Want free music from the best local bands? You’ve come to the right place. Steal This Track offers exactly that every Tuesday, right here on REVERB. It is, without a doubt, THE spot to learn more about Denver’s hottest and most interesting musical acts. You can read all you want about local music, but there’s no substitute for hearing it.
I’m beginning to think I might have an unhealthy fixation on husband-wife/boyfriend-girlfriend outfits, because this week’s track is the third I’ve offered from a couple. and are Colorado singer-songwriters who both have impressive and growing solo careers. Both have released plenty of beautiful, heartwarming and occasionally sentimental music. Both have played countless shows in the area and established a following both locally and nationally. Both have licensed songs for television shows and garnered plenty of critical attention. Naturally, when the two got married earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before they made beautiful music together.
But it took a while. Between rigorous touring schedules, adjusting to married life and keeping up with studies (Craig is in medical school), the couple has just been too busy to actually work together. Plus, as Craig recently confided to me, living together and making music together can be a little too intense at times. Nevertheless, the pair have finally come through with a project called Oh, Starling, and a five-track EP of stunning arrangements of Christmas classics. The EP, “Joy,” was available as a free download from mid-November through Thanksgiving, and is still available as a CD + digital download from for a mere fiver. You’ll also be able to pick one up at the at the Gothic Theatre, this Saturday the 12th.
If you’re groaning at the idea of Christmas carols, believe me, I’m with you. I’d rather have dwarf peacocks serenade me with Limp Bizkit covers while I clipped their toenails than deal with another insipid version of “Deck the Halls.” Heck, even Dan Craig is with you. “I was loath to do any Christmas music ever,” he says, “but it actually was a blast to rework these songs in our own way.” Sonner and Craig infused these well-worn tunes with just the right balance of wide-eyed sincerity and jaded melancholy, giving them a new life for Scrooges like me. What can I say? I like a few tears in my egg nog.
But the beauty of this column is that you don’t have to take my word for it. You can take the song instead!
Stream it:
Steal it:
(right-click to save to your computer)
If you’re a band or musician ready to unleash some fresh sounds on the readers of Reverb, email your tracks to Eryc Eyl for consideration.
Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.
Eryc Eyl is a veteran music journalist, critic and Colorado native who has been neck-deep in local music for many years. Check out Steal This Track every Tuesday for local music you can HEAR, and the Mile High Makeout every Friday.
