Two Sleepy People - featuring the band I always wanted.

May 28, 2014 16:14:28

Two Sleepy People - live with trio! by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

http://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/two-sleepy-people-live-with-trio

Rehearsin' Hoagy Carmichael's gorgeous little number with Joe Plowman on bass and Michael Bellar on keys. We'll be coming to your town soon! www.carsieblanton.com/shows

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Two Sleepy People - live with trio! by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

Rehearsin' Hoagy Carmichael's gorgeous little number with Joe Plowman on bass and Michael Bellar on keys. We'll be coming to your town soon! www.carsieblanton.com/shows

Two Sleepy People - featuring the band I always wanted.

Joe Plowman is my longtime collaborator and bassist, Michael Bellar is a new friend and gobsmacking pianist. It's hard for me to articulate just how happy it makes me to play with these guys. If I did, it would probably embarrass them. As you may have noticed out there in the lonely world: it's hard to find people you really connect with. When you do, you blush and giggle, feel a little high, and thank your lucky stars that there's even one other person on earth who can dig your strange mysterious fool-headed miraculous thoughts and feelings. I dig these fellas heavily. You can tell we're having fun because we break into inexplicable hysterics at 2:20. If you're lucky enough to live in the south, you can see us play together in June. If not, I have a hunch you'll have another chance. If I have my druthers, these guys will be on my payroll for the rest of their natural lives. The song is 'Two Sleepy People', and you'll hear it on the new record (if you haven't yet). It's one of Hoagy Carmichael's MANY songs that sound like they fell from heaven perfectly formed. And dang, it's just CUTE. Hey, buy some tickets already: www.carsieblanton.com/shows Thanks and love, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

May 28, 2014 16:14:28

Belle of the Ball

June 26, 2014 17:50:12

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Belle Of The Ball.mp3 Belle Of The Ball.mp3 Belle Of The Ball.mp3

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Belle of the Ball

Hey Patrons! *** There are some uploading errors on the Patreon site right now, so this may not be previewing properly (AND there are three copies of the same file attached). Sorry about that! You can follow this link to stream the file: https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/belle-of-the-ball *** Sorry I haven't posted anything lately. Turns out the number of things I can do at one time is only nineteen million. I was shooting for nineteen million and one! We just played San Francisco (had a GREAT night), and today we're heading to Eugene (then on to Portland, Seattle, and through the midwest to the east coast). I just learned that some of the east coast shows (notably Boston on 7/18) are about to sell out, so if you're planning to attend them, buy your tickets now! http://www.carsieblanton.com/shows This song is a few years old. We've been playing it at most of the shows on this tour, and lots of people have asked how to get it. In fact, I think I've picked up a few new patrons who are waiting for this one - hi, new patrons! 'Belle of the Ball' can serve as relationship advice for people of all genders, although it's written from the point of view of moi. Suffice it to say: if your sweetheart isn't that sweet on you, you better lose 'em, and quick - man, woman, beast or robot. Enjoy! Cheekily yours, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

June 26, 2014 17:50:12

Lacey As always, you deliver the words I need to hear just when I need to hear them. :D You are a magical woman, Ms. Carsie.

June 26, 2014 17:58:12 · Reply

Live Backyard Session! Sweet Lorraine

July 12, 2014 16:06:40

Carsie Blanton Live Sessions: Sweet Lorraine

www.youtube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--IJbpWEMis

Carsie is ON TOUR NOW! NYC 7/13, Boston 7/18, Philly 7/19, DC 7/20. More info at www.carsieblanton.com/shows or www.facebook.com/carsieblantonfans. 'Sweet Lorraine' was written in 1928 by Cliff Bur...

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Carsie Blanton Live Sessions: Sweet Lorraine

www.youtube.com

Carsie is ON TOUR NOW! NYC 7/13, Boston 7/18, Philly 7/19, DC 7/20. More info at www.carsieblanton.com/shows or www.facebook.com/carsieblantonfans. 'Sweet Lorraine' was written in 1928 by Cliff Bur...

Live Backyard Session! Sweet Lorraine

So, wayyyyy back in May when I still lived in a sweet pink house in New Orleans with my dear doggies, instead of in a big white van full of music gear and smelly dudes, I made this video in my backyard. It features moi playing my GORGEOUS 1906 Washburn Parlor guitar (who I miss very much), James Williams and Joshua "Jams" Marotta of the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys on drums and trumpet respectively, and my sweet puppies Domino and LMNOP (who I miss terribly). I'm currently in NYC, about to play an afternoon show at a sex shop! This week we're playing (regular music venue) shows in NY, Boston, Philly, and finally wrapping the whole fiasco up in DC. The tour has been AMAZING; and also I am so tired I think my face is about to fall off. I would love love LOVE it if you'd send some people to these last few shows; I want this tour to end with a BANG. Here are the details: www.carsieblanton.com/shows Love and trumpets, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

July 12, 2014 16:06:40

Casey Holt Can I have this in Mp3?

