Glynn or Veirs?

It has happened with considerable frequency: "Sarah!  Oh my God, I just heard you on the radio!"  Maybe they did... but more likely they did not.  What they probably did hear was my audio doppelganger, Laura Veirs.  Luckily, I think Laura Veirs rocks and is a very special & singular solo female artist floating with distinction in the extreme swells of indie music.  And so I want to dedicate an entry (regardless of our alleged vocal verisimilitude) to her new album, "July Flame."

It is quality, lyrical quality, musical quality, quality that emerges through care, craft, sincerity and experience. And that is why I loudly endorse this album. Not to mention that thus in my lifetime there continues to be a dearth of truly respected female songwriters.  Having a "chick drummer" or "chick" anything completely misses and reinforces my point.  But back to "July Flame."  Production-wise, Laura Veirs has chosen an interesting path through her last 3 albums.  "July Flame" is loosely airy and open but still very focused.  The arrangements allow the songs to breathe and thereby show more life.

I'm beginning to spook myself with this post so I will end it now.  One more liner note, though: Stephen Barber has written many of the string arrangements on the album.  He's just among the coolest... check it out, people!  All you people!!