I love PBS. They have this kickass show called Austin City Limits that I catch once in a blue moon. As our hour of Scrubs was over, I did a little channel surfing to find something to flicker in the background while I dozed off to sleep. I turn into PBS and I see a band playing, so I stop and decide to listen in for a second to see if they suck or are delicious. 

Delicious all the way. I didn't know it until the end of the program, but the band I was watching was called My Morning Jacket, and they were playing "Golden".

I was caught up in the rest of the show, which was only a few songs. Golden was definitely country, with that slide guitar wahwahing. Then the rest of what they played was a mix of progressive syncy rock. The lead, Jim James, his voice is relatively plain but it definitely works so well with their music. They're great live, too, as well as the music making me an instant fan, which doesn't often happen. I do enjoy the feeling of falling in love with music.

After some research I discovered that their latest album is called Okonokos, they've lost and gained two band members, they've been around since '98, and they played at Bonnaroo for a few years, the last one being in 2006. Dammit. They also named their band after a jacket with the initials MMJ on it that was found after a show.

 Anyways, here are four of the five tracks I caught on PBS. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and currently do. My Morning Jacket gets a big LTM stamp of approval.

My Morning Jacket Official  // MySpace // Get Okonokos

Wiki // Austin City Limits Website

Gideon MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Gideon.mp3]

Golden MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/golden%20-%20my%20morning%20jacket.mp3]

Anytime MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/My_Morning_Jacket-Anytime.mp3]

Dondante MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/mymorningjacket-dondante.mp3]

Kings of Leon. Came in threes, I swear. Played on Conan, Leno, and then I heard them the other day while shopping.

They're also playing at Bonnaroo, which could be considered a fourth sign, but as I have artistic license, I'm going to say thats not a fourth sign.

I really, really dig this song. I haven't quite figured out why. It could be considered annoyingly repetitive, but I like the voice of the lead singer, Caleb Followill. 

Check it out. Purtiness shall follow. And consider the album, Because of the Times.

Kings of Leon - On Call

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/KingsOfLeon_On_Call.mp3]

Kings of Leon Official Website // MySpace // Buy CD 

Lately I've been doing some investigating for Bonnaroo. While there are tons of bands that I know that are playing, there are equally as many that I don't know or am familiar with, and Gillian Welch is one of them. 

It doesn't look like its available on any of her albums, though, so I've linked to her latest release.

Black Star is available for listen on her MySpace page, but even better, its available for download right here. Its a cover of Radiohead, but you should already know that. I hope. One of my favorite Radiohead tracks being done my a soulful indie singer is pretty cool, and I hope you think so, too. Check it out. 

By the way, if anyone is familiar with Welch's stuff, drop me a line and guide me through her stuff. I want more. Her MySpace page lists her as Acoustic/Indie/Folk, but I disagree. I definitely think country. But I could be wrong. Anyways, keep jammin'.

Black Star - Gillian Welch

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/BlackStar%20-%20Gillian%20Welch.mp3]

Gillian Welch // MySpace // Buy Soul Journey 

Yesterday I was digging my way through internet as I usually do, when I'm supposed to be doing something else. I came across John Fahey. The name sounds familiar, but I know I'm not familiar with his stuff. But I should be. And so should you. Apparently his music is considered 'primitive guitar', and quite an inspiration to many musicians we know. Fahey passed away though, in 2001. 

 I chose 'Sligo River Blues' for this post because it was the easiest to get my hands on. If you check out the MySpace page there are two other tracks which are excellent, also. 

Related Links:

John Fahey Official Website

John Fahey on MySpace 

Related Audio:

Sligo River Blues - John Fahey

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/18%20-%20John%20Fahey%20-%20Sligo%20River%20Blues.mp3]

 Bluegrass + Sweet Harmonies + Awesome Instrumentals = Nickel Creek

Reasons Why: The Very Best (CD + DVD) - Nickel Creek

Nickel Creek Official Website

Label : Sugar Hill

Well, I was just going to do an MP3 Spotlight post on Nickel Creek, but then I couldn't pick an MP3 to feature from this album, or them, in general, especially when it occurred to me that many people don't know who Nickel Creek are. Which is a crying shame.