April 10, 2015 08:11:25 · Reply

Spider Song

August 26, 2014 18:43:49

Spider Song by Carsie Blanton

spider song.wav

soundcloud.com

http://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/spider-song

A silly-and-yet-strangely-profound little number. If you dig it, show your support at www.patreon.com/carsieblanton.

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Spider Song by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

A silly-and-yet-strangely-profound little number. If you dig it, show your support at www.patreon.com/carsieblanton.

Spider Song

I'm writing from the comfort of my very own Watermelon! For those of you who are new here, that's the name of my studio. It's lovely and cool in here, despite the broiling heat outside. I am so, so happy to be home. I just returned from Australia, which is a magical land of friendly marsupials and even friendlier humans. I spent a week on tour with outstandingly talented and kind songwriter Vienna Teng. Then, another week on Magnetic Island, off of the north coast - drinking English tea every morning, reading a wonderful book about the life of poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (it's called 'Savage Beauty', and I recommend it heartily), hanging out with cute backpackers, and working on my tan. I hope to return early and often. While I was away, a good friend of mine sent me an email reading "what ever happened to that song about animals, doing their animally thing?" Here's what happened: I wrote it more than a decade ago, at a meditation retreat (I was a hippie/punk/dumpster diver/meditator at the time). I was sitting under a tree, watching a spider build a web, slowly and deliberately. I looked out over the grounds of the meditation center, and saw people walking around the walking track, slowly and deliberately. I thought, "Here we are! Just a bunch of animals, doing our animally stuff." It may have been enlightenment, or I may have been delirious from hunger and lack of human contact, but I found this thought ridiculously, profoundly, hysterically funny. So here it is, the Spider Song. A silly-and-yet-strangely-profound little number. Thanks to Amy Childs for the reminder. On that note, if you ever want me to post a particular song - be it an original or a cover - I hereby invite you to pull an Amy Childs and make special requests. I don't promise to record them, but I promise to consider it! More where this came from, and postcards in the mail. Love, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

August 26, 2014 18:43:49

Make Me Mad. New Song!

September 6, 2014 16:20:10

Make Me Mad by Carsie Blanton

make me mad.wav

soundcloud.com

http://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/make-me-mad

Sometimes, somebody you love makes you mad. And you just have to love the heck out of 'em anyhow.

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Make Me Mad by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

Sometimes, somebody you love makes you mad. And you just have to love the heck out of 'em anyhow.

Make Me Mad. New Song!

So, I've been a bit coy about the fact that I'm in a long-term relationship. Despite my candor about love and sex in general/conceptual terms, and despite all the personal stories in my songs (which, actually, are often lifted from other people's lives), I'm fairly private about my real personal life. Thing is, I just wrote this new song, and I feel like it's gonna let the cat out of the bag. I'm married, people. I don't think I could have written this without being married. This song is about being so deeply imbedded in a relationship, so fortified with years of love and support for each other, that you can get really mad, and come out the other side in love. I guess you could call it a make-up song. Dig it. LTR people, I know you've been there. High fives all around. In other news, I added a new video and a bunch of new rewards to my Patreon site. If you're in the mood to upgrade, you can now get a birthday phone call, or a monthly gift (!!!). Also, the video includes a tour of the Watermelon, and tips for writers. New video and rewards: http://www.patreon.com/carsieblanton Madly yours, Carsie PS. Download link for this track is above this text (and beneath the Soundcloud player). It says "make me mad.wav".

Carsie Blanton

September 6, 2014 16:20:10

You Send Me (cover)

September 10, 2014 17:01:38

You Send Me - acoustic demo by Carsie Blanton

you send me.wav

soundcloud.com

http://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/you-send-me-acoustic-demo

Written and originally recorded by the brilliant and honey-voiced Sam Cooke. Specially requested by my dear mother.

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You Send Me - acoustic demo by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

Written and originally recorded by the brilliant and honey-voiced Sam Cooke. Specially requested by my dear mother.

You Send Me (cover)

Sam Cooke was an unusual dude. First, his voice was unusually beautiful. Like, I can't think of anyone, in all of recorded history, in any genre, who has had a sweeter or more beautiful voice. Second, he wrote unusually beautiful and moving and important songs, like "A Change is Gonna Come", and also this one. Third, when he sang, his face opened up like the gates of heaven and you could see God inside his mouth. Seriously, google it. My mom requested a recording of this song about a year ago, as part of my Kickstarter campaign. I've been slow to get it together, and for that I am sorry! My mom has supported me in pretty much every way pretty much all the time since I was born, and I want to take this opportunity to thank her once again for being so incredible and brilliant and kind and strong. Thanks, momma. Go get yourself a cuppa something delicious, kick your feet up, and draw your shades for this number. Y'all send me! Honest, you do. Carsie

Carsie Blanton

September 10, 2014 17:01:38

View all 5 comments

Christie Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Thank you.

September 15, 2014 17:52:45 · Reply

Ruth Stuart Lovely. Thank you!

September 18, 2014 20:15:04 · Reply

Baron Beartooth What a sweet lullaby. Thank you very much, Carsie.

