Take a journey through Rachael Sage’s newest album, Chandelier, and you’ll find an independent artist asking many questions. Some are basic, some are personal, and some probably don’t have worthy answers. But the point is, Sage still doesn’t hesitate to inquire, and that is something you’ll need to know as you listen to her music.
Denver, Colorado, which has also recently brought us the lovely and talented Jessica Sonner, is now also ready to unleash another superb singer-songwriter, Dan Craig. Sure, this isn’t Craig’s debut, but it’s bound to be the album that you’ll be talking about for years to come, mostly because of its introspective blend of folk-rock and Craig’s rangy vocals.
Inspiration was key during the 90-minute set, which featured many of Ryan’s songs from a wealthy back catalogue, including “Sweetie” and the crowd favorites “Irrelevant” and “Guilty.” Even though it was a small group of people who got to experience a gifted artist in his prime, there wasn’t any struggle with what Ryan was trying to communicate: that we’re all in this together, and that the battle may never result in a victory.
Five albums into her career as a singer-songwriter, Allison Moorer wasn’t sure what to do when number six came-a-callin’. The final decision—an attempt at a cover album, one that focused solely on female singer-songwriters. The result is Mockingbird, which is pure magic.
Produced by Malcom Burn (Patti Smith, Peter Gabriel, Bob Dylan), Boy for You works well because it never really lets go of its bouncy pace. Not an introspective songwriter, Williamson sings about what is around her — an observant voice that declares: “you look like someone I should love” on the beautiful “Someone.” Williamson, with her buoyant energy, sure sounds like someone a lot of people will love for years to come.
Singer-songwriter Jacob Golden has unleashed his stash of break-up songs, and it appears his heart is still aching. The 11 sad tunes that make up Revenge Songs, Golden’s mighty debut, cover a lot of ground, but mostly lament on a relationship that’s “not around anymore.” And that’s putting it lightly.
Silver State doesn’t just close in on being a great record–it finishes the job, serving as an early highlight for 2008.
The debut EP CB Radio by Chris Burns is an energetic acoustic album with enough hooks to carry any full-length release. The metaphor-rich lyrics and soft, boy-next-door vocals punctuate the songs, but it’s Burns’ compositions that stand out.
Regina Spektor is pretty damn special. Special enough that for this trip to the Gateway City, she sold out The Pageant, which holds around 2,000. On a Monday night. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner.
Some musical pairings, in the form of openers and headliners, simply shouldn’t happen. Others are matches made for memory. The latter is the case in the current Eric Bachmann/Josh Ritter tour match-up, with the former Archers of Loaf and current Crooked Fingers frontman opening for Ritter and his band.
