Yesterday we covered a new track from Portland folk outfit Death Songs called “Wounds” off the new PDX Pop Now! compilation. We talked a little bit about the band and the song, and had a few words to say about the organization as well. That wasn’t enough; it’s high time I let slip a little something — we here at FensePost have been quiet supporters of the Portland festival.

Visit the music room in my house and you’ll see several from the compilation series, dating all the way back to 2005.

The annual festival and double-disc compilation are back in 2011 and Death Songs in only one of many, many local Portland artists to participate. This year boasts great underground artists and bands like Alan Singley; The Ascetic Junkies (a favorite of our very own Ron Trembath); Blue Skies For Black Hearts; Drew Grow; Jared Mees; Langhorne Slim; Point Juncture, WA; Viva Voce; and The Woodlands.

The compilation, available here, totals 41 artists.

Then there’s the festival itself, which runs July 22 to 24 at Refuge PDX, located at 116 SE Yamhill St. The festival includes performances from many of the artists in this year’s comp and more, including Loch Lomond and Weinland. Were I to go, the act I’d be most excited about, however, is Port St. Willow, who’s album Even//Wasteland we covered earlier this year.

Grab “Wounds” by Death Songs below, which we debuted yesterday, and grab a few other tracks from the comp, and don’t forget to pick up the album and check out the festival this weekend in PDX.

Download: “Wounds” by Death Songs

Download: “Cold Feet” by Lost Lander

Download: “Needle Doll” by The Minders

Download: “Majoring In The Arts” by Blue Skies For Black Hearts

Download: “The Trend” by The Angry Orts

Death Songs is a band out of Portland, featuring members of that city’s folk-pop outfit The Shaky Hands. “Wounds” is vaguely reminiscent of acts like The Shaky Hands and Quiet Life. It’s full on southern-influenced folk that flirts dually with pop and rock, but keeps its roots close. Their song “Wounds”, which I’ve included below, can be found on the latest PDX Pop Now! compilation, which is now available in mp3 format.

If you’re unfamiliar with the series, it includes an annual two-disc compilation featuring noteworthy artists from the Portland area. It also includes a three-day festival along with assorted other charity-based events.

I’ve noticed my listening habits leaning more toward artists like Death Songs of late; there’s something inherently good about this style of folk that is simply beautiful yet monumentally powerful.

Check out “Wounds” below and visit the PDX Pop Now! website for more on the compilation and festival.

Download: “Wounds” by Death Songs

Tucked comfortably within my extensive collection of compact discs are several PDX Pop Now! releases, dating from 2008 back to, oh, I don’t know, maybe 2005 or so. Each year PDX Pop Now! puts together an excellent two-disc set featuring tracks from the best up-and-coming artists from the Portland, OR area. This release, PDX Pop Now! 2009, is my favorite yet.

Each PDX Pop Now! release thus far has spanned genre, from simple solo folk artists to underground hip hop. PDX Pop Now! 2009 is no different. And on each release you’ll find a few locals that have entered the national scene. These are names that your standard fan of independent music will recognize, names like M. Ward, The Thermals, and to a lesser extent Mirah. Eye catching for fans and collectors of these well known artists, what PDX Pop does best is introduce great new artists like The Mint Chicks, Dirty Mittens and Ah Holy Fam’ly.

While select songs are exclusive, the majority have been released before. But since the album is a benefit for the festival, which takes place July 24 – July 26 in Portland, and you can find PDX Pop Now! 2009 on CD Baby for $8, it’s a more than viable purchase. Besides, with a track list totaling 40 songs, and thus 40 bands, you’ll be a true collector if you’ve heard and/or have half already in your collection.

There may be 40 artists here, but there will be more at the festival, including some FensePost favorites like The Old Believers.

Ethan Rose & Laura Gibson: Sun [mp3]

Explode Into Colors: Paper (Hot Sax Version) [mp3]

Jared Mees & The Grown Children: The Tallest Building In Hell [mp3]