each day a new beginning

Miranda Lee Richards is a singer-songwriter who hails from San Francisco. Her soothing vocals are reminiscent of singer-songwriters from an older era. Miranda claims Mazzy Star was an inspiration for her and you can hear tastes of them in her music. Fans of Neko Case will enjoy her stuff, along with anyone who is a sucker for a girl with a guitar.

hello my love, it's good to see you

Nizlopi has been a favorite of mine for some time now. This folk hip-hop duo from the UK put out some beautiful and unique songs on their first CD entitled Half These Songs Are About You. Their new album, Make It Happen, is set to be released on March 31st and I cannot wait. "Start Beginning" has been named the first single and of course it shows their fun songwriting abilities. Can't wait for this release in '08.


Start Beginning

the ghosts that broke my heart before I met you

Laura Marling is another young fresh singer-songwriter from the UK. The 17 year old has a beautiful voice, reminiscent of a softer Fiona Apple. Her new album entitled Alas I Cannot Swim showcases her soft and sweet vocals along with some clever lyrics. It's amazing such a young artist has the ability to craft such mature music. Look out for this one.

Tap At My Window

New Romantic


and her quirky video for "Ghosts," the first single from the album.

everyday's another chance to bury my regret

William Fitzsimmons is an amazing new artist I was lucky enough to stumble upon. While his beard might be a bit intimidating at first, don't be scared...his beautiful voice will bring you back. I fell in love with his soft voice right away, mixed with acoustic guitars and even some electronic beats. I promise you won't be disappointed with this guy, really great stuff.

fitzsimmons' writing is utterly personal, usually electing subject matter that would most often only be heard in the confides of a family therapy session. the effect, however, causes the listener to draw closer, rather than farther away, from the gentle melodies which exhume affectivity and remind us that our lives are filled with both joy and suffering, and that it can be a lovely place to find the two sharing a sometimes amicable living space.

It's Not True

Please Don't Go

waiting and wondering

Anais Mitchell released her first album in 2002, but is now signed under Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records. Her newest CD entitled The Brightness shows her abilities as a newly established folk artist with a unique voice, that perhaps not everyone will come to enjoy. Some songs are stronger than others on the album, but overall it's enjoyable journey of emotions expressed through music.

“...a songwriter of startling clarity and depth, equally skilled at turning a melody or lyrical phrase into what you didn't know you needed until you heard it.”


Your Fonder Heart

without a shadow of a doubt

If you haven't heard any of Beth Orton's music, you really need to get on it. Everything she has put out I have enjoyed a great deal, but her 2006 release Comfort of Strangers is her absolute best release to date. This CD is full of Beth's incredibly beautiful voice and gorgeous melodies. There isn't a track on it that I don't love. This puppy is defintely making a spot on my Top Ten CDs of 2006. (Which I keep talking about and haven't exactly had time to work on just yet, sadly).

There are so many great artists over the last few years to come out with some new modernized folk, and Beth is one who has joined the ranks. This CD is fantastic.


This album could be seen as a fresh start for Beth Orton, and she makes the most of it: As artlessly lovely as a spring day, this is some of her simplest work, and simply some of her best, too.

Conceived

Worms

Comfort of Strangers

Safe In Your Arms

the endless summer nights

Nick Drake is music at its absolute finest. This man has put out some of the most beautiful folk music ever. I only wish I was alive to see this man live, I can't even imagine how amazing it would have been. Sadly, he passed away in 1974 from an overdose of antidepressants, but his music lives on forever. Many people might remember his song Pink Moon being played in the VW Cabrio ad in the late 90's . Every single one of his CD's has gotten perfect reviews, but my personal favorite is "Pink Moon." Every track is folk at its best. We miss you Nick.

Pink Moon

One of These Things First

From The Morning

the swell season

Glen Hansard is the lead singer for the Irish band, The Frames (who I will post about very soon since their new CD is fantastic).

Glen decided to team up with Marketa Irglova and together they created the amazingly beautiful "The Swell Season." At first listen, this CD reminded me a lot of Damien Rice's "O", but while they are similar, The Swell Season is a unique and an incredible work of music.

This CD is extremely delicate and acoustic and probably a great one to fall asleep too. While fairly sad and mellow in its nature, you can't ignore how absolutely gorgeous it is. Glen's voice mixed with soft pianos, Marketa's cello playing, and haunting melody's make for a near perfect album.

An absolute must have for fan's of Damien Rice and Nick Drake. Simply superb.

Tracks from The Swell Season:

Drown Out

Sleeping

When Your Mind's Made Up