Free Download: Caleb McCoach – Beer Friday Live Session

If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve likely noticed me preaching about the strength of Indianapolis songwriter Caleb McCoach’s debut album Songs From an Empty Shore. The record was the first release from upstart Indianapolis imprint In Store Recordings. I reviewed it for Musical Family Tree earlier this spring, and find myself returning to it as often as any material released in 2013. I keep qualifying my statements by saying Songs from an Empty Shore is my favorite “acoustic” album of the year. However, the truth of the matter is it’s my favorite album of 2013 – acoustic, electronic, blue, black brown or red.

There are other records that I’ve loved from 2013. I’m partial to Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s II (review). Sonny Smith’s 100 Records Vol. 3 and his latest LP with the Sunsets are both terrific. I think Thee Oh Sees’s Floating Coffin is arguably the group’s best work to date, which is saying A LOT. However, nothing else comes close to McCoach in terms of impact and authenticity. Maybe his lyrics resonate more with me because McCoach is from my hometown, and we make a cultural connection on a more granular level. I’m not sure.

Last month, McCoach stopped by the SmallBox office in Broad Ripple for our last Beer Friday prior to moving into our new building. He played a handful of songs in an impromptu set that left the few fortunate souls lingering after 5 PM on a Friday in silent awe. For those who missed the initial live stream, a full download of the 5-song set and brief interview is available for free from the SmallBox Soundcloud page. Listen to McCoach’s live set below and grab a copy of Songs From an Empty Shore on CD via Bandcamp.

Connect with Caleb McCoach via Facebook

Written by Rob Peoni