Brandi Carlile Wants You To Text Her

Here at XPN, we love Brandi Carlile who is releasing her new album Give Up The Ghost on October 6th. She’s also playing in town at the Keswick Theatre that same day – on the release of her album.

Brandi is offering you a chance to get a free ringtone of a new song, “Dreams,” from her new album starting today through October 28th. Here’s how it works:

Text “DREAMS” to 66937

You will receive a message back to redeem a free ringtone and you need to reply “Y” to the offer to join Brandi Carlile’s mobile list on Mozes. Sorry to say that the free ringtone is not compatible with iPhones and standard text rates apply.

New Echo & The Bunnymen MP3 download

Photo by Anton Corbijn circa 1987

Echo & The Bunnymen have a new album coming out the end of October called The Fountain. The band are streaming songs on their myspace page and have started a tour that will bring them to the States and a show in Philly at the Keswick Theatre on November 20th. Check out this new tune from their forthcoming album -

Think I Need It To – Echo & The Bunnymen

My Morning Download 9/25/09 – Basia Bulat

Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat has a new album coming out in January called Heart Of My Own. Here’s a song from the forthcoming album.

Goldrush – Basia Bulat

My Morning Download 9/24/09 – Joshua James

Like Josh Ritter and a new generation of singer-songwriters including M. Ward, Jim James, Cory Chisel and Ray Lamontagne, Nebraska born Joshua James offers a unique take on the singer-songwriter thing. Sounding a bit like Paul Simon, James blends rock with familiar elements of Americana with lyrics that twist with darkness yet are buried with optimism.

Josh’s new album (his second) Build Me This is an inspiring and often inventive collection of troubadour rock well worth seeking out.

Coal War – Joshua James

Blues File 9-24-2009: Joe Louis Walker

Blues File 9-24-2009: today’s Blues File is a review of the new album “Between A Rock And The Blues” by Joe Louis Walker. Walker is a soulful blues singer and an edgy guitarist, whose songs explore life’s unsettling moments, gnawing insecurities, feelings of loss, and guilt. Walker’s band, led by Duke Robillard, is excellent. He also works with a different band on a couple of songs, led by Kevin Eubanks of the Jay Leno show.

Joe Louis Walker will perform at a CD release party for this album on Saturday, November 7th, at a Diamond State Blues Society event, in New Castle DE.

The Blues File is heard Thursday mornings at 8:30 on the morning show with Michaela Majoun, and you can always hear it whenever you like by subscribing for free to The Blues File Podcast:

More info on the blues page of the XPN site.

Happy Birthday Bruce!

You may have heard that today Bruce Springsteen celebrates his 60th birthday. And today we’re celebrating the Boss’s birthday in a few ways to make it even more special. Today from 10AM-2PM Helen Leicht will be playing your Bruce requests, covers, original versions of songs Bruce has covered, and songs and artists inspired by The Boss.

Then tonight at 7:30 join us for a live broadcast for Born To Run plus more hosted by XPN Host Helen Leicht. The concert will feature live performances from XPN Local Artists, dubbed the Phill-E Street Band for the occasion, who will play the entire Born to Run album as well as other surprises.

Helen also asked 29 local bands to cover a Bruce Springsteen song which you can listen to in the player below. Join us in wishing The Boss Happy Birthday wishes all day long!

My Morning Download 9/23/09 – Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

New Thao and The Get Down Stay Down. Out Oct 13th on Kill Rock Stars.
Singer & songwriter Thao Nguyen (guitar, vocals) Willis Thompson (drums, percussion) and Adam The OK BIRD Thompson (Bass, bird noises) have really stepped up on their new album with a musically colorful and rich sounding album.

Know Better Learn Faster – Thao and The Get Down Stay Down

My Morning Download 9/22/09 – Pacha Massive

New York’s Pacha Massive bring to the dance floor a mix of bilingual global grooves that is irresistible and inventive on their new album If You Want It. Dominican-born producer/guitarist/keyboardist Ramon Nova creates a colorful mix of electronica, Latin rhythms and dancehall and features Monica Rodriguez on this title track to the album.

If You Want It – Pacha Massive

New video from Philly’s Swimmers

We’re loving this new album from The Swimmers. Their new album People Are Soft is coming out November 3rd on Mad Dragon Records. Check out this new video.

Philly Local Concert Calendar: 9/22-9/29

Thursday, September 24
Alfred James @ Milkboy Coffee (Ardmore)
Cheers Elephant @ The North Star Bar
Deb Callahan Band @ State Theater

Friday, September 25
Richard Bush & the Peace Creeps @ Tin Angel
Philly Gumbo @ Puck
Up The Chain CD Release w/ Hezekiah Jones and Chris Kasper @ Milkboy Coffee (Ardmore)
Lizanne Knott and John Conahan and Erik Mitchell @ Steel City Coffee
DeSoto Rust @ Milkboy Coffee (Bryn Mawr)
New Pony @ Fergie’s Pub
Deb Callahan @ The Blinkin Lincoln
The Once Was @ North Star Bar

Saturday, September 26
The Roddies @ Citizens Bank Park
Boris Garcia @ Puck
Adrien Reju w/ the Barn Swallows @ Milkboy Coffee (Ardmore)
Joe Miralles w/ Bryan Miller @ Milkboy Coffee (Bryn Mawr)
Edens Unknown @ J.B. McGinnis Pub & Grill
Joseph Parson and Friends @ The Blinkin Lincoln
Frog Holler @ Landhaven Bed and Breakfast