Splice Today releases "Baltimore Does Baltimore Part 1"
When Splice Today contributor Zach Kaufmann announced his plans to put together a compilation of Baltimore bands covering songs by other Baltimore bands, I was pretty excited.
The compilation, "Baltimore Does Baltimore, Part 1," came out today. You can download it for free here.
After hearing "Baltimore Does Baltimore," I have to say -- it has some thrilling moments.
One of the standouts is Wye Oak's cover of Rod Lee's Balitmore Club classic "Dance My Pain Away." Singer Jenn Wasner turns a banger into something of a dirge, without losing the original song's urgency.
"Wye Oak blew my mind," Kaufmann told me today ...
"It turns this fun, dancey song into a really deep, troubling, upsetting song. When she sings the verses, there's so much emotion and pain in her voice. It hurts me. It's awesome." ...
I haven't sat down and listened to the entire compilation yet. But the songs I've heard, from singer/songwriter Caleb Stine's sparse, ambient cover of Small Sur's "Two Mantras" to rapper Mickey Free's rendition of Wye Oak's "That I Do," are compelling
(Cover art by Katherine Fahey)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
Sam ~
Thanks for the download link !
This is awesome and can't wait to preview it. Sending to all my musically fanatic friends too..
Posted by: Sushi Girl aka Lisa | October 21, 2009 2:11 PM
Weekends covering Future Islands, yes please.
Posted by: brett | October 21, 2009 4:56 PM
Been really looking forward to this too. What a great idea. Makes me proud to live in Baltimore.
Posted by: Katherine Fahey | October 22, 2009 7:59 AM
Sam,
The image/ art work belongs to me. It'd be great if you could give me a credit.
much appreciated,
Katherine Fahey
Posted by: Katherine Fahey | November 4, 2009 10:45 AM