I had originally planned on making a joke about how it’s easy to overlook The Channel in the above photo relating how to how I overlooked their CD for far too long, but I think I’ll just save myself that potential embarrassment and cut straight to the music.

MP3: The Channel – Olden Days
MP3: The Channel – The Daring Eye
It’s not uncommon for teenagers in the South to list their favorite music as “anything but country.” I don’t know if too many of us grew up listening to our parent’s music, or if we think it’s a given that everyone else enjoys it, but few “indie” kids are willing to step within an arm’s reach of a country record. That’s why I’m so pleased when bands like Ghosty, Wilco and now The Channel are able to trick us so easily. I was halfway their their double LP, Sibylline Machine, before I thought to myself “I bet my mom would really like this.” But why shouldn’t we both be able to enjoy it? There’s nothing wrong with indie pop wearing cowboy boots on occasion.

The Channel on Myspace