Better Oblivion Community Center does not need an introduction, because by now pretty much everyone has heard of this new collaboration between Phoebe Bridgers & Conor Oberst. Their wonderful album is out on Dead Oceans and there’s a big tour on the horizon. This one actually hits Finland too and they will play at Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki on the 29th of April. Tickets are on sale now, so go and get yours, if you want to hear two magnificent songwriters sing together in beautiful harmony.

Better Oblivion Community Center Website

Oh and there’s actually three first class songwriters on the bill, because Christian Lee Hutson (who also plays in BOCC) is the support artist. Therefore I have to use this opportunity to repost his song called I Just Can’t Fucking Do It Anymore, because I love the song and have been desperately waiting for a new Christian Lee Hutson album since I heard it a few years ago.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=fMuMtSe6qcw

Christian Lee Hutson Website

Then a couple of new favorites to round up tonight’s little blog post. First up is Dylan Rodrigue from Los Angeles and his debut album Cat’s Game that came out on the 25th of January on Bad Paintings (UK/Europe) and Palomino (US). It’s pretty stripped-down and lo-fi, but still insanely powerful. Occasionally every stroke of the guitar just cuts straight through me. It’s imperfect in a good way and feels real and alive. It ranges from folk songs to raw indie rockers. I’m especially fond of Some Kind of Heaven and this song called Self-Love.

Dylan Rodrigue Website

Staying in Los Angeles for the last entry. Kyle Crane has played with Neko Case, Daniel Lanois and lots of others but he also makes his own music as Crane Like The Bird. His new self-titled album saw the light of the day on the 18th of January. He has an all-star cast helping him and the album features folks like Ben Bridwell, M.Ward and James Mercer. The beautiful and moving song that can wrap up this little blog post is obviously the one that features Conor Oberst on vocals and tells a story of a snowboarding trip that Kyle made with his late father.

Crane Like The Bird at Facebook

Tonight’s small round up starts with the 2 new EPs from the legendary Twain. Alternator has been available digitally before, but New Miami Sound is entirely new addition to his catalogue. New Miami Sound is also sort of a Side C for his magnificent Rare Feeling album. The songs are from the same sessions, but didn’t quite fit on that amazing album. If you are new to Twain, the album Rare Feeling is probably the place to start. That record is everything, but these lovely EPs don’t fall far behind. Even during their dark and devastating moments, Twain’s songs somehow manage to feel warmhearted and full of empathy. The two EPs came out on Keeled Scales on the 25th of January.

Twain at Facebook

One of my most anticipated 2019 releases is the new Caroline Spence’s album Mint Condition that will be out on Rounder Records on the 3rd of May. I still have to wait a few months for the album, but an awesome two song digital single Long Haul / Mint Condition did surface a couple of weeks ago. Both songs are winners, but here’s the album closer and title track Mint Condition that also features Emmylou Harris.

Caroline Spence Website

Cale Tyson takes a new direction on his new EP Narcissist. He has written some gorgeous traditional country songs in the past and on the last full-length he explored country soul horizons. This time he wrote a fragile and honest EP and recorded it in his bedroom. It’s stripped-down and vulnerable, but leaves a strong impression on the listener. Bonus points for being able to use the word “instagram” and getting away with it. Just shows that everything can work, if you are a good songwriter. This is definitely more indie than country and therefore some old fans might struggle. I don’t mind at all. These labels are nonsense anyway. This is really good, maybe even the best thing he has done. And that’s all that matters.

Cale Tyson Website

Let’s wrap up tonight’s round up post with the new video from Charlie Whitten. If you followed this little back in 2017, you know that I absolute loved his Playwright EP. The Weather Station album and that EP were by far the most important releases of that year for me. There’s a new 4-song EP on the horizon and the first outtake is available as a magnificent music video. Out Of This was directed by Anthony Simpkins from the GemsOnVHS fame. Insanely good and I can’t wait to hear the new EP.

Charlie Whitten Website

A small post of brilliant singles for tonight. Kicking things off from Los Angeles, California with the debut single from Joe Bourdet. This one could easily be mistaken as a newly discovered hidden treasure from the vaults of gentle 70s Californian folk rock. At least it takes me into that era of wonderful music. It’s really a single with two a-sides, because both Seamist and El Capitan are winners. It’s a pretty perfect single and I sure hope there’s an album of these sweets sounds on the horizon.

Joe Bourdet Website

Staying close by in San Francisco, California where China is getting ready to release their next album. And Then Nothing Happened is due out on the 22nd of February on Royal Oakie Records. I’ve been a big fan of this folk rock band led by Michael James Tapscott since the early EPs and I can’t wait to hear the full album. The first outtake and opening track Marnie is now out and available and sounds really good. I’m sure I’ll get back to this record a few times during the coming months.

China at Facebook

Next stop Nashville, Tennessee and the new single from Joseph Robert Krauss. I have a bit of a hole in my singer-songwriter education, because I didn’t know him before a friend of mine (I think it was Nathan K) shared this song New Mexico when it came out a few weeks ago. I instantly loved it and I’m currently in the process of expanding my studies with everything I can find. Here’s the gorgeous New Mexico.

Joseph Robert Krauss at Facebook

It’s past midnight here, so let’s end this little singles tour in Victoria, Canada with the fabulous new song from Evan Cheadle. He is re-releasing his awesome 2018 EP Chasing Shadows and accompanied it with a release of a brand new single Float On Down The Line. This one might already be my favorite Evan Cheadle song, which is a lot said, because I absolute love Comes in Colours from the EP.

Evan Cheadle Website