September 21, 2014 03:11:21 · Reply

Sweet Old World - Lucinda Williams Cover

September 24, 2014 17:17:51

Sweet Old World - home demo by Carsie Blanton

sweet old world.wav

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/sweet-old-world-home-demo

This was one of the first songs I learned how to play on guitar, and is still one of my favorites. Rumor has it Lucinda wrote it for a family member, who took his own life. Look out, it'll hit you ...

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Sweet Old World - home demo by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

This was one of the first songs I learned how to play on guitar, and is still one of my favorites. Rumor has it Lucinda wrote it for a family member, who took his own life. Look out, it'll hit you ...

Sweet Old World - Lucinda Williams Cover

I learned how to play this song at the tender age of thirteen, the year I picked up the guitar. If I remember correctly, it was in the same batch of chord charts as Ani DiFranco's "Both Hands" and Joan Osborne's "Lumina". It was the title track of Lucinda Williams' sophomore record, and is a sad, sad, melancholy song. Lucinda is a songwriting beast - she is brilliant and bold, sexy and strange, and touched by a deep syrupy southern sadness that will wrap up your heart like Spanish moss (if you're not careful). If you don't know Lucinda's work, I suggest you pick up Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, unquestionably one of the best albums of the 1990s. Rumor has it Lucinda's family was rocked by suicide when she was young. Suicide is a theme in much of her work, and this song is a prime example. What's so special about her approach to the topic is the sweetness, compassion and reverence with which she speaks to the dearly departed. Here's a gentle suggestion: when you're ready to tackle the melancholy of this song, don't use it as a battering ram to hit yourself in the heart. Instead, use it as a magnifying glass, through which to look at your own life and recognize its beauty and wonder anew. Love, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

September 24, 2014 17:17:51

New song: Anchor

October 16, 2014 13:26:27

Anchor by Carsie Blanton

anchor1.wav

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/anchor

This is a sweet lil love song. It was commissioned by Wael Salloum for his proposal to Vivian Leung, last September. They are now happily married! Thanks for sharing your story with me, W & V!

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Anchor by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

This is a sweet lil love song. It was commissioned by Wael Salloum for his proposal to Vivian Leung, last September. They are now happily married! Thanks for sharing your story with me, W & V!

New song: Anchor

Autumn is sneaking into our homes and bones and hearts, people. I don't know about you, but it makes me a little melancholy. Here's a sweet, sunny, pick-me-up of a song to scare off any ghosts or sadnesses that might be cooling off your heart. Wael Salloum commissioned this song about a year ago, and had me play it for his then-girlfriend Vivian on the occasion of his marriage proposal to her. They are now happily married! Since writing it, I've thought a lot about this relationship dynamic. It seems to be that in most relationships (lovers, friends, siblings, business partners), one party tends to provide order and stability, and the other tends to provide enthusiasm and spontaneity. I'd wager that a healthy dose of both are required for a happy marriage and a happy life. I think this New Orleanean couple said it best when they described their relationship in terms of "order muppets" and "chaos muppets": http://nolabeings.com/post/94645323308/we-describe-our-relationship-in-terms-of-order. Of course, balance is probably the ideal - nobody wants to be the order muppet all the time. And take it from me, chaos can get a little exhausting, too. So, which muppet are you? Are you Burt or Ernie? Are you an anchor or a balloon? Do you make the mischief or the bed? Love and chaos, Carsie PS. Follow the gorgeous NOLAbeings photo blog (home of the muppet couple) at https://www.facebook.com/nolabeings/.

Carsie Blanton

October 16, 2014 13:26:27

Gary Maurer Love it!

October 16, 2014 13:34:01 · Reply

New blog post! "New Rules for the Music Business"

October 25, 2014 16:12:02

new rules for the music business

tumblr.com

http://blog.carsieblanton.com/post/100915657499/new-rules-for-the-music-business

I launched my music career in 2006, after years of writing and performing just for fun. To my surprise and disappointment, I found that I had launched it to the strains of a funeral dirge. The Old ...

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new rules for the music business

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I launched my music career in 2006, after years of writing and performing just for fun. To my surprise and disappointment, I found that I had launched it to the strains of a funeral dirge. The Old ...

New blog post! "New Rules for the Music Business"

Howdy Patronites, In response to a few friendly queries I've received from other artists in the past month, I've written a blog post outlining my approach to the music business (and also, much of life). Here's the direct link: http://blog.carsieblanton.com/post/100915657499/new-rules-for-the-music-business You've probably hear that The Business is changing rapidly. Among other things, we artists don't get paid the same way or for the same stuff we used to. I seem to be in a minority of artists in that I find all of the change kind of fun and exciting. This post explains why! If you make any sort of art, and especially if you sell that art, I think you'll dig this. If you're an entrepreneur of another, trying to eek out a living here in the vast wild land of the internet, I think you'll like it, too. In case you want the cliff notes, here are the "new rules": 1) Create ceaselessly. 2) Share generously. 3) Collaborate selflessly. 4) Be Grateful. If you're not an artist or an entrepreneur, but you know one (particularly one who you've caught saying things like "Nobody values MUSIC anymore!" or "I know my work is good, but it's just impossible to compete with the WHOLE INTERNET!"), please share this post with them. Thanks, as always, for your love and support! Carsie

Carsie Blanton

October 25, 2014 16:12:02

Ben Langhinrichs Excellent blog post. I will definitely be sharing it. (For what it is worth, I think much of what you say applies to writers and painters and other creators as much as to musicians. Or will apply to them soon if it doesn't already. As an author, I can say that we are moving in that direction quickly.)

