Wednesday, December 06, 2006

catching up....

There is so much good music out there right now. If you are writing out your Christmas list for your mother to give to Santa the next time she sees him at the mall, here are some to put on the list:


"The Crane Wife" The Decemberists
Amazing music and lyrics from a quirky, ex-bookstore employee, civil war uniform-wearing, Portland-based band reinventing a Japanese folktale.


"Bring Me The Workhouse" My Brightest Diamond
Former Sufjan Stevens backup singer, Shara Worden, sings like a mixture of a fifties jazz singer and Portishead. Great!

"Speak For Yourself" Imogen Heap
Once the main force behind electronic duo, Frou Frou, Imogen Heap now layers harmonies over light ambient electronica. A masterclass in vocals.

"Till The Sun Turns Black" Ray LaMontagne
New Hampshire-born singer/songwriter with a gravely voice and quiet guitar. The Van Morrison of our generation.

"Come On Feel The Illinoise" Sufjan Stevens
Stevens has promised to write a CD based around all fifty states. This is #2, after Michigan. You will either love it or hate it. I find it one of the most creative things I've ever heard.

"The Eraser" Thom Yorke
Greatest band in the world, Radiohead, lead singer/songwriter's solo album. Need I say more...?