The oddly named Joe Pug

At times, nothing satisfies like the minimalism of a guitar, a voice and a powerful song. So many musicians will do this, and of these, we all know when they have the je ne sais quoi that makes the combination so successful. It is a vast collection of musical heavyweights and forlorn obscurities, and making oneself standout from the myriad must be daunting. It seems unfair to judge an emerging artist against Bob Dylan, or Cat Power, or the tragically sublime Elliott Smith. But it's probably necessary. It's probably unavoidable. I can't but compare when hearing a new artist. With this in mind, I was so impressed with Joe Pug. The carpenter from Chicago follows the dustbowl troubadour tradition, variously displaying the influences required of this mode: the wistful pace, the harmonica accents, the themes of heartbreak or triumph, or self-discovery. He has the voice of a chain-smoking Appalachian journeyman, and the raw guitar melodies complement this beautifully. The honest lyricism in his songs are such appropriate stories for this mode of music. I won't go on, because I'm scared to overhype. His album, Nation of Heat, is out now, and at his website he's actively asking to post his cd to you, free. In numerous quantities, if you want. Just 'cause he wants people to hear his music.

(Incidentally, when listening to the below, tell me you don't hear a young Bob Dylan doing "Mama You Been On My Mind.")

Joe Pug - Hymn #101

Myspace | Website

Origins: Rodriguez

Sometimes your parents get it right. In between the Gypsy Kings and Ottmar Liebert mine would spin gems such as the Stones, Paul Simon and the subject of this origin, Rodriguez.

Hailing from Detroit, Rodriguez was part of a psy-folk movement in the early to mid seventies. He only released two albums, both in the seventies, 'Cold Fact' and 'Coming From Reality'. Since then there has been a steady string of Greatest Hits and live compilations running all the way up too 2005. While virtually unknown in the US and Europe he has a huge cult following in Australia and South Africa. His track 'Sugar Man' (featured below) has also popped up in the Triple J playlist and on the soundtrack for the Aussie movie 'Candy'.

His sound is based in folk but uses electronic effects and elements to give his songs a detached and cosmic texture. Rodriguez lyrics tackle everyman problems such as drug abuse and social decay in an almost Dylanesque manner. Check out his unappreciated sound for yourself below.

Rodriguez - Sugarman

Website | Wiki

When It Rains It Pours

I'll be honest: I just stumbled across this and have no idea when it dropped, and am neck-deep in uni so I can't be arsed researching when. Regardless, it's another fucking amazing collabo remix. Current king of hot fire, Mark Ronson, tackles a Dylan classic, and he does it with aplomb. The original beat and jazz-whistle carnival feel are retained in this remix, with Ronson adding his idiosyncratic (but subtle) horns, which only seek to increase the party feeling of the song. A feeling which was, and still is, somewhat incongruous given the song's lyrical content. But hey, that's Dylan. Seeking to fully understand his motives is about as futile an exercise as there is. This isn't necessarily going to appear on anyone's track of the year lists, but it's a clever little achievement, and of particular interest to any Dylanophiles out there. (Which should be EVERYONE.)

Bob Dylan - Most Likely You'll Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine (Mark Ronson remix)

Mark Ronson | Bob Dylan