Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Innocent Bones

Iron & Wine is the stage name of singer-songwriter, Samuel Beam. Iron & Wine has been quietly releasing music since 2002, but has gained quite the following only in the last few years. Released earlier this year, Kiss Each Other Clean is a pretty-sounding album that peaked at number two on the Billboard Top 200. It's the notable impression of 2007's The Shepherd's Dog that got Iron & Wine stuck in my head this week, though. I think that "patient" is the most suitable adjective for describing this album; particularly the track Innocent Bones.

I don't remember when it was that I actually heard of Iron & Wine, but after being turned on by a recent performance on Conan, I was motivated to dig deeper into the basket of audible goodies this guy was offering. Of course, on Conan the new album was being pushed, and, like I said, it sounds great but Innocent Bones from The Shepherd's Dog is lyrical genius. I live almost too close to my place of employment so I try to kick my American heritage to the side and walk to work. During my walks this week, I've been absorbing Innocent Bones in all of it's splendor.

Song: Innocent Bones
Artist: Iron & Wine
Album: The Shepherd's Dog
Genre: folk rock

You'll like this song if you dig:
Dave Matthews Band
The Decemberists
Horse Feathers

Stuck-in-my-head Sunday: Shake Me Down

Cage the Elephant is a fairly young band that has made quite the impact on the alternative music scene since the release of  it's self-titled debut album in 2006, and, whether you want to or not, you know who they are. The 'guys in Cage the Elephant are known for their creative style in both music and video, as well as their high-energy live shows. The group's first few singles caught my attention, but the rest of that first album didn't necessarily stick with me. Recently, though, new (Pixie-like) album, Thank You Happy Birthday, has been released, and it's first single, Shake Me Down has been stuck in my head.

I get music from many different sources, but it's not very typical for me to (repeatedly) jam a tune that's blowing up today's pop airwaves. Due to the recent ceasing of the free trial subscription to a particular satellite radio service in my truck, I've reluctantly and figuratively painfully reverted to the commercial-laden pit that is Houston FM radio. This transition hasn't been all bad, though. I've been able to sate a certain level of nostalgia in catching a few segments of the well-known and ever-popular Rod Ryan Show on 9.45 The Buzz, Houston's go-to alternative station. The Buzz is also where I first heard Shake Me Down. The tune was catchy, and after the first time, I made a point to pay more attention to it during subsequent listens. It was the subconscious persuasion of a certain someone, however, that resulted in Shake Me Down getting stuck in my head. I enjoyed the music video, and after reviewing Thank You Happy Birthday in it's entirety, this track is definitely one that says, "Hey, listen to me again!"

Song: Shake Me Down
Artist: Cage the Elephant
Album: Thank You Happy Birthday
Genre: alternative rock
Video: click here

You'll like this song if you dig:
Pixies
Crash Kings
Cold War Kids
Silversun Pickups