Classic New Music

Yeah. "Classic" and "New" -- it's possible.

Just heard about this upcoming release, and it has a limited shelf life online, so check it NOW. There is a new Crosby, Stills & Nash album coming out on June 2.

You read that right.

It's called "Demos," and it's being streamed in its entirety on NPR's All Songs Considered for just a couple of weeks. These are some of their most classic songs in their simplest forms - a guitar and a voice, most of the time. But if you like Justin Vernon and Bon Iver, Guggenheim Grotto, Sam Beam and Iron & Wine, even a lot of M. Ward's stuff, you will LOVE this music. If you're young (um, 30 and under?) you might think CSN are just part of your parents' music. Give them a listen. They made their debut at Woodstock. Incredible, wonderful stuff to hear. I'm not just being sappy and sentimental.

Hard to pick a favorite on this album for me - listening right now as I write this, I would nominate "Love is a Gentle Thing." Post your own vote here.

While you're at it, save the Exclusive First Listen link as a bookmark. NPR posts new albums they like, right before they are released, and streams them for a week or two. I'm all about free, GREAT music....

I will also make a plea for my favorite music magazine, Paste. They are falling on hard times, like many printed publications in this economy. Go to the Campaign to Save Paste link and make a donation, big or small. You will then have access to some outstanding downloads donated by artists who love Paste and want to see the mag make it. Did I mention I also like CHEAP, great music? More importantly, I love Paste. They do a fantastic job getting behind the scenes, giving long & thoughtful interviews, and not giving in to the hype. They also slide in some cool Christian musicians under the radar. Shhh...