Kelly Joe Phelps: Tight to the Jar
Since Friday, I’ve been listening a lot to Kelly Joe Phelps. He had an album out recently called Brother Sinner & the Whale, which I listened to a bit. But I got sucked in to an album of his entitled Shine Eyed Mister Zen.
I looked around for some videos with songs from that album, but stumbled across a song of his called Tight to the Jar. The more I hear from him, the more I like his stuff.
Have a listen:
It’s funny that I associated certain projects with certain songs (and sometimes, certain albums). I haven’t fixed on a song just yet, but my hunch is that Phelps is going to be the default soundtrack to the project I’ve been working on lately.
Shine Eyed Mister Zen is such a marvelous album. I love his take on “Goodnight Irene” and the song “House Carpenter” in particular. And his slide playing… unreal. I was a huge fan of his about 10 years ago. Saw him live once in New York City. I should check out his new stuff, it’s been a while since I listened.
JP (August 26, 2012 at 8:33 pm)Had no idea “Goodnight, Irene” was a cover – that song was one that really caught my ear as well.
Happy to hear he’s been making music for so long, as I just came across his stuff. Guess that just means there’s more work of his for me to encounter.
avoision (August 27, 2012 at 10:05 am)First time I’ve heard of him. Great find, Felix! Strikes me as as sweet-voiced Tom Waits (and that’s meant as a compliment).
Woody Blackwell (August 27, 2012 at 10:25 pm)Glad you liked it, Woody. I am a fan of Rdio, and never thought I’d be someone who used a music subscription service. But it’s been a great way for me to stumble across new music, and to listen to an entire artist’s catalog if I find someone I like.
Spotify is another service (and the first one I tried), but I found I liked the feel of Rdio much more.
avoision (August 30, 2012 at 2:53 pm)