Claire Hamill is a British singer/songwriter that has been composing and recording since the 70s. She has a slew of albums over the decades and most of them can be downloaded with her blessing from her website. If you have heard of this talented musician, it is probably due to the fact that she wrote “You Take My Breath Away”, a song that became a hit for Eva Cassidy. Hamill has a soft voice in which personal intimacy wins out over power. She has been compared to Joni Mitchell but I hear a tantalizing mix of folk and traditional chanteuses like Judy Collins and Sandy Denny. She is a consummate storyteller in her lyrics. Nine albums are available on her download page and they all have high quality original songs and covers that are worth listening to.

Her first album was One House Left Standing (1971). The first track “Baseball Blues is a raggy affair but most of the songs are steeped in the English folk tradition. I especially like “Urge For Going” which shows that Sandy Denny influence.

The sophomore album October (1973) isn’t all that distinctive. However her third album titled Stage Door Johnnies (1975) is my favorite of her albums. This is the album that includes “You Take My Breath Away” but all the tracks are quite strong. “All The Cakes She Baked Him” is quite Joni Mitchell-like. “Geronimo Cadillac” proved that Hamill can excel on an upbeat song. There are also some nice covers of The Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” and The Moody Blues’ “Go Now”.

Abracadabra (1975), Touchpaper (1984), and Voices (1984), and Love in The Afternoon (1988) are all good solid performances. However the later albums loses that mellow folk influence and tend toward over-produced pop. I would especially recommend her cover of The Kinks’ “Celluloid Heroes” on Abracadabra. I believe most of these albums were originally released on Ray Davies’ Konk record label.

Summer (1998) and The Lost and The Lovers (2006) are collaborations with Andrew Warren. They are essentially conceptual albums with more hyper-produced studio tricks. The songs are quite catchy, some even gorgeous, but I prefer the earlier efforts.

All albums are available in 128kbps MP3. If you enjoy the music, support the artist by leaving a donation through Paypal or by buying her CDs.

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The neat thing about the net label Clinical Archives is that I never know quite what I am going to hear. After all, who would have thought that mixed in with all the avant-garde, electronica, and experimental music would be this very down-home country EP that reeks of dogwood, cicadas and Hank Williams. Live Candy gives us a very live and very authentic country honky-tonk experience that defines the terms “Alt-country” and “Americana”. Keith Morris with his back-up band The Crooked Numbers is the real thing. This is evidenced from the first track, “Snowday” which immediately hooked me on the plaintive and somewhat nasal voice of Morris. The instrumental and vocal backing is especially nice. Morris has no problems sharing vocals with Devon Sproule on “Billie Weir’s Dress” and Jen Morris on “Waltzing”. The songs are all Morris originals and all tracks but “Candy Apples” are performed live. The non-live track is a March Rosetta re-mix which is more pop oriented than the rest of the EP but it is still a delight. Alt-country fans need to grab this up quick.

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The term “orchestra” may be a odd term for this trio called Brian Lee and His Orchestra. Yet Mr. Lee and his cohorts definitely need a listen if you like well-crafted songs in the modern singer/songwriter tradition. Their two self titled albums marked as volumes I and II are exceptional efforts of songwriting and intimate storytelling. Lee’s voice is a little on the country side of Neil Young but his feet are planted firmly in Americana. Volume I starts with an acoustic tune titled “Just Got Off a Train” but soon you will get their not insubstantial rockabilly and gospel roots in “The Other Side”. This is a rocking delight from the first note. All seven tracks on this 27 minute EP are well recorded and sung with an authentic feeling.

Volume II appears to be searching for a more mainstream sound. This is both a strength and a weakness. It is good because Mr. Lee has a strong creative side that benefits from these more pop oriented efforts. Yet I miss the soft mellow sound of the first album. I hear more McCartney than Young in these songs. However there are some very strong tracks here including “Do You Get Crazy” , the ukulele propelled “Over The Hill” and the primetime ready “Waiting”. Brian Lee and his Orchestra has a fresh accessible sound that is “Waiting” to be discovered.

