New Release: A Hawk and a Hacksaw

New Mexico Duo does Eastern European Roots music

Today brings us the release of A Hawk and a Hacksaw’s ‘Cervantine’. Generally bands like this are a little too Pitchfork for me, but they really are an intriguing group. Lead by accordionist and drummer Jeremy Barnes (formerly of the fabulous Neutral Milk Hotel) and violinist Heather Trost, these two really gray the line between indie and world music. Or maybe I’m just into boy/girl duos today or it’s just I’m a sucker for Balkan.
See what you think

Chopteeth Afrobeat Out Today

Yes most of these guys are white…
But I plan to focus a lot on African music this month and Chopteeth has honed their skills in African rock and funk. Plus…their new live album is out today and nothing beats some good ole fashioned live Afrobeat. Unlike most American Afrobeat groups, Chopteeth doesn’t just focus on Fela Kuti and all that jazz, they actually tracked down some old forgotten Afrobeat heroes to play their songs live. These guys are legit, check out their take on Fela’s “J.J.D.” below, courtesy of the Afrobeat Blog .

P.S. Expect some actual black musicians in honor of Black History Month in the coming weeks, this is just getting the ball rolling

Chopteeth – J.J.D. by afrobeatblog

Cuban Cowboys release Diablo Mambo today

The Cuban Cowboys are muy interesante and I have no objections to their self-propagated origin being described as the “bastard love-child of Ricky Ricardo and Tom Waits.”  Their new album, Diablo Mambo, encompasses all from storytelling to danceable rhythms to punk-influenced guitar to comedy.  Hialeah Jorge, vocalist and guitarist, delivers tales about abuse and castration in the song “Cajones” all while keeping a delightful smile on his face.  Whereas “Liberace Afternoon” is a deliriously pleasing tune with the catchiest chorus I’ve heard in a while.  If only I knew what he was saying…

Liberace Afternoon by user3318062