Not to confuse you with more “basement” sessions, but the folks at fine Brit-clothier, AllSaints Spitalfields (they of the signature sewing-machine storefronts as seen above in San Francisco and the videos below), like to further evince their good taste via their “Basement Sessions” recordings of band performances (all of which can be found HERE).  AllSaints recently released the performances of Seattle’s The Head and the Heart, which can be viewed below.  We don’t know about the new tank-top-brandishing, Freddy Mercury-lookalike look of lead singer, Jon Russell (perhaps AllSaints can provide a makeover), but check out the highly recommended playing and singing of this up-and-coming band.

Check out the band performing Down in the Valley, Ghosts and Sounds Like Hallelujah.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h879OlZfwY&feature=channel_video_title

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbZM4iJFfVs&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l4KmKfF-XE&feature=relmfu

Sleepover Shows recently released a session with up-and-coming singer-songwriter, Lydia Loveless.  Loveless’ indie-Americana album, Indestructible Machine, deservedly showed up on a lot of Best of 2011 lists.  Check Loveless out below performing her songs Bad Way to Go, Learn to Say No and More Like Them.  Not a bad way to go, indeed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NNFx3a1Gu4&feature=uploademail

Last night Kathleen Edwards and band performed the first single, Change the Sheets, from her new album Voyageur on the Letterman Show.  Check out Edwards’ verve and drive on this song.  We’re not sure what’s up with the dueling microphones, but her skyward-looks and foot-stomping intensity are captivating.  And Dave is so taken with Edwards that he volunteers to accompany the band on tour as their stylist.  Check it out below, courtesy of The Audio Perv.

Irish band, Two Door Cinema Club, performed their single, Something Good Can Work, from their album, “Tourist History” on CBC’s Studio Q.  The boys can sing, and complete with a couple o’ cardigans no less.  Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X__IrNQVao&feature=uploademail

Perhaps in retaliation for Lana Del Rey being selected over her for the music slot on SNL last weekend (yes, it’s a reach, but it’s all we can conjure as explanation), St. Vincent evoked Elvis Costello’s infamous SNL performance on Conan last night. She began Costello’s great Radio Radio before stopping and announcing “I’m sorry ladies and gentleman, there’s no reason to play that song,” and then performing her song Cheerleader.  Check it out below courtesy of the Audio Perv.

One of our favorite female singer-songwriters, Kathleen Edwards, showed up to play a private show in CBC’s Studio 211.  Check out her broadened sound as she performs the lead single, Change The Sheets, from her new album “Voyageur,” which was co-produced by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and released today.  Edwards will also perform tonight on the Letterman Show to coincide with Voyageur’s release.

Update:  After, check out Edwards and band performing Empty Threat.

You can’t say we haven’t warned you.  In only her third live performance setting in America, internet-upstart Lana Del Rey performed on Saturday Night Live this weekend.  Check out her performances of Blue Jeans and Video Games below courtesy of the Audio Perv.  Time will tell.

Powered by VideoBam – Free Video Hosting

In case you are like us and your lame cable-TV provider’s selected PBS channels foolishly elected not to carry Austin City Limits, one of the best live music shows on television, this past Saturday (huh?) when Arcade Fire performed for a full hour, then you can watch the performance below.  The full program features favorites from Suburbs as well as classics like Keep the Car Running, Rebellion (Lies), the anthemic Wake Up, and Haiti. Check it out below. Arcade Fire are one of the best bands live and don’t disappoint here. Win Butler’s “love” of his childhood Texas provides extra meaning to the setting. From the get-go this is evident, with Butler singing “like the kids in Austin said they would” on Ready to Start. A veritable conflagration ensues.

Watch Arcade Fire on PBS. See more from Austin City Limits.

Our family lost one of its patriarchal monuments yesterday, leaving five daughters, nine grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren to carry on.  As usual, we turn to music to ride the feeling.  We know of no better song to express this loss than the great Paddy’s Gone, as sung by Antony & the Johnsons.  We’ll see you on the other side Charlie.

Antony & the Johnsons–Paddy’s Gone

This is for you old farts.  There was a time (38 years ago) when this was part of our proverbial wheelhouse.  We rarely go back, but will watch whatever Joseph Arthur’s got going on.  And there’s no question that there’s some fine playing and singing in this nostalgic homage to Sly and the Family Stone.  Check out Joseph Arthur and the Tedeschi-Trucks Band perform the medley below of Sly and the Family Stone’s Simple Song/Take You Higher live at the Boulder Theater during the ETown 20th Anniversary show.