Columbus, Ann Arbor, Chicago

Brian Harnetty, from Columbus, OH, is a music professor at Kenyon College.  That is how I first knew of him.  He’s also released 2 albums in the past few years.  The first American Winter is a sound collage of old recordings Harnetty dug up from Berea College’s archives down in Kentucky.  When it was released in 2007 it made Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s year end t0p-10 album list.  Probably the only thing better than finding out that your album is one of Bonnie Billy’s favorites is to have him sing on your next record.  Which is what happened with Silent City released earlier this month.  Here is a video for the song “Some Glad Day.”

Next up, Ann Arbor, MI.  It’s at least where Mayer Hawthorne was sired.  His first album is coming out this fall and based on the singles is amazing.  Soul music that sounds like it was made back then.  Enjoy these videos.

And finally, Chicago.  Pit Er Pat on Thrill Jockey.  I saw them years ago opening up for Do Make Say Think and just remembered they exist.  You can stream samples of their songs on the Thrill Jockey website.