Listen: Justin Vernon and The Chieftains’ New Collaboration Available for Streaming

Justin Vernon teams up with The Chieftains for a beautiful rendition of traditional murder ballad,”Down in the Willow Garden”. Singing lead atop sweeping acoustic accompaniment, Vernon softly tells the story of a man who has murdered his lover. Named Ireland’s Musical Ambassadors, The Chieftains are a world renown folk group formed in 1962. Set to-be-released on February 21, Voice of Ages, celebrates 50 years of making music. Other featured artists include The Decemberists, Carolina Chocolate Drops and The Low Anthem. You can stream “Down in the Willow Garden” on Pitchfork.

Okkervil River Releases “Your Past Life as a Blast” 7″ to Coincide with Fall Tour

We have another release on the way from Okkervil River, this time a 7-inch featuring “Your Past Life as a Blast,” the third single from the band’s latest studio release, I Am Very Far. The single is backed with b-side “Gold Faces” and will be available on August 2 just in time for a new leg of tour dates.

This fall Okkervil has a run of European dates, a few North American shows with The Decemberists, and then a US tour in September. Check out the full list of tour dates HERE or find them after the jump.

Also, be sure to read Will Sheff’s interview with Performer Magazine, where he talks about the origin of the band’s name, working with Roky Erickson, and what it’s like to perform for people night after night.

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