The Sound of Seattle

The Smithereens released Blow Up, their bid for crossover radio play, in September 1991, just two weeks before Nevermind appeared in stores. Once grunge broke through, the Smithereens were effectively edged out of the college radio market, and it wasn't long before mainstream radio turned their back as well. There was no place to go except back to their roots. Again hiring Don Dixon as producer, the Smithereens made A Date with the Smithereens – a classic Smithereens album in the vein of Especially for You but with the sound of 11…

Recorded during her 2010 tour in support of Give Up the Ghost, this live album finds Brandi Carlile performing a mix of original songs and cover material alongside the Seattle Symphony. Carlile’s earthy pop/rock is a far cry from classical fare, perhaps, but the pairing doesn’t sound as odd as you’d think. With their cathartic melodies and storybook lyrics, her songs have always tended to fare equally well in acoustic settings and full-band arrangements.