The newest album by the quartet hailing from the northeastern US, Smoke Signals, should have people drawing comparisons between Dan and the Wildfire and Blitzen Trapper. A blog favorite, Blitzen Trapper has often crafted albums that are both uniformly Blitzen Trapper and also contain songs …
Tag Archives: album review
T. G. Elias – T. G. Elias
If T.G. Elias was from the United States, I’d probably call his music Americana. What do we call it if he’s from the UK? Britannia? Nahhh. Let’s call it awesome folk music. Elias has compiled a fantastic album here, complete with several interesting …
Kate Earl – Stronger
The first time I heard Kate Earl’s single “Melody” I found her voice and style insatiable. I shared it with lots of friends, hoping to single-handedly make her a superstar. But I soon realized she didn’t need my help. Her talent was enough. …
Shovels and Rope – O’ Be Joyful
While this album certainly seems like it could be a Christmas album (a mistake I made as well), it’s too early for that. This is, instead, one of the best folk albums of 2012, one that sees Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent …
The Oh Hellos – Through the Deep Dark Valley
From the very first chorus of the first track on this album, I fell in love. I don’t say that about many albums, but this is a truly remarkable piece of artistry. Siblings Maggie and Tyler Heath form the group The Oh Hellos, …
The Local Strangers – Left for Better
I first saw the Local Strangers at a Warehouse show at Anthem in downtown Tacoma and was immediately impressed by the smooth, powerful vocals of Aubrey Zoli and Matt Hart. The band’s presence and full sound makes for an incredibly engaging live show …
Lord Huron – Lonesome Dreams
If Helplessness Blues was your favorite album last year and you’re heartbroken thinking that Fleet Foxes may not exist anymore, I have some good news. I have found a worthy successor. Lord Huron, and their debut album Lonesome Dreams, has that orchestral sound, using dozens …
Joshua James – From the Top of Willamette Mountain
Joshua James is a remarkably gifted artist. His voice has both the soft, subtlety needed to bring listeners in, yet the potential to powerfully project a melody. His vocal quality is unrivaled in terms of its uniqueness. When you hear his music you …
Gary Clark Jr. – Blak and Blu
I have a couple problems with Gary Clark Jr’s debut album, Blak and Blu. First, the title of the album is stupid. Just spell your words correctly. It’s not that hard. Second, and more importantly, the album shows just what Gary Clark Jr. is capable …
Tall Heights – The Running of the Bulls EP
Tall Heights are an incredible duet. They have an uncanny ability to hit the exact notes that highlight one another’s vocals. It’s a beautiful and rare combination. I hesitate to put them in any comparison with Simon and Garfunkel or some similar artist. …