October 29, 2014 16:36:33 · Reply

Ben Langhinrichs I have shared this with other writers, painters and musicians (all of whom have loved it, btw), because I think it has such great things to say about how Creators need to collaborate, encourage and support each other, and how the muse/business models that are evolving for other creators bear a striking resemblance to what you describe for musicians. You might also be interested in a post I made about Patreon and musicians at https://www.facebook.com/blanghinrichs/posts/10152742608934536

November 1, 2014 20:06:04 · Reply

"Bones" - Oliver Wood cover (Happy Halloween!)

October 31, 2014 17:22:17

Bones - Oliver Wood cover by Carsie Blanton

bones.wav

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/bones-oliver-wood-cover

I've loved this song for years and, in honor of Halloween, finally found the gumption to play it. Featuring Michael Bellar on the shitbox and kitchen implements. Know that he was wearing an orange ...

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Bones - Oliver Wood cover by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

I've loved this song for years and, in honor of Halloween, finally found the gumption to play it. Featuring Michael Bellar on the shitbox and kitchen implements. Know that he was wearing an orange ...

"Bones" - Oliver Wood cover (Happy Halloween!)

In honor of Halloween, Michael Bellar and I knocked together this little nugget of creepy sexiness. Oliver Wood wrote this song, and I've loved it since the first time I heard it, at the first Wood Brothers concert I opened for, at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ. These days, you hear people talking a lot of smack about Halloween getting "too sexy". Naturally, I take the position that it is not. On Halloween, the spirits of the departed walk among the living, and remind us of our inescapable demise. Now, I can't be the only one who, when reminded of my mortality, wants to bang. And sing, and dance, and eat candy, and generally celebrate the best and most joyous experiences we've got available here in the land of the living. So I say, put on that sexy witch costume! Eat that candy! Smoke 'em if you got 'em! None of us is long for this world so baby, let's rub our bones together. Carsie PS. Love and gratitude to Oliver Wood for this song, and to the late Donnie McCormick for bringing it to life.

Carsie Blanton

October 31, 2014 17:22:17

John Paul Love me some bony women.

November 3, 2014 05:20:44 · Reply

Feminism! According to me.

November 14, 2014 18:41:39

my kind of feminism

tumblr.com

http://blog.carsieblanton.com/post/102623606609/my-kind-of-feminism

I am a feminist. I thought this would be an appropriate time to jump on the bandwagon, along with Taylor Swift and Beyonce (heck, I'll jump on any bandwagon Beyonce's on). That said, I notice that ...

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my kind of feminism

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I am a feminist. I thought this would be an appropriate time to jump on the bandwagon, along with Taylor Swift and Beyonce (heck, I'll jump on any bandwagon Beyonce's on). That said, I notice that ...

Feminism! According to me.

Howdy patrons! I know things have been a bit slow this month in the releasing-songs department! I think the coziness of winter has got me in a quiet, curled-up-on-the-couch-contemplating kind of mood. More conducive to blog posts than songs, so far! I think you'll like this one, though - I've been working on it for basically ever. It's about why I'm a feminist, and what that word means to me. http://blog.carsieblanton.com/post/102623606609/my-kind-of-feminism Please let me know what you think! Love, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

November 14, 2014 18:41:39

Ben Langhinrichs Excellent post. There were four brothers and no sisters in my family, and we managed to divvy up the masculine and feminine traits between us. I'd tend to say I fall more on the feminine side in terms of the definitions you use, but I'd certainly agree that we need more balance between the two to get the best of both worlds.

November 14, 2014 20:27:18 · Reply

Cover - Picture in a Frame (Tom Waits)

November 17, 2014 17:49:40

Picture In A Frame - Tom Waits Cover by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/picture-in-a-frame-tom-waits-cover

This is the first of a series I'm calling "perfect songs". This song is like a flower or a bird's egg: a stunning, delicate, elemental thing that was clearly born whole and holy. And who ...

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Picture In A Frame - Tom Waits Cover by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

This is the first of a series I'm calling "perfect songs". This song is like a flower or a bird's egg: a stunning, delicate, elemental thing that was clearly born whole and holy. And who can argue ...

