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We all know that sophomore records can be tricky. Especially for young bands who’ve tasted even a little bit of success, expectations grow quickly and often the results don't match. For the San Diego based band Delta Spirit, their new record History From Below bucks that trend and responds with an intensely intimate, powerful batch of songs.
Delta Spirit's Ode To Sunshine has more in common with like rock traditionalists such as The Hold Steady than your typical "we-heard-it-first-'cause-we're-cool" shooting star band that the almighty music blogosphere seems to love then leave with alarming frequency these days. There's something timeless and soulful happening here, something with some staying power.
California rockers, Delta Spirit have just released a new self-titled album on Rounder Records and will in Philly for a special Free At Noon at Union Transfer on March 30. They play a full show that same night at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia 19123. Directions & Parking for venue.
Formed in San Diego in 2005, Delta Spirit have been
gaining recognition for their impressive blend of soul,
folk, blues, and Americana. This five-piece unit has
also been praised for their unconventional choice in
instruments, such as trashcans and orchestral bass
drums, coupled with their spiritually-themed lyrics
courtesy of vocalist Matt Vasquez.
Like a true rock and roll fable, Delta Spirit formed
when singer/songwriter Matt Vasquez was discovered
by his bandmates busking at a San Diego light-rail station
late into the night. Apparently they liked what they heard,
because after exchanging contact information, Delta Spirit
was quickly formed. Now, five years later, Delta Spirit has
just released their second album, 2010’s “History From
Below,” and have toured with the likes of Dr. Dog, Clap
Your Hands Say Yeah, and Cold War Kids. Perhaps the
greatest testament of all to their budding mainstream appeal,
the band has gone on to play on the show Late Night with
(then-host) Conan O’Brian and Last Call with Carson Daly.
On their follow up to 2008’s “Ode to Sunshine” Delta Spirit
continue to craft their unique brand of barroom rock and roll,
complete with soulful singing, jingling pianos, thumping drums,
and rough acoustic guitars. Yet, probably what stands out above
all on “History From Below” is the expressive, affecting
songwriting the band displays. Vasquez shows a keen ability to
draw out the emotion in a song, and draw the listener into his
band’s frantic, moving world. Brimming with whiskey-soaked
enthusiasm and inspired wordplay, Delta Spirit have created one
of the most poignant, memorable albums in some time.
Join WXPN Friday, July 2nd, at noon for a free performance
by Delta Spirit.
Website: http://deltaspiritbydeltaspirit.blogspot.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/deltaspirit
Recent Release: History From Below
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Label: Rounder Records
Origin: San Diego, California
The sunny indie pop-folk duo between actress/singer Zooey Deschanel and popular guitarist/songwriter M.Ward seemed like an
unlikely pairing at first, but after the duo met on a film set to record a Richard and Linda Thompson cover, they instantly
bonded through music. Prior to the start of She & Him, Deschanel had been working on various demo recordings but was too shy to
step into the spotlight. But upon hearing her work, M.Ward decided to play guitar and focus on production while Deschanel
turned to the piano, banjo and vocals. The result was their debut album "Volume One" (2008), a shimmering '60s inspired
classic folk album that was as humble as their name. Immediately following the album's release, they began touring at
various festivals around the country including Noise Pop and SXSW. As their sound graced more and more crowds, the duo
found their introspective and bright tunes making their way to the top of the charts. Volume One was named Paste's Album of
the Year.
Realizing the success of their work as well as their undeniable musical chemistry, the two went back to the studio to
record and produce another batch of uplifting songs. With help from engineer, bassist and vocalist Mike Coykendall, the
duo's sophomore album "Volume Two" was released to an enthusiastic and ever-growing fan base. The album still captures that
dreamy, bright and hopeful energy of their first, but with its richer harmonies and lushly layered arrangments, "Volume Two"
is more emotional and confident than what they've done before.
Free At Noon Setlist
1. Brand New Shoes
2. Change Is Hard
3. Thought I Saw Your Face
4. Lingering Still
5. Over It Over Again
6. Don’t Look Back
Blog Entry:
Hello all, we are playing tonight at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and at Nateva Fest in Maine tomorrow. Then we play in New York on the 4th and 6th of July. Check http://www.sheandhim.com for info.
Best, She & Him.
Website: http://www.sheandhim.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sheandhim
Recent Release: Volume Two
Release Date: March 23, 2010
Label: Merge Records / Double Six (Domino)
Origin: Portland, Oregon, United States
Due to the construction in the area, free parking is no longer available for XPN Free At Noon shows. Metered parking on 31st street is no longer available, and metered parking on Walnut Street is extremely limited as a result of the closure and reconstruction of the South Street Bridge, and the rerouting of traffic onto Walnut Street.
Public transportation to XPN Free At Noon is recommended. For more information on parking in the area visit World Cafe Live.
Find more information on directions and public transportation here.
When you come to XPN's Free At Noon Concerts, bring a can of food to support Philabundance, Delaware Valley's hunger relief organization. We have drop-off boxes to collect canned goods for the needy. Current priority items include: canned pasta, chili, beef stew, tuna, mac & cheese, ready to eat cereal, pork & beans/ baked beans, green beans, corn, fruit cocktail, creamy peanut butter and/ or grape jelly (plastic containers only), and boxed sugar. Thanks!
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Dr. Dog, Carrie Rodriguez, Annuals, DeVotchKa, Adele, Angel Taylor, Winterpills, Sharon Little, Ollabelle, Andrew Lipke, The Low Anthem, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Sean Lennon, Chris Smith, California Guitar trio, Joan Osborne, Disco Biscuits, Damien Rice, Cold War Kids, Marc Broussard, The Slip, Arlo Guthrie, Alice Smith, The Dears, Barenaked Ladies, and more...
WXPN Free at Noon Photo Gallery at Flickr
Click to visit our gallery for photos of the Free At Noon Concerts! Previous concerts include Hall & Oates, O.A.R., Citizen Cope, Old Crow Medicine Show, Kaki King and many more!
Based in San Diego, the Delta Spirit have made their musical home somewhere between indie-rock and alt-country, with a foundation built on battle-cry vocals and unconventional instrumentation, even including trash can lids.