Both albums can be found at the artists web site in 256kbps MP3.

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Steven Dunston’s nicely crafted songs fit like a warm well-used sweat shirt. They feel soft and comfortable yet are tightly knitted into a nicely arranged melange of pop, sweet soul and jazz. There is something welcoming and relaxing about his voice; soothing yet not so much that you miss his bittersweet lyrics. The two free and legal albums on his website will give you a nice introduction to this talented singer-songwriter.

To Get Home Before Night Comes is the earlier album. The opening “Danger Girl” has good lyrics and a catchy hook. “Better Man is a soulful tune reminiscent of a Stevie Wonder ballad. Most of the songs, with the puzzling exception of a disco tainted “Alone in a Room”, is quite likable and memorable.

Hymns About Her is also a nicely produced album with good songs and a ballad approach. In fact, it is a bit stronger not only because the material sounds a bit more developed but there is a generous use of acoustic keyboard which gives better support to Dunston’s gentle voice. I especially like “California”, “Slow Road” and “Piano Forte”. Overall, Hymns About Her is a solid showcase of soft songs and exceptional lyrics.

To Get Home Before Night Comes is available in 128kbps MP3 while Hymns About Her is in VBR MP3 format.

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To Get Home Before The Night Comes
Hymns About Her

Jay Bennett is a guitarist and singer/songwriter who is best known as a member of Wilco from 1994 to 2001. He separated from the band in 2001 and subsequently released five solo albums. Bennett passed away on May 24, 2009.

His last album was Whatever Happened I Apologize which was released as a free online album thorough the Rock Proper label in November of 2008. It is a sparse but intimate collection of songs featuring only voice and guitar. It sounds like a very personal effort and has a definitive power in its lyrics. This is a fitting ending for an artist who left us too early.

The album is available in 320kbps Mp3.

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And the winner of the Elliott Smith sound-alike contest is…

Actually there are some significant differences between Elliott Smith and Matthew Solberg. While Smith embodies a introvert Emo quality, Solberg is a bit more wistful and romantic. His free online album I Am A Fool delivers well crafted songs by a talented lyricist and vocalist. Asides from having a great voice his guitar work really stands out especially on the instrumental “Desirae and Dolores”. Overall, this is a lovely album of acoustic folk-pop songs.

The album is available for the artist’s web site in 320kbps MP3.

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While Tim Fite’s last free online offering titled Over The Counter Culture was a hip-hoppish indictment of consumerism, his new album goes a different route altogether. Change of Heart, released online from his web site on Valentine’s Day of 2009, is a collection of love songs, or more appropriately a collection about the lost of love. It is mostly a slow tempo assortment of bitter-sweet ballads. It is totally different from what I am used to from Mr. Fite, often reminding me of Beck in his more personal efforts. The feelings and emotions from this album is quite powerful. I’m not sure I would give this sorrowful record to my valentine but I certainly would listen to it in more lonely moments. It is another highly recommended conceptual effort from Tim Fite.

The album is available in 192kbps MP3. If you enjoy the music, support the artists by buying his CDs.

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Brithish singer / songwriter Sean Wright started recording an album a month in 2007 and he is still going. By the end of 2009 he has 22 full albums available for free downloading. Whatever this obsession is, I hope he doesn’t stop because he has the chops and the pen to get away with it. His songs are well crafted works with passionate and articular lyrics delivered with a voice that delivers the goods. Influences like Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon are obvious but I think the 80s new wave signatures of Elvis Costello and Graham Parker are lurking in these songs too.

His Discography on his web site is the best place to find these albums. They are all listed and clicking on the album cover will take you to the album’s Last.fm page where you can download it in MP3 format or listen to a streaming version. He also has a few of them available on Jamendo. I am featuring a cool half dozen of his albums which I think gives the best representation to this gifted artist. The five featured “album-a-months” are Idylic Meltdown, TV Life. Shatter, Strange Change, and Sweet Lullabies. They are all worth listening too and have good production values and good artistic quality.