Cover - Picture in a Frame (Tom Waits)

Yesterday was a strange day down here in the French Caribbean. There was a strong, warm wind blowing off the gulf - very likely the last of the year. It was plain to see it came carrying stories and spirits. I opened up my studio door to it, and next thing I knew, I felt an urgency to sing this song for you. 'Picture in a Frame' is a perfect song. Tom Waits has a long and illustrious discography, he has written nearly every kind of song: spooky, strange, heartbreaking, nonsensical, hilarious. This one, though, is in the small handful (we should all be so lucky - nobody gets more than five, except Dylan maybe) that the good spirit of song has blessed him with: delicate, holy, born whole and perfect like a bird's egg or a flower. This song has inspired me to start a series here on Patreon: the Perfect Songs Series. I'm going to cover all the songs I know of that fall into this category, to my ear. I'm talking about songs that express an idea, a feeling, and a place, succinctly and exactly. If you changed a note or a word, they'd be worse. So, expect some more great songwriters to grace this site in the coming weeks - feel free to share your favorite perfect songs in the comments, or in a message. This bridge is in my top three favorite bridges of all time: "I'm gonna love you til the wheels come off. Oh, yeah." Couldn't have said it better myself. Love and warm winds, Carsie PS. I've enabled downloads directly from Soundcloud, because it seemed to be confusing to attach them here on Patreon. Please let me know if that doesn't work for you! P.P.S: This painting is by Tilke Elkins, who is a beautiful genius. More from her here: http://leafboat.org/work/studio/index.html

Carsie Blanton

November 17, 2014 17:49:40

Had Enough - studio demo

November 29, 2014 16:41:32

Had Enough - studio demo by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/had-enough-studio-demo

I wrote this song for the love of my life, and I was aiming for a Cole Porter rip off. Didn't come out exactly how I planned but I still dig it! Hope you like it too. And yep, those are my wedding ...

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Carsie Blanton

November 29, 2014 16:41:32

Video #1: Fat & Happy

December 11, 2014 16:35:39

Fat & Happy

fat n happy live.wav

www.youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6_A2oWvBEc

An original song by Carsie Blanton, with special thanks to Joe Plowman. Brought to you fresh from The Watermelon in New Orleans, LA. To download this track, become a patron at http://www.patreon.co...

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Fat & Happy

www.youtube.com

An original song by Carsie Blanton, with special thanks to Joe Plowman. Brought to you fresh from The Watermelon in New Orleans, LA. To download this track, become a patron at http://www.patreon.co...

Video #1: Fat & Happy

Here's the first of three videos I'm considering for submission to NPR's 'Tiny Desk Contest'. Read more here: http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=1356173&cid=251915. Please watch all three videos, and vote for your favorite by "liking" it on Patreon, Youtube, and/or Facebook! All 'likes' count as a vote. I've also attached the live audio from this performance, as a special treat for my dear patrons. Download it by clicking the link below the video ("fat n happy live.wav"). Thanks so much for your help! C

Carsie Blanton

December 11, 2014 16:35:39

Ben Langhinrichs OK, to be honest, video #3 with Smoke Alarm has higher production values and the kazoo sound on this is a little harsh, but this is still the one I'd suggest you enter. The song is great, the attitude is great and the song is the right mix of fun and fierce. I voted for this one (though I love the song, Smoke Alarm, and am grateful for the download).

December 11, 2014 20:36:16 · Reply

Video #2: To Be Known

December 11, 2014 16:42:36

To Be Known

to be known live.wav

www.youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry076JZQ7FI

An original song by Carsie Blanton, with special thanks to the ghost in the French Quarter who inspired it. Brought to you fresh from The Watermelon in New Orleans, LA. To download this track, beco...

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To Be Known

www.youtube.com

An original song by Carsie Blanton, with special thanks to the ghost in the French Quarter who inspired it. Brought to you fresh from The Watermelon in New Orleans, LA. To download this track, beco...

Video #2: To Be Known

Here's the second of three videos I'm considering for submission to NPR's 'Tiny Desk Contest'. Read more here: http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=1356173&cid=251915. Please watch all three videos, and vote for your favorite by "liking" it on Patreon, Youtube, and/or Facebook! All 'likes' count as a vote. I've also attached the live audio from this performance (just for you!). Download it by clicking the link below the video ("to be known live.wav"). Thanks so much for your help! C

Carsie Blanton

December 11, 2014 16:42:36

Brad Blanton I love this song. I love Smoke Alarm too. I think this is the one though.

December 11, 2014 21:07:09 · Reply

Eric The musicality and emotional content of this one hits you in "that place." Fat and Happy is fun for the message. I vote "To be Known"

December 11, 2014 22:21:22 · Reply

Video #3: Smoke Alarm

December 11, 2014 16:49:12

Smoke Alarm

smoke alarm live.wav

www.youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5beMtt-YGA

An original song by Carsie Blanton. 'Smoke Alarm' appears on the 2012 album 'Idiot Heart'. Brought to you fresh from The Watermelon in New Orleans, LA. To download this track, become a patron at ht...

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Smoke Alarm

www.youtube.com

An original song by Carsie Blanton. 'Smoke Alarm' appears on the 2012 album 'Idiot Heart'. Brought to you fresh from The Watermelon in New Orleans, LA. To download this track, become a patron at ht...

