Elvis Perkins is the son of famed late actor Anthony Perkins (Hitchcock's "Psycho"), and his mother was late actress/model Berry Berenson who died in one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on 911.

 

Elvis made his mark on the music scene in 2007 with the debut of his unmistakable instant classic and folk poetic album "Ash Wednesday".

 

The title cut is reference to the day after 911 (which was a Tuesday), and to awaken to the settled ash and the startling realization of what had happened.

 

In 2009 he released his follow up "Elvis Perkins in Dearland" and has remained mostly quiet ever since making fans wonder if he'd ever be heard from again.

 

The good news is that his new album "I Aubade" is scheduled for a February 2015 release.

 

I spoke with Elvis during his 2007 Southgate House appearance opening for Karl Walinger's World Party, and it was apparent to me his love of poetry as he spent much time expressing to me his love of Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" series of poetry.

 

I took multiple listens to his first released track from "I Aubade", "Hogus Pogus", which lead me to explore various things about the album title and the meaning behind this track.

 

First I discovered the word "Aubade" to mean "Morning Poetry", and also discovered there is a poem called "Aubade" by late British poet Philip Larkin who I will assume Elvis is a fan of.

 

On "Hogus Pogus" it's apparent the Elvis is going for a British accent in his vocal tone, and uses Pig sounds in his music. The song is about personal growth and putting behind you past personal errors and learning to love yourself. It has a sort of trippy Beatlesque quality about it and grows more infectious with each listen.

 

Here is a link to the tune. Scroll down a bit to the soundcloud and wait briefly 'til it loads in, then click anywhere on the tune to begin.

 

Elvis Perkins ? ?Hogus Pogus? (Stereogum Premiere) - Stereogum

If testosterone in male vocals are completely necessary for your listening pleasure then move along because this next tune will not be for you. However if you're open to original sounds this "Death Vessel" tune "Mercury Dime" might be to your liking.

 

Rhode Island born lead singer Joel Thibodeau appears to be Native American and has an unusual vocal quality that sounds a bit as if he has breathed in helium.

 

This playful quirky endearing song is instantly melodically catchy, and after multiple listens will just not leave you mind.

 

Portland band Blitzen Trapper has their latest release Live in Portland available on their website and it's one of those name your own price deals (including free).

 

Live in Portland | Blitzen Trapper

Heard a song from Smashing Pumkins' latest album. Apparently it came out in early December. I'd completely abandoned listening to any of their new stuff, but I've got to admit, this one sounded decent. I may have to look into some of the other album cuts.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5dlrGRZSm8

New Decemberists album out today. With the help of Nick Offerman, here's the first single...

 

My sons have introduced me to some alternative. I love running so I am always looking for something with a good beat that I can run to.

 

OneRepublic-Love Runs Out (really the entire album)

Young the Giant

Cage the Elephant

This thread's literally been dead for almost a year. Too long.

Picked up the Big Grams album today, and I've spun it three times. REALLY freaking good. Came out back in September. Electro-rock duo Phantogram is behind the album along with rapper Big Boi, and they have help on the album from the likes of Run The Jewels, and Skrillex.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezblSI2ugTs

Edited December 31, 201510 yr by Colonels_Wear_Blue

Here's a really good one that came out back in March. I caught these guys at the Forecastle Festival. Loudest bass I've ever heard...felt like my organs were gonna shake apart.

 

Son Lux, Bones is the album name. This tune is called "Change Is Everything".

 

Leon Bridges put out a fantastic album of throwback 50s/60s style R&B tunes called Coming Home back in June. @Clyde @Jim Schue @formerkywrestler @Habib ....if you haven't checked it out yet, this album is a must.

 

Leon Bridges put out a fantastic album of throwback 50s/60s style R&B tunes called Coming Home back in June. @Clyde @Jim Schue @formerkywrestler @Habib ....if you haven't checked it out yet, this album is a must.

 

 

It's on my shortlist for the next time I'm at the record store. His Tiny Desk concert is really good too.

It's on my shortlist for the next time I'm at the record store. His Tiny Desk concert is really good too.

 

Hadn't caught that yet. I'll have to look it up

Leon Bridges put out a fantastic album of throwback 50s/60s style R&B tunes called Coming Home back in June. @Clyde @Jim Schue @formerkywrestler @Habib ....if you haven't checked it out yet, this album is a must.

 

 

I came across Leon a few months ago. One of my little joys in life is when my 28-yr-old son texts me to say "Dad, you need to check out this guy Leon Bridges" and I get to tell him "Dad already knows about Leon Bridges, chief." Little joys for an old guy.

 

My son says he cannot stop listening to his album.