Review: Michael Grigoni and Pan•American's latest collaboration is a series of contemplative reflections on the isolation, fractures and uncertainties that define today's world. The album delves into the emotional landscape shaped by political divisions, personal solitude, and the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic. Through its fusion of folk, country, bluegrass, and blues elements, paired with a modern, ambient atmosphere, the sound is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. Tracks like 'Sun Morning Sun' and 'Silver Streams' carry a sense of quiet introspection, while 'Black River Song' and 'Mirage/Afternoon' showcase the duo's ability to merge organic instrumentation with spacious, textured soundscapes. The album's exploration of personal and collective experience creates a reflective space, asking listeners to pause and engage with the complexities of modern life. A musical journey that speaks to the heart of the American experience, offering an emotional response to an uncertain future.
Review: Liz Harris' image as a gothic, studio-dwelling, ambient mastermind is cemented by her 12th album, 'Shade'. Compiling a loose and formerly unrelated collection of songs made over the last 12 years - from the short, ruined polaroid-style opener 'Followed The Ocean', to the naked strum-singing of 'Unclean Mind' and the droning submergence of 'Basement Mix', this one is arguably one of her most lo-fi projects. It easily captures Grouper's emergence on the international folk-ambient scene through the analog fog of rare CD-Rs and handmade cassettes, making her career trajectory a ghost story if we've ever heard one. Gear up for a print edition, with original sky photographs by Harris' friend David Horvitz, as well as a signed archival letter-press print of Moon Study, her exclusive new book.
Review: Guitarist, composer and skateboarder Tommy Guerrero hears several of his earliest albums reissued now via Be With, of which 2008's Return Of The Bastard was his fifth. Still evidently deep in the throes of recording for the pure fun of it, this fifteen-track album reflects a pure lyricless enjoyment that few other of Guerrero's contemporaries could ever hope to share. Perhaps it's the meditative truck of his earlier skate career that course-corrected his frame of mind to pure creative meditativeness; here driving noisy drum machines, lightly-amped two-tones, the occasional kalimba and faint vocals all collide for the perfect accompaniment to an implied visual narrative.
Review: Margo Guryan's Take a Picture is a charming artifact of late '60s pop, blending the orchestral sophistication of Burt Bacharach with the dreamy resonance of early Belle & Sebastian. Guryan, a seasoned songwriter with credits including Ornette Coleman and Harry Belafonte, crafted a singular album that's both a lush time capsule and a showcase of her unique vision. Now released on gold vinyl, the production is richly adorned with horns, strings, and sweet harmonies, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Tracks like 'Sunday Morning' (later covered by Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell) and 'Sun' radiate a carefree energy, capturing the essence of Sunshine Pop. Ballads like 'Think Of Rain' and 'Thoughts' are very nostalgic, while 'Love' intriguingly veers into Psychedelic Rock. Take a Picture endures as a delightful reminder of its era, offering a glimpse into a bygone musical sensibility with Guryan's endearing, Doo-Wop-inspired vocals at its core.
Frankie Cosmos & Good Morning - "Take A Picture" (2:58)
Kate Bollinger - "What Can I Give You" (2:24)
Pearl & The Oysters - "Think Of Rain" (2:10)
Bedouine & Sylvie - "Can You Tell" (2:17)
Empress Of - "Someone I Know" (2:04)
Barrie - "Love" (2:52)
Margo Price - "California Shake" (3:38)
Review: Like Someone I Know features reinterpretations of Margo Guryan's timeless songs by a diverse lineup of artists, including TOPS, Clairo, Empress Of, and Margo Price. Guryan, a talented singer-songwriter and pianist, released her only album, Take a Picture, in 1968, which, despite initial obscurity, has become a cornerstone of the sunshine-pop genre. Her compositions reflect a sophisticated understanding of love and uncertainty, showcasing a delicate yet powerful songwriting style. Guryan's artistry gained renewed recognition in recent years, particularly after her haunting track 'Why Do I Cry' went viral on TikTok shortly before her passing in 2021. This tribute album celebrates her influence, allowing modern musicians to explore her work while maintaining the essence of her original sound. Tracks like McDoom's atmospheric take on 'Thoughts' and Frankie Cosmos' playful rendition of 'Take a Picture' highlight Guryan's remarkable craftsmanship and emotional depth. By donating a portion of proceeds to affordable reproductive health services, this compilation not only honours Guryan's legacy but also reaffirms the lasting impact of her music, proving that her work continues to resonate across generations.
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