Listening Assignments for Labor Day (9.3.07)

1. Cave In - Woodwork - Jupiter, the Tides of Tomorrow EP, and the following major-label release Antenna captured Cave In at their most memorable, IMO. The guitar tones are downright incredible, both in weight and character, and Stephen Brodsky's vocals were as potent and melodic as ever. [from Antenna|buy]

2. Julian Velard - Yeah Yeah Yeah (Work to Do) - First off, if you don't know this man, it's time to take the plunge. Piano, horns, violins, and jazzy funky happy vocals from Julian always equal a hell yes. This recording is live. Damn. [from Nitetime|buy]

3. The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work - As far as somber drug songs go, this one is up there. Drugs are bad, m'kay? This song is good, m'kay? [from Urban Hymns|buy]

4. Songs: Ohia - Love & Work - Jason Molina's voice always has haunted me in a way. It's so normal on many fronts, but also capable of conveying the emotion of a song so well. Kind of drawly, but also folky in the vein of John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats. This isn't the best example of his work, but the Labor Day theme wins out. [from Axxess & Ace|buy]