I must admit to an obsession.
Just recently, a good friend of mine suggested I take a listen to a great young band out of Utah called Desert Noises (see photo above). My buddy, Eric, claimed they were his favorite discovery of the summer. After listening to their most recent record, 27 Ways, which inexplicably escaped my attention when it was released earlier this year – I can understand why.
I have listened to almost nothing but 27 Ways over the last two weeks. In my house. In my classroom. The tunes are constantly playing in my head, I have been recommending Desert Noises to anyone who will take the time to listen. The band has the uncanny ability to segue from bombastic arena rock anthems to the subtle songs more attuned to a coffeeshop song swap. These twenty-somethings are on to something good. Check out “Mice In The Kitchen” for proof.
I am also happy to include a brand new track from Cracker, who return with their first record in over five years. Berkeley to Bakersfield, a double album that highlights both the band’s alt-rock swagger and country bravado, drops this week. Trail Mix features “Almond Grove,” a stand out track written by David Lowery, the band’s long time front man.
This month’s mix sees the return of some longtime favorites. Drive-By Truckers are here again with a live version of “Grand Canyon” off of Black Ice Verite, the deluxe edition release of the band’s recent record, English Oceans. Our favorite South Carolina surf folksters, Dangermuffin, are also back with a new record, from which Trail Mix pulled “Little Douglas,” which features Keller Williams on bass.
There are some killer first timers on the December mix, too. Check out the brand new tracks from Over The Rhine, Fly Golden Eagle, The Family Crest, and The Sweet Lowdown.
Also featured are two killer rereleases from Game Theory and Old 97s.
There’s more. Check out the offerings from Bruiser Queen, Angel Olsen, Jacob & The Good People, Willie Nile, Whitey Morgan & The 78s, and much more.
And the mix even has a Christmas tune! Jason Ringenberg, formerly of Jason & The Scorchers, has released a Christmas record as Farmer Jason. Check out “Eat Your Fruitcake” as you get ready for the holidays.
Speaking of holidays, if you are in the gift-getting mood, track down some of these records for the music lover in your life. They will love the tunes, and these artists will appreciate the support. So, stream, download, and buy, but – most importantly – enjoy.
