This new single Listen Up (If the World Is Going to Hell) was my first introduction to Seattle-based Red Jacket Mine. They’ve released two full-lenghts in the past (Lovers Lookout from 2009 was actually produced by one of my biggest heroes, Ken Stringfellow), so I’m joining the party rather late. However, I think I need to preview the earlier material as well, because I’m really enjoying Red Jacket Mine’s soulful pop music. “Curtis Mayfield meets Nick Lowe” says the bio about the a-side of the single. Now that’s a good way to lift the expectations extremely high. This is Listen Up (If the World Is Going to Hell):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9neR520ANo]

And this is the b-side Rosy Days (There’s a moment or two in here that makes think of Joe Algeri/Jack & The Beanstalk)

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/36965901″ iframe=”true” /]
 
Besides making great music, Red Jacket Mine’s frontman Lincoln Barr is also listening to great music. Lately I’ve been also listening to the artists he recommended on this Ardent interview. I knew Bahamas and Jason Collett beforehand, but Zeus, Peter Elkas and The Golden Dogs were new to me and I’ve really liked them. Especially Zeus.

Red Jacket Mine Website