Digging on This Chris Staples Tune

If you’ve learned anything about me over these last 10 plus years it’s that I’m the truest sucker for a good pop song, and I was no match for this Chris Staples tune. At first, I was drawn to Chris’ voice; it has this gentle whispering intimacy that sort of makes me nostalgic for the kid I was in the late 90s. But, as I spun it a few more times, there’s these little underlying musical hooks; I love the layering of the guitar tracks upon one another, with one strumming and the other one coursing throughout..kind of reminds me of ol’ Al Hambone JR, particularly in the chorus. I don’t know; this is the way to rule a Friday. His new record Holy Moly will be out on June 28th via Barsuk.

Pop Ballad from Chris Staples

I’m absolutely in love with this new Chris Staples tune; I can’t quit playing it this morning. There’s something about his voice that makes it seem like it might be perfect for some classic pop tune your parents would adore, or maybe even an indiepop nod at the moment. But, the thing that has me is the arrangements that seem to almost caress Staples voice. The piano seems to get the most attention, though I appreciate the light strum; it sort of reminds me of the production on early Kings of Convenience tracks long ago; then those elegant strings come in ever so carefully…all of it seems to fit perfectly in place. Holy Moly is the new LP, out June 28th via Barsuk.

Elegant and Quiet Folk From Chris Staples

531838_10151779890682857_391227629_nChris Staples has been crafting careful folksy tunes for quite some time now, but he has returned and is on his way to releasing another album.Golden Ageis his latest project and it’s set for release on August 19th on Barsuk Records, but for now, you can check out the latest single from that release, which is called “Park Bench.” When I first started to listen to the track, I was suddenly taken with the way that Staples’ winding lyrics perfectly compliment the simple composition of the track. As the song goes on, the song’s complexity grows, with lush string arrangements keeping the songwriter company and fully fleshing out the number. Simply put, it’s a perfect track for early mornings or quiet times in your day. So give it a spin and get lost for a moment.

 

 

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Show Review: Manchester Orchestra @ Emo’s (11.4)

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Just when it looked like we were going to skip that whole fall season thing, last night’s rain and cold front had us grateful for the change in venues from the Scoot Inn to Emo’s. This same rain didn’t prevent people from getting there early to catch the opening act, even despite the 6:30 door times. It was a night of appreciation for beauty in simplicity, where opener Chris Staples did his part to warm the crowd for the elegance of Manchester Orchestra. Read on for a brief synopsis of the evening. Read more

Tuesday Austin Show Spotlight

austin_live_music_retailrI know we’ve all got our eyes on the Fun Fest prize, but let’s not forget that there are some great things happening in town, leading up to the night. There’s a great album release, a good local show, and some traveling bands that deserve some attention.  If you check below, you can see some of the places on your list…there’s something for everyone. If tickets are available beforehand, you can pick them up by clicking the price. Enjoy your Tuesday.  Read more

Intimate Number From Chris Staples

10440874_10152250750192857_1649314468670230278_nSeattle based musician Chris Staples is often times more well known for the artists he frequently supports as a guitarist than for his own outstanding solo material.  Today I want to put the spotlight on Chris and share with you his beauty of a new single called “Hold Onto Something”.  You can expect a mellow tune that may take some time to get under your skin and find a home, but once it does, you will find it’s not going anywhere.  Chris easily has one of my favorite voices in the business.

Pick up new album, American Soft, on August 12th via Barsuk Records.

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Manchester Orchestra @ Emos (3/3)

Date 3/3/10
Location Emos
Doors 7pm
Tickets $14 @ Ticketweb

Emo’s is the place to be on your Wednesday night of music in Austin with another set by Hotlanta band Manchester Orchestra.  Be prepared for 3 openers prior to the headliners with music from The Features, Chris Staples, and O’Brother.  That lineup is definitely worth the ticket price.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/03-ive-got-friends.mp3]

Download: Manchester Orchestra – I’ve Got Friends [MP3]