Blind Pilot

Blind Pilot is one artist that has not released news of a new album in this jam-packed album release year. "We are the Tide" is such a beautiful album. "Half Moon" belongs on my list of best ever songs. I really need to revisit that list...anyway, it's helping make this afternoon a bit better.

Bands That Should Be Bigger

All Songs Considered asked this week: Which band should be bigger than they are?

I certainly agree with Telekinesis, a favorite from last year. My answer: Frightened Rabbit, which not only puts on one hell of a concert, but has had back to back fantastic albums. The Low Anthem, another favorite 9:30 Club concert, is an answer I agree with from the comments. And while I did not answer Blind Pilot, that would work for me, too.

New Music Tuesday

Three groups I've mentioned on here already have their albums finally out today: Blitzen Trapper's American Goldwing, Mates of State, and Blind Pilot, the latest of which I bought after streaming on NPR Music and downloading a free tune off of Amazon. I am confident that at least one, if not more, will show up on my list of favorite albums of the year.

BTW, all of the groups will be in DC.  Both Mates of State and Blind Pilot will be at the 9:30 Club. Blitzen Trapper and Dawes will be at the Black Cat. If I could, I'd be a concert junkie offering my review/recommendation service. Just sayin'...

New Music Tuesday II

So I am currently streaming Active Child's new release, mostly because I downloaded a free track of theirs off of Amazon and I wanted to see if the rest of the CD is any good. Amazon raved about it, but eh, not so sure yet.  I can't say that I am a big fan of it, though.

What I did like and I am not ashamed of it: Kelly Clarkson's new track Mr. Know It All. She has an infectious voice, and her music is always fun. I am not ashamed that she (and Daughtery) are the two artist I've purchased from American Idol.

AA Bondy's Believers did catch my ear this morning, though. I just love NPR Music's streams, particular the album previews. And here's a great description:

But the new Believers, out Sept. 13, sounds more fleshed-out: Less nakedly fatalistic than its predecessors, it also finds Bondy reasserting himself as a bandleader. This isn't singer-songwriter fare, but rather a full band in fine form, crafting evocative songs with a fully realized sense of place to them.

In languid ballads like "Skull & Bones" and "Down in the Fire (Lost Sea)," the place Bondy evokes still seems located somewhere near oblivion. But the music that surrounds him this time around chimes subtly and warmly — even majestically.

I also like the new Blind Pilot album quite a bit. Very fun.