• Folk,  Laid Back

    A Few Moments with Joni Mitchell

    Joni Mitchell first came into my consciousness more than 20 years ago when Prince mentioned her as one of his biggest influences in an interview. He’s covered Joni’s “A Case of You” (“U”, naturally, when Prince does it) over the…

  • John Prine
    Laid Back,  Rock n' Folk

    John Prine – You Got Gold

    I’m in a John Prine state of mind. I guess it was a year ago about this time when I professed my love for The Missing Years album. Another track popped up tonight while I was holding my youngest daughter,…

  • Pete Droge
    Laid Back,  Rock

    Pete Droge’s Psychedelic Love Song

    A killer love song from an underrated artist. I love the psychedelic effects, the instrumentation, the lyrics. This one just floats. Pete Droge – Do Be True Buy Skywatching (2003) Visit Pete’s Official Site

  • Citizen Cope
    Acoustic,  Laid Back

    Citizen Cope – D’Artagnan’s Theme

    I’ve been meaning to post this song for a while now. And it’s Michael’s great Alice Smith post that spurred me into action. Alice had been opening up for Citizen Cope on his recent tour. Cope is the pseudonym of…

  • Cry Cry Cry album cover
    Folk,  Laid Back

    Mmmemphis – Cry Cry Cry

    I missed Cry Cry Cry, a folk supergroup of sorts, the first time around. The group was made up of Dar Williams, Lucy Kaplanski, and Richard Sindell. They released only one album, in 1999. I sure am glad I heard…

  • Jerry Garcia Band cover
    Laid Back

    Simple Twist of Fate, Jerry-Style

    Regardless of your general palate for the Grateful Dead, it’s pretty hard to listen to this version of the Bob Dylan-penned “Simple Twist of Fate” and not be moved. Whether it’s Garcia’s pleading and perfect vocal, or his crisp and…

  • Laid Back

    Luna’s Waiting on a Friend

    I could easily sit down, bring up the Stones’ “Waiting on a Friend” in iTunes, put it on repeat, and listen to it for 24 straight hours. Love the song, always have, and never tire of hearing it. So I…

  • Laid Back,  Roots Rock

    Listen to Lanois

    I finally picked up my first Daniel Lanois solo album. Every time I’ve heard his solo stuff I’ve been drawn to it: spare, atmospheric, and rich. Lanois, of course, is the producer extraordinaire behind U2, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan, and…

  • Jazz,  Laid Back

    Koop Island Blues

    I heard this on Radio Paradise yesterday, and was instantly forced into stress-free relaxation mode. Koop is a group from Stockholm, Sweden, led by Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson. They’ve got some very cool jazz and swing vibes going on.…

  • Acoustic,  Laid Back,  Pop

    Citizen Cope: More than it Seems

    This tune is kicking me in the pants right now. Citizen Cope has that satisfying blend of soul and a rootsy acoustic vibe that I’m enjoying more and more with each listen. “More Than It Seems” just plain grooves, in…