Bask in the Heat of JULY FLAME

Yesterday's release of Portland, OR contemporary indie-folk singer Laura Veirs’ newest album, July Flame (Raven Marching Band Records/Bella Union, January 2010) was easily one of the best things to happen to American music in the past few months.  It’s rather unique on the landscape of today’s music scene, and it’s perhaps simplest to describe her as a throwback to the talented proto-feminist singer-songwriters of the ‘70s like Joni Mitchell, Carol King, and Laura Nyro.
 
When looked at in the context of the past 25 years, she broodingly combines the haunting mystery of Julee Cruise, the lushness of Sarah McLaughlin, the folksy feeling of Edie Brickell, the Irish angst of Sinéad O’Connor, the confidence of Sara Barreilles (without the cheeriness), the darkness of Tori Amos, and the Celtic ethereality of Kate Bush.  Veirs' music will definitely strike a chord with fans of New York's indie-pop trio, Ivy.

Laura Veirs

Actually, the initial thing to come to my mind as I first heard the album’s titular track was “Why isn’t the music supervisor for Grey’s Anatomy chasing this girl down?”  The second was how I always get a twinge of agita whenever I read or hear about an artist who has been releasing a steady stream of work for a decade or more referred to as “new” – but what’s a guy to do except spread the word?  I mean, how can you not fall for a woman who speaks about her “unslakeable thirsting” when referencing matters of the heart?

Whatever…  Get into July Flame by Laura Veirs!