Archive for October, 2008
Album Review: Jolie Holland- The Living And The Dead
Jolie Holland has returned to the music world with a new release titled “The Living And The Dead”. Her earlier releases had a kind of rustic lo-fi charm about them that felt like actual artifacts of many years ago. 2006’s Springtime can kill you was a decidedly glossier affair, with slinky jazz instrumentation amping up Jolie’s sultry vocals. On this new release, she has taken a fairly straightforward approach to her song structures which heightens certain aspects of her aesthetic, but ultimately fail in pushing her discography to new innovative heights.
The first single, Mexico City , sets the tone for the record with a rollicking rhythm set to Jolie’s ghostly voice which weaves in and out of the simple guitar progression. Unfortunately, this same sound is replicated a few too many times on the record on tracks like Palmyra, and Your Big Hands, diffusing the effectiveness of this new approach.
The standouts on the album are the tracks that recall a more traditional songwriting angle such as the breathtaking Love Henry, and Enjoy Yourself, which highlight her outstanding voice in more challenging tempo situations. All in all, a strong record, that will age well, but I get the feeling that we haven’t seen the peak of this singer songwriter yet.
Add comment October 15, 2008
Video Of The Day: Department Of Eagles- 1997
A fresh tune from the guys who are on the verge of releasing a new album called In Ear Park. This song is not from the upcoming record, so indulge!
Add comment October 1, 2008
Concert Review: Breathe Owl Breathe At The Earthwork Harvest Gathering
I recently was lucky enough to attend the 8th annual Harvest Gathering put on by Earthwork Music in Lake City, MI. The festival boasted a host of quality Michigan folk artists such as Seth Bernard, Daisy May, and Chris Bathgate. One of the highlights came from East Jordan natives Breathe Owl Breathe.
They played a wide variety of tunes, including some cuts off of their latest release, Ghost Glacier. Incorporating quirky vocals, rich cello, and smooth drum quips, Breathe Owl Breath definitely stepped up to the plate as one of Michigan’s premier folk acts.
Crowd interaction was abundant as cellist/vocalist Andrea Moreno-Beals invited the audience to transform into saber toothed tigers using their hands. Guitar/vocalist Micha Middaugh in turn jumped into the audience and instigated an epic wave.Percussionist Trevor Hobbes displayed a wide variety of instrumentation, leaping from his kit to violin, to organ. Definitely a festival worth exploring for unknown and known acts alike, the Earthwork Harvest Gathering is a special place to indulge in the finest folk music Michigan has to offer.
1 comment October 1, 2008
