Aidan Coughlan- III (Self-released, 2002?)

Unreleased is more like it. This recently rediscovered collection of bedroom tracks is yet another reminder of the near maddening brilliance of Aidan Coughlan. I'd imagine we all have that friend who's seemingly boundless creative capabilities manage to shame and inspire you all at once. Well, Aidan is that friend for me. I don't think I've heard better music anywhere than in a 5-person living room when someone hands Aidan the guitar. No hyperbole. Aidan writes songs that I swear I've heard before. They can kill me. I call it maddening because I just can't seem to resign myself to his profound aversion to self-promotion. He's just too great not to make it, but he is no doubt a serious hermit (and also now, a family-man), and maybe that is that. I am dating this collection at 2002, but that is a guess. He lived in Harrisonburg, VA at the time that he recorded this. I'm sure this will be an exciting find for all our friends & peoples from that time & place. Aidan & I have both since settled down in Portland, OR. I am still entertaining the hope that one day Aidan will be ready again to write & record more music. Hopefully some fans of this blog will enjoy this heretofore unknown morsel from one of Portland's best kept secrets. Many thanks to Mr. Nicklaus Combs for pulling this one from the vaults. Even Aidan thought this was lost forever.



Download Link: Aidan Coughlan- III (Self-released, 2002?)

1. Intro
2. Wed to Another
3. Pull the Rider Down
4. Not So Long Ago
5. Until the fire consumes us all
6. I am your only son
7. They Sent a Girl to Comfort me
8. Morning Song
9. I am a machine
10. All Down the Waterside
11. Staines Morris
12. Oh my true Love
13. You don't love me anymore
14. All on another day
15. David's lamentation
16. Three Gold rings
17. The Seasons Round
18. Dame Durden
19. Untitled Piano Piece

Judy & Barbara: The Blind Slye Twins- It's Me Again Lord

*Another Thrift Store favorite. This one definitely came from a store called Gift & Thrift when it was still in downtown Harrisonburg, VA.

From Lari Goss:

Barbara and Judy Slye, are a singing legend duo from Virginia. Hailing from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the Blind Slye twins moved often, also living in Riverdale, Maryland, and Purcellville Virginia. Their father, a minister, had his church in Purcellville. They often toured on the road , singing at churches, camp meetings, and other social events where their father preached. They recorded a few LPs in the 1960s and 1970s,- often accompanied by the Goss Brothers, including "Its Me Again Lord" and "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus". They have been blind since birth and our lovingly referred to as "Beep and Bop". They currently reside not far from Harrisonburg, VA and continue to perform at family affairs. Their nephew, Billy Brett*, plays in the popular Harrisonburg duo, "Buck Gooter".

"For several years, my brothers and I furnished background music and vocals for quite a number of groups. It 's hard to remember everyone, but one group I will never forget is the Sly Sisters. Their harmonies were incredible and their personalities were of such that you felt as if you had known them all your life. My brothers and all agreed that they were one of those groups you will never forget. I was thrilled to hear, after all these years that they are still singing. I wish them the best and may God continue to bless them with more beautiful harmonies."

"God is Everywhere"


Download Link: The Blind Slye Twins- It's Me Again Lord

1. It's Me Again Lord 2:55
2. The Price He Paid 4:23
3. How Can I Forget The Day 3:07
4. God Is Everywhere 3:00
5. The Shepherd and I 2:56
6. When I Pray 3:15
7. The Wrong Side of Me 2:44
8. Brother Have You Heard About Jesus 2:31
9. I Found the Way 2:38
10. I Wouldn't Trade 2:22
11. How Long Has It Been? 2:44

*I actually sort-of know Billy Brett from my days working at The Little Grill. I just found out today-looking for album info- that these ladies are his aunts.

Anitbalas Afrobeat Orchestra

I taped this a few years back for MACRoCk. I'm glad to see they've blown up. They put on such a great show.