“The Pretenders” by Joe Purdy

Another day and another artist I discovered thanks to a commercial. Back in 2009 Dawn featured Joe Purdy’s “Wash Away” in a very touching oil spill ad. Not only did the ad get me to go out and purchase the Dawn bottles with the baby duck on it but it also got me to download Joe Purdy’s music. “The Pretenders” is a song about 2 lovers who go on a little trip to the ocean and every time I hear it I think of past trips with my wife. I really love the line “What a beautiful girl/ And I know in this world/ The good ones are so hard to find.” That couldn’t be more true and every time I hear it I think of Amanda.

“Ghost Towns” by Radical Face

I discovered Radical Face when ESPN showed a commercial for the University of Oregon which featured “Welcome Home” by Radical Face. This was 3 years ago and I have been hooked by his music ever since. “Welcome Home” is a great song to hook you and make you want to discover more and believe me you will discover more great songs. “Ghost Towns” is one of them.

“That Moon Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov feat. Brandi Carlile

I have heard of Gregory Alan Isakov (GAI). His name comes up in similar artists searches and his music is played on my Pandora stations. I always liked hearing his music but for some reason I never downloaded any of his songs. Fast forward to August after spending 3 days backpacking in the Colorado Wilderness me and my buddies sat down at a pizza place in Crested Butte for a well deserved meal. There was music playing in the restaurant throughout our meal but only one song really stood out to me. So I Shazam’d it and sure enough it was Mr. Isakov’s “Stable Song”. I took this as a sign and as soon as I got home I downloaded some of his music and I am so happy did. To me his music is best heard in the fall as the evenings grow cold and the leaves turn gold. I probably think this cause I discovered him in late August and listened to his songs 743 times since with a bulk of the plays coming in September and October. If you discover him through this post you will probably think Winter is the time for GAI. He is really just good in any season. Brandi Carlile is not so bad herself either 🙂 Enjoy!

PS Here is me hiking in Colorado.  If you ever get the chance hike the backcountry of Colorado…its true beauty

Jose Gonzalez “Step Out”

I was watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty the other day with my wife and I found myself using my Shazam App throughout the film.  Eventually I decided just to google the album when I got home and I must say it is a very solid soundtrack.  This effort made for the soundtrack by Jose Gonzalez is the highlight and different from what we have grown accustom to from Jose.  After seeing the movie you are going to want to travel and live a more adventurous life.  This song just keeps hammering that message into your head with every listen.   So “Step Out” see the world and enjoy the adventure that is life.

PS I dare you to find someone who doesn’t like this song

“If Ever There’s A Place” by Farewell Milwaukee

Farewell Milwaukee is my first discovery of the new year. They have released 3 studio albums and this is off of their latest album “Can’t Please You, Can’t Please Me”. This song has become my new obsession with 50 iTunes plays in the last week or so. I was lucky enough to catch them live last night at the Empty Bottle in Chicago and they put on a great show including a cover of Neil Young’s “Helpless” which had a great country sound to it. My only complaint is they had to share the stage with 2 others bands so their set was short. I will 100% see them again next time they are in Chicago. So check out this song and if you like it check out their Bandcamp page where you can stream all 3 of the bands albums for free.

http://farewellmilwaukee.bandcamp.com/

Deer Tick Show Tonight!

I have seen Deer Tick twice but its been a few years. I’ll be checking them out tonight at the City Winery which sounds like a pretty cool intimate venue here in Chicago. Should make for a nice little Tuesday night. Concert review to follow. Here are a few of my favorites. Also click on picture to check out Deer Tick’s website.

Deer Tick “Ashamed”

Deer Tick “Smith Hill”

Deer Tick “Easy”