Beach Fossils was initially the solo project of Dustin Payseur, but over the last several years, they are now a band, including members; Tommy Gardner, Jack Doyle Smith and Tommy Davidson. Based out of Brooklyn, they produce a lo-fi, new wave sound with some punk and surf rock thrown in. I loved their last album a lot as well, because I generally love this sound. Apparently putting 'beach' in the name of your band is the new thing, like 'bear' was a few years ago (and still is).
Indians is the nomme de plume of Søren Løkke Juul from Denmark. He is called Denmark's Bon Iver. Indians has already toured this year with several bands that are in the top 50 this year, Phosphorescent and Daughter, to name a couple. When he tours, he has a backing band. I find the music to be quasi psychedelic, but also soft and beautiful as well.
I fell in love with this band the first time I saw them play live at The Conservatory a number of years ago. Since then, I have tried to see them live every chance I get. The addition of the strings, even though they recently lost their cellist, lends to the band a unique, timeless experience. I feel as they've progressed, they have become more....what do I say...poppy, maybe. Either way, I like what they put out, a lot. Their last album made my top 50 back in 2010 in roughly the same place, here.
Very new to the folk scene, these guys reside in southern Indiana. The band consists of Katie Toupin, Matt Myers, Zak Appleby, and Shane Cody. While they were recording in Shane's home, they were filtering out all the background sounds like police cars and such and Shane said the track still had too much hound mouth in it (dogs barking in the background). The name and the band was born. They will be at Opolis on February 18th, I strongly recommend attending.
Atoms for Peace, if you don't know by now, is a super group consisting of Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nigel Godrich (Radiohead's producer) and Joey Waronker on drums from Beck and REM. The band formed as a result of being the back-up band for Thom Yorke's solo album Eraser, at which time they started working on songs collaboratively. Hence, Atoms for Peace. This has Thom Yorke all over it, but it is really, really well done and some serious ear candy. The website is wonderfully interactive.
The Boxer Rebellion almost made the top 50 a couple years ago. Based out of London, the band consists of Tennessee-native Nathan Nicholson (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Australian Todd Howe (lead guitar), and Englishmen Adam Harrison (bass guitar) and Piers Hewitt (drums). Their evolution as a band has been astonishing to watch. I can barely listen to their first album. This one, I couldn't take out of rotation almost all year. I still return to it now over and over. They are just so awesome, I hope I get to see them on tour.
These guys are out of Chicago. Headed by frontman, Jered Gummere, formerly of The Ponys, it is a sonic progression into Velvet Underground territory. Other members of the band include, Seth Bohn on bass, Jeanine O’Toole on backups and tambourine, Matt Holland on drums and Leslie Deckard on organ. My girlfriend turned me onto this band and they have been a regular in my shuffle for awhile now.
I have to admit, this album is my discovery of this amazing singer/songwriter. I feel embarrassed, I really don't know where I've been. However, I'm glad I've been found, because this album is genius. He is an English singer/songwriter and plays both punk and folk (why is that always a thing?). The band that backs him up is called The Sleeping Souls. His songs are about love and loss and the poetry and frankness of the lyrics is not to be trifled with. He was recently in the news because he is going to answer questions about Iron Maiden on the BBC celebrity quiz show, Celebrity Mastermind.
Typically bands I see live during the year make this list because, well, I listen to their new stuff quite a bit before the show. This is no exception. It's hard to believe that E (Mark Oliver Everett) has been putting out music prolifically for almost 20 years. In 2009/10 he put out three albums as part of a trilogy. This is a double album and was fun to watch the band play live in their track suits. The members of the band are as such: E, The Chet, Knuckles (Derek Brown), Honest Al, and P-Boo (Mike Sawitzke).
Phosphorescent is essentially the moniker of Matthew Houck. Originally from Alabama, he started playing in Athens, Georgia and now resides in Brooklyn. Muchaco is a thing of beauty. I happened to catch him with full band at SXSW and Gentlemen of the Road this year. The live performance of him backed by a band is something to not be missed. This has been one of my favorite Sunday morning albums of the year. It's definitely a concept album, so I recommend listening to it in its entirety.
