Vinyl Voyage Radio

Meet Me at the Edge of the World , Over the Rhine’s new release, finally arrived.  Although I’ve been listening to it for a couple of months now, nothing beats hearing it on vinyl. This album is strikingly different from the band’s 2010 release, The Long Surrender .  That album was darker and harder hitting, with such songs as “The Laugh of Recognition, “Rave On” and “Undamned.”  Save for the blues-infused “ Gonna Let My Soul Catch My Body ” and “ Baby if this is Nowhere ,” the bulk of these songs are more contemplative.  This is pure Americana. At the core of Over the Rhine is Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler, a couple who have been making music together for over 20 years.  This album is inspired by their pre-Civil War farmhouse they lovingly call “Nowhere Farm.”  The farm is located about an hour outside of Cincinnati, in Highland County.  In fact, one of the best songs on the album is a love song entitled “ Highland County .” How did you...

Adele was amazing at the Grammys the other night. What is so great about Adele is that beautiful, powerful voice.  Did you notice that she was really the only performer without a set?  The Foo Fighters had a garage.  Taylor Swift had a porch.  There was fire and trapeze antics with other performers.  But not Adele.  She didn't need any stage dressing. For modern music, the performance is sometimes more important than the substance.  Therefore, the modern airwaves are clogged with music that is performed by not so talented singers who cover up their flaws with Autotune, bizarre outfits and swarms of dancers and energetic choreography.  On stage, many hide behind lights, fire and scantily clad dancers.  Madonna had her cheerleaders, for example.  And what better way to hide a flaw than with a "wardrobe malfunction?" A few weeks ago, we lost a legend.  Etta James was one of the rare singers who really knew how to sing, how to carry...

This week on The Vinyl Brunch , we will be featuring Over the Rhine .  Over the Rhine has been making music together for 20 years.  Their new album, The Long Surrender , is perhaps one of their best. The core of the band is husband and wife team, Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist. They are, perhaps, the most literate of bands, making music that spans many genres.  Karin's voice radiates passion and there is no finer vocalist today, in my opinion. In fact, Over the Rhine provided some inspiration for a novel that I am writing as well. The Long Surrender was released on vinyl this year and we will be playing several selections during The Vinyl Brunch . Broadcasting every Sunday morning from 10 am to 1 pm CT, The Vinyl Brunch offers an eclectic mix of music perfect for a Sunday morning.  Join us. More information about The Vinyl Brunch can be found here .