Mumford & Sons

I've had their debut, Sigh No More, for a little while now and was so enthralled with it that I forgot that I never formally posted about them on DFD. Well consider them posted.

Mumford & Sons is a folk/bluegrass/rock band that encompasses everything that is great about that particular genre. Their musicianship is uncontested. Their lyrics are seething. And lead singer Marcus Mumford's voice is probably one of the best. Ever. His tone is all gin-soaked rasp and rage. He can take the most mundane of songs and transform it into something altogether great.

On Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons are coming to you full throttle. From the run-for-your-money banjo fueled The Cave to the absolutely terrifying (in a good way) Dust Bowl Dance. The latter telling of a man who has been wronged and takes matters into his own hands. (There will come a time I will look in your eye/You will pray to the God that you always denied/The I'll go out back and I'll get my gun) But nothing can compare to the quiet start and blistering finish of their best track White Blank Page. Mumford lulls the listener into a sense of security with its simple melody and lyrics and somewhere around 1:30 mark turns it all out. And when he sings about a swelling rage, you feel it just as much as he does.

Mumford & Sons excel at the slow build. Stick with their songs long enough and you will be rewarded with a rich and awr inspiring listening experience. Be sure to check out their debut when it hits stores on February 10th.

Mumford & Sons- Myspace
White Blank Page-

Matt Morris

Digging For Days Reviews...
When Everything Breaks Open by Matt Morris

It really does pay to have friends in high places. Or in the case of Matt Morris, to have the Justin Timberlake to executive produce your album. But even without JT, Morris shines on his own. His debut album When Everything Breaks Open, finds the former Mousekeeter channeling his own version of a soul Ray LaMontagne. It suits him just fine as evidenced in the opener Don't You Dare. Groovy beats and loud drums resonate amidst Morris' soothing blue-eyed soul vocals. It's one of the best hooks on the album. Morris finds his muse in many things. He's got a very lyrically current song called Money (Money ain't the villain, it's the greed that's the killer), one called Love, and the violin laced The Un-American. The latter is a very tongue and cheek take on the state of the union. (The un-American is needs a personal Jesus, private insurance, an obedient wife)

But the highlight of the entire album comes from the breathtaking track Live Forever. It's no surprise that it's a Timberlake produced affair. It starts off with a dreamy pipe organ before devolving into a bombastic melody driven song. Amidst it all, though, its Morris' voice that cuts through-remaining calm and collected. His voice is at a constant quiet restraint, wanting the lyrics to really hit and not fuss it up with vocal runs.

What can make him so appealing in one song is what is frustrating in another. Morris is a definite soul singer but very rarely does he really show off his vocals. I want to hear his guy sing because I know he can. Also, too many times, the songs never quite take off because of a lack of a strong hook to latch onto such as the RnB lite track In This House. When Everything Breaks Opens can at times be a misnomer because Morris too often holds back vocally when he needs to let go like on Just Before the Morning.

But with that said, Matt provides the music scene with a jolt of blue eyed soul that's perfect for those us who need a soundtrack to life's real problems. B-

Matt Morris- Myspace
Don't You Dare (live at Bonnaroo)-

The 9 of '09

2009 was a great year in music. Here at Digging For Days, I don't pretend to have heard every album that was released. I did listen to a quite a bit. So here is my end of year list- no pretense or hype here. Let the bashing begin.

9. Crash Kings by Crash Kings

Their energy is as infectious as their songs. Without a guitar in sight, these Kings deliver one great song after the other. Whether it's the sheer force of Raincoat or the charging 1985, Crash Kings know how to keep the fingers off the skip button. They deserve much more attention in 2010.



8. Raditude by Weezer

It's not Pinkerton. They haven't even tried to copy that album and you know what? Once you accept Weezer as the band they are now, you can sleep a little better at night. They turn up the pop of their brand of nerd pop/rock on Raditude and got bashed for it. One Lil Wayne collabo later on the super catchy Can't Stop Partying and you almost forgive them for turning their back on meaningful lyrics. With songs this toe tapping, I kind like the direction Weezer is headed.

