Jaye Bartell - Elation EP (Self-Released, 2013)

There are some musicians that cannot be casually heard. And background listening just will not do with the music of Jaye Bartell. His is an ethereal sounding folk aesthetic with a misleadingly simplistic charm. And if your lazy ear is not careful, the result may be a plague upon your house. This haunting baritone vocal and its poetic delivery derives more from literary sources than musical ones. Combined with the slow and pensive song structure, the overall feel calls many ideas to mind. There is anything from romance, beauty, trust and hope; to fear, envy, sexuality and violence. That elaborate conflict is the very essence, and why his music holds such a mystique. This is outsider folk with an original approach.

Along with his own guitar, vocals and drums, Jaye is joined here by J Seger on piano and drums. Look for a full-length LP coming this summer on Headway Recordings.

For information on purchasing this and other albums, visit Pilgrim Bandcamp

F.J. McMahon - Spirit of the Golden Juice (Private Press, 1969)

Last week I stumbled across this gem. Since I'm always looking for a particular softer side of psych / folk / country / pop vibe (particularly of the outsider vibe) , I'm quite excited about this man's music.

McMahon returned from a tour in Vietnam with something to say. He recorded this, his only output, a masterpiece for some reason swept under the rug. What's presented here is a mesmerizing voice singing plaintive, melancholy and romantic lyrics. He plays somber minor key guitar tracks, accompanied by bass and a delicate yet strong drum kit.

This is an extremely underrated, one off album that should no longer be slept on. Fans of Tim Hardin, Jim Schoenfield, Scott Walker, and Rodriguez would be wise to snag this.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, "The Golden Juice" is the name of a bourbon.



Get it HERE

And order the LP re-issue over at Sacred Bones HERE