Haley Bonar's "Golder"

Like I stated in an earlier post, I once again completed my Haley Bonar collection when I picked up her newest album Golder at her CD release show. It was held on April 22nd at the Cedar Cultural Center, which is a venue I am appreciative (other than for parking purposes) that she picked for such a show.

I could write what I thought about the show, but it would be a pitiful attempt in comparison to what Natalie Gallagher wrote for City Pages (here).
What I can add:

• The set was actually designed by her sister Torey, who was also the one to do the painting on the cover of the CD (the painting was hung up at the show and Haley even wittily remarked, "We may even let you smell it for a dollar."). 
• It is not surprising that the set list, before the encore, ended with "Candy Machine Gun" as it is Torey's favorite song (or has been professed as such at other shows).
• I wish that there had been less volume given to Jeremy and Jacob's guitars, as they sometimes overpowered Haley's vocals and made it harder to hear her. 
• I was over-joyed when she played "Us" (Lure the Fox) during the encore, as it has been my favorite Haley song.

Now for the album itself: of course I like it, it's Haley! It is definitely the type of album that I want to listen to on repeat. It starts with "Candy Machine Gun," which is a great opening song for a Haley album. It has elements of typical Haley country folk, but also a little bit of rock 'n roll. I can see why it would be one of Torey's favorites.



It ends with "Wendybird," which is the type of song that prevents you from simply moving on from it, which is part of the reason that I often end up listening to the album all over again. The banjo and cello on this song, along with Haley's heartbreaking vocals about growing up make this song beautifully and simply bitter-sweet.



My favorite song (currently) from this album is "Anyway Rattlesnake." I'm really loving the line, "So please forget the things I said, I was dark in the heart, and deep in my head but I want you to know that I loved you the best anyway."



Overall, I think that this is the Haley album that I've listened to so repeatedly, though I don't think her lyrics are as strong as they have been in the past (please go listen to her album Lure the Fox). You may really enjoy Golder too, so you should give it a listen! If you're not sold, download the track "Raggedy Man" for free (here) and give Haley a chance.

(Tour Dates are featured after the break)

Haley Bonar

I think you should know that my favorite artist is Haley Bonar. She has a mellow, folky, country, rich feel to her music. She has the type of voice that I wish I could just wrap myself in like a blanket.

Anywho, I just recently completed my Haley Bonar collection by purchasing "Quiet Breathing" from the Sweetland soundtrack (it's played during the end credits) and Minor Kingdom's "Choir of the Lillies" which she is featured on. I'm definitely diggin' "Choir of the Lillies." So mellow and lush. Make of that descriptor what you will and check it out for yourselves.

And be prepared to hear more about Haley in the future. I'm sure I will have more to say after her CD release show at the Cedar Cultural Center on April 22nd, when I will yet again complete my collection. I'm definitely excited to hear the new album "Golder" in full.

Until then, you can check out her site for a free download (here)!

A Basia Bulat Kind of Day

Today in the Twin Cities, the sky was mostly cloudy and the weather was a bit chilly but refreshing. It's the kind of day that make me think of London. I've never been, but it only seems right. And on this day, I have felt good and confident. It was one of those days that I picked out the perfect outfit, my hair bounced in the right way, and I felt like I could take on the world. All very silly, but true.
Now that you know a bit of the context...
I went to the grocery store after class to pick up an apple for a snack, and as I was walking inside, I thought to myself "This is a Basia Bulat kind of day. I feel like I even look a little bit like her right now."

(Okay, so maybe I don't look much like her, but the feeling was there. And that was enough for me.)

The entire time I was in the store, I had the instrumentation part of her song "If Only You" stuck in my head. Then I proceeded to listen to her music for the rest of the day.

She is by far one of my favorites. I keep coming back to her, time after time. I even had the chance to see her last spring at the Cedar Cultural Center. Such a great show. I would say that I experienced my most spiritual musical moment at that show when she sang "Sparrow" completely unplugged. Just her and her ukulele.

Watch this and you will listen and see for yourself why I like this woman so much.

As a side note: The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis has been my favorite concert venue so far. If you get a chance to see a show there, its worth it. Great acoustics and very intimate feeling.