The Last Frontier

In the spring of this year, guitarist Eric Howk of Seattle band the Lashes took a tragic fall that left him partially paralyzed and in a wheel chair. Last night marked his triumphant return to the stage with his side project Palmer, AK-- a creative outlet he's been consistently working on throughout his recovery. Backed up by four fellow musicians, all seated as well, his solo material was beautifully executed, full of melodic hooks and harmonies over solid walls of rhythmic acoustic guitar. It was a heartening, soul warming experience to see the songs brought to life with such expertise, grace and enthusiasm. Here's to hearing much more from Palmer, Alaska of Seattle, Washington.

Give a listen to "Same Rain/Noelly" over here.

If You're the Girl That Won't Decline

Michael Cera, perhaps best known as George Michael on Arrested Development plays an awkward teenage accidental inseminator in Juno, but he's also got his own awkward teenage band. And unlike many of the awful, celebrity boasting efforts out there, Cera's The Long Goodbye is actually worth listening to, a bit lo-fi Microphones meets the melodies of Belle and Sebastian. This video of them covering Weezer's "El Scorcho" isn't the best representation of what they do (in fact, it might be the worst), but it is funny. Head here for a few tracks, lyrics like "Betty, Shelly, Jody, you can slap me around/You can tell me all the things that I do wrong/You're still the girl I want to have around" and "If you're the girl that won't decline/Can I call you mine", and endearing candid shots of Cera.

Dollar and a Dime

A number of folks have brought this traditional Southern song to life, from Doc Watson to Mississipi John Hurt but there's something about Gillian Welch's version that seeps through the cracks and gets right to the heart. Arm yourself with this one on a long lonely journey, and never want for a spot on some kind soul's floor.

Robin Sings a Song on a Monday Night

Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes debuts a brand new song at Chop Suey in Seattle, WA.