It’s hard to keep up with the inbox because onechord.net is just a little hobby and not a full time job. Therefore I usually have hundreds of unread emails and it’s often very tempting to just hit delete all. The reason I keep on going through them is that a few times in a month I stumble upon a treasure that makes it all worthwhile. Some weeks ago the music of California-based songwriter Eric McEntee was such a treasure. Hitting play instead of hitting delete was a damn fine decision, because I kind of instantly fell for the songs. Warm and beautiful folk songs that take the listener to the late sixties and early seventies. The first outtake from his forthcoming album that is due out later in 2017 is called Say It’s Not Over. This is not an Eric McEntee original though. It’s a song by Val Stöecklein that appeared on his 1969 album Grey Life. I love the song and I definitely need to introduce my heart to Grey Life. So thanks to Eric for bringing Val to my attention. Anyway, here’s Eric’s excellent version of Say It’s Not Over. I can’t wait to hear the full finished album, because Eric’s own material is also excellent.

Eric McEntee Website

Another week kind of flew by without enough time to even listen to music, let alone write about it. When you add that the fact that hockey playoffs will begin next week, things aren’t looking very good for the progress of this blog. I still try to make a few quick posts every now and then, so I don’t lose the last few people that still might care. I still buy music even if I don’t seem to find enough time to listen to it. Today I picked up the new J.E. Sunde vinyl from the local record store and last week I downloaded Jon Mckiel’s latest album Memorial Ten Count. Jon Mckiel is a Canadian songwriter that I probably should have been listening to for several years by now, but this is actually my first proper introduction to his music. I really dig the new album though and therefore I’m happy that I finally filled this hole in my music education. I’m especially fond of these songs Brothers and Unknown Source that you’ll find below. Memorial Ten Count was co-released by my favourite Canadian labels You’ve Changed Records and Headless Owl Records on 10th of March 2017.

Jon Mckiel Website

An early shout out of great things to come. There’s a new John Moreland album Big Bad Luv coming out on May 5th on 4AD. I think it’s pretty damn cool to see such a classic label expanding their catalog into new territories by signing one of the finest current country songwriters, poets and storytellers. May can’t come soon enough, because I’m extremely excited to hear a new John Moreland album. An album of the year contender even before hearing a single word or note. Oh wait, actually I have heard a little bit. This first outtake It Don’t Suit Me (Like Before) surfaced a few weeks ago and sounds mighty good to me.

John Moreland Website

Today I’ve been mostly listening to the new Digger Barnes album Near Exit 27 and I’m loving it. Digger Barnes is a Hamburg-based country songwriter. I first heard his name some years ago when he played in Finland with another great troubadour Austin Lucas. I didn’t see the show, but I listened to the music enough to know that Digger Barnes is pretty damn good and someone that I need to keep an ear on. The new album came out on 10th of March on Barnes & Quincy and it’s rather brilliant based on a first couple of spins. Here’s the new music video for a wonderful album outtake called Travelin’ Man. The video was directed by Pencil Quincy.

Digger Barnes “TRAVELING MAN” Music Video from Pencil Quincy on Vimeo.

Digger Barnes Website