WONGIE SONG OF THE MONTH: first aid kit - fireworks

first aid kit - fireworks
swedish folk sisters klara and johanna söderberg (aka first aid kit) have continued their journey celebrating old skool country/americana in their latest album 'ruins'. releasing 'fireworks' as an album preview track late last year, they've now officially made it a proper single with a creepy 80's prom theme (with a rapture involved) accompanying video. we loved this song so much that it made our best of 2017 song list and remains a fave!! LOVE THIS SONG!

WONGIE LIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: brandi carlile - the joke (live from studio a)

brandi carlile - the joke (live from studio a)
at some point in this performance, brandi is almost inhabited by something bigger than herself and transforms into a goddess. it's truly transcendental and it's a real honor to see it captured live like that (no wonder her upcoming tour is sold out already!) as the 1st single from her upcoming album 'by the way, i forgive you', it feels like the singer/songwriter is going for larger sounds and it suits her perfectly. can't wait to hear the rest of the album! goosebumps people!!!

GOODBYE: the civil wars - you are my sunshine

the civil wars - you are my sunshine
though they've been on indefinite hiatus since 2012, the amazing vocal duo of the civil wars officially broke up today. it's a shame that singer joy williams and john paul white weren't able to reconcile their issues, so as a parting gift, they're sharing a free mp3 download of a rare vinyl cover of 'you are my sunshine' to their fans. here's what they had to say of the decision:

Joy Williams
“I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together. I sincerely hope that ‘You Are My Sunshine’ will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I’m so thankful and my heart is full. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I’ve loved being back in the studio, and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon.”

John Paul
“I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars—from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between. My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated, and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one.”

MELLOW MIX: the lone bellow - watch over us (live)

the lone bellow - watch over us (live - in the dark)
there's something about listening to a song performed in the dark. you end up hearing the tune to it's fullest without the help of any performance visuals. in the case of the lone bellows, you just bask in the greatness of their harmonies. brian elmquist takes the vocal leads on this one and it's just goose bumpingly amazing.

the lone bellow - watch over us (live - under the sun)
still a stickler for visual performance? here is brian under the sun performing this wonderful song. i don't know what it is about this trio, but they bring tears to my eyes every time i hear them live. LOVE them!

GOOD MUSIC MIX: the civil wars - dust to dust

the civil wars - dust to dust
though they look like they're on good terms for this video, these images are actually culled together when they were in paris back in 2011. so sadly this is not a reunion video for the amazing duo. will they ever perform together on stage is a mystery, but for now this is all we get from them. sigh.

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: the lone bellow - bleeding out

the lone bellow - bleeding out
oh how i love the vocals of the lone bellow lead singer, zach williams! throw in his amazing cohorts kanene & brian and you've got a lush trio that deserves to break out seriously in 2013. the official single off their amazing debut album, press play and bask in it's wonderfulness now!

WONGIE FOLK SONG OF THE WEEK: the lone bellow - you never need nobody

the lone bellow - you never need nobody
i think i may have found my fave new alt country, folk, americana band of the year! just listen to the crazy harmonies of Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist and Kanene Pipkin and i dare you to not get some happy chills from their performance! based out of brooklyn, this trio are primed for big things in the coming year. i'm SO looking forward to checking out a gig of theirs in the coming months!

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: mumford & sons - i will wait

mumford & sons - i will wait
they're baaaaaaaaack!!!!! though there's no mumford stomp in sight, it sure is a rowdy hoe down instead! can't wait to hear more!

WONGIE DISCOVERY: jake bugg - lightning bolt / country song / trouble town

jake bugg - lightning bolt
[even though the kid is only 18 and possesses the songwriting skills of an old country soul, you can really hear the earnest influences of jake's musical idols with no sense of irony in sight (teenagers are so serious these days!) but that is probably the reason why i've grown to appreciate and admire jake with such speed. i'm a fan, and so should you be! check out some other examples of this uber talented kid below!]


jake bugg - country song



jake bugg - trouble town

WONGIE SONG OF THE WEEK: glen hansard - love don't leave me waiting

glen hansard - love don't leave me waiting
[wasn't too sure about glen's previous single, but THIS is just wonderful.]

WONGIE LOVELY SONG OF THE WEEK: ryan adams - chains of love

ryan adams - chains of love
[bring on the sighs cause ryan adams offer up a case of the lovely's with his latest single.]