My favorite musical artist you've probably never heard about is a guy named Josh Joplin. Back in 2001 I first heard his songs when he was with the Josh Joplin Group (previously the Josh Joplin Band), an indie rock song called "Camera One" that at first I thought was an REM song except you could understand the words, which is really what gave away that it wasn't. I liked the song enough that I went out and bought the album, loved it even more and became a fan.
Sadly the Group had only one more album before disbanding in 2002. Then in 2005 Mr. Joplin returned solo with a folk album in 2005. I limped out on a bad knee to buy the album and it took a little getting used to, but I've come to like it just as much.
Sadly (again) Mr. Joplin "retired" the following year. But in the music biz everyone knows you don't stay retired for long. Or in this case two years.
In my Email today I got a notice that my favorite guy you've never heard about has a new project called "Among the Oak and Ash" with country singer Garrison Starr. (Maybe you've heard of her--I haven't, but then I don't listen to country.) Now here's the really strange part: the upcoming album is all something called "Appalachian murder ballads." I kid you not. They're old Appalachian folk ballads updated for the 21st Century. I listened to the first four tracks and it's...interesting. I think I'd have to listen to it more to decide if I like it or not.
Here's the link if you want to listen and see what you think:
http://www.myspace.com/amongtheoakandash That's right, it's a Myspace page, which makes you wonder:Â Why don't we have music on Gather yet?
Also, you can still visit Mr. Joplin's page at http://www.joshjoplin.com
If you're in New York, Boston, or Philly you can even see him live! I'm not, so I'm kind of screwed on that one.
And of course you can find all his previous albums with the Josh Joplin Group on Amazon and other such places.
So really, check it out, help my guy you've never heard about become someone you HAVE heard about!
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Comments: 7
And... We do have music on gather. You can upload music if you'd like.
"Appalachian Murder Ballads"? Very interesting choice for a name.
I like a lot of different types of music, so I'll look into this. I'll admit country music is not something I'm fond of--but I like k.d. lang and Lyle Lovett, who are on the fringe of country.