Run River North - David Robinson

I do right by all I know
Images on the wall say the same
Spotlight or shadow
My life and my worth is my name

Take this farther
Makes me stronger
Make this harder
Makes me stronger
Feel the light inside me
Reaching beyond my failing
See the crowd surround me
Leave the ground, I feel higher

Run River North were one of the highlights of SXSW 2016 for me - even managed to see them twice! I was already hooked on "Run or Hide" via indie radio but had no clue about their unique instrumentation (two violinists) nor that they were a totally Korean-American (6 of them) band. Great live - the drummer alone is entertaining - I've continued to enjoy their sophomore album Drinking from a Salt Pond throughout the rest of this year. Perhaps overdue as a Most Important Song, here is the track that is named after my sweetheart, and (he swears it's just coincidentally) his favorite.

RIYL: Local Natives, Head and the Heart, Grizfolk, Ra Ra Riot

Upcoming Shows

Wintersleep - Santa Fe

So baby give me one more night
I will release you -- give me some time

I've been thinking about posting something from Wintersleep's latest album, The Great Detachment, for a while now. I decided upon "Santa Fe" as I feel like it captures the breadth of what they do well; a sort of understated and uplifting folksy rock with surprising and diverse twists. In this case, it's a fairly rockin' anthem with some killer sonic style.

For something a bit more straight-forward check out the video for the hit that first drew me to them, "Weighty Ghost".

RIYL: Mumford and Sons, Sloan, The New Pornographers, The Long Winters

Upcoming Shows

John K. Samson - Postdoc Blues

So your presentation went terrible.
All wrong dongle, sweat stains and stares.
Leave the TV on with the sound down low, in your underwear.
Don't despair, you'll get it right tomorrow night in Thunder Bay, maybe.
Don't delay, your day is short, you can't afford to wait.

I believe in you and your PowerPoints.
I know why you can't stay away.
Out on Highway One with a rental car and a lot to say.

"Postdoc Blues" is a fun (if a bit melancholy and apropos considering the events of the week) from The Weakerthans' John K. Samson. His new album Winter Wheat dropped a week or so ago and it's nice, soothing and a great way to wind down a fairly crazy week. He's also released a well done and whimsical animated video that's worth a watch.

RIYL: The Weakerthans, mewithoutYou, Bear vs. Shark, R.E.M., Propagandahi

Upcoming Shows