Watch the beautiful new video from The Weather Station, which SPIN calls “an inspired continuation of a rich tradition of intensely-disciplined, self-interrogative pop songwriting. The taut arrangements on The Weather Station, adorned here with aerial surges of strings, create The Weather Station’s own specific music universe, at turns claustrophobic or extending all the way towards a distant horizon.”
Friends in North Carolina and beyond, you might consider attending some of the programming we’ve curated at the NHC, Sept. 27–29 as part of a project entitled North Carolina: The New American Heartland. Featuring Jake Xerxes Fussell and Nathan Bowles, in addition to many friends and other folks—ranging from Mykki Blanco and Mary Lattimore to filmmaker Ross McElwee and novelist Allan Gurganus—this gathering considers the state’s contemporary expressive culture in the context of current political crises, through the lenses of Music, Food, and Storytelling.
Like a stone eroded by years in the arroyo, Gun Outfit’s enveloping “Western expanse” aesthetic of guitar levitations and honky-tonk hexes has become gradually smoother over time. Their fifth LP ranks as their most brutally beautiful statement yet. Preorder Out of Range, and hear “Strange Insistence” via NPR Music, who call it “a song about giving into pleasure, and discovering the joys and pains of consequence, centered around an irregular groove that squiggles like heat waves off baked asphalt.” Pitchfork compared it to Merle Haggard and Terry Allen! Also: in memoriam John Ashbery and Orpheus.
Tamara Lindeman will release her self-titled and fourth album on Oct. 6th. After sharing lead single “Thirty,” “a song about joy at the precipice of despair,” she now presents the song’s accompanying self-directed video via The FADER, who write that Lindeman is “my favorite songwriter these past few years. Self-titled, the LP is a show of force in both what she sings and doesn’t. Another triumph.” Catch the full band on tour in the US and EU.
Pitchfork had some nice thoughts about “Thirty”, the lead single from The Weather Station’s upcoming self-titled album: “Few songwriters capture these subtle, shared moments with such fluidity.” The Guardian Observer New Review wonders, “Is Tamara Lindeman Americana’s best-kept secret?” And The New Yorker’s Amanda Petrusich opines that it’s “a song that could take a punch to the face,” on “the new record I’m most excited about right now.”
Head over to Aquarium Drunkard to check out James Elkington’s take on three Kinks tunes: “This Man He Weeps Tonight”, “Too Much On My Mind”, and “Get Back In Line.” James will be hitting the road this fall with Joan Shelley in support of his recently released Wintres Woma. You can catch him then, or in the coming week with Steve Gunn and Heron Oblivion.
Pre-order The Weather Station’s self-titled fourth album, and hear “Thirty” via NPR Music’s All Songs Considered and a Pitchfork track review. Songwriter Tamara Lindeman’s most fully realized and forthright statement to date, The Weather Station is a work of profound urgency, artistic generosity, and joy. The band tours North America and the EU this fall.
Well, the day is finally here: James Elkington’s gorgeous debut solo record Wintres Woma has been nudged out the door and into the world. The reception for this album has been astounding—many thanks to all those who have taken time to listen and to watch the videos. But don’t take our word for it—read on for an overview of the critical acclaim from the likes of NPR Music (who generously hosted a First Listen), MOJO, Uncut, The Independent, Aquarium Drunkard, Stereogum, Bandcamp, Jeff Tweedy, Richard Thompson, and more. Let these songs into your summer, and catch James on tour soon.
Songwriter and guitarist James Elkington releases his debut solo record Wintres Woma next Friday, June 30th. The album is now available to stream via NPR Music’s “First Listen.” Additionally, the “guitar king” (The FADER) is excited to present the Timothy J. Harris directed music video for “Sister of Mine.” Elkington spoke to Noisey about the track, Caligula’s sister, and togas.
Rejoice! Our most recent Record Store Day release, the Untitled 7″ EP by Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Nathan Salsburg, is now available for direct order, and digitally. Once the remainder of this limited edition of 2000 45rpm 7″ EPs has floated down the creek, it’s gone for good, so order yours today. Fans of Sals and Bonnie will likewise want to check out James Elkington’s brilliant LP.