Video #3: Smoke Alarm

Here's the third and final video I'm considering for submission to NPR's 'Tiny Desk Contest'. Read more here: http://www.patreon.com/creation?hid=1356173&cid=251915. Please watch all three videos, and vote for your favorite by "liking" it on Patreon, Youtube, and/or Facebook (www.http://facebook.com/carsieblantonfans)! All 'likes' count as a vote. I've also attached the live audio from this performance (cus I love you the most). Download it by clicking the link below the video ("smoke alarm live.wav"). Thanks so much for your help! Love, Carsie

Carsie Blanton

December 11, 2014 16:49:12

Jon Colverson Tough decision because they're all fantastic, but I think this is my fave! :)

December 11, 2014 17:38:50 · Reply

Perfect Song #2 - Only A Fool

January 7, 2015 16:19:22

Only A Fool - Home Demo - Cover by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/only-a-fool-home-demo-cover

This is the second installment in my "perfect songs" series. I came across this song on Nick Lowe's 'Convincer' record, but it was written in 1964 by Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn. Pron...

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Only A Fool - Home Demo - Cover by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

This is the second installment in my "perfect songs" series. I came across this song on Nick Lowe's 'Convincer' record, but it was written in 1964 by Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn. Pronouns have ...

Perfect Song #2 - Only A Fool

I don't know about you folks, but cold weather makes me sad and contemplative. I'm up in PA now, where it's practically no degrees at all, and yesterday afternoon I found myself in an empty kitchen, shivering and mulling over old hurts and regrets. This song wafted into my head to offer assistance. This is the second in my 'Perfect Songs' series. I found it on Nick Lowe's 2001 album 'The Convincer', which I've probably already mentioned because it's been kicking the ass of my ears for about a year and a half. My dear friend Milton introduced me to it (http://www.miltonmusic.com/). He's a formidable songwriter himself, and we'll be out on tour together at the end of this month (playing NJ, OK, TX, GA, KY, NY, PA, DC and NC. Go to http://www.carsieblanton.com/shows for details). Turns out Nick Lowe didn't write it, though he could have. It has the very Loweian theme of being busted, sad and downtrodden, and of that being entirely your own fault. It was written by a couple of Brill Building songwriters in 1964, Norman Bergen and Shelly Coburn. This is the first I've heard of either of them, but golly, they sure hit this one out of the park. I don't have my usual recording setup with me, so this recording has a touch of the ol' hiss and rustle. I feel it lends an extra whiff of sadness (not that we needed it). I find that sad songs are useful at times, especially in the dark of winter, for purging the soul of its little anxieties and resentments. Sad songs punch us in the gut, and remind us of the real stuff of life: love and loss. If we're lucky, they leave us stunned, and remind us to be grateful and kind to the people we love. Love and sad songs, Carsie PS. To download this WAV file, click the 'download' icon to the right of the 'play' button (it looks like a little 'down' arrow).

Carsie Blanton

January 7, 2015 16:19:22

Nor-man sounds great....

January 7, 2015 17:37:48 · Reply

Sean J. Schluntz Thanks for sharing! These little additions from you really make my day.

January 7, 2015 19:49:27 · Reply

Perfect song #3: A Heart Needs a Home

February 14, 2015 18:09:49

A Heart Needs A Home by Carsie Blanton

a heart needs a home.wav

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/a-heart-needs-a-home

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best love songs of all time. Thanks, Richard Thompson.

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A Heart Needs A Home by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best love songs of all time. Thanks, Richard Thompson.

Perfect song #3: A Heart Needs a Home

Happy Valentine's day, y'all. This one's for my hubby, who is outstandingly generous, and knows me in a deep and magic way, and truly wants me to always be happy and joyful and full of love. Thanks for making my heart feel at home, buddy. And thanks, Mr. Richard Thompson, for writing one of the best love songs of all time. Love (love, love, love), Carsie

Carsie Blanton

February 14, 2015 18:09:49

Amy O'Leary Wow. Wowwowwowwowwow. Wow. Thank you.

February 14, 2015 20:58:09 · Reply

Learnin', Laughin', Bacon, Butter.

March 4, 2015 20:09:50

Learnin, Laughin, Bacon, Butter by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/learnin-laughin-bacon-butter

I wrote this song for a friend's unborn kid, per his request. He wanted me to give his future child some life advice. It seemed like a tall order, until I realized that there are really only six or...

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Learnin, Laughin, Bacon, Butter by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

I wrote this song for a friend's unborn kid, per his request. He wanted me to give his future child some life advice. It seemed like a tall order, until I realized that there are really only six or...

Learnin', Laughin', Bacon, Butter.

A dear friend of mine is working on making a baby. He asked me to write a song to his unborn kid. At first, I thought, whoa! That's a tall order. Then I realized there are only a handful of things in life worth singing about. Special thanks to my fans on Facebook who helped me crowdsource ideas for this song. They put together a fairly comprehensive list of the best things in life, in the comments of this post: https://www.facebook.com/carsieblantonfans/posts/10152848198858256 Warning, it's pretty adorable. Learnin and laughin and bacon and butter to you all, Carsie PS. You can download this song directly from Soundcloud, by hitting the down arrow in the top right corner of the Soundcloud player. PPS. If the formatting of this email is screwy, I'm sorry! I've notified Patreon of the problem and they are working on it.

