Catching on a little late
Damn. I wish I’d listened to Chris Clavin earlier.
The guys of Vinyl Collective’s podcast played a track of his album The Roads Lead Everywhere, and it pretty much kicked my ass. The tune is entitled “Pittsburgh” is very much a Weakerthans / Mountain Goats kind of affair. Pretty, folky, but a little snotty. Not, y’know… “folk punk,” mainly because to me that appellation pretty much means smelly kids singing Against Me songs to busk for change. Let’s call it “folk that is done by people other than hippies or Joan Baez.”
I have no idea why I felt the need to pick on Ms. Baez. My mom’s a big fan, really. Sorry.
But yes… Chris Clavin is a talented fellow, and you should buy his record. And Vinyl Collective’s podcast (to which you can subscribe by dropping into iTunes) is a fantastic way to find out new music. I am now debating whether or not to drop some cash on Clavin’s record, as well as Kay Kay & His Weathered Underground, which is this big orchestral pop group that sounds like the Polyphonic Spree and kind of blows my mind. Really, really good stuff put out by really really nice people in Colorado. I support Suburban Home - as should you.
Kay Kay & His Weather Underground - “Hey Momma” (from Kay Kay & His Weather Underground)