This Is Acoustic Music

The way music used to be--unassisted, unadorned. Just songwriters, singers and performers playing their music live, using their voices, instruments and talents. Nothing more. Nothing less. Here you will hear the new (and a little of the old) in acoustic music, including folk-pop, folk-rock, acoustic pop, contemporary folk, anti-folk, neofolk, jazz and anything else that (mostly) shuns electric anything.

[thisisacousticmusic]

Mike + Ruthy: The Freckled Ocean

Here’s a duo I know thanks to Folk Alley’s YouTube channel. Mike + Ruthy perform live their song “Freckled Ocean.” 

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDVTMmUABrI)

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Drew Holcomb: Here We Go

A little funky, a little bluesy and a bit folky, Drew Holcomb performs “Here We Go.”

Music, it makes you feel good, makes you feel understood, like you’re not alone, you’re not a rolling stone, not the only one on the road.

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVvEHlfs7jc)

[thisisacousticmusic]

Colin Hay: Trying To Get To You

I may have seen Colin Hay live more than any other artist. He gives a great show and is a terrific storyteller.  Here he performs a song from his upcoming album "Next Year People.” 

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William Fitzsimmons: Falling On My Sword (Live)

I love every song I’ve heard from this guy. Here William Fitzsimmons performs live "Falling On My Sword" from his new “Pittsburgh” release. 

I was singled out for pushing at the wrong door laying down my guns Spreading like an ocean fucking for devotion til I cannot bleed myself You falling on my sword I’ve given you the coffer my twenties and a daughter What else could I bring? Now you stand on the shoreline shining like a bright light but it’s not for me You falling on my sword

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jonoi7nEVQs)

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Apanhador Só: Prédio

You don’t get much more acoustic than this--the Brazilian band Apanhador Só performs with instruments that include a child’s bike and toys. 

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhDnRcRml74)

[thisisacousticmusic]

SHEL: You Could Be My Baby

I had the good luck to catch a very short set by these talented musicians a month or so ago. This video does a nice job of showing how talented the sisters of SHEL​ are--beatboxing, harmonies, guitar, piano and fiddle come together to make a very catchy tune.

[thisisacousticmusic]

Beck: Turn Away

This song wormed its way into my ears and heart like few songs have. Every time I hear it, I stop and listen again. It touches me in the same way as songs like Alexi Murdoch’s “Orange Sky” and Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon.” You will find it on Beck’s 2014 Grammy winning “Morning Phase.”

Turn, turn away From the sound of your own voice Calling no one Just a silence Learn to see around the edge Follow the avalanche Turn away

[thisisacousticmusic]

The Veronicas: Cruel

Australian twins Lisa Origliasso and Jessica Origliasso perform an acoustic version of their 2015 single, “Cruel,” off their self-titled release. 

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Fruition: Gotta Get Back Home

Mimi Naja leads Fruition with this tune off their 2013 release, “Just One Of Them Nights.”  

The sun beats down gracefully, and the music's on fire yeah, the music's on fire even if it takes all night for me to come around I will never tire 

[thisisacousticmusic]

Edison: Be Someone

Colorado-based Edison performing “Be Someone” off their new EP, “Ghosts.” 

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I Took Your Name & Alain Fournier:  The Evil Will Rise Slowly

Listen/purchase: The Evil Will Rise Slowly by I Took Your Name & Alain Fournier

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Alec Lytle & Them Rounders:  Ordinary Day

This song is found on Alec Lytle’s new album, “The End of Ours.”

You felt like dying, now you’re here lying with your knees pressed tight up to your chest and wondering if he was the best, Or not, despite the sad shame, you want him back just the way he came, for one more ordinary day.

Listen/purchase: Ordinary Day by Alec Lytle & Them Rounders

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Ben Hemming: The Old Country

Ben Hemming performs his raw tune “The Old Country” off his Broken Man album. 

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Roesy: Believe

Listen/purchase: Believe by Roesy

Driving through the night Just you and the moon Trying to outrun daylight And an end that’s coming soon

The road it feels like home Tells no lie The wonderful unknown Between the earth and sky

[thisisacousticmusic]

Cluny Macpherson: “Cold North Wind”

Listen/purchase: Cold North Wind by Cluny Macpherson

Send for the Cold North Wind Sunlight ain’t dangerous enough We need the rain to keep us tough Send for the Cold North Wind

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Alicia Murphy: “Midtown”

Listen and purchase this tune on Badcamp: Midtown by alicia murphy

and I like this town except it’s just a city and I’m drawing blanks now cause your lights are too pretty

[thisisacousticmusic]

Mark Knopfler: “Wherever I Go”

Off Mark Knopfler’s new “Tracker” release. 

There’s a place in my heart Though we’re far apart May you always know No matter how long since I saw you I’ll keep a flame there for you Wherever I go