But instead of focusing in detail on those five albums I bring your attention to the sixth featured album, Dylan’s Dead?. The nine tracks are taken from four of his other albums due to the artist’s sense that they fit together. It is the perfect introduction to Wright’s folk/rock style with an emphasis on the acoustic. . I especially like the story-telling on “Johnny The Boxer” but “Blow Those Blues Away” is a melodic bittersweet rocker and I Keep Wondering is one of those personal ballads to which others can say, “I’ve been there”. Dylan’s Dead? is a nice collection of contemporary folk/rock songs.

The albums on Jamendo are in VBR mp3 while the last.fm offerings are in 128kbps MP3. If you like his music you can buy his CDs in better quality sound at his online store. You can also buy his novels. It appears he writes fantasy / science fiction. Being an avid science fiction reader I would like to know if anyone has read them and if they are worthwhile.

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Dylan’s Dead?
Idylic Meltdown
TV Life
Strange Change
Shatter
Sweet Lullabies

Singer/Songwriter Robin Grey has released a five song, 18 minutes EP titled I Love Leonard Cohen. It has the same wonderful British folk rock vibes and intellectual lyrics of his first album which is still freely available. While all five tracks are great, the title songs steals the show. It is both a tribute to the legendary poet/songwriter and a nostalgic look at how we change yet stay the same. “There’s a Guy Down The Chip Shop Thinks He’s Elvis” is a witty song with a alt-country feel. I could see Emmy Lou Harris singing this one with no problem. This is another winner from Robin Grey.

I Love Leonard Cohen is available from Jamendo in VBR MP3 format.

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Robin Grey’s debut album Only The Missile will please those music fans who like British folk rock hovering between the lyrical, the traditional and the confessional. His style reminds me very much of Nick Drake or Robyn Hitchcock, but the songs have the masterful pathos of Leonard Cohen. There’s a sound of regret on the best tracks such as the wistful “Swan Song”. “Five” and “Every Waking Hour” are two other exceptional songs that are mid-tempo and melancholy. “Somewhere” includes background vocals by one of my new favorite singers Ruth Theodore. Robin Grey is another excellent singer / songwriter that should enjoy a fruitful future with a little help from the music gods.

The albums is available from Jamendo in VBR MP3.

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Andrew Osenga has a knack of writing simple but seductive songs with the kind of lyrics we can all identify with. His voice and songs remind me strongly of Paul Simon in his ability to deliver serious emotion in an way that makes it go down easy. His free EP Letters to The Editor vol. 1 is seven tracks of music derived from suggestions from his fans. It’s all acoustic and mostly mid-tempo and easy listening in a good way. They are nicely produced with some impressive over-dubbing of vocals on tracks like “Wanted” and “The Blessing Curse”. For those into folk/rock or soft indie pop, this is a nice choice.

The album is available in 192kbps MP3. It’s free and legal but Andrew asks that you show your appreciation by sending a donation. So, if you enjoy the music, do it! You can purchase his other CDs here. The artist is presently working on a volume 2 which should be something to look forward to.

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Thomas Mery’s 15 minute, four track Demo EP titled Hallonsaft barely meets the duration requirements of Free Albums Galore but it is too good to pass up. Mery’s very different folk songs are slightly reminiscent of medieval music yet are peppered with electronic glitches and drones that deliver the songs into another era. The singer/songwriter’s own voice and guitar convey an dreamy bittersweet quality. All four songs are quite good but “Shaping Places” is a melodic gem and “realShift” is simply stunning. Some reviewers labeled this ‘Folktronics”, whatever that is, but labels do not do it justice. This is just beautiful and innovative songwriting.

Hallonsaft is available in 192kbps MP3.

