JOSEPH ARTHUR & THE ASTRONAUTS, Temporary People (Lonely Astronauts)
Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon)

Joseph Arthur has been dropping EPs all year long and now we have a full length to chew on. As if the video above showing Arthur performing album opener “Temporary People” at last year’s SXSW wasn’t selling point enough, there’s 11 more broody must have rock tunes. Classic David Bowie reborn. Check out: “Temporary People” and “Dead Savior”. File under: Rock / Alternative

Noteworthy

• ANI DIFRANCO, Red Letter Year (Righteous Babe)
  Official Site | MySpace
  Her first record since becoming a new mom. New perspective, same tough chick. Check out: “Smiling Underneath”.
• BEN FOLDS, Way To Normal (Epic)
  Official Site | MySpace
  Whether its his lyrics or piano as weapon of choice, Folds rarely disappoints. Check out: “Hiroshima”.
• TAJ MAHAL, Maestro (Heads Up)
  Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon)
  First release in five years by the blues man includes appearances by Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and more. Check out: “Never Let You Go”.

More Highlights

BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, IGUANAS, JAMES TAYLOR, JOE LOUIS WALKER, JOHN CLEARY & THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN, MERCURY REV, PETE SEEGER, RORY BLOCK, TINA TURNER, WADE BOWEN and more. See our Release Calendar for more new releases like these.

Bonus Material

Noteworthy articles from Twangville and our friendly neighbors:

• HearYa Presents: Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, mp3 Sampler [Hear Ya]
• Southside Johnny, Hearts of Stone under a Grapefruit Moon [Alex]
• Tom Morello, The Fabled City [Alex]
• AMA Conference Podcast [Hickory Wind]
• Win Big: Jim Boggia [Mayer]
• Do You Know What “Mondegreen” Means? [Mayer]
• Old Crow Medicine Show – Tennessee Pusher [Hickory Wind]

Grab Bag

• FREE GIVEAWAY! I’m giving away a free mystery (Americana / Folk / Folk Rock) disc this week to one lucky winner as a way of saying thanks for being a part of Twangville. Simply comment on this post to be eligible. The winner will be contacted the following week. NOTE: You must have a US mailing address to win.

About the author:  Washington, D.C. area web designer by day. Certifiable music freak by night. Husband and father of two by the loving grace of God.

by Tom Osborne in Alternative, News, Rock, Videos