Cascine artist, Chad Valley, is getting set to release his debut album, Young Hunger, on the 30th of October; and it may quite possibly end up being my Album Of The Year.

Those of you that have read the site for a while, know that I am a massive fan of all things released by Brooklyn-based indie label, Cascine. Chad Valley is quite possibly the centerpiece to all of Cascine’s releases; blending chill beats, original production and gorgeous Beach Boys-style harmonizing into songs that are equal parts day at the beach, lazy Sunday, and romantic getaway. In a nutshell, their music ticks every one of my musical G-spots and keeps me salivating for more.

Considering there hasn’t been any formal announcement that I’m aware of about the upcoming album, I’m going to leave it to Pitchfork or someone else to scoop the details on the record. However, be prepared for your mind to be blown.

Instead of album talk, I’m going to expose you to the first single off the album, Fall 4 U, which features Ms. Lo-Fi Bjork herself, Glasser. Fall 4 U is one of the more mellow tracks on Young Hunger, and instantly brought to mind a 2012 version of Gotye & Kimbra’s 2011 worldwide #1, Somebody That I Used To Know, upon first listen. No, I’m not saying the songs are similar in sound whatsoever; in fact they’re only similar in the fact that they both feature dueling male/female vocals. But there’s a similar theme, and the wordplay is a little reminiscent of that song – for me, at least.

Glasser has a gorgeous voice when she really projects, and it blends perfectly with Chad Valley’s beachy falsetto and tropical production. I’ve had this song and album on repeat now for a week, and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon. Absolutely brilliant in every way.

Listen to Fall 4 U below.

*Chad Valley’s debut album, Young Hunger, is out 30 October via Cascine.

http://www.facebook.com/chadvalleymusic

 

Chad Valley featuring Glasser “Fall 4 U”

Hannah Cohen is a SF-born, NYC-based (I think) singer-songwriter who released her gorgeously spare debut album, Child Bride, on Bella Union earlier this year.

I came across Hannah’s music through my friend (and amazing singer), Aaron Alexis; a friend of Hannah’s. Considering how much I love Aaron’s voice, I decided to take a stab and listen to some iTunes samples from Child Bride and immediately fell in love.

Admittedly, I’m not a jealous person; however, I can’t seem to think of another way to describe how I feel about Hannah’s upbringing. She comes from a family of poets, ministers, musicians, broadcasters, and booksellers. <——I literally just copied that last sentence verbatim from Wikipedia.

From there, she was a model and became ensconced in the NYC music scene; teaching herself how to play guitar while writing songs. The result has been my favorite album to listen to at night all summer long. Her voice is soft, the production even softer and each song leaves a wonderfully breezy feeling inside – even when the subject matter is a little painful.

Vocally, Hannah’s voice reminds me of a much more subdued version of Angela McCluskey’s (singer from Telepopmusik’s 2003 hit “Breathe”). There’s a hint of jazz vocalist in the way she sings, and it’ll be interesting to see if she ever explores that side of her talent.

But, for now, we have the 10 soothing tracks that make up Child Bride to enjoy. Put on some Sunday comfortable clothes, find a hammock (even if you have to trespass on someone’s lawn), close your eyes and listen to Hannah Cohen.

Check out my favorite songs, California and The Simplest, below.

*Hannah Cohen’s debut album, Child Bride, is out now via Bella Union.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannah-Cohen/247034815337526

 

Hannah Cohen “California”

 

Hannah Cohen “The Simplest” 

I know I’m late to the game on this one, but Bright Light Bright Light’s debut album , Make Me Believe In Hope, is easily one of the most versatile and best albums you’ll hear all year.

For those of you who are just hearing about Bright Light Bright Light for the first time, it’s actually the creation of one man; London-based solo artist, Rod Thomas.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him perform live twice in the past couple of years and he is truly one of the most gifted songwriters making music today. Each time I’ve seen him, there have been no dance beats, no bells and whistles; just Rod, his piano, and his stunningly enunciated voice. When you see any artist strip their songs down to just them and a piano, you get to really see their guts as a songwriter and performer; so it’s been an absolute pleasure to have a front row view into the window of Rod’s soul as I have at both of  the shows I’ve been to.

Make Me Believe In Hope has been in the works for years now and, while on the surface it may seem like a nonstop dance party, each song features some of the most beautifully insightful lyrics about love (past, present and future) that I’ve heard in quite some time. In fact, on both occasions that I’ve seen him perform, I’ve been moved to tears; mostly because of the deep connection I have for what he’s (possibly) been through and the optimism and honesty to which he approaches such pain. The entire record reads like a heart that’s been shattered and put back together again, and feels like one big lesson as to how we should all deal with loss.

Being as big of a fan of classic dance music as he is, Bright Light Bright Light has found a way to combine dance music with incredible lyrics; arguably a huge rarity, but one that fits like a fluorescent glove from 1991. As a certified beach bum, I tend to listen to music that’s upbeat while I soak up the rays; but I also love to sit there and lose myself deep in thought. I have a hell of a time finding albums that suit both desires; which is why I’m prepared to say that Make Me Believe In Love has been my favorite album of the summer. Absolutely brilliant in every way.

Check out the video for one of my favorite tracks, Disco Moment, below.

*Bright Light Bright Light’s debut album, Make Me Believe In Hope, is out now via The Blue Team/Aztec Records.

http://brightlightx2.blogspot.com/

 

Bright Light Bright Light “Disco Moment”

 

Berlin-based solo artist, Masha Qrella’s latest album, Analogies reminds me of The Cardigans on a vacation – and that’s a good thing.

Masha’s been a music making machine for years, but I’m just discovering her; better late than never, I suppose? She’s been a member of two bands and has already released 3 solo albums – I feel so out of the loop. Her voice reminds me a tad of Nina Persson’s (The Cardigans), but way less sugary sweet and with a little bit more edge to it than Nina’s; and also a little bit of Aimee Mann’s when she sings in her lower register.

I’ve been sitting on her new record for a few months waiting for the right moment to write about it, and today’s lazy hazy day by the beach seems like the perfect time. Her new album, Analogies, is a very nice collection of musically diverse, summery songs that it’s impossible not to want to give a few spins to. Each song has a laid back, happy vibe, regardless of the longing nature of some of the lyrics.

Definitely a nice discovery and someone I’ll be looking forward to hearing more from in the future. Check out my favorite songs from Analogies, Bluebottle and Fishing Buddies (which has a “Brokeback Version” as well), below.

*Masha Qrella’s 5th solo album, Analogies, is out now via Morr Music.

http://mashaqrella.de/

 

Masha Qrella “Bluebottle”

 

Masha Qrella “Fishing Buddies”