May 2007 List

“Add Your Light to Mine, Baby”: Lucky Soul
(The Great Unwanted, 2007)
The editor of PopMatters enthusiastically shared the music of Lucky Soul with me earlier this month. The UK-based band specializes in updating swinging ‘60s pop/girl-group music sensibilities, replete with lyrics immersed in heartbreak but sung with a voice that smiles through the tears.

“Get Lost”: Patrick Wolf
(The Magic Position, 2007)
I sampled Patrick Wolf at Virgin Megastore last week (how I miss Tower Records….), as he’s apparently quite the exceptional 23-year old artist. His album is alternately catchy and impenetrable to my ears (especially the nightmarish “Secret Garden” interlude) but “Get Lost” evokes a wondrous world of stardust and rainbow clouds.

“There’s a Limit to Your Love”: Feist
(The Reminder, 2007)
Ahh…Feist! The Reminder is shaping up to be one of my favorite albums so far this year; it’s a fantastic companion to her Let It Die album, which Mark Lee introduced me to! Experiencing the warmth of Feist's voice and the frankness of her lyrics on “There’s a Limit to Your Love” is four minutes of pop perfection.

“Samba Na Sola”: CéU
(CéU, 2007)
Hailing from São Paulo, CéU blends samba, reggae, soul, and electronica together in one luscious package. Nearly any one of the songs from her debut album could make my blog list but “Samba Na Sola” never dulls or disappoints upon repeated listening.

“Who Stole the Moon?”: Pharaoh’s Dream
(Wistful Elegance, 2007)
My good friend David Nathan (a.ka. “The British Ambassador of Soul) is the voice behind Pharaoh’s Dream and even co-wrote my favorite track from the album, “Who Stole the Moon?” Not only is the song the perfect soundtrack for a warm May evening but it has a melody that pleasantly lingers long after the tune ends.