Good Old War

Leaning a bit to the alt-country side, Good Old War has been one of those bands that I have heard of before but never really say down and gave them a chance. Too bad I did that because now I know what I've been missing. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Good Old War consists of three guys who play down home and left of center country tinged music. Lead singer Keith Goodwin possesses a simple voice that perfectly suits the atmosphere they create.

They just released their self-titled sophomore album and after listening to it, it is a laid back summer-y affair. With tracks like the heartbreaking My Own Sinking Ship about a relationship that felt so right but just didn't work out. (It's the last time we'll fall in love) But they really shine on I Should Go/Thinking of You. It begins with a three part harmony intro before getting into a sweet acoustic, almost Jack Johnson type guitar strum. The song is often sung as a group and the guys know who to blend their vocals perfectly. Both musically and lyrically this song is steps above anything else on the album. The song conveys the strong feeling of wanting and knowing what you can't have. Goodwin sings I can only think of one reason why I should go/I'll see you tomorrow/I'll go back home and think of you.

Good Old War perfectly encompasses that space of down home, laid back, heart on your sleeve music that really wants to speak to the listener. And it only gets better with each listen.

Good Old War- Myspace
I Should Go-

Good Old War "I Should Go/Thinking of You" Glassroom Session

Good Old War | MySpace Music Videos

Jones Street Station

It at first you don't succeed... Jones Street Station released their debut album Overcome 2 years ago but don't feel as though it represents them all that well. Enter their true debut album In Verses out this August. Their second "debut" finds the boys from Brooklyn, by way of the midwest, with a new drummer and four, count 'em four lead vocalists. The band is a lo-fi alt-country group with each member more than strong enough to front a band on their own.

One of the strongest tracks is Tall Buildings, a melancholy goodbye to the country life for the big bustling city. (It's goodbye to the sunshine/ Goodbye to the dew/ Goodbye to you/ I'm off to the subway/ Going to work in tall buildings) Harmonicas, mandolin, piano, four-part harmonies fill the songs of Jones Street Station. Their alt-country laid back nature is a refreshing breeze for those lazy firefly filled summer nights.

Jones Street Station-Myspace
Tall Buildings (Live)-