Hooray it’s Tuesday! And that means new music and The Biggest Loser, which therefore also means I’ll be eating something large and in charge to combat all of the calories the contestants are burning.
The top spot this week comes from the bittersweet sounds of the wonderful Adele. Just as her debut album 19 took us through a bad breakup, 21 has found our protagonist back in the same heartbreak. What sets Adele apart from other soul-pop artists isn’t in the songwriting but the way in which the songs are sung. Every emotion packed into each note is felt not only by Adele but by those listening to her pouring her heart out.
This two disc album is packed with some of the greatest blues and roots artists that ever lived both male and female. I’m talking Koko Taylor, Mavis Staples, Saffire — The Uppity Blues Women and more. This is a piece of music history that is essential for any blues collection. Shout out to Chicago.
I’m really digging the subtle theatrical quality of Lauren Pritchard’s voice. She’s got a sultry alt-country soul thing going on and so far this album seems like a great way to melt some of the snow on the ground.
OK Canada – we get it, you put out some great music! This band includes a French horn. A French horn everybody, let’s get psyched! If cutesy indie-pop, shoegaze and a taste for the experimental are your thang, well then do your thang with these kids.
Rachel reminds me a bit of another Rachel I adore – Rachael Cantu. They’ve both got a folk-pop vibe that spans beyond those genres. Her music is playful and fun like a cartoon bear riding a unicycle (listen to her song “Light Bulb” for that simile to come to life).
Ms. Costello was one of my featured ladies in My Weekly Women to Listen to column last week — so if you weren’t paying attention then, I hope you’re paying attention now! I actually think if you’re a fan of Rachel Goodrich, you’ll enjoy Katie’s toe-tapping ditties. This is melodic piano-pop done right.
Honorable Mentions: Johnny Cash (two bootleg albums of greatness), Jeff Beck‘s tribute to the Les Paul guitar, Tower of Power 40th Anniversary, G. Love, The Low Anthem, Bayside, Toro Y Moi, Blue Valentine soundtrack, Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx, Josh Ritter and Tahiti 80.
If I missed anything, especially in a different country, please feel free to let us know in the comments!
