Haley Bonar "The Size of Planets"

Tonight is the kind of night for some old school Haley.

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)

Study Music

I am finishing up my senior year of college right now. Praise the Lord it's almost done. Along with this, I thought I would post a quick list of my favorite music to listen to while studying. Then after I finish, hopefully I will commence the actual studying.

1. "All is Well" by Sam Amidon
My great friend Heather first introduced me to this album back in 2008 and it has since gotten me through many a stressful night. The horns and strings combine so richly and smoothly, swirling together beautifully with Sam's almost mumbly voice. It is the type of album that works well as background music or as music to play in the quiet moments when you are stressed and need to hear the intricacies and depths of great music

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2. "All We Grow" by S. Carey
This man, also a member of Bon Iver, created one very soothing and ambient album. This has been my recent album of choice to listen to while sitting at the local coffee shop and needing to tune out the world in order to focus. If you want a better album review, read what Robin Hilton at NPR had to say.

3. "LeO" by Haley Bonar
This is Haley's third homemade EP and it's mostly instrumental and ambient. Because there are very few lyrics throughout the entire thing, rarely am I distracted by trying to figure the lyric out or singing along. Not only is it a great album to study to, it's also the right kind of relaxing to start and end your day with.

4. "Civilian" by Wye Oak
I cannot honestly say much about this album because I just purchased it tonight (thanks to Amazon's daily album deals). I have listened to the the title track "Civilian" (free download) multiple times. This song is great because it has energy but isn't so dynamic that it becomes distracting. From my initial listen of the rest of the album, this is how it seems as a whole. Which is why I will be listening to it tonight as I try to muster my way through the last of my senior year. If you want a better review, check out what Max Blau wrote for Paste Magazine.

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)!