Christina Courtin - Christina Courtin

Classically trained violinist turned singer-songwriter Christina Courtin last month released her first album featuring a myriad of guest appearances on a wide range of instruments. Produced by Greg Cohen this album shifts forms constantly channeling a chameleon vibe throughout its course.

Courtin draws inspiration - well rather influence from Ani Difranco in the more folky tracks and simultaneously drifts away from the classic singer-songwriter mould delving into spacious arrangements, quirky pop tinges and soft unspoken balladry easily.

You can purchase digitally from Nonesuch records and find out more about Christina Courtin here!

Beirut - Live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg

I don't think it's possible for this man to dissapoint me, and until that day i shall remain enchanted by his incredible music. This live take transports the listener around the world. During 'La Javanaise' im sipping latte on the French Riviera, in the middle of 'Gulag Orkestar' i feel im leading a thousand romans into battle and half way through 'East Harlem' im drinking red wine with the love of my life. Beirut conjures images a plenty with his eclectic style melding together everythign that is delightful about his music - the ukelele, french horns, trumpets, harpischords, unique percussion and a myriad of ethnic nuances that you would like to add into that list. You really have to taste his brilliance for yourself to understand what this young man is all about.

PW in the comments.

Ani Difranco - To The Teeth

To The Teeth has been slaughtered in critics reviews and fans alike for it's huge departure from Difranco's trademark acoustic singer-songwriter mould that she'd dug herself into early in her career - and to be honest i don't really understand why. Ani hinted at thsi newfound direction in her previous album Little Plastic Castle which incorporated the use of jazzy horns and playful cancions that only enhanced her back catalogue - this album, i believe, took her sound to a whole other level of maturity.

Title track opener is classic Difranco, a plucked guitar and her unique voice acocmpany each other beautifully as she sings about America's gun ownership laws, with some very witty lyricism if i may add,

"And if i have to hear one more time, about a fools rigths, to his tools of rage...i'm gonna take all my friends and move to Canada...and die of old age"

Her obvious prowress for lyrical ability holds it's own throughout the album, which from this point on drastically shifts from a folk wonderland to something akin to a smokey jazz and swing bar, old men playing poker in the corner smoking cigars while Ani jams out her tunes to precision. From the get go you can tell that Ani is full of angst, pain and suffering - the album is considerably dark and this is evident in both her songwriting and lyrics,

"I dont know if im strong enough, to do this much longer...god i wish...god i wish i was stronger"

Going Once makes use of a saxaphone to perfection anchoring the song all the way through till it fades into Hello Birmingham, an extremely evocative piece surrounding the bombings of abortion clinics in the US. Difranco trades off the sombre for the catchy in the next 'fun' section of the record. Back Back Back contains an infectious sing along chorus while Swing employs the talents of a rap artist, done considerably well with complete with hip hop beats blended conspicuously with folk undertones.

All in all this is a very strong record from one of th emost reveered and prolific female song writers of the last 20 years, and only highlights the depth and broad focus of such a talented artist.

Beirut - The Black Sessions

Ive always been interested on getting my hands on some live Beirut - ive been captivated by the way he layers his voice on his recordings and have been champing at th ebit to see how he can transform this into a live setting. What i find is this young man adapting to a live set by varying his voice even moreso - delving into different vocal techniques almost resembling sanskrit at times but alwasy beautiful. The ethnic undertones are set by his accompanying band which sets the mood through this journey of European folk tunes. Im only half way through and am loving it!

Hope you do to.

Bark Cat Bark - Á Lífi

It is 1:47 am and I am sitting here writing this review. I do not know where to start. Maybe I should lead off by highlighting this young man's age - he is 18 years old. That's younger than me. The musical maturity displayed on this record is comparable to that of modern classical composers such as Max Richter or Kashiwa Daisuke - at such atender age this French native has crafted an eclectic record that showcases his relentless ability to combine the rich and engaging history of French folk and European historical stylings with the modern electronic swaray is breathetaking.

The opening track Verona invites the listener to have a taste of everything Josh Todd has to offer - a 10 minute meditation around a simple idea to showcase hiss multi-instrumentalist talents - most notably on the piano and acoustic guitar, but ranging from accordian to violin. Much of this record can be compared to Zach Condon but i find a much more sombre mood in Todd's compositions, as well as a lot more variation between the elctronic and the historical musical citations.

It is his solo piano piece that marks the centre of the album that really drives home the fact that this teenage prodigy is the real deal. Père Lachaise is this centrepiece and if it does not move you i do not know what will. It's contemplative and evocative - just sit there, with the lights down and no distractions please...because this album will take over.

Beirut - The Flying Club Cup

You wouldn't believe this early twenty something hails from the good old US of A because his sound is ridiculously European and flavoured. It is an amazing achievement at his tender age that he releases such a stunning and cultured album of tunes - what amazes me more is his mastering of many of the instruments on this record.

The album itself covers alot of Balkan territory utilizing anything from brass instruments to full blown string arrangements. It is somewhat of a refreshing blast from the past and takes you on a wonderful journey - his voice is equally amazing and powerful with a passionate and evocative pull for the listener.

For Caz

Orion Rigel Dommisse - What I Want From You Is Sweet

This wonderous record gives off the impression that if this girl was dropped she would shatter like glass. The fragility in her voice is only exemplicated in her instrumentation. Layered with mysterious string sections, eery synth and key lines and held together by a folky guitar this album presents something sweet, sublime and intricate. I am reluctant to use the word minimalist as there is a lot going on, but the songs seem simple in there own complexity.

At times the tracks seem haunting, menacing even and in others I envision shimmers of light through a dark forrest. It is strange what music can do isn't it?

Enjoy