Take a Musical Journey with One of Brighton Library’s New CDs

Bon Iver, Bon Iver

This outstanding self-titled album follows the brilliant and mournful For Emma, Forever Ago.  Indie-rocker Justin Vernon’s signature crystalline guitar and atmospheric vocals remain, but the sound is fleshed out with a much wider cast of musicians and palette of colors this time.  The mood still reflective, but brighter.

Watcha Clan, Radio Babel

Based in Marseilles, France, Watcha Clan takes its influences from around the Mediterranean.  Balkan and North African rhythms and harmonies are prominent over varied and infectious dance beats, and a blend of electronic and acoustic instruments are topped with the supple, multi-lingual vocals of Sista K.

Gillian Welch, The Harrow & the Harvest

In their first release since 2003’s Soul Journey, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings return to the duet instrumentation of their earlier albums.  Welch’s soulful, Appalachian-inflected songwriting and incomparable voice and Rawlings’ sensitive guitar work and blending vocal harmonies are as delightful to listen to as ever.