Three [Knights and] Maidens...and a King

Things have been insanely busy.  I write this somewhat reluctantly, knowing that this blog is not getting my best at the moment, but also being ok with that.  There's some really great things happening in the music world right now...

PJ Harvey's Let England Shake will be available in physical form on Tuesday February 15th. If, like me, you don't want to wait to hear it but also don't want to illegally download it, you can stream the album online for free at NPR Music here.  I've listened to it in its entirety twice so far and I am loving it.  While it is unmistakably PJ Harvey, it also sounds fresh and inspired. Musically it feels like a merger of all things PJ, and lyrically it may be her most elaborate and focused work. The themes of “Let England Shake” are of a national and global scope, a clear departure from the themes of White Chalk. Each song was born of words and vocal melodies then transformed via composing and adding layers of instrumental components. PJ spoke about the new album, her lyrics, the process of creating the album, and plans for the film version of the record in this fantastic interview with Spinner.

Adele also has an album due this month.  On the 22nd “21” marks Adele's second full-length release. Compared to her first album, “19”, one can hear how she is maturing; it is reflected in her voice, lyrics, and songwriting talents which are just incredible on “21.” She certainly owes much to the music of the 60's and 70's, but it is clear that she is paying homage, not riding a trend; Adele's songs are soulful and honest. The official Adele website is featuring new content every day as a countdown to the album's release. You can find interviews, live videos, and behind-the-scenes studio clips on the welcome page. Like PJ's forthcoming album, you can stream “21” at NPR Music here.

Need more?  There is a third lovely lady releasing a record this month...Lykke Li.  The follow-up to Youth Novels will be available on the 28th. NPR Music apparently dropped the ball on this one, fortunately Lykke has us covered. Several new tracks from the album have been officially and legally uploaded to SoundCloud here. Production on Wounded Rhymes is bigger, cleaner, and stronger than that of Youth Novels. And while a bit more, dare I say, conventional and poppy than Youth Novels, Wounded Rhymes keeps just enough of what makes Lykke's music so charming. It's refined and well conceived, but still energetic, exciting, quirky, fun, and provokes emotion...just what one would seek from a Lykke Li record.

Of course a new album means a tour...which makes this spring something very special. To top things off, not only will we get the opportunity to see the three aforementioned sirens perform across the globe, Kaki King will also be on tour.  I am very excited to see her again; I've already purchased tickets for her show at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA on April 2nd. I caught her last year downstairs at The Middle East supporting Junior and it was amazing: a thoughtful set-list and a very organic live performance.  While I am pretty sure appreciating three of these four fantastic femmes puts me awfully close to being considered a hipster I just don't care.  Good music is good music...also I don't have a moustache or a tattoo of one.