No.3 Doug Campbell

Back in 2006, the fates brought me under the same roof with an angelic-voiced mister named Doug Campbell. We played to an empty house (and a band called The Pilot Lies –but that’s for another post) yet neither of us cared. I thought, this guy must be related to Ben Gibbard somehow, but with a song craft all his own. His sweet, silky, voice will have your girlfriend swooning before he’s made it through the chorus, and that’s a promise. Fortunately, despite both our busy bodies, we managed to stay in touch over the years, and in 2007 when I asked him to contribute harmonies to a song, he fantastically did so. The following year, he got me a show at his school, some food on his meal plan, and place to stay. What an awesome guy right? This summer saw us jam, and I’m stoked to say that another collaboration is imminent. Meanwhile, you should follow Doug’s antics here, and while you’re at it, check out his darling indie pop project, Cities Over Seas.

No.2.1 Ark Ruffians (the cover)

No.2 Ark Ruffians

Ark Ruffians is the moniker played under by long time friend Steven Williams, someone I still regard as the best lyricist I know, and probably ever will know. (Yes, he really is that good.) I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he keeps going, and eventually will put out a proper record. Most recently, he’s taken up the ukulele. Sweet. The song Broken Lullaby is brilliantly catchy and gets stuck in your head instantly, something I’ve always thought a marker of great songwriting. On first listen, I had remembered the all of the first verse and chorus, not something that happens with me often. Soon after, I found myself humming it incessantly. I’m going to have to post the original recording because it is no longer on his myspace. Enjoy, and check up on this guy from time to time. Perhaps he’ll update his myspace sometime soon. Thank you Steve for midnight conversations and musical voice mails.

No.1 The Celebration of Man

Brooklyn’s The Celebration of Man is guitar virtuoso Mike Turzanski, who is not only a brilliant musician, but also an equally amazing photographer/artist to boot. “The Man with the Hand,” from his debut, “The End of the World and the Wednesday After EP” instantly struck me. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him three times now, and his performances get better every time. Recently, Mike brought his awesome wife aboard (drums) making this magical band, a cute-as-fuck husband-wife duo…with capes! For fans of experimental awesomeness! (i.e. The Microphones/Mt. Eerie, LOTR(I’m kidding on that last one…or am I?)

Visit them on Myspace and Tumblr.