7. Build Me This by Joshua James

Once billed as a quiet folk singer, James proved everyone wrong on his second album. Here he proved that he can rock with the best of them. But he didn't lose his core group of fans along the way. He blends his style of folk music with the volume turned way up. Black July is as stomping as a White Stripe song. Coal War is a modern take on a chain gang anthem. Joshua James pulled out all the stops here and it shows.

6. The Modern Electric by The Modern Electric

A little known band with a fondness for David Bowie with a rock edge. The Modern Electric deliver on the modern part of their name. They are at once a throwback to the '90s rock sound with a whole new twist. With a lead singer who can bend his voice to the brink and back again on such heart wrenching songs like Filming Our Favorite Lies. But it's the single Mistakes that shows their artistry; rather than explode, they hold back. Tease.

5. All I Ever Wanted by Kelly Clarkson

Oh, Kelly how we missed you since you were gone. She took a break from her pop roots to get her dark side out on My December but came back full force on Wanted. My Life Would Suck Without You was the banging pop song we always wanted from her and she delivered. Her voice still remains front and center but heightened by the right hooks that let us proudly sing along with her in the car. A return to form CD that also grows the artist (Just listen to the hard rock Whyyawannabringmedown and the retro I Want You); well worth the wait.

4. Ursa Major by Third Eye Blind

We thought we were rid of the '90s alt rock kings. They went the way of Bush, Vertical Horizon, and Live. But Third Eye Blind delivered a very much labored over album Ursa Major like they had nothing to prove. Stephen Jenkins' snarl and overly worded lyrics are still intact as were the classic 3EB hooks. Don't Believe A Word is quite possibly their most rocking yet (and very The Who-ish). While Sharp Knife is a classic slow burner with a message. After all the delays, Ursa Major proved these '90s guys deserve a spot in the new millennium.

3. Revolution by Miranda Lambert

Out of left field Lambert delivered not only the best country album of the year, but one of the best period. With songs that hit you below the belt and in the face, Lambert's delivery and tone completely set the stage for the stories she is telling. The House That Built Me brings tears to my eyes just thinking about going back to my childhood home, while Me and Your Cigarettes creates one of the best metaphors, nicotine and love-(they're both addictive and bad for you). She should be sweeping the awards circuit this time next year with her most honest, heartfelt record to date.

2. Phrazes for the Young by Julian Casablancas

The Strokes front man was the last one of his group to strike out on his own and you know what they say about the last ones. Casablancas delivered a throwback to the '80s on tracks such as 11th Dimension. His songs went unexpected places and often changed without much warning. He kept an eye on the future without losing what made The Strokes. Left & Right in the Dark finds Julian bopping along with pop beat and a chorus that keeps finding hooks around every corner. With only 8 songs on this album, every one has something to love. All killer, no filler.

1. Aim and Ignite by fun.

No band found the pure bliss of music quite like fun. did this year. Led by the former lead singer of The Format, fun. delivered the most exuberant pop opus I've heard in quite a while. Washed in violins, background vocals, lush harmonies, excellent melodies and a hooks galore. Aim and Ignite did just that. It exploded what pop music can be. It doesn't have to be fake club beats and guests rap collaborations. Fun. reminded everyone that music is supposed to sound like- genuine lyrics wrapped around a clever hook. It doesn't get much better than the frenetic track ironically called Be Calm or the military drums on At Least I'm Not as Sad as I Used to Be. If Aim and Ignite was their debut I can't wait to see when they explode.

Dan Black

Here I go dipping my toe in electronica again. It's a scary place but Dan Black makes it all right. Black is a British electronica artist with a very pop sensibility. In between his cold back beats and wordy lyrics, Black infects his songs with hooks around every turn. Symphonies, his best track off his new album UN, is filled with, well, a symphony. Violins tangle and bend on a whim. It is very much an updated Bittersweet Symphony for the electronic set. Wonder is the song Oasis should have released to stay relevant.