From the ashes of the breakup of Scattered Trees, only three members remained to produce something new. Lead, Nate Eiesland, decided to take the band in a new direction with the two remaining members, Alissa Ricci and Ryne Estwing. There is so much good in this album, I really don't know where to begin. I'm absolutely in love with the music, the lyrics, the male/female harmonies, all of it. It's just beautiful.
I received this CD from the label at the Spy and immediately put it in the player. What resulted was hours of listening. I didn't take it out of the player for days. Classixx is a Los Angeles based DJ duo. Michael Blake and Tyler Blake put these grooves together, you may remember them as Young Americans. I, personally, love the new sound from these two, as it pulls in from a lot of different genres. It has the exact kind of club/late night vibe that I love.
These guys reside in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band consists of Stephen Ramsay (vocals/guitar), Catherine McCandless (vocals/keyboards), Stephen Kamp (bass/vocals), Matthew Shapiro (keys/guitar), and Andrea Silver (drums). They have quickly over the last couple years become one of my favorite bands. They were #4 in 2011 here, which is pretty high for a band to get on my charts. I love Chatherine's voice, I love the dream pop/psych/electro sensibility of the music. I still haven't got to see this band live and I wish they would come play close to here. Even a little close. They always have the best videos.
Somehow I discovered this band on Spotify...love that service sometimes. This band is Janet Bean and journeyman singer/guitarist James Elkington out of Chicago. This is folk, but not just any folk. Their voices serve as perfect counterpoint to each other. The contrast reminds me of Mark Lanegan and Isobell Campbell. The strings in the background push this album to depths that other albums fear to tread. Below is the best quality video I could find of them. It took them ten years to make this sophomore album. I hope I don't have to wait that long to see more from these minstrels.
Devon Welsh is the son of Canadian/American actor, Kenneth Welsh. He started this project in 2010 and this is his second album. Collaborator and producer, Matthew Otto, signed on last year. The style is electronica but such a stripped down version with soul piercing lyrics and a clarity and focus normally not experienced. Expect this album to be included in your favorites.
Oh Will Sheff and the boys. Based out of Austin, Texas, this is one of my favorite bands to see live. They recently finished up a tour in OKC. The band is named after a short story by Russian author Tatyana Tolstaya. Some of their album covers tell a story and this album has an 8-bit video game made after it, which you can play here. It's all pretty much awesome all day long.
Villagers are a band out of Dublin, Ireland. Its members consist of Conor O'Brien, Tommy McLaughlin, Danny Snow, James Byrne and Cormac Curran. Conor is the primary songwriter and wrote the album entirely from the perspective of a newborn child trying to learn how to speak. It's dark and quiet with daunting rhythms that lure you into their sway.
Oh my goodness I love this album. And why shouldn't I, it is made by Fred Nicolaus of Department of Eagles. It's classified as folk pop, but I have a hard time putting it in this category. Regardless, this album is another of my unsung heroes. He got the name from the last line in John Cheever's book "The Country Husband". Nicolaus is a huge fan of Cheever and used the video for my favorite song on the album (below) to document his trying to buy every copy of "The Stories of John Cheever".
Siblings, Elliot and Natalie Bergman, comprise the band, Wild Belle. They come out of Chicago. Elliot used to be in the band, Nomo. Natalie came along later singing backup vocals and tambourine and such. They decided to do their own thing. Afro-beat, reggae, soul, blues, jazz and many other genres round out the sound of this incredibly unique band. It is certainly one of my go to albums of the year to put me in a good mood.
Ivan & Alyosha are a band out of Seattle, Washington. Named after the Brothers Karamazov in Fyodor Dostoevsky, founding members, Tim Wilson and Ryan Carbary, form finely crafted Indie folk. From love lost to love found, this album covers all the bases. They have recently added two members to their band. Check out their Tiny Desk below.
Jim James, formally known as James Edward Olliges, Jr. and colloquially as Yim Yames is the lead singer of My Morning Jacket. This solo album put out by him earlier this year is nothing short of glorious and if you're a MMJ & Jim James fan like me, you did not stop listening to it. While his MMJ albums have gone in several different directions stylistically, Regions finds James in his home studio in Louisville, Kentucky exploring depths and production he previously had been unable to obtain.
