Michael Zapruder

Photo via Sidecho Records

Bay Area musician Michael Zapruder started using the internet for self-promotion back in 1999, way before the blogosphere erupted into what it is now. He set out to write, recorder and post a song a week and did that just with the aptly named 52 Songs. After 2 more albums in 2002 and 2006, Zapruder released his latest work, Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope, in January on Sidecho Records. Most songs are minimalist, no soaring guitar solos and rhythmic drum breaks found here. His vocals are bordering on sing-song and have a grainy, scratchy quality, which are complemented by the sparse instrumentation. The albums highlight "Ads For Feelings" garners this description from Pitchfork:

If Beck's "The New Pollution" and Joni Mitchell's "Free Man in Paris" conceived a child, it might sound something like this, with its great, mellow lead vocal, quick tempo, and psychedelic flute breaks.

You may also recognize the name from his work a music curator for Pandora, a music recommendation and internet radio site.

You can catch Michael in the IA area this weekend with Dovecote recording artist Tim Williams. His latest album, When Work Is Done, has been called "magical" and "a damn good record" and he has had his music featured on One Tree Hill.

So head on out this weekend. You can catch me at the Saturday show and if you would like to join in the fun on the Main Line, drop me a line and we may be able to pull some strings and who knows what else.

2/28 Ardmore @ Milkboy Coffee
3/1 DC @ The Red & The Black

mp3: Michael Zapruder - Ads For Feelings (via Sidecho Records/JD @ Family Albums)
mp3: Tim Williams - Out There (via Daytrotter Session)