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Josh Woodward is a gifted singer and songwriter who seems very comfortable with the idea of creative commons licensing. His first two EPs have already been favorably reviewed on my blog and they seem to get a lot of attention from my readers. Now he’s outdone himself with the equivalent of a two CD online album which is also freely available titled The Simple Life. The first part concentrates on what could be described as indie pop while part two is more folk oriented and primarily acoustic. There’s the same evident skill at crafting high quality songs and communicating with a highly individual but professional style; not a small feat considering there are a total of 22 tracks to listen to. I especially like “Heritage Square” which has an irresistible Badfinger feel to it. Other favorite tracks is the bittersweet “Saturday”, a folkish and somewhat Celtic sounding “Me and Billy Barnum”, and the closing “Afterglow”. This is an exceptional collection of songs.

The album is available in separate tracks or album zip as 160kbps MP3. If you enjoy the music, support the artist by buying the CD.

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The Simple Life, Part 1
The Simple Life, Part 2

Michal Lotan is an Israeli singer/songwriter whose voice reminds me of a cross between the melodic mumbling of Rickie Lee Jones and the jazz/blues inflections of Phoebe Snow. With just her voice and guitar, she bears an course exhibiting both impressive virtuosity and high spirited exuberance.

The 30 minute demo EP Evil Side is available from The Internet Archive’s Open Source Audio. It has 9 tracks, all being very enjoyable and worth a listen. I find her voice is be quite remarkable. I don’t know if she would agree with the classification of jazz but it is no doubt to me that she is clearly influenced by other jazz singers and jazz-influenced pop vocalists. She tends to be most comfortable on upbeat tunes like “Wine” and the opening showcase “Sounds” but I really like the sexy swagger she shows on “I Feel That You need Me” and “Baby Bruised”. This is an impressive debut which I hope is followed by a full album.

Evil Side is available in 192kbps MP3.

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When I first heard Ruth Theodore I had the same reaction of hearing something innovative and new that I heard with Tom Waits and Jolie Holland. It’s not that she sounds like Waits or Holland. In fact, she doesn’t really sound like anyone else which is sort of the point. Her music has elements of cabaret and folk and there is even a bit of a Brecht and Weill sense of wit on the opening “Overexpanding” and other tunes. However she easily shifts to a jazz/rock influenced “Rash” in which her voice and guitar zooms jaggedly around each other in a way that threatens to fall apart at the seams but never does. Actually her guitar playing can be pretty amazing as is her voice. She is equally impressive on slower tunes like the wistful “Nothing On” and the gorgeous “Kathy’s Song”. No matter what the tempo or mood, Ms. Theodore puts her own unique perspective on these 13 original tracks. Now that 2008 has hit the halfway mark, I can easily say Worm Food is the best free album, and one of the best overall albums, in the first part of the year. Grab this before a major label sweeps her up.

Worm Food is available from Jamendo in VBR MP3 at about 197kbps. If you enjoy the music, support the artist by buying the CD at River Rat Records.

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Canadian singer/songwriter Allison Crowe’s latest release is titled Little Light and is in the same folk-pop mode as her other albums. Her voice can be as light as Norah Jones yet her original songs bring out a stronger and more personal character similar to Sarah McLaughlin or Joni Mitchell. Most of the album consists of original material but there are three good covers of tunes by Cyndi Lauper, Phil Ochs, and The Matthew Goode Band. However it is the originals that make this effort stand out. The first two tracks, “Northern Lights” and “Angel” are strong tunes in the folk/rock vein. “Disease” features Crowe’s tumultuous keyboard over an emotional vocal. I also greatly enjoyed the title tune, “Choose To Be”, and the excellent cover of Phil Ochs’ “When I’m Gone”. This is a good collection of songs by a talented songwriter and vocalist.

The album is available in 128kbps MP3. If enjoy the music, support the artist by buying her CDs.