Dan Black's voice isn't one of spectacular bombast, but he possesses a tone that keeps the songs interesting, fresh, and listenable. You can grab the physical copy here in the US on Feb. 23rd or get it now from iTunes. Definitely worth your time and head space.

Dan Black- Myspace
Symphonies-

Ben Rector

Not much can be found on the young Ben Rector. No background info. No hometown. Nothing. OK, I didn't search very long for it, but who needs context with talent like this guys got? I found Ben by combing through some Christmas music for a kick-ass Christmas mixed CD. He just released his own Christmas EP called Jingle and Bells. It's got the best version of Jingle Bells I've heard in a while and I HATE Jingle Bells. He turns it into a saloon, dance-hall piano driven affair complete with a background crowd talking and joining in on certain parts. You should really hear it for yourself.

But upon further investigation Mr. Rector is more than just a Christmas coverer. He is also a very great singer. I know some people are going to call him a Michael Buble copycat. And some are going to stop reading at the very mention of a guy who sounds like the Buble, but stay with me. Rector does sound similar but he is not a crooner. He is totally modern and way more likeable. His songs are true and hit in the heart. Take the closing track off last year's release Songs That Duke Wrote called Hank. It's a simple piano ballad written to his just born nephew. The lyrics are insightful advice to a new born life that will make any new parent cry. Guaranteed. When talking to Hank about his parents Rector sings They're the ones who always love you and support you/ they prayed for you before you stepped foot into this world/that's one thing that I've learned. Rector's voice isn't one that blows the speakers off the wall, but his tone and sincerity are enough to keep you hitting the repeat button.

Ben Rector- Myspace
Hank-


Jingle Bells-

Fools & Horses

Combining tight guitar hooks, raspy vocals, and enough rock swagger to fill a dirty underground club, Fools & Horses are neither fools (I believe) nor horses (I think). Hailing from the DC area, they've built a solid local following and recorded 4 albums. So why haven't you heard of them? Well because you're lame. No, you're not lame. I hadn't heard of them either. All the guys share vocals responsibilities but Matt Hutchison leads the way with a voice that immediately draws you in. One of these Fools' best tracks is Selfish. With its slinky bass line, charging guitars, and a soaring chorus, it's an ode to all those self-absorbed women out there. (Let me tell you about the girl that I love/the one who don't love me). It's the perfect kiss-off anthem. Also be sure to check out the catchy We Have Arrived. Fools & Horses are currently touring behind their current album I Am the Ghost.

Fools & Horses- Myspace
Selfish-

Sherwood

California's Sherwood started out as just one of those bands that had good songs but didn't really forge an identity to separate them from the countless others. Formed back in 2002, Sherwood put out two albums over the years and I distinctly remember listening to their sophomore album A Different Light (released back in '07) and thought that this band just wasn't for me. What a difference an album makes.

Cut to 2009 and Sherwood have a new album entitled QU. Don't ask what it means; I haven't been able to track that down yet. And wouldn't you know it, not only is Sherwood more focused than ever, they actually have grown leaps and bounds. They claim the Beach Boys as an influence for their brand of classic rock with pop sensibilities, and it shows more than ever. The harmonies are what keep their opening track Shelter floating along. It is the best 52 seconds you'll hear all year. They keep the momentum going along with killer tracks like the propulsive first single Maybe This Time. But it's the power ballad Ground Beneath My Feet that really sends your finger to the repeat button. With layered harmonies, a gentle piano and an tonal shift mid-song that really drives lead signer Nate Henry's vocals to another level. Sherwood may have slipped by me once or twice but really have hit a nerve on their third outing.

