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I don’t often take the time to explain why I put out certain records. When I first heard demos from Mara Miller of Bosque Brown, her simple voice and lyrics immediately captured my attention. Bosque Brown Plays Mara Lee Miller is a beautiful record, so sparsely and warmly recorded by Eric Fisher that it makes Mara’s songs live and breathe. The songs are built from the foundation of Mara’s vocals and guitars, but have additional instrumentation such as violins, drums, background vocals from Damien Jurado, even accordion tastefully mixed to strengthen and support. When Mara cries out “I’m still afraid of the dark” on the 7th track, it captures more than just my ears’ attention and pulls on my heart and soul. I am with her and understand. The beautiful “I Think It Snowed” is maybe my favorite album on the record, recalling winter memories in the Midwest looking out from my bedroom window to see the ground dusted in a fresh blanket of snow or even this past winter to see the bleakness of the season brightened up in white. These beautiful melodies and images combine in a truly compelling record that transcends its honest simplicity. I am honored…Continue reading

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I went to see Sufjan play last night and it was great to see so many friends in the crowd. Props to the Witmer on bass and banjo in Sufjan’s band. Rich is coming to visit and we’ll go to see Starflyer and Pedro the Lion on Saturday with one-sided LPs in hand. They’re getting overnighted and should arrive today. Finally!! I am now officially out of Damien Jurado :This Fabulous Century LPs on white vinyl. The remaining orders will be filled with what copies of black I have. If you want white, Damien is the only source. I failed in my quest to order some of the Turkey and Gravy Soda from Jones Soda. They sold out before I could get a chance to get some. Maybe someone out there wants to set up a little trade? I’ve got some records…. By the way, Jess wrote an article on the PA State Demolition Derby Championships. Late afternoon update…we’ve been found guilty, guilty of finally having SF59’s one-sided LP done. What a long road it’s been. Thanks to United for turning these around quick. Starflyer 59 : Portuguese Blues, four songs on the A side, only one re-recorded for their…Continue reading

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I went to see a symposium on Howard Finster at Lehigh University on Friday which featured a lot of annoying insider self-appreciation from professors and gallery owners, but enough of Howard to make it tolerable. A documentary in the rough was unveiled, featuring his last interview before he died and a spot on the Tonight Show, showing this man of Visions at his best. There are 3 spots at the University showing off a wide variety of his work. If you’re in the area at all, be sure to stop by. Joey Sweeney and pals are up to some new trouble at this new website, Phiebrity. Jess, Willis, and I saw Old Canes rock out in the Unitarian Church Basement last night to a small crowd, but a soundsystem to accomodate 500. Chris from Appleseed Cast delivers the good with the live set and on the album Early Morning Hymns. Saxon Shore are finishing up The Exquisite Death of Saxon Shore and readying a re-issue of their Be A Bright Blue debut. More on release dates once they’re known. Sufjan Stevens is playing at the Philadelphia Ethical Society this Thursday and is on tour, be sure to see him and…Continue reading