Alela Diane – The Pirate’s Gospel
I sometimes think this could be the shortest review I’ve ever written, which seems a shame, because it’s not to show a lack of love for the album, which is superb.
All I mean is that explaining this music will take a second, and then it’s really up to you to have a listen, decide whether or not you like it, and then scuttle off to buy the album. Basically, this is a short, lovely album of acoustic blues-folk with the sparsest of arrangements that nonetheless manages to generate a wonderfully evocative, full sound.
There you go – see: you know exactly what I mean, it’s not that hard and it’s hardly an unknown genre. There is a lot of thin, lifeless stuff in this particular bracket though, so I do feel I should say that Alela Diane avoids any of that. There is a wonderfully old-fashioned warmth to her voice which is rather gorgeous, and she is one of very few people I have ever heard sing songs with repeated choruses like ‘Clicketty-Clack’ without annoying me. It is all at once very other-worldly and very simple and very present, and I would really recommend this record.
Alela Diane – Rifle
Alela Diane – Can You Blame the Sky?
Linked to Amazon, and the first thing it suggests is that if you like this you should also buy The Decemeberist – Crane Wife. Delightfully apt. I can’t think of a better means of agreeing with your review.
I read your post just as I was listening to her playing live on Xfm. Never heard her before, but it’s lovely stuff. She sounds lovely in the interview too. Should be some live tracks on The Growl soon…
Ah, I was at a Frank Turner gig last night, so I missed it, but I was definitely intending to tune in for that one. Looking forward to hearing the set though – glad at least someone’s on the ball!
Simple but very effective. I will look out for her some more. I love the way she leads with her voice and the guitar is merely an accompaniment.
Yes, me too. I’ve rarely heard someone’s sound contain so few elements, and yet not sound at all wishy-washy. She manages to fill her songs completely, despite essentially doing very little.
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