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Austrian musician Simon Usaty, AKA Protestant Work Ethic, may take some listeners a little while to get used to. His almost whispering vocals sometimes interferes with his intelligent lyrics. But those who admire similarly styled artists like Elliott Smith and Ron Sexsmith will feel right at home. Protestant Work Ethics is a one man band sporting sparse but sensitive instrumentation. Sounding like a cross between Alt.country and Emo, the rather introverted singing and musicianship elicits a calm if delicate environment. “Set Out to Take on” and “Clap Clean Hands” are my favorite songs while “Duba Ktana” and “As They Are Blown Here and There” are nice instrumentals hovering between primitve acoustic and new age. This is soothing music that bears attentive listening.

The EP is available as separate tracks or full album zip in 256kbps MP3.

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Kansas City resident Erik Karlsson is a singer/songwriter whose music harks back to the golden era of 70s folk-rock. He is especially schooled in the storytelling tradition of modern balladeers such as Harry Chapin. Even with such a giant name looking over his shoulder, Karlsson still manages to place his individual mark of these well-crafted original songs. His album Forty-Something is freely available from his web site and is released on a creative commons license for all to enjoy.

Forty-Something has a light melodic sense throughout. Good lyrics and a joyous mid tempo beat dominate most of his songs. The title song is a nice sample of musical storytelling. The opening track “Angel” is a very likable indie rock song that sounds a little like a upbeat Counting Crows. I also like the wistful and folkish “Long Ways From Home” and a country road song titled “Reno”.

The album is available in 128kbps MP3. If you like the music, support the artist and buy the CD with better sound quality. Erik is donating all proceeds from album sales and tips to The Harvester’s Community Food Network.

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Singer/songwriter Chris Bartlett recently released his debut self-titled album on the Explo-Sound label and has placed it on the internet as a free download.

I find this a fascinating debut. Basically, there are two Chris Bartletts. The first one is evident from the first few tracks of the album. “Crazy about You” , my favorite cut, has a soulful coffee house funk feel to it. The vocal styling reminds me very much of Gil Scott-Heron. “Stood Up” and Burden” and “The Counter” also have this soul/jazz slant. But later in the album the atmosphere leans to indie folk rock. I prefer the soulful Bartlett. However both styles share strong lyrics and passionate singing that puts this above the typical singer/songwriter debut. Of the other tracks, I especially like “Undeserved Curse” and “Take You Home”. Good songwriting, well crafted arrangements and a vibrant vocal style. What else can you ask for?

The album is available in 128kbps MP3. If you like the music, support the artist by buying the CD in higher quality sound.

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Stay by Wil Deynes is close to 20 minutes of very listenable power pop and indie folk/pop. Strong songwriting and a solid voice is the main reason this brief album is recommended. Of the five tracks, I especially like the title song “Stay”. It is a singer/songwriter showcase with a melody that…Dare I say it?… “stays” with you. The light and poppist “Super Wonderful” and the rocking “Tired” are also quite good. It’s a nice debut by a talented musician.

The EP is downloadable as an album zip in either 192kbps MP3 or M4a files. If you enjoy the artist, support the artist by leaving a donation in the “tip jar”.

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British singer/songwriter John Zealey called his online album Notes From Number 14 a collection of demos “never meant for human consumption”. If these are his throw aways, I definitely need to check out his CD. The eleven tracks are all well structured rock songs with mature lyrics and feeling. Zealey sings in a manner that hints that his emotions are seething just below the surface. I like him best on slightly tensed up songs like “One Hell of a Time” and “Common Ground” but there are some nice ballads such as “Slide With Me” and “Wake Up”. Give this album a try. My guess is you’ll want to hear more.

The album is freely available in album zips of 128 or 160kbps MP3. You can download the zips from the link below or by separate tracks (128kbps) from John’s Last.fm page. If you enjoy the music, support the artist by buying his CDs.

