Welcome to Summer! It has arrived, and with it, the longest day of the year. That means more time to spend with great music. Here’s this week’s blog
NEW MUSIC ON THE RIVER:
Palmyra – “Palm Readers”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7adTRDxMCo?si=JGPwhztUx7hDJ5vG]
This band is one of my favorite discoveries of the year. I have been a fan of their album, Restless, released on the late-great John Prine’s label Oh Boy Records. The Virginia based trio features three talented songwriters and a sound that borrows from many genres while remaining authentic. These songs are poignant, joyful, rambunctious and endearing. I was fortunate to see them in Philadelphia in May and they never lost my attention for a moment. I’m looking forward to seeing here in Boise this fall. Palmyra will be in town on November 1st, performing at Neurolux (supporting Ethan Regan) and we are working to get them into our Listener Lounge for an acoustic performance.
Tom Odell – “Don’t Let Me Go”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmeiEp_YqyY?si=7raJhK2X0tykqe33]
Tom Odell is a British artist who we have played in the past. His debut album arrived in 2012 and he has found success, both critically and commercially in the UK. He has won countless awards and recognition for his work over the years. “Don’t Let Me Go” is a lush ballad that reminds me of “High and Dry” era Radiohead. Odell’s vocals are haunted and elastic, soaring as he heads into the chorus bringing an emotional impact, all wrapped up in piano, strings and percussion.
Tom Odell is opening for The Lumineers at Extra Mile Arena, July 29th. Grab your tickets here or listen to win some on the station. And make sure to tune into his performance in our Listener Lounge at noon that day!
Kathleen Edwards – “Save Your Soul”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMYCaFf2Ryg?si=f6iik1o9OZ-r-yLP]
After stepping away from the music scene for nearly a decade, the woman who helped represent the burgeoning Americana genre returned a few years ago. We’re happy she did. Kathleen Edwards picks up where she left off, with insightful lyrics, often compared to observational short stories, and pristine production from Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson. You can learn more about the album and what she’s been up to by checking out my recent Zoom interview with her which is found here.
NOTEABLE NEW MUSIC:
Josh Ritter – “You Won’t Dig My Grave”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WltUhIg84sw?si=1G5N_BltnKwF9NF6]
Idaho’s own Josh Ritter previews his upcoming album (I Believe In You, Honeydew, available September 12th) with a lively new song called “You Won’t Dig My Grave.” Having caught Josh’s hard charging set at Treefort earlier this year, it is clear that he has lost none of his passion for music that instantly connects with his fans. Of the album, Josh says:
“I’m 48 now. Decades have passed. There have been times I felt my inspiration, my Muse, had passed along with them. And then, not too long ago, I decided that instead of waiting for the Muse to write me a song, I would write the Muse a song instead. I started referring to my Muse as my Honeydew. And this album was born.”
Make sure to spot your favorite places in Downtown Boise when watching the video. Josh and his band filmed it when they were here for Treefort.
Jonah Kagen – “Burn Me” featuring Sam Barber
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRnsRJD9NCg?si=IEBJAIqNDxOfGf7e]
Our friend Jonah Kagen has been busy making music in his Airstream while travelling the country. He has teamed up with Sam Barber for a Summer tour (see below) and a new single. “Burn Me” is another offering of what I call Gothic-Folk. It is personal, it is dark, and it is deeply affecting.
Jonah returns to the Treasure Valley on August 7th, performing with Sam Barber and Clover County! Get your tickets here.