Phosphorescent is the project of songwriter Mark Houck, formally of Athens, Georgia and now based in Brooklyn. Houck’s Phosphorescent seems to strike a amazing balance in all regards. At first coming across as simple southern-twinged pop rock, most tunes reveal a beautifully complex mix of sound and vocals and thoughtful, soulful lyrics. Particularly noteworthy is…
Category: Music
Benji Hughes = Magnetic Baby Cakes
[audio:http://earshotpresents.com/sounds/within-earshot/love-on-a-budget.mp3|titles=Love on a Budget Benji Hughes ] Somewhere between the high-browness of Stephin Merritt’s Magnetic Fields and the endearing inanity of Brad Neely’s Baby Cakes, there’s a brilliant songwriter named Benji Hughes. Hughes’ 2008 album A Love Extreme is some true, cool stuff.
Fallin’ & Flyin’ by Jeff Bridges and Colin Ferrell (from Crazy Heart)
[audio:http://earshotpresents.com/sounds/within-earshot/fallin-n-flyin.mp3|titles=Fallin’ & Flyin’ — Jeff Bridges & Colin Ferrell] In the movie Crazy Heart, actor Jeff Bridges does an impressive job of singing country. Fallin’ & Flyin’ is arguably the best example. There are two versions of the song on the OST, and this one features the harmonies of Colin Ferrell. Fallin’ & Flyin’ was…
I’ve Been Lonely for So Long (B’Ham Rhythm Section v. Lambchop)
The original I’ve Been Lonely for So Long, performed by the B’Ham Rhythm Section, can be found on a compilation called The Burmingham Sound: the Soul of Neal Hemphill Vol. I. Lambchop’s version appears on What Another Man Spills from 1998, arguably the band’s most soulful and beautiful recording. Got Lamchop?
Top 10 Songs of 2009 from Earshot Presents
2009 was a really great year for music. There was an outstanding release every week, it seemed. Maybe it was the glut of tasty new stuff, our shitty economy, or just the way things are working these days, but 2009 was also a year that saw a crazy proliferation of illegal downloading & file sharing…