Central Square Records Blog

January has been a busy and exciting month for music at Central Square Records. From the ‘Origin of a Song’ workshops and in-stores surrounding the 30A Songwriter’s Festival, to the new sounds that we are always discovering, there was so much to listen to this month. Here are some of our favorites from this month, all available on cd:

Louise Mosrie Home - this Nashville-based singer/songwriter blew us away with her in-store performance. Like listening to Patty Griffin and Susan Tedeschi at the same time. Highlight of the 30A Songwriter Festival.

Lissie Why You Running? - Fat Possum records keeps churning out the new talent, this time unearthing a brilliant young voice from the banks of the Mississippi. A very impressive debut EP.

Norah Jones Fall - Established songstress brings some depth to her material, exchanging tinkling pianos for the groovier Rhodes, and revealing a more mature set of material. Her best work to date.

Diane Birch Bible Belt - Impressive debut from female vocal sensation Birch, who conjures up a spectrum of styles, from Regina Spektor to Norah Jones.

XX XX - Stellar debut from young, London-based night rockers. Dark, atmospheric, and extremely addictive.

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros Up From Below - Groundbreaking album from band of merry men and women, creating velvet soundscapes and desert-trekking ballads, all beautifully arranged.

Vampire Weekend Contra - Much-anticipated sophomore release from the band that made Spring Break ‘08! Concentrating more on their electronic/dance vibe, the band shows they won’t be resting on their laurels.

So come by for a listen, we’re always into something new!

We are very excited to be a part of the first annual 30A Songwriter’s Festival, coming up this holiday weekend, ,January 15-17th, all along Hwy 30A. We will be hosting two workshops, both entitled ‘Origin of A Song’ at the store during the weekend, one on Saturday (1/16) at 1pm, featuring Nicole Witt and Shawn Mullins, and one on Sunday (1/17) at 11am, featuring Chely Wright and Rodney Crowell. These workshops will be informal in nature, with the artists discussing their writing processes and sharing the wisdom of their craft, followed by a brief Q & A session. In addition, Central Square will also be serving as participating artists’ retail headquarters, selling cds and such. As of now, tickets have sold out for the festival, but those with tickets will be able to exchange them for wristbands starting Thursday (1/14) at the Box Office between Modica Market & L. Pizitz here in Seaside. Further details on ticket exchange and venue info can be found at 30asongwritersfestival.com. Central Square Records (for those who don’t know) is located at 89 Central Square in the heart of Seaside, just above Sundog Books. Look forward to seeing all of you during this spectacular weekend!