The Dimes, based in Portland, Oregon, have a new EP out and are releasing a full length record September 9. This effort, titled New England, tells stories based on real events of the locale for which it’s named. And while it does feature a cover of a John Lennon tune, which I would usually snap right up and send your way, I just can’t bring myself to do it today. I think you’ll find “Clara” really much more pleasing. The Dimes seem to be in their element when trying to recreate folk harmonies and evoke historical tales of important events. And, there’s always a time and place for a little slide guitar on a Sunday afternoon. If not, you’re just doing it wrong.

Go out and buy the Dimes’ New England. With only four songs, it’s a nice little introduction to the group in case you missed their debut album, The Silent Generation. This is a sound that is very “with it” right now, in case you’ve not caught on to that yet. A little alt-country, a lot of banjo/mandolin and indie earnestness goes a long way in this new hipster regime that summer festivals have seemed to spawn. Long live the plaid shirt!

Catch them in Portland, OR
Jul 25 2009 6:30P SakeOne Summer Music Concert Series Forest Grove, Oregon
Aug 7 2009 8:00P Mississippi Studios Portland, Oregon
Sep 12 2009 8:00P Widmer Oktoberfest Portland, Oregon
Sep 17 2009 8:00P MusicFest NW @ Ash Street Portland, Oregon
Sep 25 2009 8:00P Doug Fir Portland, Oregon

The Dimes – Paul Kern Can’t Sleep from grammar school on Vimeo.