this is acoustic pop, a subtle distinction maybe, but an important one. Yes, one has a beard. My favorite tracks are “One Red Thread”, the title song, and "Oviedo". If I’d had a better memory and listened to this album earlier they might have made my year-end list.

Sarah Blackwood - Way Back Home (2008)

On Way Back Home, Sarah Blackwood delivers a solid set of neo-traditional country songs. Her slightly worn - smokey, not scratchy - voice is perfect for the dark and heartbroken tone of the album. The songs are mostly stripped down to just her voice and a strummed acoustic guitar. Although the straight forward lyrics about the crap boyfriends dragged her through, recall classic country, some of the phrasing and perspective - direct, not overly sentimental - seem a little punk, which makes sense since she also fronts a horrorbilly punk band, the Creepshow. It's not quite tear in your beer music - her voice is strong and her outlook reflective, but if the liner notes are too be believed, these are based on real-life tough times. At points it feels a little too reigned in. Some of the songs seem like they could use an infusion of energy, perhaps borrowing a Creepshow riff or two. Regardless, it's a solid album and it'll probably make you want to check her other band too.

Minus The Bear - Acoustics EP (2008)

Keeping up with my Seattle kick of late, Minus The Bear (or Menos El Oso for our Spanish-speaking readership) has put out an Acoustics EP that is available for digital download. Or for those who prefer physical copies, they'll be for sale at merchandise booths on their current tour (can't wait, 10/26/08!).

Being one of my favorite math rock bands, I'm enamored with their experimental rock feel, melodic chords and that signature atypical rhythmic structure that always reel me in. If those aren't reason enough, lead singer Jake Snider perfectly complements the music with a sleepy sexiness in voice that is forceful and entrancing, yet so laid-back. Lyrically, Snider tends to focus on the perennial themes of sex/getting wasted/having fun, but manages to do so in this punch-drunk, romantic way without being too touchy-feely. So why the Acoustics EP? I was hesitant and feared stripped down versions might minus the Bear out of their sound completely...

...well, I was wrong since this 6-track EP ain't half bad. It's actually a full-band acoustic that maintains their indie rock sensibility, while adding an intimate and jazzy feel. There's a new track "Guns & Ammo," 4 of the best off 2007's Planet Of Ice ("Burying Luck," "Knights," "Throwin' Shapes," and "Ice Monster"), as well as fan-favorite "We Are Not A Football Team" off 2002's Highly Refined Pirates. But the track that stole the show is "Pachuca Sunrise" off 2005's Menos El Oso. Already gorgeous in its electric version, the acoustic adds this whole new chill element that still works with some of the most effortlessly romantic lyrics I've ever heard. The imagery is so lush that each time I play this song, I literally am transported to the same Mediterranean beach, watching the “luster from the city lights, on the waves that kiss our feet.”

I only wish they'd included "Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!" (my first taste) or all-time favorite "Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse" (both off Highly Refined Pirates), but no dice. If you're new to MTB, I'd suggest checking out "Absinthe..." The guitar-driven intro spanning the first minute + 30 seconds of this track is enough to get a Minus The Bear novice out of hibernation. See for yourself.. it's just plain ridiculous.

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

This is a very enjoyable, mellow album. Everything sounds heartfelt throughout this patiently, fine crafted collection of acoustic solitude. Primarily falsetto vocals are supplemented by an undertone of steady acoustic guitar and subtle sporadic snare and bass drumming... this gives the songs a beautifully captivating simplicity. For Emma is perhaps my favorite study/reading album that I have discovered so far this year—in the realm of Iron & Wine’s The Shepherd's Dog—and given the amount of time I spend studying, it may break into my favorite new albums overall.

For the uninitiated: "Blindsided," "Skinny Love," “For Emma”