Jack Christopher – “Is that the time?”
-Okay so I would have said yes to this song just for the acoustic guitar and sincere vocal in the opening, but once I got to the vocal harmonies on the chorus I was absolutely FLOORED. There’s such a luscious soundscape there, particularly with that bass drum (and bass guitar?) that provides a rich low end to the recording. The way this track fills the full sound from the high highs to the low lows with a satisfying quality vocal blend in the middle… it’s just delightful. I’m not sure who to recommend this song to because I honestly think everyone should listen to it. If you like the recent folk revival (think Fleet Foxes vintage), you should definitely spin this one.
Emma Rosenkranz – “Full-Time”
-It’s rare when I find an artist and think, “she could be the next Carole King.” But that happened pretty much from the first time I clicked play on Emma Rosenkranz’s songwriting. I would put her work immediately in the company of Adam Melchor (and similar contemporary artists) who have this incredible play with the chord progressions. There’s a vibrant sense of melody, pacing, and dynamics that makes this an absolutely adorable and enjoyable song. I want to put Emma right on a playbill with Lizzy McAlpine and Lawrence. Yes, I mean that. She is absolutely flying up my favorite artist list and this song will most likely be one that I revisit for the end of year lists. It’s that good.
Yellofox – “Slow the Sun”
-There’s a warmth to this recording that I honestly struggle to put into words, but let me try for you all. Basically, this sounds like the way it feels to listen to 70s records like John Denver on vinyl. There’s a warm tone in the lead vocal that only gets better when the harmony enters the track. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but even the thoughtful integration of a steel guitar doesn’t quite make it feel country; it just feels like a folk revival song. The lyrics are about spending time together passing the summer away. In a world with so much violence and division, it’s really great to feel something like the energy of this song, which highlights freedom. This is the kind of song I want to play when people lament, “they don’t make music like they used to.” They do! You just have to look for it. Please, share with a friend (or 100!).
Image courtesy: Emma Rosenkranz IG
Discover more from Ear To The Ground Music
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
