Time Lapse Lifeline [MP3]
Cartoons And Forever Plans [MP3]
Mostly known as a part of the dream pop duo Azure Ray, Maria Taylor just dropped by with her third solo effort LadyLuck (2009). As a post-relationship creation, the new album marks a whole new chapter in her life and ranges from melancholic to wistful and hopeful. Maria’s first single from the album “Time Lapse Lifeline” standouts for its dynamic bittersweet harmonies, gorgeous vocals, powerful guitar and dramatic orchestral strings. The closing track, up-tempo alt-country styled number “Cartoons and Forever Plans” featuring R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe on backing vocals is an absolute favorite and leaves the listener with a lighter note and optimistic outlook.
Links:
MySpace profile
Official website
Glory [MP3]
Haze [MP3]
Built around piano, acoustic guitars, occasional dramatic strings and breathy vocals, Essie Jain’s debut album We Made This Ourselves (2007) ranges from the warm and intimate to the whispery and dark. Essie’s slow paced songs, delicate harmonies and haunting lyrics bring to mind old fashioned folk ballads and Vashti Bunyan’s sense of fragility. While the arrangements of her songs are minimal, Essie’s songwriting captivates, touches and moves.
Links:
MySpace Profile
Babies [MP3]
Valkyries [MP3]
Black Haven (with Devendra Banhart) [MP3]
By framing her distinctive voice and the lyrics with the minimal production of her rhythms, Texan songstress Jana Hunter keeps things simple, clear and raw. Recorded in a mere two weeks, There’s No Home (2007) captures the heart with its haunting strings and electric guitar arrangements, sing-along choruses and country-like tunes, while Jana unfolds her emotional complexity, sharing her intimate stories of love and longing.
Links:
MySpace profile
Jana Hunter on Gnomonsong Records
I Used to Try [MP3]
Hey Son [MP3]
The wistful folk and distinctly Northern sound of Nancy Elizabeth is a powerful reminiscence of the past. Medieval harmonies and thoughtful song-writing reveal her mystifying and bewitching Celtic spirit, while transforming into warm, pensive and softly aching ballads. Her music is moving with its emotional impact, haunting with its acoustic melodies fueled by dramatic guitars and mesmerizing Celtic harp, and above all, comforting with her soaring and sorrowful voice.
Links:
Official website
Myspace profile
Purchase her records on Posteverything.com
