Calexico sound at home in whatever spin they put on their decidedly Southwestern flavor — from smoldering mariachi (“Stray”) to box-step blues (“Sunken Waltz”). Tequila not included.
UMass Percussion Ensemble
Fantastic cover of the Radiohead epic. Talk about Schoolhouse Rock. Could this song be the “Smoke on the Water” or “Smells Like Teen Spirit” of the new millenium? (source: Coudal)
The Six Parts Seven
Artful (but not artsy) soundtracks for the thinking person who still wants to walk away humming a tune.
James Yorkston and the Athletes
Demos from the 2002 album Moving Up Country. Tasty. These two have the lovely, unpretentious quality that one only finds with demos.
Iron and Wine
Just when you thought Sam Beam’s unassuming masterpiece The Creek Drank the Cradle couldn’t be outdone… check the pure intimacy of “Naked As We Came.”
Sufjan Stevens
An ’03 fave makes an early and strong appearance in 2004. THE songwriter to hear this year.
Offwhyte
An instant collectors’ item in its vinyl form, Offwhyte’s dense, hypnotic swagger still sounds as fresh as when it first dropped two years ago.
Adem
Intricate, next-level folk music from Fridge bassist Adem Ilhan.
Kid Dakota
Wonderfully lonesome lyrics delivered over vast, taut soundtracks.
Howard Hello
Sunny, ambient pop songs from San Diego, CA where everything is obvious. Howard Hello isn’t obvious.