A Case of the Fridays

It’s been a busy week, but there’s still music to be listened to. And we start out with the rocking “Exhausted,” by Joseph Arthur. It’s an intense piece of work, both lyrically and instrumentally, with excellent use of shifting dynamics. If you like what you hear, he’ll be at Jammin Java Thursday, November 2nd.

MP3: Exhausted – Joseph Arthur

And we close out the week with something a bit lighter from California-based singer-songwriter Ethan Elkind. Though it’s begun to get cold outside, the tropical flavor and upbeat rhythm of the catchy acoustic-based “Island Life” might help you remember your last trip to the beach this summer. If you like what you hear, Ethan Elkind will be at Ireland’s Four Fields this Sunday, October 29th.

MP3: Island Life – Ethan Elkind

A Case of the Fridays

It’s an early edition this week, since I’m heading out to Phoenix for a wedding. So first up we have “Last Letter,” from Shane Hines and the Trance’s upcoming EP, Satellite Go Boom. It’s a “raise-your-lighter” type of electrified ballad, complete with heartbreak lyrics and a well-toned guitar solo. If you like what you hear, Shane Hines and the Trance will be at IOTA this Friday, October 20th.

MP3: Last Letter – Shane Hines and the Trance

And we close out a very full week with Lola Ray’s “What It Feels Like.” Strained vocals and a driving rhythm section power the song along into a few big rave-up choruses. Take a listen.

MP3: What It Feels Like – Lola Ray

Clarendon Day

Celebrate the fall and enjoy downtown Arlington this Saturday, October 21st at Clarendon Day 2006. There will be food, family activities, artist exhibits, and, of course, music - including bands such as Welbilt, Marwood, Koshari, and Soldiers of Jah Army.

Do You Know This Man?

I'm sure many around the DC area have seen this guy working the door at the 9:30 Club. Turns out his name is Josh Burdette, and he's one of several club doormen/bouncers featured in a Washington Post article here. And he got his picture in the Sunday paper to boot!

A Case of the Fridays

We open up the close of this workweek with some Ben Kweller. “Penny On The Train Track” is a tasty little slice of pop, complete with pounding piano. If you’d like to hear the song live, you can catch Ben Kweller at the 9:30 Club Wednesday, October 18th.

MP3: Penny On The Train Track – Ben Kweller

And we finish off this week’s ACOTF with “Keep On,” by Andy Zipf. I can’t resist a good claptrack, and you gotta love the sneaky groove and sultry vocals. If you like what you hear, Andy Zipf has got a full-band show this Sunday, October 15th at IOTA.

MP3: Keep On – Andy Zipf

A Case of the Fridays

The workweek is almost over, and we’ll soon be seeing just how loud the boos will be in Philly when T.O. takes the field this Sunday. But until then, we’ll start with “When The Creepers Creep In,” by The Village Green. It’s driving indie rock with some cool layered vocals and a nice little build-up on the chorus. And it’s got “Creepers” in the song title. If you like what you hear, these Oregonians will be playing The Red & The Black on Tuesday, October 10th.

MP3: When The Creepers Creep In – The Village Green

And we conclude this week with “Everything About You,” by Steve Poltz. It might come off as a bit sappy, with its lush arrangement and swooping strings (and are those bagpipes?), but I think it works. If you like what you hear, Steve Poltz will be at IOTA this coming Monday night, October 9th.

MP3: Everything About You – Steve Poltz

Duke Ellington Jazz Festival

The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival begins today, Wednesday, October 4th, and continues through the weekend here in Washington, D.C. There will be more than 50 performances at many venues throughout the area.