High up in the mountains of the Himalayas are colorful cloths strung along its rugged ridges and peaks called prayer flags. These flags are used to bless the surrounding countryside and homes with their woodblock-printed symbols, mantras and prayers that are carried off by the wind sending positive vibrations and balance to the inhabitants and their environment. And, like these prayers floating in the wind, Pickering Pick’s poetic lyrics drift across his delicately fingerpicked guitar lines emanating some hope, remembrance and beauty into the universe on his new album, Prayer Flag.
An Englishman whose genteel charm rings clearly through the fresh and open sound of his California-based vibe, Pickering Pick has created a laid back, peaceful, almost spiritual album perfect for the new beginning that is Spring. Pickering Pick who released his last album, Tiger Balm, on Yer Bird last Summer, independently released Prayer Flag in February. Keeping on the same path as Tiger Balm, Prayer Flag continues his steady climb upwards reaching new heights where he creates beauty and plants “prayer flags” with each peak he calls an album.
Stream & buy Prayer Flag
Pickering Pick: Facebook; Twitter; Yer Bird Records
Identical twins Laurie and Katelyn Shook are just two-thirds of the indie-folk trio, The Shook Twins. Laurie who plays wah-wah banjo and has been known to drop a mean beatbox in the middle of song and Katelyn plays the guitar, glockenspiel, mandolin, sings into a telephone and bocks like a chicken while the “third twin” Kyle Volkman lays down some bass grooves creating an eclectic and unique sound from these eclectic people. Their new album, Window, embraces their irreverent quirkiness blending it with beautiful harmonies and interesting arrangements. So, if you’re looking for something creative and witty, Window is the album for you. Simply put, it’s infectious and fun.
Winter King. Anyone who has been a loyal reader knows my love for this album and its creator Tyler Butler, and those who are not will quickly find out because Tyler has remastered Winter King and is re-releasing it under Yer Bird Records on March 20. The album was featured in the top 5 of my Best of 2011 list, and if I thought it was awesome then…well…it’s phenomenal now! Recorded in Tyler’s home in late 2010, Winter King is the perfect soundscape of a winter’s isolation in Edmonton. This revamped version includes the remastered cuts of the first four tracks known as the House Painter EP, fan favorite “Feral Horse”, and now making its appearance “Winter King”. Borrowing heavily from winter mythologies, Tyler integrates these myths to create wonderful creatures and characters who develop incredible tales for his hometown of Edmonton. And, even though the first recording of Winter King was a selection of lo-fi loveliness, this improved re-release is as crisp and pristine as the air from which it was written.
Saskatchewan. What can I tell you about this province? Nothing. I’ve never been, but I would like to go. And, since writing Common Folk Music I have had a rush of Canadian submissions and gained quite a few Canadian friends causing my fondness for my Northern neighbors to grow. So, it is through this kind of kinship that I long to visit…No. I long to live in it’s vast dichotomic environs where mountains, prairies, wildernesses and metropolises meet, but all the people seem the same – earthy, friendly, hospitable and polite. I want to live where there is a sense of pride and community and where the community is music and that is how I imagine Canada.
Although I haven’t been listening to Hip Hatchet as long as some of you, I have become extremely connected to their albums and comforted by Philippe Bronchtein’s sturdy voice. So, it really comes as no surprise that I’m soothed by his warm vocals on Hip Hatchet’s new song, “Sing Me a Reprise”, from their upcoming album, Joy and Better Days, out April 10. Written when Philippe relocated from Vermont to Portland, the song deals with transition and the memories of home and relationships. The combination of Philippe’s masterful songwriting and deep, wistful performance makes for an exceptional song. It’s a sad song that has greatly improved my evening.
Listening to Barna Howard is like stepping into a time machine. Born in Missouri, Howard moved to Portland where he recorded his debut, self-titled album in a basement studio. Influenced by Bert Jansch, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, and James Talley, Barna Howard echoes the same legendary sound. Barna Howard is so honest, sincere and charismatic it’s hard to believe that it was released just over a week ago. It most certainly is one of the finest examples of true folk music I’ve heard lately. And, while writing a review for the album, I’m finding it hard to translate my feelings into words. I absolutely love, LOVE this album and that’s all I can say. Expressing my admiration and adoration for it would be like me trying to explain the meaning of life.