Sherwood- Myspace
Shelter-


Ground Beneath My Feet-

Modo

Modo has been one of those bands that has sat in my inbox for a while. Not because they aren't good enough to post about, but outta sight, outta mind. Straight out of Asheville, North Carolina, Modo is two guys- Craig Larimer (vocals) and Jake Rosenbloum (electirc guitar). Together they create a sultry electric-tinged rock mix. Larimer's voice creates a urgency in their best track Blood That I Need. Blood is all rock swagger with electronic synths. Modo has found the perfect blend. Their self-titled EP comes out on November 20th and features tracks that build upon one another. While none can match the catchy nature of Blood That I Need, they sure can layer the various sounds with skill. Too bad that a lot of their songs kind of blend together. A bit more variation will propel this band into the great category.

Modo- Myspace

Digging For One Year

All together now... "Happy birthday to you."

Yep today, Digging For Days turns one year old! They grow up so fast.Feel free to go back to the archives and read up on my first post. It feels just like yesterday I was thinking of a name to kick start my foray into music blogging. There have been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in getting Digging For Days to where it is now. (And I am still not 100% satisfied with it.)

I started this blog in response to feeling that many music blogs get so caught up in trying to be too hip and rely on too much critical hype. I hope that I have cultivated a one stop shop for great bands that cut through all the hype. I usually don't know who all reads DFD, but I hope that you have found at least one band or artist you normally wouldn't have known about. That's the goal. I will continue to post about my new finds in the future. Please continue to send in your buried bands. So keep spreading the word, posting links, and telling your friends. Here's to another year of Digging.

Family of the Year

I know it's fall. I do. But one listen to Family of the Year and you would think it is one of those humid, dimly lit, summer pool parties. This Family hasn't met a melody or harmony they didn't like. In fact, many of their songs have many vocalists. Whether it be the calming background vocals on Cast Off, or the shared lead vocals on Down to the River.

Family of the Year lean more toward the folksy side of rock, with their acoustic guitars and airy vibe. They really are one of the most intriguing acts I've come across in a good while. Summer Girl is the strongest track off their EP Where's the Sun. It evokes '70s pop with a modern edge. The song is about summer lovin' (cue Olivia Newton-John) The blending of the group's vocals is scary good. It really does transport you to a different time and place with all the imagery of falling in love during those carefree summer nights. Family of the Year recently wrapped up CMJ and their debut album Songbook hits stores November 17th.

Family of the Year- Myspace
Summer Girl-

Abandon Kansas

I'm on a roll apparently. It's been a bit of dry spell lately. Not much for me to get excited about. Abandon Kansas is from, shocker, Kansas! They do their best Switchfoot with their uplifting lyrics and really-trying-to-find-meaning songs. Their EP We're All Going Somewhere is a good way to get your feet wet. At times, their songs can drift without any powerful hook to draw you back into the song. But what does bring you back is the voice of lead singer Jeremy Spring. With his smooth to gruff transitions, it completely draws you in.

The band has said that they aren't interested in money or fame, but just want their music to reach people. Make Believe is the strongest off the EP. It starts off slow and builds to a heart breaker of a chorus with Spring singing, Do you love me through your gritted teeth? I get the feeling that you're gonna leave me. It's a perfect example of a song that the band just gets right. They could use more of those. All in all, a great band that shows promise. One to keep an eye on in the future.

Abandon Kansas-Myspace

Deas Vail

So Arkansas' Deas Vail (which means Humble servant of God) has been around a few years now. Apparently I'm a little late to the party. But you know what they say, "Better late..."well, you know the rest. The band just released their brand new LP called Birds and Cages Tuesday and I've got to say it's really great. Their sound is powered by sweet melodies and powerful vocals courtesy of lead singer Wes Blaylock. They remind me a bit of Death Cab For Cutie, if Cutie had hooks.

One of the best songs, is the piano-driven track Birds, which find Blaylock reaching to understand the meaning of life (you know light stuff) singing We are just figurines with a theology that we don't we understand. The song has great lyrics that really do make you think. While many of their songs have a Christianity slant, they don't go around hitting you over the head with it. Deas Vail knows how to rock out as apparent on Excuses, with its soaring chorus. They may not be new to the music scene, but they've been hidden for far too long.

Deas Vail- Myspace
Birds-