It is hard to believe that we are at the end of January and I have not offered up any Picks Of The Week this month. It is not for a lack of listening. Honestly, I have just not found a lot of new music to get get me excited so far this year. Fortunately, it appears that the tides are turning. New albums by First Aid Kit, Polica, Foxy Shazam, and Hospitality are great listens to bring in the new year!
First Aid Kit, The Lion's Roar The Lion's Roar, the sophomore release by sisters Johanna & Klara Söderberg, was the first album to really grab me this year. Hailing from Stockholm, Johanna & Klara, at the ripe old ages of 22 and 19, are making some seriously good americana music. Listening to The Lion's Roar, I was repeatedly taken by the warmth and beauty of the vocal harmonies achieved by them. There is also such an authenticity to what First Aid Kit is doing here musically that I had to keep reminding myself they were from Sweden and not from the heartland of America. They are a great reminder that this wonderful style of music belongs to everyone. The Lion's Roar is a great way to kick off your 2012 musical collection. Emmylou
Polica, Give You The Ghost
Minneapolis based Polica is set to release their debut album, Give You The Ghost on Feb. 14th. An electro-synth, pop album that lives a bit on the dark side, Give You The Ghost is one of the more confident debut albums that I have heard in some time. The album, which is just a pleasure to listen to from a musical standpoint, really shines as a result of its unique aesthetics. The band applies a very cool texturing effect to both lead singer Channey Leaneagh's beautiful vocals, and the music itself. The result gives these songs an unusual combination of warmth and intimacy but also remoteness, making these songs feel a bit other-worldly. Holding the songs together and pushing them along is a tight and driving bass and drum combo that I could sit down and listen to alone all day. All of these elements together make Give You The Ghost something worthy of exploring upon its release. Lay Your Cards Out
Foxy Shazam, The Church Of Rock And Roll Cincinnati based Foxy Shazam may or may not be the most electrifying rock band to inhabit the planet for the past seven years, as they self proclaim. But I agree with them that they have unleashed one grandiose album on the world with The Church Of Rock And Roll. A band that takes a page or two from Queen, Meatloaf, Pat Benatar and handful of other rockers from the late 70's and early 80's who knew how to inject a little glam and theatrics into their music, Foxy Shazam are out to have fun with big, bombastic, and over-the-top music. There is nothing subtle, tempered, or reserved about the band's music, and for this I am very greatful. I totally loved every minute of The Church Of Rock And Roll and you will to. Welcome To The Church Of Rock And Roll
Hospitality, Hospitality Hospitality describe their self-titled release as an exploration of Youth, New York, and the bittersweet commingling of past and present. Listening to Hospitality, I appreciated the storytelling. But what I really enjoyed was the way the band wraps their lyrics in music that is light filled and full of pop. But none of these songs would be as successful were it not for the warm, inviting, and at times quirky voice of singer Amber Papini. Papini finds just the right notes to bridge the band's lyrics and music in a wonderful way, giving these songs lots of heart. Eighth Avenue
Every year around the Holidays, when I have some extra time to spare, I go on a bit of a
quest to find and explore music that I may have missed throughout the year. It is a fun time for me and I am always excited about the prospect of finding one more great album. This year I was really pleased to not only find one, but two. Jonathan Wilson, Gentle Spirit On Jonathan Wilson’s website, his bio states that Wilson is resolutely committed to “old school” musical values and that his music is steeped equally in the woodsy contours of his North Carolina Blue Ridge experiences and the atmospheric guitar reveries of Neil Young and Quicksilver Messenger Service. After listening to Wilson’s debut album I could not agree more. Gentle Spirit is a wonderful album that completely exudes the groove and warmth that reflects what Wilson describes as “that golden late ‘60s, early ‘70s period when rural and urban sensibilities colluded in producing some of rock’s most imperishable recordings.”
As a “longtime student” of Los Angles’ Laurel Canyon, it’s musical heritage, and its “Canyon Culture”, Wilson wanted his musical ideas to “echo many of an earlier generation.” Slow burning, mellow,and laidback, Gentle Spirit really does carry you off to another time and place and holds you there through 13 songs that span close to an hour and 20 minutes.
I loved this album and know that I will be listening to it for a very long time to come.
Desert Raven
Ólafur Arnalds, Living Room Songs Icelandic composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Ólafur Arnalds set out to create and release one song a day, for a week, back in October. As he explains on his website, the songs were recorded and filmed live in the living room of his Reykjavik apartment and released instantly. This was an ambitious undertaking and the results are breathtaking. Arnalds is a wonderful composer who beautifully blends neo-classical and electronica music. On Living Room Songs, he creates a quiet, warm, subtle, and heartfelt space where the intimacy of setting can be sensed within each one of the seven recordings. I love the way the sparse instrumentation seems to float in the air, enveloping the listener and carrying them along on this brief, but gorgeous journey.
I highly encourage you to listen to Living Room Songs and then go explore Arnolds' other works. You will not be disappointed. Fyrsta
What I love about music is its power to transport me. Sometimes it’s unexpected, sometimes it’s exactly where I want to be. A single melody can unlock memories I didn’t realize I still carried, while certain chords or lyrics take me to another time or place. Some songs feel like home, offering shelter, while others deliver me to an unknown place or space, stirring emotions I can’t quite name. In this way, music isn’t just sound—it’s a sonic subway, delivering me to a station of refuge or one I never knew existed.
Music has always been an important part of my life. My family and friends knew this well, often asking me what I was listening to and what I liked. It was always humbling to be asked, and eventually, I gathered the courage to create this music blog—to put into words what draws me to certain music and why.
Over the years, my passion for writing has grown, along with my excitement for sharing musical discoveries. I hope your time here sparks excitement and leads you to a musical discovery of your own. More than anything, I hope your visit brings a little joy to your day.
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