Heather Woods Broderick – From The Ground

Broderick is a name many of us would have heard by now – Peter Broderick has been working his magic on the musical scene now for three years releasing albums highly regarded both by the press and fans aswell as touring together with Heather in the Efterklang live band.

But, for me, it wasn’t Peter who introduced me to the wonderful music of the Broderick’s – instead it was his sister and her debut release, From The Ground.

From The Ground is a record of haunting beauty and great depth. I’m picking up bits after many repeated listens that really make me stop and listen every time –  for example, one of my personal highlights, the multi-layered vocals of “The Colors” or one of the many expansive, swelling string sections. Heather’s singing voice is a rare gift and her songwriting ability is incredible, turning what could have been simply another great release into one of the year’s highlights and a record that I feel will stay with me for a long time.

Pick up the limited vinyl if you get the chance – lovely artwork, an infinite violin loop and an added bonus track.

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The Tallest Man On Earth – Shallow Grave

Despite being a Swede, Kristian Matasson, aka The Tallest Man On Earth is making southern american style folk music better than most americans.

Matasson has a new release (The Wild Hunt) due for release April 13th, but I’ve decided to post 2008s Shallow Grave because it’s got such a perfect feel for the lovely weather we seem to be breaking into at the moment.

Most reviews immediately point out Bob Dylan as a comparison (but saying that, whenever there is a new folk musician on the scene when don’t those comparisons come out?) – but, while there are obvious similarities (with a man as prolific in the history of the genre such as Dylan of course there would be) The Tallest Man On Earth shouldn’t be lazily tagged as “Dylan 2.0” because he holds his own in the scene, delivering an optimistic and urgent vocal performance and highly skilled, finger picked guitar and banjo opposing the usual raspy drawls and predictable chord progressions of most higher profile folk musicians.

The production featured on Shallow Grave is very honestly recorded, raw and live, blemishes and all, allowing Matasson’s skills to be shown at their fullest without the use of any production trickery. It is a very honest and heartfelt performance and you can tell he puts his all into his music.

This record has been the reason for the great mood I’ve been in lately, very uplifting wonderful folk music.

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