My overwhelming favorite folk singer of the past 5 years or so, Joshua James, is set to release his third full length studio album next month.
Here is the first track
And in case you haven’t seen one of my million posts of his, here is a live song that was probably posted already but why not listen again?
I’m a huge fan of Joshua James. He’s probably my favorite folk style singer of the decade and it boggles my mind that he isn’t more popular. Search through my blog and you can find some cool songs of his or just go to spotify or rdio and stream whatever they have (or buy it on itunes).
BYUtv did a pretty cool tv episode on him where he talks a whole lot about his farm animals. His outlook on life is so beautiful. Makes me wish I could escape from the insanity of LA, move out to the countryside, get myself some goats and live life for love, not for money.
here are just a few video links to some live performances from artists with incredible voices. enjoy.
James Morrison – You Give Me Something
Paolo Nutini – Coming Up Easy
Joshua James – FM Radio
Damien Rice – Rootless Tree
Marc Broussard – Love You More Than I’ll Ever Know
Ray Lamontagne – Shelter
David Gray – Shine
and kinda random, but had to throw in the best voice in country music right now. the oh so deep chops of Josh Turner.
Joshua James’ new album, Build Me This, was just released on iTunes this past Tuesday (it will be available everywhere on the 22nd). I’ve been a fan of Joshua since I first discovered his first album The Sun Is Always Brighter a few years ago. I have blogged about him before and thats because i’m simply in love with his music. It’s folk music with a singer/songwriter appeal to it and his voice combined with his lyrics combined with his melodies is one of the most winning combos i’ve ever come across.
While James’ first album was a barebones, nearly acoustic effort that really featured his voice, this new album brings every emotion in his songs to a new level, and makes it an easy contender for my favorite album of the year. Over the past couple of years, James has slowly introduced the electric guitar into his set that now includes a full band and this record embraces that new rock and roll spirit in songs like Mother Mary or Black July, but it still has those incredibly soft spoken pieces that made me fall for his music in the first place.
I heard someone say once that the greatest of songs can make you both sad and happy at the same time. Joshua James’ new album cries with every word, yet leaves you wanting more and more and more.
The album is only available on iTunes right now and it comes with a few awesome bonus tracks as well as a truly beautiful music video for the song Weeds. I HIGHLY recommend this album as I haven’t stopped listening for two days.
Joshua James – Mother Mary
Joshua James – Lawn Full Of Marigolds
I’ve decided to finally start blogging about music that I like. I’ve got pretty eclectic taste I guess, so things will definitely vary.
Amazing rendition of FM Radio with a touching tribute to his recently passed sister.
Fantastic new rock song called Black July