PepperAlley

Published twice a year, Esopus Magazine, collects artwork, ideas and music -- including a CD -- which reflects a theme. Twelve different artists were asked to pick a news item they thought was positive and turn it into a song. Here's a preview of the next issue with today's top tune. The artist is Man Man with "A song for Liza Minelli."

Weinland, the Portland-based quintet which started as a bedroom recording project in 2001, makes its record label debut with La Lamentor, a hauntingly beautiful collection of songs. Today's top tune is the song "God Here I Come."

2006 was a big year for The Weepies.They had their label debut followed by critical acclaim, but after a lot of touring they were wiped out...

The Submarines are a now married duo, living in Los Angeles. Their first recording-- Declare A New State, was a collection of songs they penned separately, chronicling the sorrows of their break-up. They later recorded the tracks upon their reunion. For their second release, Honeysuckle Weeks, they look at the world that surrounds them--- their garden and the ebb and flow of love.

It's the Motorcycle Panel!

Sandrine---s career on stage started the minute she was able to stand. Her music-loving minister father took the family on the road to perform hymns and religious songs. As a young rebellious teenager, Sandrine started to listen to secular music and opened up a whole new world for herself. With her U.S. release, Dark Fades Into The Light, we join her on her journey from her homeland of Australia to the Catskills of New York.

Parthenon Huxley's music takes me back to highschool when I spent my weekends listening to bands like The Cars and The Beatles. 

His songs are infectious and tell great stories that make me feel understood.

Buy Kiss the Monster!

The Republic Tigers were created by Kenn Jankowski after the breakup of The Golden Republic. All five members of this Kansas City outfit take turns playing different instruments and each bring demos to the table for all to flesh out.

Matt Costa grew up in Huntington Beach skateboarding but after breaking his leg, he focused his attention on playing guitar and creating folky songs. He was given the advise to stop practicing so hard and just let his feelings flow through. Good thing he listened, for his second release, Unfamiliar Faces, we are happy to bring you, "Never Looking Back" as today's top tune.

She Wants Revenge performs the classic song, "Love My Way" on Feel My Heat with Danny Masterson and Brent Bolthouse.

Reed Foehl is just one of those artists like Tom Petty and Neil Young: he tells a story.  His music typifies America and takes you back in time.

Reed's music can be heard in films like Spark, as well as many TV shows and commercials.  Perfect music for a Sunday afternoon.

Buy Stoned Beautiful!

Virginia Coalition's music will get in your head and stay there.  My friend John Porter sent me a copy of their "Sing Along" and it's been swimming through my thoughts ever since.

VaCo are on episode 7 of The Samantha Murphy Show along with their video director Tyler Shields and Rainn Wilson from The Office.

Love these guys!

Buy Home!

Gregory Alan Isakov is my favorite discovery since starting SMtv in early 2005.  One listen and you'll see why.

Gregory won the coveted Best Songwriter Award at the Telluride Festival in 2007.  His melodies will take you on the sweetest journey.

Buy That Sea, the Gambler!

Jonathan Coulton is without a doubt one of the smartest artists I've ever met.  He has single handedly launched his own career using the Internet and a cover of the song Baby Got Back.

I just love him! 

Buy Thing a Week!

Los Angeles based foursome, Great Northern return to explore their dreamy pop sound on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Jonathan Togo, Justin Long and Har Mar Superstar visit Jonesy. "I've Abandoned My Boy!"

Paul Potts talks to Jonesy on Jonesy's Jukebox.

Jason Schwartzman and Jonah Hill on Jonesy's Jukebox.