Filed under: News, MP3, New Music, Exclusive

A couple years ago, when Jason Boesel was in Mexico recording tracks with Conor Oberst for what would become the album 'Conor Oberst,' he wore a necklace that bore a hand-shaped pendant. "I started calling it the 'Hand of God' and assigning it magical powers in my mind" Boesel tells Spinner. "I would get nervous if I couldn't find it, [that] sort of thing."

Back then, Boesel was in his familiar role of drummer, banging out rhythms for Oberst (both in Bright Eyes and the Mystic Valley Band), Rilo Kiley, the Elected and others. But, encouraged by Oberst and friends, Boesel began to write his own songs on guitar, including one called 'Hand of God,' which he penned during a trip to Asheville, N.C. earlier this year. "It's about a false sense of protection," he says. "Blaming outside forces, or other things, or situations one gets into."

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Although rock audiences are familiar with the Grateful Dead's 'Friend of the Devil,' guitarist/singer Jerry Garcia often explored different sides of the song in his various solo projects.

This version, taken from the new archival release 'Let it Rock: Jerry Garcia Band 1975,' is an unusually jazzy interpretation featuring keyboard embellishments from Nicky Hopkins, who was only a member of the Jerry Garcia Band during their inaugural tour. This initial incarnation is certainly lesser-known and lesser-heard -- even amongst obsessive collectors -- thus making this release a true treat for Deadheads.

Filed under: News, MP3, New Music, Exclusive

We get a lot of writing contributions from artists here at Spinner, but few are as unique as the ones from Mark Oliver Everett, aka E, from Eels. After sharing 10 facts about his beard with us, the always-interesting artist sent over this blurb -- written in the third person, no less -- to preview his new song, 'Little Bird.' Check it out below.

After a four-year wait for the Eels' 'Hombre Lobo' album, the band returns with another new record just months later. The first taste from the new Eels album, 'Little Bird,' finds Eels leader Mark Oliver Everett, aka E, recording himself playing all the instruments in his Los Angeles basement studio.