A Taste:

Kings of Leon, The Ting Tings, U2

The Bacon Brothers have got a lot of heart. In fact, it all pours out on New Year’s Day, the duo’s latest collection of inspired, cinematic folk rock. Iconic actor Kevin Bacon (Mystic River, Wild Things, The Woodsman, Footloose) and his brother Michael know how to write a good tune, and that’s instantly apparent after one spin of their latest offering.

For Kevin, songwriting starts at home. “We grew up in Philly and there are some songs on the record that are very evocative of Philly soul music,” says Kevin with a smile. “We have a lot of different influences, and the guys in the band influence us as well. We like to keep our ears open and take in as much music as possible.”

That approach has served the Brothers well, especially on the album’s standout track, “Kikko’s Song.” Dissecting that particular cut, Kevin continues, “My wife’s nickname is ‘Kikko.’ I sort of wrote the song for both of us. There was a philosophy she was starting to embrace. Remembering some of the sentiments of the song, it’s funny because it speaks as much to myself as much as it does to her. That’s part of what helping people through rough times and marriage are about. It’s got some of those same thoughts that we’ve expressed to each other at different times.”

Well put!

Check out what Kevin and Michael are spinning below only on ARTISTdirect.com.

Kevin Bacon’s Playlist:

1. Kings of Leon — Only by the Night

“It’s such a great record.”

2. The Hold Steady

3. U2 — No Line On the Horizon>

“I love the new U2 Record!”

4. Mike Doughty

“I’ve been listening to him a lot lately.”

Michael Bacon’s Playlist:

1. The Ting Tings — We Started Nothing

“My newest discovery is the Ting Tings. I love them. I saw them in New York. They’re very modern, but they have a lot of depth—much more depth than a lot of new music does.”

—Rick Florino
03.26.09