“Blue Sky Baby” by Imelda Kehoe: Lovely, Earnest Songwriting
Irish/English singer-songwriter Imelda Kehoe struck a much different tone on her track “Blue Sky Baby,” compared with the other tracks that I have been reviewing for this blog. “Blue Sky Baby” is slow, anthemic, velvety, and creates a pulsating feeling of drama that crescendos as the track goes on, all while touching on jazz and […]
“Velocity in Celestial Mechanics” by Precarian: A Chaotic, Wild Ride
“Velocity in Celestial Mechanics” by Precarian has to be one of the most explanatory song titles of 2021. Explanatory not in the sense that the song is about velocity and physics, but explanatory in the sense that the song takes you on a ride that resembles getting jarred by a rocket ship and then floating […]
“The Wife of Bath: Alysoun’s Tale” by Deborah Stokol: In Chaucer, Medieval Feminism
The Wife of Bath is named Alysoun. She is not the only traveler in The Canterbury Tales to have a name–the Miller is named Robin, and the Prioress is named Sister Eglantine–but the inclusion of her name in the title of Deborah Stokol’s sprawling “The Wife of Bath: Alysoun’s Tale” seems purposeful. As with the […]
“High Noon” by Dolfiin Alexander: Psych Folk To Unwind and Unnerve
When was the last time you heard someone use the phrase “high noon” in the context of time? Referring to the time of day when the sun is highest in the sky, having fully risen and just about to start its slow descent, “high noon” has fallen out of favor now that we don’t need […]
“Lemons and Tangerines” by AJ Lee & Blue Summit: A Fruitful Spring
A sweet bluegrass-y tune, “Lemons and Tangerines,” excels at finding the simple joys in life. With its’ muse being a lemon-tangerine tree, this upbeat song puts you in a good mood and reminds you to not look over the little things in life. “Beautiful yellow Is down in my tree Spring is here another year” […]
“Loving Arms Where I Belong” by Joey Hines: Marveling at the Wonders of Love
Joey Hines has found a metaphorical home in his lover’s arms in his recent single “Loving Arms Where I Belong.” Hopeful romantics dream of a safe and comfortable relationship, and Hines describes exactly that. With ultra-specific lyrics that make this song seem like something you’re watching, rather than listening to, along with captivating and intimate […]
“Gutter” by Sitcom: Poppy, Angsty Grunge
Philadelphia-based artist Sitcom has blended modern production with a 90s-esque angst, resulting in a grungy sound reminiscent of bands like Weezer. Sitcom’s new track “Gutter” puts the listener in a particular headspace, and through creative instrumentation and a very dynamic bridge, makes the listener feel the angst of the artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ8JEaZhgGw The musical aspect of […]
“Animal Wisdom” is a Haunting Reflection on Unresolved Relationships
“It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but it’s lonely being haunted.” – Heather Christian, Animal Wisdom Heather Christian an award-winning songwriter and storyteller who comes from a line of New Orleans Catholic women who have a deep connection with the dead. Her film adaptation of Animal Wisdom is an interactive glimpse into the […]
“Watching Cartoons” by La Luz: Airy, Dreamy Lyricism
Melodic, crisp, airy and dreamy all describe La Luz’s new track “Watching Cartoons.” “Watching Cartoons” has a retro sound that relaxes through mellow guitar, light percussion, and distinct vocal layering and melodic emphasis. The lyrics and vocal performance add to the calming, chill energy of the track, making “Watching Cartoons” something to engage with again […]
“One Love” by Dot Allison: Lush Folk Balladry, Crafted with Care
Pacing is an underrated skill when it comes to songwriting. There are plenty of people who can write sticky hooks or come up with memorable turns of phrase, but it’s much harder to understand the ebb and flow of a song, to know exactly how long it needs to be and how to space out […]
