Matt Pryor has been keeping busy over the past 17 years, writing songs, making records and touring the world in various ways with different musical groups. He’s known best as the songwriter/guitarist for Kansas City indie-rock group the Get Up Kids and then started side project the New Amsterdams, which released first album Never You Mind in 2000 and later issued five other LPs. When the Get Up Kids announced their retirement in 2005, the New Amsterdams became Pryor’s main priority. In 2008, he debuted his first solo album, Confidence Man, which was recorded in his home studio. Fans wanted more, and Pryor would deliver. This year, again under his own name, Pryor announced the release of his new solo album, May Day (Nightshoes Syndicate). May Day is fully formed and has multiple layers to it. Check out the mix tape Pryor made for MAGNET.
The Avett Brothers “Murder In The City”
This is just such a simple, beautiful song about family. “Always remember there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.” Gives me chills. Video
Neko Case “Maybe Sparrow”
I find it hard to trust someone who doesn’t love Neko Case. This song is brilliant. Video
Bad Books “You Wouldn’t Have To Ask”
Perfect KD pop song with Manchester filling it out. Love this whole record, but this track is my favorite. Video
The Decemberists “Sons And Daughters”
A friend of mine called them “library rock,” but I don’t see why that would be a bad thing. I’m a lyric man by trade, but even if you don’t like the amazing lyrics they write you’ve got to appreciate the hooks. Video
Bon Iver “Blood Bank”
Love everything this guy does, but this song gets me especially. Saw them live not too long ago, and the live version was better than the record. Video
Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations “Oh, Look What The Son Did”
Perfect music for an afternoon driving in the country looking for farm houses. You do that often right? I do. Video
Dr. Dog “The Rabbit, The Bat And The Reindeer”
It’s like the Beatles mixed with the Band. Fantastic. Video
The Muppets “Rainbow Connection”
My kids have been getting into the Muppets and singing this song over and over around the house. I don’t think I really understood what a beautiful song this is when I was a kid. It’s been stuck in my head all tour. Video
Steve Earle “This City”
First heard this on the Treme soundtrack, but it’s on his new album as well. A touching ballad about New Orleans (one of my favorite cities) by one of my favorite songwriters of all time. Video
Marah “Point Breeze”
This is one of the singles from their absolutely perfect album Kids In Philly. One of the best straight-up rock ‘n’ roll albums I’ve ever heard. The words are smart, and the songs are killer. Video
“Your New Favorite” (download):
