Randall Kirsch: He definitely has one of the more soulful voices I've ever heard. In the late 90's early 2000's, he was the leader of Winston-Salem based jam band Drifting Through. The Atlanta native returned home to start a solo career and it's never really taken off. He plays in a duo these days and tours sporadically. I highly recommend the Drifting Through disc Spell. It has some remarkable songs on it and Randall's solo disc Searchlight Sessions is a DIY effort that should have gotten into the hands of some industry insiders. http://www.randallkirsch.com and also http://kirschgroves.blogspot.com/

Seafood: A British foursome that plays what they describe as "London post-grunge." It takes a bit of warming up to like this disc, but I for one fell in love with it from the first listen. Others haven't come around to it yet. It definitely has an indie bent to it and is not for the average pop/rock music fan but their CD When Do We Start Fighting was one of my favorite discs in college. http://www.seafood.co.uk

Zoo Story: This band lasted for no more than a year. Randy Coleman who was been featured in this blog was their frontman. If you watch the movie Dragonfly with Kevin Costner (I know its not amazing, but it is decent) the song that plays during the credits is Zoo Story's Star. It's an incredible track. Their disc "Come Out and Play" flirted with the major labels but was taken off the shelves before it ever made it into record stores. Gavin MacKillop who has worked with some great bands produced the CD and gave it a really nice gloss. If it had made it, it would be one of the better releases of 2002. Consequently it hasn't but it is available to listen to at http://www.zoostory.com

Dropline: About the same time Zoo Story was set to relase their disc, a band from LA actually did. They were called Dropline and the disc was called You Are Here. I don't think the band has toured since the album's release year. I doubt they are still together. Paul Ebersold who worked with Sister Hazel produced the CD. The disc is probably still available and if you like Zoo Story you will probably love Dropline. Vocalist Steve Sulikowski has awesome vocal ability and the songs are some of the finest pop-rock around. Still listen to this disc as much as I can.

Bleu (McCauley): Oh man is this guy good. He looks like a doofus with his mutton chops but his hyped up, super literate power-pop is total ear candy. A great live performer and a man who has collaborated and shared the stage with some of the industry's biggest names. His disc Redhead basically wore itself out I played it so often between 2001-2004. http://www.bleutopia.com

Early December is here.....

I'm going to try and make it my goal to just put out 5 recommendations per new entry. I'm sure that I'll slip up and add more to some posts when the inspiration calls, but for now 5 is the new goal. Hope you find something to like in this latest installment.

Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons: Part Cross Canadian Ragweed, part Jack Ingram, this singer/songwriter has the alt-country swagger of a lesser-known Steve Earle. Featuring some really great lyrics and fiery guitar leads, JJ has the roots-rock, country-rock vibe down pat. If you don't know Cross Canadian Ragweed or Jack Ingram, find them, and listen first. Then give Jerry Joseph a listen. You're sure to find at least one song to like from all 3.
http://www.jerryjoseph.com

Billy Pilgrim: Back in the mid 90's, this Atlanta folk duo was the talk of the town. Things have changed in the past decade though. Kristian Bush is now the co-founder and co-songwriter of Sugarland, and Andrew Hyra is going at it alone. Their two Atlantic Record albums (self-titled, and Bloom) still remain two of my all time favorite albums. Words cannot do this band justice. Truly one of the best to come around. There may not be a folk duo this good for a long time.
http://www.billypilgrim.net
http://www.kristianbush.com
http://www.andrewhyra.com

Bill McGarvey: If life were perfect, Bill McGarvey would be as big as Springsteen. But life isn't perfect and instead McGarvey serves as editor of BustedHalo.com, which is probably one of the cooler inspirational/altruistic webpages out there. Aside from editorial duties McGarvey is a singer/songwriter and one of the best in the NYC/NJ area. In the mid 90's he was in Valentine Smith, an alt.rock/folk mix that wrote hyper-literate songs and gained a bit of acclaim from NY critics. His solo endeavors are brimming with Beatles and Byrdsian pop hooks and the same hyper-literate bent that's been his hallmark through the years. I'll be shocked if you can't find a single song that's worth repeating. http://www.billmcgarvey.com

Heather Eatman: Another NYC critic darling, Eatman hasn't put out anything since 2003's Real which was her best to date. A one-time cartoonist for the NY Daily News, the Texas native has that Jill Sobule like inflection in her voice but less grating. She writes traveling ballads, and songs about NYC's working class. Of course there's heartache, and love lost, and people that have gone astray, but her sense of melody and musicianship are top notch. Her debut Mascara Falls still remains one of my favorite discs. http://www.heathereatman.com

Gracer: A Long Island based trio that creates soothing, gentle rock songs that soar one minute, and glide the next. Vocalist Ryan Mahon has one of the more refreshing, and pleasant vocal deliveries I've heard in a long time, and the cool, ethereal feel that this band puts forth should put them in the limelight soon. For more information please visit http://www.myspace.com/gracer