Carsie Blanton

March 4, 2015 20:09:50

Fever Dream

April 6, 2015 16:51:48

Fever Dream - Home Demo by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/fever-dream-home-demo

A walk through New Orleans on the first day of summer, with background vocals from the chickens and dogs in my backyard. LYRICS: oh the day was so hot on st.

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Fever Dream - Home Demo by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

A walk through New Orleans on the first day of summer, with background vocals from the chickens and dogs in my backyard. LYRICS: oh the day was so hot on st.

Fever Dream

It's 82* in New Orleans, and the city has sunk beneath that haze of wet heat and magic for which it's so widely celebrated. Spring seems to have tumbled into summer already. In case you live somewhere not as hot or magical, here's an audio tour of the city, with background vocals by the chickens and dogs in my backyard. I've just edited the accompanying image to be a gorgeous painting of the French Quarter by the talented Lauren J. Andrews. View more of her work here: http://www.laurenjand.com If you DO live in New Orleans, come to my show this Wednesday with Peter Mulvey! Cafe Istanbul, 9pm. Feverishly yours, Carsie PS. Download by clicking the down-arrow in the top right corner of the Soundcloud player. Read the lyrics at https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/fever-dream-home-demo.

Carsie Blanton

April 6, 2015 16:51:48

So Ferocious! Studio demo.

May 5, 2015 17:14:05

So Ferocious - studio demo! by Carsie Blanton

soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/so-ferocious-studio-demo/s-0oG33

A song of strength and ferocity, to scare away the haters! Featuring Pete Donnelly, Joe Plowman and Fred Berman.

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Carsie Blanton

May 5, 2015 17:14:05

Scoundrel - Home Demo

June 24, 2015 16:40:41

Scoundrel - Home Demo by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/scoundrel-home-demo

I finally realized that I have a "type". Thanks to Joe Plowman for the brilliant observation.

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Scoundrel - Home Demo by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

I finally realized that I have a "type". Thanks to Joe Plowman for the brilliant observation.

Scoundrel - Home Demo

Hello friends! New friends, old friends, friends who haven't heard from me for the past 6 weeks (apologies!). I was touring like a madwoman, and now I'm back in the Watermelon and just goldang delighted to share some of the stuff I've been ruminating on.

This song is about 12 hours old - I wrote it on the loooong drive back to New Orleans from Charlotte, North Carolina (where we just completed a tour opening for The Weepies, who are excellent in every imaginable way).

It was inspired by the kind of observation that can only come from the mouth of a friend who has spent every waking hour with you for the past six weeks (and plenty more over the past six years). Mr. Joe Plowman (longtime bassist and collaborator) provided this comment, as I simmered in the heady funk of another fresh crush on another roguish gentleman: "He's exactly your type. A scoundrel with a heart of gold. Like Han Solo."

The simple truth of this statement hit me with a smack, rattled around in my noggin, and spewed forth yesterday in a starry geyser of song.

So here it is, an anthem for the hopeless rogue-chaser. If anybody sympathizes, god help us.

Carsie

PS. Download directly from soundcloud by clicking the down-arrow at the top right of the patreon post.

Carsie Blanton

June 24, 2015 16:40:41

Meghan Ooh yeah, Carsie. Got me in all the places with this one. LOVE IT!

June 24, 2015 16:56:26 · Reply

Carsie Blanton Sorry! ;)

June 24, 2015 17:24:07 · Reply

Vim & Vigor - home demo

July 7, 2015 16:13:21

Vim and Vigor - Home Demo by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/vim-and-vigor-home-demo

A feverish feminist fantasy, in which I run the world and eat men for breakfast. Lyric: I know I got a dirty mind it's in the gutter all the time I don't believe that it's a crime I consider it a s...

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Vim and Vigor - Home Demo by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

A feverish feminist fantasy, in which I run the world and eat men for breakfast. Lyric: I know I got a dirty mind it's in the gutter all the time I don't believe that it's a crime I consider it a s...

Vim & Vigor - home demo

Hey hey patrons! Here's another new song for your consideration. A few fun facts:

1) I keep a list of my favorite words in the back of my notebook, for future usage in songs. This one contains five: vim, vigor, vinegar, doxy and moxie.

2) I started working on this song in reaction to the soft-serve feminism that has been trending in pop culture for the past year or two. I love Beyonce, Meghan Trainor and the others; this isn't to speak ill of them (wouldn't dream of it!), but of the surrounding culture that deems them feminist revolutionaries. Most of these so-called feminist pop songs suffer from the same few fatal flaws: they are still pandering to the male gaze, obsessively commenting on how attractive their bodies look, and fixated on "catching a man".

This song is an experiment in actual feminist pop.

3) I finished it the other night, inspired by the movie Magic Mike XXL. Believe me, I'm as surprised as you are.

Turns out I totally loved it: it's a shiny, feverish, alternate-universe sex fantasy, like a lot of movies, but this one is a female sex fantasy. All the men are hard-bodied and muffin-hearted, and live to serve all the women (who come in a variety of body types and personalities).

I left the theater feeling giddy, and thinking, "why does it feel so revolutionary to see a female sex fantasy enacted on screen? Have I actually never seen that before?" That thought prompted me to write the second verse of this song (which had been languishing in the back of my head, half-finished, for months).