Palma Violets was birthed out of Lambeth, London in Studio 180 by bassist/vocalist Alexander "Chilli" Jesson, guitarist/vocalist Samuel Thomas Fryer, keyboardist Jeffrey Peter Mayhew and drummer William Martin Doyle. Before they even had anything recorded they had developed quite a following simply by playing show after show after show. With this, their debut, this band shows a lot of energy and promise. Truly a pleasure to listen to and their DIY ethic only makes me want to listen to this album more.
This is the uncompromising duo out of Providence, Rhode Island, David Lamb and MorganEve Swain. Second album in two years and sadly will be the last one for awhile, as David has recently discovered he has leukemia. Best characterized as Eastern European folk, the thing to remember is that it is just these two producing the music. This album proves to be a much denser, heavier album than the ones in the past and incorporates some 60's psychedelia influence as well as blues and jazz. Should they ever tour again, make it a point to see them live, they put on an amazing show. You can donate to his bone marrow transplant here.
Based out of London, Daughter is Elena Tonra - vocals, guitar; Igor Haefeli - guitar and Remi Aguilella - drums. This is their first full length, even though they've been a thing since 2010. Haunting vocals and melodies. I'd classify it as folk, but it is so much more than that. The lyrics are profound and moving. It's a sound that will swallow you up and spit you out. Definitely a headphones on kind of band. Excuse me while I go pick up my heart off the floor. I have given you a wide berth of songs from this artist to explore below.
Wow, just wow. I think this is the best album Nick Cave has put out so far. And that's saying a lot, since this is their 15th studio album. From the opening track, strangely titled, 'We No Who U R', with it's haunting melody and vocals to the title track, this album is a sonic treasure. Out of Australia, here is the current line-up, Nick Cave – vocals, piano, organ, harmonica, percussion, electric guitar, string arrangements; Thomas Wydler – drums, percussion, vocals; Martyn P. Casey – bass, vocals; Conway Savage – piano, organ, vocals; Jim Sclavunos – percussion, drums, organ, melodica, vocals; Warren Ellis – violin, fender mandocaster, loops, mandolin, tenor guitar, viola, bouzouki, accordion, flute, lute, piano, programming, percussion, string arrangements, vocals.
When I first heard this album, I, like the critics, thought that Vampire Weekend had lost their fire. I really expected this to go in the only listen to once pile. It did not have the immediate catchiness that the other albums had. And yet, here it is. Much more subtly infectious than their previous efforts. Now, I think I like this album far better than the first two. This shows a much more mature side to their sound and a darker vein as well. The Paul Simon-esque style is still there, they've just slowed everything way down. I really like it. It's funny that I've seen this on every top 50 list I've looked at so far. So, I think most of the critics probably had a similar experience. Never trust a critic. ;)
High Highs are Jack Milas and Oli Chang out of Sydney, Australia. They have toured with Sky Ferreria, Empire of the Sun and Vampire Weekend. They are signed to Sony, which means you will probably be hearing more out of these guys. Their sound is intimate and expansive all at the same time. They remind me of Band of Horses in their early days, only with a lot less members. The fact that only two guys produce this sound is stunning. I look forward to hearing where these guys go. This album is nothing short of incredible.
It is no secret that I absolutely love Camera Obscura, so it is no surprise to me that their new album made the list. What did surprise me is that it is so far down on the list. Out of Scotland, with close ties to Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian, this band has been cranking out the tunes since 1996. Their current line-up is Tracyanne Campbell – guitar, vocals; Carey Lander – piano, organ, vocals; Kenny McKeeve – guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals; Gavin Dunbar – bass; Lee Thomson – drums. They came in #35 in 2009's best of list here. It would seem that Camera Obscura have a baby now.
47. Foxygen - We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic
What a fun album. I love what these guys are doing. They are only 22. Sam France and Jonathon Rado are the brains behind this outfit. They are out of California. Apparently their live shows are insane and I'm sad I missed them play at Opolis. Their sound seems to be 60's psychedelia blended with who knows. I'm not sure how to characterize them, I just know I enjoy listening to them. Such a fun album to listen to, check it out below.
Fossil Collective rise out of the ashes of Vib Gyor. Jonny Hooker and Dave Fendick are the founders of this new project after their band disbanded in 2010. They reside in the United Kingdom. This album is just beautiful. Layered, folksy pop with lots of depth and complexity.
