Baaba Maal - "Television"

Here's his recent live session at KCRW.

David Gray - "Fugitive"

It's slightly out of synch, but this is the official version from David Gray's channel. What I've heard so far of the new album is quite good.

Mew - "Beach" and "Comforting Sounds"

The Wiki entry on Danish band Mew has more about them. "Beach" is from their new album. The video is a fan-made piece using clips from the French film Rumba, which I haven't seen, but it seems to work really well. (Driouxcipher passes on the official video for "Repeaterbeater" from the same album). "Comforting Sounds" was released in 2003, although the performance appears to be in the past few years. It has a good build.

Peter, Paul and Mary - "500 Miles"

I saw Peter, Paul and Mary perform a few times, and my mom and one of my brothers saw Peter and Paul perform just last month. Mary was not doing well.

As late as the early 90s, they would still join in demonstrations and get arrested, too.

Years back, I remember listening to their version of this song over and over to figure out their harmonies. It's a very pretty rendition, even haunting, expressing great yearning. They popularized some very good and important songs over the years.

Their website has statements and photos. RIP, Mary Travers.

Bonnie Raitt - "Angel from Montgomery"

Written by John Prine.

Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - "What Sin Replaces Love?"

Lisa Gerrard -" Sanvean (I Am Your Shadow)"

This appears to be the official video, but the fan video above is pretty remarkable. I think this is one of Lisa Gerrard's most memorable tunes. A few years back, I saw her do it live on a Dead Can Dance reunion tour. More aging goths than you could shake a stick at...

Ten Years After - "I'm Going Home"

Live at Woodstock, in honor of its anniversary.

Les Paul and Chet Atkins

RIP. Chicher posted this video for Les Paul's 94th birthday, and also quoted a nice tribute to Les by Gibson guitars. I own a Epiphone Les Paul, and while there are some legendary guitars out there, for electrics the two biggest are probably the Fender Stratocaster and the Gibson Les Paul. It'd be difficult to list how much great music's been made on that style of guitar, and hard to overestimate how influential Les Paul was. Les was still playing away at an advanced age, having fun and entertaining audiences, and that's probably what kept him going. Thanks for the music, and rest in peace, Les.

Neko Case – "This Tornado Loves You (Live)"

Here's an interview with her, and her session at the Newport Folk Festival this past weekend. You can hear more of the festival here.