I've been into Nickel Creek for a couple of years now, and am quite disappointed that they're not playing at Bonnaroo this year, as they have in the past.

What to say? Progressive bluegrass? Sure. Beautiful instrumentals? You bet. Harmonizing vocals? Check.

I love Nickel Creek, and this Best Of album is a good introduction to their music. Some of my favorites in their past albums have been some that I thought wouldn't be on this album, but I was pleasantly surprised.

They have a sound of bluegrass and country, with the mandolin, violin, and guitar of the 3 band members, or sometimes called 'progressive bluegrass', or 'progressive acoustic'. I think it's just good music. I saw in article that someone described their music as "Nickel Creek music". This is why I like it, because you can always expect something different, so different a genre can't hold them. They're signed to Allison Kraus' label, if that gives you an idea. They're lyrically sound, too, with some heavier, darker lyrics on their later albums. They have a talent for storytelling which is prevalent in this style music, like in "The Lighthouse's Tale", a story of a Romeo and Juliet type romance. They do great without lyrics, too, check out "Smoothie Song".

This album is great, with only one hiccup, being "Out of the Woods". I never liked that song. 

Nickel Creek essentially speaks for themselves. To pinpoint what makes them great would be difficult, involve a lot of swearing, and pretty pointless. Hit play and find out for yourself. 

Meanwhile, check out their other stuff if you dig this. Definitely take a listen to the mp3s here. I'll be surprised if you're not hooked.

And sadly, I just found that they're touring this year, the tour being titled "Farwell (For Now)". Catch them while you can. 

Related Links:

Nickel Creek Official Website

Buy This CD

Nickel Creek on MySpace

Related Audio:

Smoothie Song

[audio:http://www.lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/05-nickel_creek-smoothie_song.mp3]

I Should've Known Better

[audio:http://www.lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/09-nickel_creek-i_shouldve_known_better.mp3]

Reasons Why

[audio:http://www.lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/07-nickel_creek-reasons_why.mp3]

When In Rome

[audio:http://www.lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/03-nickel_creek-when_in_rome.mp3]

Enjoy. 

Country-Rock + Sweet Harmonies + Pop = Low Stars 

Low Stars - Self Titled

Low Stars Official Website

Label : Hear Music 

The Low Stars are a group of 4 guys, guys that have been in the music biz for several years now. You may recognize them: Jude (City of Angels Soundtrack, music for various T.V. shows), Chris Seefried (lead singer of God's Child, did music for "Six Feet Under" [HBO]), Jeff Russo (lead singer/songwriter for Tonic), and Dave Gibbs (Gigolo Aunts, music for films like "Mr. Deeds"). Together they present an album with a clear reach for the harmony found in the music of The Eagles and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Brand spankin' new, so they necessitate an introduction as a band, but the individuals have their own recognition.

The album, Low Stars, is pretty good. I'll be the first to admit that it's not a style of music that I'd typically spin constantly, but the music and the vocal harmony is excellent. They have a country/pop-rock/Nickel Creek feel, and a definite reminder of the simple, genuine music of The Eagles and CSNY. I do enjoy the range of musical instruments - mandolin, pedal steel, dobro, with your other assorted strings thrown in.

While this album is quite refreshing in musical style and expectations, I have to say lyrically it's a little it-writes-itself, but then again, this style of music lends itself to that. Pretty mellow stuff, and good doing-anything music. Except road rage. By the end, expect to be a little bored, but not totally upset.

Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars, if we use a rating system. Check it out, it's available through the Hear Music at Starbucks. 

Related Links:

Low Stars Official Website

Hear Music (Starbucks)

Low Stars on MySpace

Buy This CD!

Related Audio:

Child

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Low%20Stars/02%20Child.mp3]

Tracks In the Rain 

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Low%20Stars/04%20Tracks%20in%20the%20Rain.mp3]