Where I count you down through new songs and new ventures to old songs and golden voices.

(Photo credit: Uknown; if you took it, email me)

#5 “The Mountain” by Heartless Bastards

Erika Wennerstrom’s voice will lend gravity to anything she sings. If she sang “Happy Birthday”, it’d probably sound like something your own ghost would sing when it stands atop a mossy hill to raise its flagstaff and pierce your head with it. Woah.

Download “The Mountain“

#4 “Sammy Ghetz” by The Armchairs

From the upcoming full-length, Fishtown Lock and Gun, here’s a rough mix of “Sammy Ghetz”. You hear in the outro, “I don’t think we played that right”–I love it. This one’s a pretty basic track, but it’s done well: nice voice, warm tones in the guitar and keys, details in the drumming, and all of that spunky groove throughout. They’re playing the Annex on Feb 27.

Download “Sammy Ghetz“

#3 “Coriander” by Pomegranates

Of the variety that lingers mid-air, in a never-ending fall, in a bottomless world. From Everybody, Come Outside!, which comes out April 14th. Why that band name, though? It’s a cool fruit and all, but still.

Download “Coriander“

#2 “Valentine” by Festival

I’m a little late on posting this, but it arrived in the inbox only a few days ago. If you happen to be male and you catch a glimpse of this song by the river bank, you’d be intruding; go away. And mind the sweetness, consume in moderation.

Download “Valentine“

#1 “Long Black Veil” by Vandaveer

And now I present some of my favorite boys. Vandaveer is Mark Charles, whose voice will melt your iron keys. Seriously. That big one hanging by your neck? Watch out. This song appears in Splice Today’s awesome compilation of “original recordings of traditional folk music”. They released it last week, and you can download the whole thing for free if you register on their site. Here are three of my favorites (the audio player has a “next arrow” to toggle between songs).

Download “Long Black Veil” by Vandaveer

Download “Ain’t No Grave” by Adam Arcuragi

Download “Twelve Gates to the City” by These United States

Someone commission these three to cover every song in the history of American folk music. Preferably, together.