Be Good Or Be Gone

It’s raining, it’s pouring, I really wish I was snoring, but I’m not, instead I’m doing homework (that’s quite the song, huh?). It’s a rainy thursday, and that’s pretty great. And what’s better on rainy Thursdays than folky indie boys, lets just say not much. In fact any day their pretty darn awesome, but rainy days especially. And for the topic of today, well let’s just say the rain just seems to enhance his awesomeness even more, which you wouldn’t think possible. Any guesses? I haven’t given you very many hints, indie folk guy who sounds good on a rainy day, that’s pretty broad. Here’s a few more, he’s Irish and his first CD was called The End of History. That’s right, Fionn Regan.

My very favourite Irish singer-songwriter. But it’s pretty hard not to like him. He’s got everything right, interesting music, kinda’ quirky, good name, good albums, good hair (just wait, you’re in for quite a treat!). I’ve been a fan since his first CD The End of History came out in 2007. That winter I just played it over, and over, and over again. It’s so quiet and lovely and seems so perfect for the winter. I’m especially a fan of Be Good Or Be Gone, Put a Penny In The Slot (this is an especially fantasic song that I will never get sick of, it’s defiantly the anthem of winter 2008), Hey Rabbit, and well they’re all really awesome, just listen to the CD. But after his first CD I kind of wondered what happened to him. It wasn’t until this past winter that he released his second CD, The Shadow Of An Empire, which is very, very different. The End of History is very folky singer-songwriter, just him and a guitar, but The Shadow Of An Empire is much more upbeat. For starters, he has a band, but his songs really changed to, and the way he delivered them. The Shadow Of An Empire has a much more  alt-country, folk vibe which is tres, tres Bob Dylanesque and just a little Bright Eyes. I’m also a fan of the second CD, but it’s a much different vibe than his first. If you’re checking out songs though I’d go for Protection Racket, The Shadow Of An Empire, and Lord Help My Poor Soul.

Today though I’m going to show you the video for Be Good Or Be Gone, one of my very favourite Regan songs. I really love the video too, it’s a cool way to see the song showcased.

I love that he sings in all these different places, and I love how all of them sound just a little different. His hairs pretty darn awesome too. The whole thing is just really cool. Although I have to say, I don’t quite understand the birds at the end, that’s a little odd if you ask me.

P.S. check out the video for Put A Penny In The Slot to, it’s also quite awesome.

To The Dogs Or Whoever

Okay, so this Monday really sucks. Not only is it the very first day of the week, which never works out well, but I also happen to have a sucky cold. How much do colds suck! Your all snuffly and sneezy, and feel really crappy, but yet you’re not flat out sick. It really sucks, but maybe some good music will change things. Get ready for what I hope to be a pretty awesome Random Playlist!

1. The Temptaion of Adam – Josh Ritter
2. September Lily – Hawksley Workman (I’ve been in a very Hawksley mood lately, he’s perfect for fall)
3. The Second Cigarette – The Burning Hell
4. Hollerado Land – Hollerado (this a great new Indie boy band I’ve discovered)
5. Semi Suite – Tom Waits (you gotta’ love yourself some Tom, especially on a sick day)
6. The Ecstacy of Dancing Fleas – Penguin Cafe Orchestra (you also gotta’ love yourself some Penguin when your sick too, it’s also very good for studying)
7. That’s Amore – Dean Martin (enough said)
8. Poli High – Harry Nilsson (if you haven’t ever heard The Point, get on it, as a kid it was one of my favourite things to listen to, and still is)
9. He Drinks Gas – Donovan Woods
10. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (the perfect way to end a random playlist)

So, this was a pretty good playlist, if not a little strange. And after reviewing all possibilities I think Josh Ritter is perfect for today. Nothing fixes a cold better than a folky indie guy, in my not-so humble opinion anyway.

Once again, my dad discovered Josh Ritter, right after his CD The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter came out in 2007. After listenening to his CD’s, The Historical Conquest is for sure my favourite. I really love the Bob Dylan-esque country twang, but mixed in with a little more folk. He’s always really reminded me of Fionn Regan in that way. In The Historical Conquest of Josh Ritter, I find each song just gets better and better. I’m especially a fan of To The Dogs or Whoever, The Next To The Last Romantic, The Temptation Of Adam, and Still Beating. Below is the video for The Temptation Of Adam. It has a real old-timey feel, which makes sense because I find his music has this old country blues thing going on.

I think it’s a really interesting video, and his voice is really something else. His lyrics are really interesting to, if you actually listen to them. Not quite what you’d expect him to be singing about. Plus, after watching this video I started to see a bit of a resemblance to Horse Feathers, both in voice and looks. I hope you enjoy the video and the artist, he’s pretty awesome. And I’ll talk to you later, ’cause it’s nap time.