Bandcamp Friday : Autumn Shopping List
It’s September, so basically fall. This list includes a lot of pre-orders, which I suppose is sort of a way of storing away sustenance for worse weather. And luckily, there’s a lot coming that’ll keep you warm and maybe less sad about shorter days and no longer being able to drink in the bike lane.
I love ordering a record hella in advance, totally forgetting about it, ordering it again, and being completely surprised when a few copies arrive in the mail. Or maybe you’re more organized and don’t do that. Pre-ordering albums gives you something to look forward to in a day and age where there isn’t much else to look forward to.
There are a few things available now in the list, as well. If you can’t get them all this time, there’s plenty to scoop next Bandcamp Friday, or any other day because Bandcamp remains one of the most artist-friendly platforms you can buy music from and we should support them too! Thanks for reading, happy listening.
Bonny Light Horseman – Buzzin’ Fly
This flawless single came out a few weeks ago, and if you don’t own it, I urge you to do so immediately. BLH is the only band who can touch Tim Buckley’s “sprawly love song,” as band member Anais Mitchell described it; and my very favorite living voice, Eric D. Johnson’s range rivals that of one of my favorite departed ones. While you’re there, make sure to pick up any other BLH releases you’re missing. I absolutely love this more modern folk turn – their version of Dave Van Ronk’s “Green Rocky Road” is also stellar. All sales of Buzzin’ Fly are going directly to their touring band and crew.
Bill Callahan – Gold Record
Out on Bandcamp Friday so no waiting necessary! Or if you pre-ordered it long ago like me, the wait is over. Bill never falters. I can’t wait.
Moses Sumney – græ
Another one I missed, Moses Sumney’s May release is transcendent, metaphysical, a soul journey. Sumney’s satiny voice resonates resplendently, fascinating, self-affirming lyrics, and the seamless fusion of instrumentation that powers this record make it a strong contender for an album of the year. Oh, how I wish I could see him perform!
The Howard Hughes Suite – Smoke from a Future Fire
British loner Kaz, aka The Howard Hughes Suite, uses a variety of electric and acoustic guitars, a Sho-Bud Maverick pedal steel, and the songs of local birds to create a haunting, stark soundtrack that turns back into a more comfortable resolve by album’s end. Available only on Bandcamp, it’s easy to imagine the band’s namesake moving like a ghost through empty halls, Smoke from a Future Fire echoing around him.
Nick Mitchell Maiato – Pino Carrasco
Nick lives in Spain. The other members of One Eleven Heavy live elsewhere (average bandmember commute: around 2500 miles, according to bandmate James Toth). He wrote many of the songs on his debut solo record Pino Corrasco for what would have been the third album from transatlantic band One Eleven Heavy, but… you know what happened. Unfortunate for his bandmates, but great for listeners! Nick spent several months in his flat playing every instrument and perfecting these songs that are complex and interesting without being overly cerebral. Nick makes psych fun again. Pre-order this month for an October 2nd release.
John Lee Shannon – In & Of
I’m a slut for instrumental guitar music. John Lee Shannon, often a sideman, never a soloist (until now), has finally realized his full potential as a guitar virtuoso, thanks to the encouragement and enthusiasm of Neal Casal. Neal also loved acoustic, instrumental guitarists, and Shannon came to be one of his favorite players, which is no small credit to Shannon’s talent. These eleven songs weave a warm, intimate tapestry I think Neal would be psyched about. A portion of the proceeds from this album will benefit the Neal Casal Music Foundation. Out October 2 on Tompkins Square.
Garcia Peoples – Nightcap at Wits’ End
One of my favorite bands to see in the tristate area, Garcia Peoples are always evolving and innovating. Every record is good, but Nightcap truly finds the band coming into their own. In their final form with six members and three guitars, the shredding becomes more hypnotic, the rhythms less jarring and more melodic. It’s a smooth, refined listen – but none of GP’s depth or creativity is lost. These guys are only getting better. Out October 9th on Beyond Beyond is Beyond.
Mary Lattimore – Silver Ladders
The in-demand harpist has been a go-to for me lately when I need to chill out to serene, slightly haunting soundscapes. Not only is her record Silver Ladders out on October 9th on Ghostly International, but she’s also going to be trialing Bandcamp’s new livestream platform. Pre-order the album and buy a ticket to the virtual show and be among the first to hear songs from Silver Ladders.
Leyla McCalla – Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes
I’ve been really into Our Native Daughters this year, and although familiar with the work of bandmates Rhiannon Giddens’s and Amythyst Kiah’s solo work, I only recently got to know Leyla McCalla’s sweet, clear voice and elegant playing on an array of various stringed instruments (her 2019 release is titled “The Capitalist Blues” so I was instantly in love). This collection of Langston Hughes’s poetry set to McCallas’ thoughtful arrangements was initially released in a limited capacity in 2014. Smithsonian Folkways is making it available to a wider audience on October 16.
Juletta and Ishan – Solstice
New York City artist Juletta and producer Ishan collaborate on this ethereal R&B record. These twelve songs are based on interviews Juletta conducted with 30 women in New York City. She’s transposed their stories into songs, and the results are breathtaking. Two singles are available on Bandcamp, and If I Never Hit Land is out Oct 16.
Howlin’ Rain – Under the Wheels, Vol. 2
Pre-order begins on Bandcamp Friday for the second volume of a series of live recordings from the 2018 and 2019 coastal tours that supported Howlin’ Rain’s latest studio album, The Alligator Bride. Ethan Miller and crew always bring frenetic, incandescent energy to the stage, and it’s sure to jump out of your speakers and transport you to another time and place.
Out October 30 on Silver Current Records.
John Jeffrey – Passage
Known best for his drumming with Moon Duo and Rose City Band, John Jeffrey’s four-track long player is a sublime, spacey, pastoral, intricate exhibition of vivid “anti-compositions.” While Passage is instrumental it’s certainly not a passive voyage- it’s involved, alert, atmospheric, experiential. Released on Ripley Johnson’s Jean Sandwich Records, you know it’s bound to be something special. Out on October 30.
