Anais Mitchell, the Cosmic American, and a Power Outage

What is it about Vermont that gives it the honor of producing so many amazing artists? I'm not sure if it can be credited to the sheer beauty of the Northeast in the spring and fall, or the bitterness of the long, cold winters that lay heavy on the region, but what thing is for certain--if you're looking to discover an immense amount of compelling, independently produced music, start with the Green Mountain State.

Certainly this is true when it comes to Anais Mitchell. A couple years ago, fellow Vermont-native Gregory Douglass recommended we download 2004's "Hymns for the Exiled" and we couldn't be more grateful. The third track on the album alone, "Cosmic American," was an immediate favorite and has certainly found a permanent home on my "deserted island" playlist. How can you not be drawn into a song with such melodic beauty and deeply sexual lyrics "spent a long night with a stranger I give my body to, still I miss you" and "up behind your Astro van, you got me up against the fender, you are the Cosmic American..."?

On March 26th, I was fortunate enough to see Anais perform live at the famous Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. Simply put, she is downright incredible live. Her casual charm and spot on vocals combined to command our attention. The whole room was hanging on every lyric of every song. That is, until the encore when the power suddenly went out. While many artists may have just ended there, Anais made it magical when, under the dim light of a few flashlights and votive candles, she invited all of us to join in a sing-along version of "Goodnight, Irene." Perfection!

[ DOWNLOAD ANAIS MITCHELL ]

Am I the Only One Who Just Discovered Angie Mattson?

I feel like I'm a bit "late to the party" since her album "Given to Sudden Panic and Noisy Retreat" was released in 2007. There was even a free download on iTunes for the first single, "Thank You." But it's OK. There's a chance you haven't been listening to Angie yet either.

She's got a beautifully smoky voice with a musical intensity that sucks you in on first listen. Songs like "Drive" and "Hurricane" offer up rich pop-inspired hooks, yet provide the lyrical and melodic twists necessary to keep with the honesty of the entire album. Then there's "Thank You" which is reminiscent for me of what I liked best about Mazzy Star. It's lush and intimate.

[ GIVE ANGIE A LISTEN ]

You've Just Got To See "Cathedrals"

It amazes me that the "world at large" hasn't yet caught the Gregory Douglass buzz. Only 28 years young, and yet he's just released his 7th full-length album of original music--Battler. A more detailed review of the album will be forthcoming as it's definitely an absolute favorite of 2009.

Before we get to all of that, there's a video you just MUST SEE. It's for the first single off the album and is certain to catch the masses by storm when it begins airing on MTV's LOGO network soon. Gorgeously melodic with a driving snare drum that is sure to hook you, I just can't get enough of the song. Add to that a video, directed by Mary Haverstick, that is beautifully shot and ripe with timely controversy... we have a sure hit on our hands.

Thankfully, you don't have to wait to catch it on the Television.

[ SEE THE VIDEO TODAY! ]

What the World Needs Now is an "Upswing"

Following the success of 2007's "The Way We Found It", Vermont-native Syd has released a new EP of completely infectious, sweet pop that is sure to make its way onto your iPod. It's a "collar-popping, PBR swilling" journey and, what could be better... it's completely FREE.

The Co-Op is making this EP available to all listeners for download directly from their site--for free. You have nothing to lose. Grab it today and hit play. Like what you hear? You're of course welcome to make a small donation to the cause.

While you're there, be sure to check out the Co-Op Sampler as well. It features some signature tracks from Syd, Lisa Piccirillo, and Patrick Thomas.

Favorite Track: Mallory

[ DOWNLOAD "UPSWING" ]