This is the sophomore effort of New York five piece, Caveman. Haunting vocals, big sound...think about a foggy fall evening. I haven't listened to their first album, but I love this one. A lot. It shows a lot of promise. Lots of prog rock sounds behind the folk and the harmonies between the band members are fantastic. I am really looking forward to seeing these guys live and to hear where their next album takes them. I see these guys blowing up in a couple years. Keep your eyes on them. Caveman is Jeff Berrall - bass, backing vocals, James Carbonetti - guitar, Sam Hopkins - keys, backing vocals, Matthew Iwanusa - vocals, guitar, percussion, Stefan Marolachakis - drums, backing vocals.
Washed Out is Ernest Greene out of Perry, Georgia and his new album is spectacular. If you remember, way back in 2011, this was listed in the group of albums I should have been listening to, here. This one barely made the cut, but only because I started listening to it too late in the year. I love this guy's story. Went to school to become a librarian. Couldn't find a job. Moved in with his parents. Puts out amazing music in his bedroom. He got picked up by Sub Pop and this is such a great night/stay at home and cook dinner album. Or, drive around in the summer with the windows down. You pick. Hell of a great way to kick off this list, I say. Oh, and by the way, he also wrote the opening to Portlandia.
I cannot believe it has been a year already. I had contemplated earlier doing a top 75, but after compiling all of the data and realizing the very real constraints on my time, I am going to stick with a top 50. Sorry if I got your hopes up, there were a lot of magnificent albums that came out this year, but I think my current format, top 50 followed by a top 10, more than covers what I have listened to. This has been a difficult year for several reasons. You can research my previous posts for one of those reasons, the other being, I lost a year's worth of music on my hard drive (because it crashed, big time). It has taken quite a bit of time recovering the data lost and lessened the amount of music I listened to dramatically. In addition, I got a new car, which has a CD player, so I tried to reflect that in the numbers. This list, again, is a list of what I've listened to the most. As with my radio show, I think I prefer to let my ears define what is best rather than my brain. I hope you enjoy this year's list even a fraction as much as I've enjoyed listening. The Top 50 begins now....
Just Tell Me That You Want Me: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac
I couldn't really find a place for a compilation album dedicated to covering another band's tunes. I don't mind if a band covers an entire album and does it well...like these guys did here. However, I felt like this particular tribute album was curated very well. In fact, I just got a recent issue of Mojo with some bands covering Rumours, and it wasn't very good at all. Now, I am a huge Mac fan...The Green God, Bob Welch, I love it all. In fact, Mystery To Me is one of my favorite albums ever. While they did not cover any songs from that particular album, they did give a nod to Welch with his ever popular 'Oh Well'. Antony singing 'Landslide' is just perfection and I would have never thought of this, but it was executed extremely well. Gardens & Villa doing 'Gypsy', also perfect. Their style lends itself perfectly to this song. In fact, I think a good cover is one that doesn't rehash what the band has already done so well, but rather puts a new spin on the song, make me look at the lyrics in a different way, or feel the song differently. Play the song in your style, if I already like you as a band, then this will only make me like you more. Bottom line, there are ways to do a cover and ways not to do a cover. I think this is a compilation of ways to do a cover. Check out especially Best Coast's rendition of 'Rhiannon'. There are also appearances from Tame Impala, The Kills, MGMT, Lykke Li, The New Pornographers and Washed Out. Needless to say, this album is a keeper.
Not sure if I should post this, but, given my current circumstances, I thought it might be 'fun' to list them off. It's not really fun. Break-up albums are a very personal experience and the ones I have included are the ones that have impacted me most in my life. So, you get to see inside. Let me know in the comments section below what some of your favorite ones are. I have not even begun to scratch the surface here. The ones I like usually involve all the stages of grief. Denial, Bargaining, Sadness, Anger and Acceptance. Although, usually, Acceptance is left out and longing and despair left in its place. They are very cathartic and help one to move to the other side. Usually, for me, I will have listened to an album for a spell and then go through a break up and be like "Whoa, that's a break-up album?" I also like how 'love songs' I have acquired off some of these albums are beautiful love songs, but in the context of the album, turn into a creepy, longing. Hope you enjoy, these are in no particular order.
