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The Sarcastic Dharma Society: Other People’s Songs (Volume One)

Chill acoustic covers of old (or recent) folk favorites? Yes, please! This is the very idea of The Sarcastic Dharma Society‘s 2009 collection, Other People’s Songs (Volume One). While we have yet to see a volume two, the rich feel of this 10-track album is still as fresh as yesterday’s produce, lessening our clamor for a new one.

Manipulator Alligator – We Raised Them

The straight forward way that Matthew Hoppock (Manipulator Alligator) tells his folk stories are unflinching, funny and very poignant.  He makes lo-fi music with his guitar and keyboard, and has an ear for infectious hooks.  We Raised Them is his first full length and has the tightest production of any of his releases.  His whole goal with these songs is to show us  these vignettes from various times in his life.  These off kilter folk songs make you tap your feet and smile at the same time. There is an energy to them because you can tell that Matthew believes what he is saying. That these aren't just words to him.