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Earlier in the year I featured the first volume of a continuing series from the BlocSonic blog called NetBloc. Its purpose is to present on a regular basis a showcase of music from netlabels and independent artists. Since then there have been 10 volumes, all of high quality with a well written booklet of liner notes. It is fitting that I would feature the latest of this series at the end of this year if only to remind you that if you haven’t been regularly checking these volumes out, you are missing a awfully large amount of great music.

netBloc Volume 10: Postmodernism is dead. Postmillennialism killed it… sorry Andy :( may be the best of the lot. As usual, it is an eclectic blend of mainly hip-hop, electronica, and indie pop served by an international cast. Ghostown starts the album with a very tasty rap offering. More hip hop is imported from Spain by El Klan Delos Dedete. Singer-Songwriter DavidBowman offers a classy hybrid of folk and electro-pop. If I had to pick a favorite I would go with the great techno-pop track “Munchen” by Garmish Partenkirchen. The best music to get totally lost in is the dreamy and jazzy “Valletta 1:27 a.m.” by The Incognito Traveller. Joijoijoi is minimalist pop while Shorthand Phonetic is Emo like you won’t believe. Most regulars of Free Album Galore will already know the joys of My First Trumpet and Surbuhar (You’re welcome, Mike!). As mentioned before, if you are missing out on this series you are missing some of the best of independent and netlabel music.

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One of the best albums of 2007 has to be Okkervil’s River’s The Stage Names. I found this group and album via my fellow subscribers over at eMusic and quickly learned what all the buzz was about. Part alternative and part folk-rock, Okkervil River has a disarming sound that perfectly mixes poetry and pathos. Lead songwriter Will Scheff’s vocal soars over the complex yet accessible arrangements with the ease of Morrissey but the emotional directness of Conor Oberst.

The artists are offering a free album titled Golden Opportunities Mixtape. It is a collection of cover songs, with the exception of one Scheff original, recorded live on their 2006-2007 tour. Any disappointment over the lack of their own unique songs is dissipated by the original takes on these eight cover tracks. Whether it’s a song by Randy Newman or John Cale, Scheff manages to put his personal stamp on it. Of the covers I especially like Joni Mitchell’s “The Blonde in The Bleacher”, John Phillip’s “April Anne” and Sandy Denny’s “Solo”. “Listening To Otis Redding at Home During Christmas” is the one original. It will give the first time listeners a good sense of how exceptional this band is with their own material.

The album is available in 192kbps MP3. If you like the music support the artists by buying their CDs.

No longer available

Two albums of folk rock are freely available from singer/songwriter Josh Woodward. These are well produced tracks that should please all lovers of good quality pop music.

Dirty Wings is basically indie-rock. It has some pretty intense tracks such as the opening “I Want to Destroy Something Beautiful”. Other songs like “Insomnia” have a bittersweet quality. I especially like “The Vagabond” and “Omaha”. Insightful song writing and imaginative melodies makes all the tracks worth a listen.

Not Quite Connected is folk oriented and mainly acoustic. The songs sound more intimate and Josh’s storytelling ability become quite present. The first track “Darien Gap” show off his narrative talents well. There are some nice rockers like “Effortless” but the real gems are acoustic tracks like “She Dreams in Blue” and “Let Me Talk, Carol”. As good as the album is, Woodward saves the best for last, a sweet but sad epic called “River Went Dry”. Overall, this is a more realized collection than Dirty Wings but my guess is you will want to download both.

Both albums are available in VBR MP3 (around 192kbps). Josh makes all his music freely available but if you enjoy the music you can support the artist by buying his CDs in higher quality sound.

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Dirty Wings
Not Quite Connected

I have no real information on the Diamond Star Halos except for the album available on Emily Jane White’s web site along with two other tracks by Ms. White. Whoever the Diamond Star Halos are, the 20 plus minute EP is a clearly a showcase for the sad but soulful voice of Emily Jane White. Sounding like a cross between Jolie Holland and Cat Power, Ms. White surrounds herself with a almost funereal background. “Wake Up Call” is drenched in pathos. “Blue Seude” picks up slightly but is still sad and slightly awashed in the blues. This is a curious but enjoyable EP of folkish alt.country melancholia.

The album is available in 160kbps MP3.

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