Mimicking Birds

Mimicking Birds

genre: folk, singer-songwriter

Mimicking Birds began as the solo bedroom recordings of Oregon native Nate Lacy and eventually expanded to include close personal friends Aaron Hanson (drum) and Tim Skellenger (guitar). The music itself is very minimalist with simple rhythms and sparse arrangements, but what really sets it apart is Lacy's delicate vocal delivery.

I have a natural bias against most singer-songwriters. In my experience, they tend to lean on power chords, sing in cliches, and have massive egos. This is not the case with Lacy. You can hear a certain hesitancy and shyness in his voice as he fingerpicks through cyclical melodies. He's not a rockstar, he's just charming and talented. Plus, his voice reminds me of a less whiny hybrid of Okay and Electric President's vocalists (don't kill me for picking that adjective, I love both those bands).

Although most reviewers seem to favor the song "Loops," my personal favorites are "Burning Star," which is easily the most confident and structured song on the album, and "Cabin Fever."

P.S. sorry for getting this to you so late :c

Myspace // Last.fm

Buy it!

Paul Baribeau Tape

Here's a short six-song demo that was released/leaked sometime in the past year. I have no idea when. If you know when this surfaced and if it was ever actually released as a tape, tell me in the comments. Otherwise, enjoy these new-ish songs from one of my favorite acoustic dudes.

Myspace // Last.fm

The Mountain Goats & John Vanderslice - Moon Colony Bloodbath (2009)

This is an EP released on a tour The Mountain Goats and John Vanderslice recently completed together. Vanderslice is a pretty boring, if not really awful artist, but I was impressed with these songs when I saw them live and excited to see them finally find their way to the internet.

Download, 192kbps

Hermit Thrushes - Benaki (2008)

As promised. This band really knows how to treat its fans; not only did I get this full-length and their 7" split with Br'er (totally recommended, by the way) for only ten bucks, but they threw in a solo disc recorded by Andrew Keller, singer/guitarist, as well. Not to mention a hand-written note, letting me know about their next full-length (to be released before summer!), and a nice little sticker with their logo on it. Oh, also, did I mention how fucking neat this album is? Yeah. It's pretty neat. Trust me.

Myspace/Buy It!
Download (320kbps)

Deerhunter - On Platts Eyott Island (2008)

This recent and limited cassette release was recorded on September 15. It was meant as a tribute to John Peel, or something. Like, all the studio equipment was old, and stuff. Six of the seven tracks are reworked versions of existing Deerhunter songs, including Spring Hall Convert, Backspace Century, and four from Microcastle.

Stream the whole thing HERE.
DOWNLOAD

Ghost Mice - Europe (2006)

Two-piece folk-punk band hailing straight from Bloomington, Indiana! They always play acoustically, no mics, and usually play their shows in backyards or on street corners in front of venues. This album is a concept album about their trip through Europe, they had little to no money, no destination, and didn't know anyone there. Each song is named after where they were at that particular moment, and each song continues the story.


Preview on Myspace
Buy it!
DOWNLOAD

Paul Baribeau

This man plays acoustic guitar and sings but it means so much more than what my words can convey when he sings and strains intimate portraits of his personal experience and it makes you feel okay to have similar feelings to what he sings.

Preview on Myspace
BUY for $5.50 each, wow!


Paul Baribeau (2005)


Grand Ledge (2007)

Owen - No Good For No One Now (2002)

If you like American Football, Joan Of Arc, whatever. Owen is Mike Kinsella, the softer-spoken brother of Tim. This is my favorite album of his.

Preview on Myspace
Try it - mp3, mediafire, 192kbps
Buy it!

Animal Collective, Part 2: Other

I've only included what I think is really awesome, minus a live set that was too big for mediafire. For everything else you could possibly want, in terms of non-album tracks and live stuff, this guy has pretty much got you covered.

Prospect Hummer EP (2005) - Wikipedia

Peacebone EP (2007) - Wikipedia
(my link is missing the album version of Peacebone, no big loss.)

Other Music Live (8/16/04)
This is an acoustic set from the record store Other Music, in NYC.

Tracklisting:
1. Warmup Song (0:48)
2. Happy Singing Band (5:32)
3. Untitled (4:46)
4. Lablakely Dress (4:27)
5. On a Plain (5:34)
6. Covered in Frogs (4:32)
7. Winter’s Love (3:21)
8. Baby Day (3:19)
9. I Remember Learning How to Dive (2:22)

The Love Of Everything - Superior Mold And Die (2006)

Bobby Burg's most recent full length album. You may know him from his work with Joan Of Arc (on tour with them right about now), or as the bassist for Make Believe. Keep in mind, he's not Tim Kinsella, and this music is a whole different place. I guess you could call it the back of the classroom, or in the sandbox with a coloring book, but with a bottle of liquor. Even when he's not hitting the "right" notes, he's hitting the best wrong ones. Every (intentional?) mistake is just a part of Bobby Burg wanting to be your friend.

Preview on Myspace
LINK REMOVED :(
Buy it!

The Weepies - Hideaway (2008)

Advance! Will be released on April 22nd.

Try it - 145kpbs(VBR), .mp3, badongo
Buy it!

The Broadway Hush - The Broadway Hush

The Broadway Hush is a side project of two members of Page France.

Try it - 128kbps, .mp3, mediafire

Flowers From the Man Who Shot Your Cousin - Hapless (2006)

The debut album of Morgan Caris' recording name. Nice mellow bedroom folk.

Try it.
Buy it!

Dave Longstreth - The Graceful-Fallen Mango (2002)

Dave is the localist and general mastermind for Dirty Projectors. The album was recorded in his bedroom prior to any releases as Dirty Projectors. It's mostly acoustic guitar and his delicious vocals, and really, that should be enough to sell you.

Try it - 192kbps, .mp3, mediafire
Buy it!