Song of the Day: Pete Molinari - Hang My Head In Shame

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Hang My Head In Shame” by Pete Molinari from the 2014 album Theosophy on Clarksville Records/INgrooves.

Pete Molinari - Hang My Head In Shame (MP3)

You may not know his name, but even Bruce Springsteen is singing the praises of this young UK artist, saying, "Pete Molinari – if you don’t know anything about him, he’s great."

Growing up in Kent, England, a young Molinari spent hours with his older brother's albums of '60s folk. Following in the footsteps of his newfound heroes, like Bob Dylan, he took off for New York, playing in blues clubs in the East Village. He returned home to record his 2006 debut album, Walking Off The Map, recorded on an old tape machine in Billy Childish's kitchen. Despite its humble creation, the album garnered him a nomination for Best Newcomer at the MOJO Awards.

On his fourth, and most recent album, Theosophy, Molinari draws inspiration from his old blues heroes, as usual, but he also turns to a surprising source: The Theosophical Society, an organization formed in 1875 “to promote an understanding of the Esoteric Teachings” and whose interest spans science, mysticism, religion and the arts. Today's featured song, "Hang My Head In Shame", finds Molinari pairing up with Little Barrie's Barrie Cadogan to rock out in Stones-ian flair on Memphis blues riffs.

You can hear Pete Molinari rock the Tractor Tavern on Wednesday, September 24th, and he will also be LIVE on The Roadhouse on KEXP earlier that evening at 6:30 PM PST. Follow along with his travels on Twitter and Facebook. In the meantime, check out the video for today's Song of the Day below.