1. Genesis - Duke
Phil Collins is the master of sadness. No, really. He wrote this album around the same time as "Face Value" which he attributes to the divorce of his first wife. He said, "I had a wife, two children, two dogs, and the next day I didn't have anything. So a lot of these songs were written because I was going through these emotional changes." In true Genesis style, the album is musically and lyrically thematic and begins and ends with the same themes, with many of the same chord structures and melodies used throughout the album. It is an amazing piece of work and if you ever listen to classical music, you will understand why. This has been in the roster since I was sixteen and has never left. I recently purchased it on vinyl and am still amazed at the perfection of it. This video is amazing.
2. of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer
Kevin Barnes' self-immolating banter on this album is some of the most poetic musings that have ever graced my ears. It covers all the ranges mentioned above, anger, longing, sadness, denial. It's just beautiful really. It was written when he and his wife went through a temporary separation (which, I didn't know he even had a wife till now). He wrote it from an altar-ego, one that is less compassionate, more of a jerk. He really wanted to show off the ugly side of his ego. The result: a beautifully coalescent piece of art. It also marks the band's move to a more dance-funk sound. In my opinion, this is the best album the band ever put out. Much like the above, I think it has more to do with the personal nature of it. Maybe the artist has more invested in the album. Either way, it is flawless. Make sure to check out the follow-up EP "Icons, Abstract Thee".
3. Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
Unlike the follow-up album "In Our Bedroom After The War" which is an album largely of reconciliation, "Set Yourself On Fire" is a cathartic romp through the worst parts of a break-up. Maybe including parts of getting over it, finally. The first thing you hear off the album is, "When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire", read by Torquil's dad. It opens the song, "Your ex-lover is dead", which is one of the most beautifully brutal break-up songs ever. I've never heard a song cover both ends of the spectrum and perhaps it why I love it so. Amy & Torquil answer each other perfectly in this..."There's one thing I want to say, so I'll be brave. You were what I wanted, I gave what I gave. I'm not sorry I met you, I'm not sorry it's over, I'm not sorry there's nothing to save." Whoosh. That's rough. "Live through this and you won't look back."
4. Loney Dear - Loney Noir
Loney, Dear is the pseudonym of Swedish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emil Svanängen. This is actually his fourth release, but his first on a major label outside of Sweden. While this album is imminently hopeful for new lovers, listening in the context of a broken relationship will crush you. I don't think he intended this as a break-up album, but the lyrics are so soul-crushingly right on...full of longing and love lost. I have a difficult time seeing it any other way. It's unfortunate, but, luckily there's a good love song or two in here that will make you smile. There is an underlying hope in it as well, but you have to want it.
5. The National - High Violet
This, The National's last album, as hard as it is to say, is my favorite. Watching him perform these songs live was enough to cause you to need therapy afterward. I don't even think the songs from the studio carry the same weight as that concert. I have often wondered how Matt Beringer can write an album of this intimacy and still stay married. It's pretty damn intense and speaks of the relationship in ways that his wife has to know there's something going on. They must have an incredible relationship and understanding. I hope to have that someday. There is such longing in this album. Hope for reconciliation that never shows itself. It's a painful album to listen to, and as amazing as it is, I still have difficulties listening to it today. "I was afraid I'd eat your brains, cause I'm evil."
6. Bears - Bears
This is an incredible good-bye album. No reconciliation. Only getting by and getting on, with a touch of longing. Beautiful, sweet lyrics and music. Simple and to the point. Again, like all the others in this collection, I think this is the best album they put out. Certainly it has to do with the emotional content of the album. Maybe the artist just became more honest, or whatever and out poured this enormous creativity and resonance. Whatever the case, I am grateful when it brings me albums like this.
7. Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds And A Sound
The title track to this album is heart-wrenching enough. While the rest of these albums can be taken as a whole, maybe telling a kind of story, in a way, I think this one is a collection of songs. It is still gut-busting from the first song to the last. These guys are from Portland, Oregon and this is their first album, and their best. Israel Nebeker is the frontman. It ends with a song of longing and hope. Darkness, free-fall. All are included here.
8. Laura Marling - Alas I Cannot Swim
When Laura wrote this she was 17 or 18 years old. I still don't understand how someone that young can write lyrics that pierce through your heart like daggers, twisting this way and that. How can someone that young understand the immense pain that one experiences when separating from another? And yet, she does. Who am I to judge her age? My favorite tear-jerker dealing with the darkness..."Shine". It's haunting and poignant and right on. Ugh. "I need shine, step away from my light, I need shine."
