Carbon Leaf Countdown #29: Mary Mac

{Jan 30}

Doug2000s 1 Comment



At #29 is one of Carbon Leaf’s truly signature songs…that they didn’t even right. It’s “Mary Mac!”

Carbon Leaf does some amazing cover songs. Their version of “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” is pretty amazing, their “Sweet Emotion” is as rocking as Aerosmith, and my jaw hit the ground the first time I ever heard them do “Dear Prudence.” But Carbon Leaf really shines when they cover Irish folk tunes. That and the whole Echo Echo album is the exact reason why people resonate the Irish rock band with Carbon Leaf so well, even though Carbon Leaf’s just as much a straight rock band as they are an Irish band. “Big Strong Man” & “Rocky Road To Dublin” are two such tunes that Carbon Leaf really nails and really gets the crowd behind even if they’ve never heard it before. Trust me; I’ve seen it happen with “Rocky Road To Dublin” and a group of six drunk frat boys who were counting off by the end. Those two aside though, “Mary Mac” is not only their signature folk song to cover, but has become a song closely associated with Carbon Leaf for the better part of a decade. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #30: Grey Sky Eyes

{Jan 28}

Doug2000s No Comments



Let’s keep the outdoor summer cookout playlist rolling. At #30, it’s “Grey Sky Eyes!”

I’ve mentioned so far that I think Indian Summer is probably the perfect album to put on shuffle for a party outside in July. “Raise The Roof” is that song that caps off the party, but “Grey Sky Eyes” should be that song for dusk. Not only for the imagery of grey skies as the night time falls on the sun, but the song perfectly sums up that dusk feeling. The party starts to wind down, but there’s still some life to have and stories to be made. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #31: Toy Soldiers

{Jan 28}

Doug2000s 1 Comment



With something for everyone, #31 is sure to bring enjoyment to all sorts of music fans. It’s “Toy Soldiers!”

I really don’t know how anyone couldn’t enjoy “Toy Soldiers.” Sure, “The Friendship Song” may be too innocent for some and “Maybe Today” may be too bold for others. But “Toy Soldiers” is such a strong song that I think it’s hard to resonate in most people. It’s got everything you’d want from a song, especially Carbon Leaf. Pennywhistle? Check. Sing-a-long but unique chorus? Check. Strong Irish Influence? Check. Cool guitar part? Check. Fun lyrics? Check. What more do you want people? More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #32: The Friendship Song

{Jan 28}

Doug2010s 1 Comment



Sure to be a surprise to most, at #32 is the highlight of Carbon Leaf’s contribution to the movie industry. It’s “The Friendship Song!”

I think people are going to be very surprised by how high this one charted, but let me share this tidbit for you: “The Friendship Song” is the fourth most sold song on iTunes for Carbon Leaf. Fourth! The only ones above it are “The Boxer” and the two versions of “Life Less Ordinary” (one from the same soundtrack). That should speak volumes for this song. In fact, there’s really not much to say about the song which in turn might be a testament to its quality. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #33: Maybe Today

{Jan 27}

Doug2000s No Comments



At #33 is one of Carbon Leaf’s most bold & daring compositions to-date. It’s the ten minute symphony of uncertainty, “Maybe Today!”

People always get up and arms about long pieces of music and it’s either one of two things. One, it’s a testament to the band’s uncanny ability to compel the audience. Two, it’s an exercise in self-promotion. A chance for the band to do something that will turn heads, even if it’s not that good. Being a little pessimistic, I think the latter happens way more than the former. My example would be 2010′s “Siberian Breaks” by MGMT. It’s a 12-minute composition that really doesn’t need to be a 12-minute composition except to show off how creative & out-there the band is. Naturally, the song got blown up by some talking about MGMT proving they have what it takes. Well, they don’t. They really don’t and most that try for this don’t either. It takes a lot to really engage the listener for over ten minutes. Hell, my favorite band can only get to eight minutes and that song drags a little too. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #34: Midwestern Girl

{Jan 27}

Doug2010s No Comments



At #34 is perhaps the best song to ever be written featuring the state of Iowa. Or maybe the only song. Who knows? Anyway, it’s “Midwestern Girl!”

“Midwestern Girl” would probably be the pick for the single off this EP if Carbon Leaf did in fact release one from it and it’s most people’s consensus for stand-out track from that album. To me, it seems like an odd Carbon Leaf song for some reason. Lyrically & vocally, the song is spot on Carbon Leaf, but the music just reminds me of something else besides Carbon Leaf. That drum beat, guitar work, piano melody, et cetera; just sounds like something different. It really just might be the addition of the piano which really isn’t somethign Carbon Leaf utilizes enough. It definitley adds a different layer to the song and makes it stand-out against other tracks on the EP. Of course, we all love a good sing-a-long and who’s not going to get, “I-O-W-A-Now” stuck in your head. More

Carbon Leaf Countdown #35: Wandrin’ Around

{Jan 27}

Doug2000s No Comments



At #35, Carbon Leaf takes us through a trip of all instruments and melodies with “Wandrin’ Around!”

Echo Echo is that strong Irish-infused album with cool rhythms, melodies, instruments galore. “Wandrin’ Around” is no exception with a jaunty melodies galore that you could just picture in that party scene during “Titanic.” It’s those rhythms that really get your head moving from side to side, your feet tapping, and your body ready to just bust a move. Maybe “Raise The Roof” if you’re like Albert Brennaman. Lyrically, the song seems to be about the start of something new, perchance leaving home with the mention of “sister.” If that’s the case, then it’s easy to see why the music is so upbeat. As sad as it is to say goodbye to your childhood home, who are you kidding? You’re on your own, away from your parents, et cetera. Who among us didn’t cut loose that first week away? More

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