The Tallest Man on Earth, The Gardener

Let me begin by saying that this artist is not in fact, the tallest man on earth. He's actually pretty short. But that's not really important.

This man is a poet. Plain and simple. He takes words and spins them into gold. This is made even more impressive when you realize that english isn't his first language. You'd never know it to listen to him though.

“The Gardener” was the first song I heard by Kristian Matsson, the swedish man often compared to Bob Dylan. I was immediately won over. His voice is perfect for folk music and his lyrical guitar playing is perfect for his voice. “The Gardener” tells a story without ever speaking plainly. The entire song is a metaphor and it's works wonderfully. I hope you agree.

Andy McKee, Drifting

This kind of song and this kind of songwriter are what make me love music. It takes a rare talent to write an engaging song without words, let alone without any accompaniment. Luckily for us, Andy McKee is a rare talent.

Following in the footsteps of greats like Don Ross, Andy McKee shows us just how much can be done with only six strings and some creativity. An almost surreal song, “Drifting” inspires me every time I listen to it. The percussive techniques, the harmonies, the lilting melody. I am blown away by Andy McKee over and over again.

I hope this song inspires you as much as it does me. 

Flogging Molly, Laura

“Laura” shows off Flogging Molly perfectly. A wonderful mix of acoustic balladry and Irish influenced punk, this song exemplifies all that the band is. Showing off the band's strengths, this song features beautiful fiddle accompaniment over both electric and acoustic guitar as well as hard hitting drums, no pun intended. While this song doesn't showcase all seven members of the group it is nonetheless a fitting introduction to both the band and their best album in my opinion, Whiskey on a Sunday.

My favourite part is of course, the acoustic intro but the whole song is genius in is music and poetics and has made me love this woman as much as Dave King obviously did. A brilliant song from a brilliant band.

Flobots, Anne Braden

I have something a little different for you all today.

There aren't a lot of hip hop/rap artists I enjoy listening to but one of my favourites and one that never fails to impress me, no matter how many times I listen to their CDs, is the group Flobots. They combine quick and sophisticated lyrics with wonderfully arranged music, clearly demonstrating strong rock and rap influences along with a musical education rich in diversity.

“Anne Braden” is a story beautifully pieced together and wonderfully supported by the clever instrumentation. The true beauty is in the lyrics though and I bet you'll be singing along in no time. 

This entry is dedicated with my whole heart, to one Ms. Phoebe K. Jones. I appreciate you. <3

State Radio, Mr. Larkin

Today! Today is a good day. “Why?” you may ask. Well because I have another wonderful song for you all.

Today's song is by one of the best songwriters of today, and I would argue of all time. Chad Stokes, formerly of Dispatch, now the driving force behind State Radio, is a lyrical genius and a very good guitar player to boot. All of his songs have incredible weight behind them both in meaning and sheer musicality.

“Mr. Larkin” is no exception. Written from the perspective of a man pleading to his boss, this song tells a story of love and devotion made difficult in a harsh world. Chad's lyricism shines throughout this song, leaving no doubt in your mind as to the man's love for his wife as well as making his situation clear to all who listen. What truly gives this song so much feeling though is the truth behind it. Written about a friend of Chad's, this song is an incredible example of the his ability to turn the world around him into music.

Listen, and enjoy.

Sufjan Stevens, Chicago

Today I've got another soothing acoustic folk song for you. These kinds of songs are probably my favourite but I promise there will be many other genres and styles over the course of this series.

Sufjan Stevens is a man full of emotion and conflict and that definitely comes out in his music. I'll probably include more of his songs in this series but for today I'd like to share with you an acoustic version of the song “Chicago”. This song was originally released on the album “Illinois” but the acoustic version I have fallen in love with was released later on the album “The Avalanche”.

This song means a lot to me both in relation to real events and people as well as for itself and I can only hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Horse Feathers, Curs in the Weeds

This is the first in what will hopefully be a long running series entitled “What Am I Listening To?” in which I will share a song each day that I have found particularly inspirational, moving, or just plain fantastic.

Today I've been listening to the band Horse Feathers almost exclusively and one song in particular. From the 2008 album “House With No Home”, “Curs in the Weeds” is a beautiful song that that implies much more than it says. Dredging up images long since faded with age, Justin Ringle's voice floats over serene violin and cello accompaniment seemingly singing of every peaceful moment and laying bare emotions long neglected. 

An amazing song that can be so sad and so heartening at the same time the music video is perfect blend of the same offering a story that pulls at your heart strings while putting a smile on your face.