9. M. Ward - Post-War
I discovered M. Ward after going through a particularly painful breakup. This whole album as well as "Fuel For Fire" from 'Transistor Radio', generally make many rounds through my roster. I remember still, hearing Chinese Translation for the first time. It was like the skies opened up and someone understood what I was experiencing. I listen to M. Ward a lot now. He's probably one of my favorite artists, not only for his soulful lyrics, but the way they pierce right through the veil and shatter my misconceptions of love.
10. Mojave 3 - Excuses For Travelers
This one is difficult. Neil Halstead is my muse. Sadly. This album covers every spectrum of emotion. And does it well. It, however, ends with the kind of hope one has to hold onto. "I got my sunshine and I'll get by." Thanks Neil.
This, it turns out, is probably my favorite part of doing the Top 50. Every year, there's a smattering of albums that I think I should have listened to more, and will do so shortly or were released too late to make the top 50. There's at least ten more albums that I think you should definitely check out (actually there's more, but let's be reasonable). These, as always, are in no particular order.
1. Tame Impala - Lonerism
These Australian psych-rockers made this list two years ago here. Their album came out in October this year, which made it difficult to put in the main list, but I will get to rectify seeing them live as they are playing The Cain's on February 28, you can get your tix here.
Acid Pauli is Martin Gretschmann, who is also a member of the Notwist, Console and God & 13. Typically characterized as House, this is anything but House. Experimental ambient electronica with an afrobeat/tropicali influence is what I would put this under. It is very unique and really expressive. I love listening to this album and it makes a great background album to anything you have going on.
This is an indie super group from Austin that includes Britt Daniel of Spoon, Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade, Sam Brown from New Bomb Turks and Alex Fischel. You can certainly hear the influence of both bands, but I think they combine together to form something more amazing. A disco electronic groove to Spoon's bluesy influence. It is incredibly well done and hope for their success.
Waxahatchee is former P.S. Eliot member, Katie Crutchfield. She lives in Brooklyn and recorded this album in her bedroom. This is beautiful, introspective, deep singer/songwriter stuff. Songs about broken love and love lost, sung with a guitar and wispy vocals. Nothing grabs my heart more than music like this.
This is an incredibly talented band out of Portland, Oregon. The band consists of singer Ruth Radelet, guitarist Adam Miller, drummer Nat Walker, and producer/multi-instrumentalist Johnny Jewel. This newest album is long, but such an incredible collection of songs. From the beginning Neil Young cover of Into The Black to the title track and on, this album takes you on a musical journey of goodness you won't forget.
I love Damien Jurado, but this recent pairing with producer Richard Swift has really brought out the songwriting capabilities of this Seattle native. This is haunting 60's Brit pop, sometimes Nick Drake inspired. Nods to psych folk and deep soulful lyrics make this my favorite album to listen to right now. He also released three EP's in conjunction with this album, titled 'Yellow', 'Blue' and 'Red', with equally captivating sounds. This is a continuation of his 2010 work, St. Bartlett. If you haven't yet, give these albums a spin.
These psych-pop Brooklyners have been making waves in the indie scene since their inception in 2007. The band consists of Chris Keating, Ira Wolf Tuton and Anand Wilder. Part dance, part psych, all good. I have found myself pulled back to this album repeatedly.
This is the brain child of former Tunng lead, Sam Genders and a rotating collective of musicians. U.K. based, this is more electronic than his former incarnation which was classified as folktronica. I absolutely love the darkness of his voice.
Found these guys on Bandcamp. "The Townhouses is the solo project of Melbourne artist, Leigh Hannah. The sound is based on Leigh's obsession with Ethnomusicology. He wistfully mixes Tropicalia, Gamelan, African and Ambient soundscapes to create an experimental collage of breezy summer vibes." You can download a big chunk of this on Soundcloud.
This has been a nice surprise. Usually the twang in the lyrics and music would be enough to turn me away from this. However, the production quality is fantastic and the soulfulness of the lyrics and the power of her voice, as well as some blues infustion and the heavy use of organ is enough to bring me back to this album over and over. She hails from Atlanta, Georgia.
Thanks for stopping by. I listen to entirely too much music and love sharing music almost as much as I love listening to it. The purpose of this blog is to do just that and bring you along the journey with me.
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