In my mind, nothing will ever top Black Sheep Boy, but with “The Stand-Ins” coming out in a couple of weeks, Okkervil River is doing a good job on challenging that.  Of the songs that I have heard, the production has really come through.  Strings and other instruments make it much more ochestral than normal.  Will Scheff’s vocals as always are very melodic and packed with cunning lyrics.  Whether it can top Black Sheep Boy or not?  You be the judge.

Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines

Preorder Okkervil River’s Upcoming Full-Length “The Stand-Ins” out September 9th

I never really was a huge fan of Days Away while they were a band, but then I noticed that Good Old War came around, which features Tim and Keith of the former Days Away.  Good Old War gives off a great folk feeling from the acoustic guitars and light drumming.  But the vocals are what differentiate from other acoustic folk acts.  Anyone who listened to Days Away may know that Keither was a pretty oustanding voice and to match it with these acoustics really makes it stand out that much more.  The vocals are so dynamic in a lot of the songs, especially in “Window”.  Some of them are even Beach Boys-esque.  Anthony Green is also very close with this band, as they have recorded his most recent solo album “Avalon”.  Any fans of all the latter, I highly suggest checking out Good Old War.

Good Old War - Window

Buy Good Old War’s debut full-length “Only Way To Be Alone” on Amazon.com

Emiliana Torrini’s “Me and Armini” has all the swagger of Lily Allen’s “Smile” without the annoying superfluousness and tabloid attachment.  Also unlike the previously aforementioned track, the steady backing rhythym and Torrini’s confident, calm singing let the rest of “Armini”’s layers reveal themself over multiple satisfying listens rather than blowing its musical wad on the first go round.  Employing a cool, soothing vocal style, the Icelandic singer uses her new album to flip between ambient, acoustic folk songs and more upbeat, almost-radio ready pop songs, similar to Feist’s last record.   The album, also titled Me and Armini, ships out September 9th on Rough Trade Records.

Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini

Pre-order Emiliana Torrini’s new full length “Me And Armini” on Amazon.com

Sibling labels Jagjaguwar, Dead Oceans, and Secretly Canadian have always attracted solid talent to their roster and Wisconsin’s Bon Iver is no exception. Meaning “good winter”, Bon Iver is the stage name for solo artist Justin Vernon and his sparse, personal folk music which has collected much praise since his debut record For Emma, Forever Ago was released in February. The album was recorded in a remote cabin in Wisconsin during Vernon’s self-imposed hibernation from the outside world. The plan, according to Vernon, wasn’t to write a record during this time but it happened and no one can complain with the end result. On ‘Skinny Love’ the grizzled, flannel-loving Vernon shouts, whispers, and sings in his ear-grabbing falsetto, finding any way he can to get the lonely feeling of the track across. The acoustic music and sparse tone may be familiar ground for these kinds of projects but the raw delivery is something worth hiding out from the world for.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Purchase Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago on Amazon.com