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AM Announces Sophomore Album and Holiday EP


11/16/2009
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A heady concoction of '60s and '70s-tinged rock, twanging Americana, Brazilian pop, Philly soul and so much more, AM's sophomore album, Future Sons & Daughters, will be released February 9, 2010 via Filter US Recordings. This release follows the L.A.-based artist's acclaimed debut, Troubled Times, which was declared one of the "Best Albums of the Year," by iTunes and earned him the title of "Best Singer Songwriter of The Year," by LA Weekly. Each one of that album's 10 tracks has been used in a dizzying array of movies and TV shows, totaling more than 70 placements, including HBO's "Big Love," MTV's "The Hills" and ABC's "Brothers and Sisters."

For his latest effort, AM found inspiration while mining the crates of his extensive 1960s record collection, ranging from obscure Brazilian music to Italian soundtracks. Armed with a studio of instruments, from guitar to ukulele, and glockenspiel to synths, multi-instrumentalist AM and producer Charles Newman (Magnetic Fields), recruited a host of talented players to add sonic layers to the songs. Together, they set off to create a record that pays homage to the Tulsa-born, New Orleans-raised musician's diverse influences such as Jorge Ben, Brian Wilson, Sergio Mendes and Curtis Mayfield, while showcasing his own songwriting chops, intelligent lyrics and psychedelic grooves.

The resulting 11-track collection does just this and is already impressing press and radio months ahead of its official release. Metromix exclaimed: "The instrumental 'Jorge Ben' is a groovy ode to its Rio namesake. But the album's highlight is far and away 'It's Been So Long,' a Spaghetti Western-ish co-ed duet that calls to mind both Wilco and Sergio Leone in the same melodically whispered breaths." Meanwhile, stations such as KCRW have provided early support, spinning the spacey, sun-kissed track "Grand Opinion," which was also featured as Spinner.com's "Video of the Day."

Meanwhile, on November 17, AM will spread some yuletide joy with Holiday Happiness and Cheer (Filter), a three-song digital EP, that includes a beautifully haunting rendition of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" (from the classic animated television special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas"). The festive favorite had a bit of a makeover, injected now with bossa nova-influenced guitar, icy synths and a bouncy bass line. "I'm Home For The Holidays," a spacious orchestral folk song that focuses on the somber elements of holiday time, will also be included. AM will perform these songs live December 8 at Hotel Caf� joined by special guest Sara Lov.



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