Just wait for the music video.

Love and moxie,

Carsie

Carsie Blanton

July 7, 2015 16:13:21

View all 7 comments

Amy O'Leary LOVELOVELOVELOVE

July 7, 2015 21:40:56 · Reply

Amy O'Leary Have you stopped posting these on Facebook? It seemed like they were getting you new patrons.

July 7, 2015 21:42:12 · Reply

Carsie Blanton Yeah but only because Facebook is trying to destroy me with slow psychological torture. Working on a better plan.

July 7, 2015 23:05:55 · Reply

Amy O'Leary Oh I should have guessed.

July 8, 2015 01:31:42 · Reply

Egypt English Your music is inspiring! It really get my creative juices following Cassie. Lolz, I love this song. It reminds me of my late great theatre teacher, who always said do everything with Great Vim and Vigor!

August 6, 2015 15:38:55 · Reply

Perfect Song #7: My Heart Hurts

August 4, 2015 16:16:04

My Heart Hurts - Nick Lowe Cover by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/my-heart-hurts-nick-lowe-cover

Yours truly singing a number by Nick Lowe, songwriter extraordinaire.

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My Heart Hurts - Nick Lowe Cover by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

Yours truly singing a number by Nick Lowe, songwriter extraordinaire.

Perfect Song #7: My Heart Hurts

You may ask yourself, 'Gee, when will Carsie get over the songwriting genius of Nick Lowe, and start listening to someone else?' The answer is: not yet.

The dude is a heavyweight, that rare lyricist with guts and an ear for melody, of Paul Simon or Carole King caliber, but weirdly unsung here in the states. I feel it is my civic duty to study and share his work with the utmost dedication.

Also, I only got turned on to Nick a couple years ago (thanks to Milton, who I may never be able to repay), and he has a huge catalog. It's taking me a while to catch up.

This song is from Nick's 1982 album 'Nick the Knife', which I recommend HIGHLY. Here are a few of the things that make it perfect, in my humble opinion:

1) Catchy and somehow fresh-sounding earworm of a chord progression, made of the most oft-used chords known to man (1, 4, and 5 (in this case, C, F and G)).

2) Heartbreaking lyrics paired with uptempo, poptastic melody; leaving the listener feeling giddy but full of a strange and incongruous sorrow.

3) Weird time signature that you wouldn't even notice if I hadn't just told you about it.

4) Lyrics that give you the one-two punch of being adorable and fun to hear, while tackling a confusing and emotionally complex topic.

The topic, in this case (according to me): what it's like to be a sensitive, marshmallow-hearted person who can't help but fall in love (and/or in lust) constantly, heartbreak be damned.

I have no idea what that's like, of course, but here's my take on it anyway.

Yours in heartbreak,

Carsie

Carsie Blanton

August 4, 2015 16:16:04

Hot Night - Studio Demo

September 14, 2015 13:32:34

Hot Night - Studio Demo by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/carsieblanton/hot-night-studio-demo/s-hPfAr

Ain't nobody gonna give it to ya!

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Hot Night - Studio Demo by Carsie Blanton

SoundCloud

Ain't nobody gonna give it to ya!

Hot Night - Studio Demo

Greetings from beautiful Wilmington, NC, where I'm taking a little beachside work-cation in the middle of my tour!

Besides touring, I've been getting my ducks in a row for the new album. We will be in the studio in January, which means I need to come up with a pile of money to fund the dang thing. Thus, I'm about to start running another Kickstarter, starting on October 6th!

I have a special request for you, my darling patrons. I've decided I won't be posting any "paid" work here on Patreon for the month of October; instead, I'll ask you to pledge your monthly patronage to my Kickstarter project. I'll send a reminder on the day the Kickstarter begins (October 6th).

I'm also looking for HELP DESIGNING, PROMOTING, AND RUNNING my Kickstarter. If you'd be willing to help (with reward ideas, promoting the project online, or by becoming a major donor), SEND ME AN EMAIL at [email protected] Put "hell yes I'll help!" in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER.

I will personally call you next week to discuss!!

Attached, you'll find the last of the 'studio demos' we made back in May, 'Hot Night'. Very excited about this song! Remember, studio demos are but a step on the long road from song-conception to album-birth; a guiding light to shine into our brains when the hours get long and confusing.

Thanks, as always, for everything.

Playfully yours,

Carsie

PS. The image you see in the magic window is MY NEW TATTOO! And you are the first, in all of internet-land, to see it. The work is By David Hale (as always). It's a river otter named Puck, who will be accompanying me into the studio (and everywhere, til I get dead or armless) to remind me to stay playful. Ain't nobody gonna live it for ya, he says.

Carsie Blanton

September 14, 2015 13:32:34

View all 7 comments

Graham It feels so Paul Simon-y I love it.

September 23, 2015 21:30:34 · Reply

Björn Nonhoff Great song ... thx

September 26, 2015 18:46:44 · Reply

Artist Kartavaya Olya Beautiful song!

September 27, 2015 19:32:24 · Reply