3 Albums You Need To Check Out Now

1. Sigh No More 2009
    Mumford & Sons
 

No doubt you’ve already heard of this tornado of a newcomer. Perhaps you’ve heard a song here or there, or maybe you’re a full fledged, hardcore, folk rock, Mumford loving fan already. If you’re living under a rock though and by some miracle have not yet had the pleasure of letting your ears feast on, what is in my opinion, the best album of 2009, drag your ass on down to the record store and pick this beauty up. A combination of beautiful lyrics and classic folk rock sounds, Mumford & Sons manages to make something unique and wonderful, heartfelt and real. With lyrics like “in these bodies we will live/ in these bodies we will die/ and where you invest your love/ you invest your life”  Mumford is exemplifying song writing at its best, something that, unfortunately, with people like Kei$ha hijacking our beloved music venues and climbing to the top of Billboard’s Top 100, we don’t see as often as we should. But even with this trying time for lyrical genius, honesty and ingenuity, Mumford stays true. Writing songs that are best heard late at night, loudly over our speakers, wind in our hair. Songs that tear our hearts out and smear the blood over the dash, leaving us feeling raw and alive, the way great music should.

2. I Speak Because I Can 2010
    Laura Marling

You may have heard the lovely voice of Laura Marling playing quietly in the background as you enjoyed your moderately priced latte this week, as it has come to my attention that some of her earlier work has now landed on Starbucks’ latest playlist. But I find that listening to this goddess of folk in a din of other people talking and espresso machines roaring to be almost criminal, as do some others fans I know. Marling is the real deal and should be taken in, in all her glory. So let’s talk about this British songstress. With a dollop of folk and a whole helluva lot of heart, this powerhouse songwriter, whose subtle vocals bewitch you at first listen, is blowing my mind. The intricacies of her lyrics make the album flow like a story unfolding chapter by chapter. She draws you in with her desperation and her pain, but also with her hope and her wit. Marling has the rare gift of making you crack a smile, while simultaneously choking back tears. She hits you with all her emotions at once, leaving you with an honesty that is sometimes overwhelming.


3. The King Is Dead 2011
    The Decemberists

The Decemberists are bringing us folky, beautiful goodness with their newest release, The King Is Dead. These storytelling gods do not let us down with this new record, weaving together classic folk sounds with  gorgeously thought out lyrics. We find here a complete balance between hopeful, optimistic, upbeat songs that make us want to bask in the sun of life and perfectly melancholy ballads that hide that sun behind a grey, rainy cloud. “Dear Avery” perfectly exemplifies the latter. With simple music that carries the lyrics forth with a wave of honest emotion, head strong/ you and your long arms/ listing lazily on the cusp of your teens”. It’s the kind of song you want to put on repeat while you slip into one of those enjoyable sadnesses. If The King Is Dead is any indication of what’s to come in 2011, then we’re all in for an exceptionally good year for music, but with a stand out record like this, The Decemberists have made themselves a very hard act to follow.