Craig Finn - Honolulu Blues

If you're into the Hold Steady, maybe you'll here more of a difference between Craig Finn's solo work and that of the band. But as far as I can tell, many of their great elements are still alive here. Finn's distinctive tone, his storybook lyrics, and a solid rock and roll groove fuel "Honolulu Blues" with a rough and tumble feel. His full-length, Clear Heart Full Eyes, comes out at the end of the month on Vagrant.

Craig Finn - Honolulu Blues

La Sera - Please Be My Third Eye

Quick, snappy, and infectious, "Please Be My Third Eye" feels like a tune for blasting in your car with the windows down. Or possibly the first track on your workout playlist. Simple but catchy riffs and a sing-a-long anthemic chorus that you'll enjoy upon first listen.

La Sera is the solo effort of Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls. I've never taken the time to listen to them, but now I will!

La Sera - Please Be My Third Eye

The Babies - Trouble

Laying in bed, surrounded by pictures of The Beatles and daisies, under a mess of blankets, all snuggled up. It's home, troubles are for yesterday, and today's about leisure.

That's what I wish for when I hear "Trouble" by The Babies. It's a twee, spare little number, full of squiggly guitars and faraway vocals. Nothing is trying too hard. Nothing is stretched beyond its limits. It's quaint and it's tiny. It's not fully developed, nor does it wish to be. It's perfectly enjoyable for a short while. And then it's done.

The Babies - Trouble

The Babies are playing with Real Estate at the Beachland Ballroom on January 21st. I wish I was home!

Dirty Three - Rising Below

Three dirty dudes. Mick Turner. Jim White. Warren Ellis. No vocals, just the kind of slow, building atmospherics that make your heart swell and your head explode at the possibilities. These three have released albums together, but this is the first in seven years. And in the meantime, they've been working with awesome people like Bill Callahan and Cat Power.

Sit back, close your eyes, and don't do a thing. Just listen.

Dirty Three - Rising Below