3 posts tagged “folk”

I had a chance to see the folk-pop trio Girlyman at the Sellersville Theatre (PA) last Saturday.  For fans of close harmony a la Simon & Garfunkel they are truly a must-hear, must-see group.  Their songs are beautifully crafted and they are funny, sassy and so gosh-darn cute.  Read more about them at their web site, and hear a few songs on their myspace page.  Their new album, Joyful Sign, will be available online on April 13.

It's December 1st; let the holiday madness begin!  Although I kvetch incessantly about the sappy music, the consumerism, and the incredibly frightening inflatable decorations showing up on everybody's lawns, I do love this season.  The music is actually my favorite part - not the radio and department store pablum, though.  Perennial favorite CDs are Bright Day Star by The Baltimore Consort, Christmas by Bruce Cockburn, and December in Vermont by Diane Ziegler (that last is quietly stunning, and an absolute must if you're a folkie).  I've always been a sucker for an English boys' choir, although having just finished reading Lord of the Flies with my book discussion group, the whole choir thing just feels creepy.

I just downloaded Joanna Newsom's album Ys, which is setting the critics all a-flutter.  First take:  the voice is a cross between Sandy Denny and Billie Holiday.  This is not easy listening.  Odd as hell.  But I think I'm going to like it.