AA Bondy

AA Bondy just released the title track from his upcoming album, When The Devil’s Loose, due out Sept 1 via Fat Possum Records. He’s making a departure from the solo, acoustic sounds of his debut American Hearts. On When The Devil’s Loose, Bondy is moving into full band territory and we’re beyond excited to have him (and the band) scheduled for another live session later this summer. If you haven’t already, head over to hear our first live session with AA Bondy.

AA Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose

From American Hearts:

AA Bondy – There’s A Reason

AA Bondy – Vice Rag

As Oz and I tirelessly compile our list of 2008’s top 50 albums, we continue to bring up 2007 releases that were inexplicably left off last year’s list. Let’s chalk it up to rookie blogging or heads up asses.

The good news is that most of the acts listed below have releases coming out in ‘09. Our best EP’s of ‘08 will be out tomorrow and watch out for the top 50 albums of ‘08 next week.

1. The Everybodyfields – Nothing Is Okay

I am so pissed that I first found out about them earlier this year. They are amazing musicians with beautiful vocals singing timeless songs.

The Everybodyfields – Aeroplane

The Everybodyfields – Everything Is Okay

The Everybodyfields – Don’t Turn Around

The Everybodyfields – Lonely Anywhere

Here more tracks over at The Everybodyfields Live Session.

2. Delta Spirit – Ode To Sunshine

Loved the album but seeing them live at SXSW cemented their place as one of my favorites. “People C’mon” is one of the best songs of 2007. Couldn’t find a track – Sorry.

3. The Acorn – Glory Hope Mountain

I was late on the scene with these guys but am absolutely enthralled with them now. The intricacy of their music is amazing to see live.

The Acorn – Crooked Legs

The Acorn – Flood Pt. I (from the HearYa Live Session w/ The Acorn)

4. Ox – American Lo-Fi

Mark Browning was born to sing Alt-Country. At this point, I can’t even stomach Cheap Trick’s original version of “Surrender” but Ox’s version is outstanding.

Ox – Miss Idaho

Ox – Surrender

Ox – Sugar Cane

5. The Bees – Octupus

I liked this last year and have no clue how we left it off the list. Probably for the same reason we just realized that Drive-By Truckers wasn’t on our 2008 list until tonight. Our heads are often up our collective asses over here.

The Bees – This Is For The Better Days

6. Deer Tick – War Elephant

War Elephant was another ‘07 album that was just re-released in ‘08.

Deer Tick – Art Isn’t Real (City of Sin)

7. The Deep Dark Woods – Hang Me Oh Hang Me

In my review of this album, I compared them to myself on acid wearing a Cowboy hat. In spite of my limited literary skills, check ‘em out.

The Deep Dark Woods – Hang Me Oh Hang Me

8. AA Bondy – American Hearts

After seeing him perform for our Live Session, it was apparent that Gus (aka Bondy) is the true embodiment of a musician. You feel better for the opportunity to speak with him, not to mention hearing him play.

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – Rapture Sweet Rapture

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – There Is A Reason

Both tracks from our AA Bondy Live Session.

9. Bean Pickers Union – Potlatch

Want something cheery? Listen to Beyonce’s alter ego, Sasha Fierce. Want a slice of dark Americana? Listen to The Bean Picker’s Union.

Bean Pickers Union – Potlatch

10. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

Jagjaguwar re-released this in ‘08 but Oz is a stickler for the rules, so it’s staying off our ‘08 list.  To be honest, I am not really into Bon Iver, but Oz threatened to fire me if I didn’t include it.

Bon Iver – Skinny Love

Did you discover a great ‘07 album in ‘08? Let us know.

A.A. Bondy’s 2007 release, American Hearts, is a deep album that begs the listener to take pause and give some thought and concentration to the music. His poetic words float over a sparse instrumentation to give them added weight. Upon hearing that Bondy would be flying solo at the session, my anticipation grew.

Fresh off catching O’Death and Elliott Brood a couple of nights before, seeing Bondy in the quiet studio was a 180 degree reversal and welcomed change of pace. I brought my son Teddy, Luke from Ha Ha Tonka joined us and, as we entered Shirk’s studio, A.A. Bondy arrived at the exact same time. His demeanor upon introduction and throughout the session was as easy going as we’ve had. The man puts off a great vibe.

As Bondy got settled in, he told us that he slept in his car at a rest stop last night. Not out of destitution, mind you. He just can’t stand the incessant chemicals that some of the major hotel chains use, so he prefers to avoid them altogether. That’s just an interesting side note.

He started off with “Mightiest of guns,” a track that you won’t find on a American Hearts, and slowly worked his way through four tracks off of the critically acclaimed album. Two highlights are “Rapture Sweet Rapture” and “There Is A Reason,” but it’s just as easy to listen to the finger-picking on “Vice Rag” and “World Without End.”

At a time when so many acts are playing music for the sales numbers instead of staying true to themselves, Bondy is refreshing beyond words. He is a true musician in every manner. Playing in front of three or three thousand, Bondy would pour his soul into every note.

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – Mightiest of Guns

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – Rapture Sweet Rapture

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – There Is A Reason

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – Vice Rag

Exclusive: A.A. Bondy – World Without End

Click here  to download the AA Bondy Session as a zip file.

Sessions coming up to conclude the year include Ben Sollee and Mason Proper.

AA Bondy is going to be at Schubas on Monday, November 10th and I’m 87% 100% sure he’s coming in for a live session with us beforehand. I described his debut, American Hearts, as “damn near perfect” and I haven’t changed my mind. I’m still in love with that album. Catch him at Schubas if you can.

AA Bondy – There’s a Reason

AA Bondy – Vice Rag