JM @ This Blog Is For Writing In
This dude here used to be the drummer for a great instrumental band called Saxon Shore (I was mildly obsessed with them back in my college days). He could probably drum for the rest of his life, but took a risk and decided to do go after some solo songwriting stuff... and thank God he did. Josh (that's what the J. stands for) has one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard, and a great sense for song-writing as well. I won't mislead you, his stuff is pretty mellow. But it's still beautiful. On his recommendation, I ordered the new Saxon Shore album which actually came out last year.



Kaleb @ sctas.com
Josh Tillman tugs at a set of strings buried somewhere underneath my heart. Some spot that not many writers of song - male or female, past or present, living or buried - have ever reached. This guy has a recording method (thanks - again - to Eric Fisher) so sparse, so fragile, I'm surprised the levels even twitch when run through a mixing board. Though it won't be tagged a "single" (the entire album is limited to 150 - total), "Casualties" has my hand for the best (wistful it is) story set to acoustic you may hear all year.

As the follow-up to 2004/2005's crowning achievement I Will Return, this former percussionist-gone-frontman is so far ahead of the folk/quiet/alt-everything pack that he's likely getting set to pass you on there on the right. Do be careful, precious, for once you set this recording in motion - all to be heard afterwards will surely be judged.



Chris @ Gorilla vs. Bear
I rarely put the mp3 at the top of my post, but I don't feel like this song needs much of a description. Simple, sparse, and beautiful, the song can be found on J. Tillman's Long May You Run. The CD, available on Keep Records, comes individually numbered, hand-signed by the artist, and is limited to only 150 copies, which are already nearly sold out. Buy it here for only $9. Highly recommended for fans of Sufjan or Iron & Wine.



Mike Jonze @ The Camera As Pen
alright, kids. listen up.
these two songs come from the long awaited sophomore effort from seattle-bred j.tillman, damien jurado's frequent touring companion and the former drummer of saxon shore. long may you run, j.tillman was just released on monday, january 30th by keep recordings and is chock full of beautifully hushed, acoustic ballads - some even peppered with banjo. tillman's songs are sparse and gentle, but his voice gives them an almost haunting quality. this album is not to be missed, but surely will be by many (only 150 in existence). so treasure it.

also, if you happen to live in the seattle area or you like to do that internet streaming thingy, then make sure to tune in to KEXP this saturday (feb.4th) when j.tillman will be performing live in the studio. he was also recently interviewed by the burgeoning indie interviews. it was supposed to be posted in early january, but i can't find it anywhere on their page. hmmm. guess i'll cut them a little slack, though, since they did put i will return in the #6 slot of their list of the best albums of 2005 - wait, wasn't it released in '04?
my, my.