Two Reasons to LOVE February

You already have two reasons to hate February. To begin with, there's no sign that February will be any less Siberian than January. Then you must factor the pink and red Valentine's Day signs, bags of candy and overly sentimental cards-All stabbing reminders that you're single this year. (If you're not single, then they're reminders of the amount of money you are expected to shell out for your significant other.) There isn't a reason in sight to get you excited for February, is there?

Lucky for you, audiodaughter has two incredibly awesome reasons to look forward to waving January good-bye.

Feb. 1- Bobby Long's 'A Winter Tale'

Female Anglophiles all over the world are waiting with baited breath for the release of Bobby Long's debut album. The singer/songwriter/guitar player has been playing it safe under the radar for quite awhile now-Mostly only known by London Folk-scene-ers and the Americans who wish they were in on it. With mellow backing music and soft, sorrowful lyrics-Mr. Long writes a perfect 'Winter Tale,' indeed. His smooth voice will leave you anything but cold, though. Check out "Dead and Done" on Bobby Long's facebook page for a perfect taste of his album.
Here's a video for "What To Say" -Posted for only a limited time. Not on the new album-It was recorded as a thanks for a boost in friends on his website. (PS-AD & Friends love how painfully shy he appears in the video!)


Feb. 22- Adele's '21'

February is the month for Brits! Two and a half years after the release of her debut album, '19,' Adele puts forth a new record that promises to be just as beautiful. (You can read AD's thoughts on '19' by clicking this sentence.) Adele's voice is all at once boisterous, soothing and soulful. It's the perfect remedy for any mood and any situation. The last couple months have afforded us sneak peaks of multiple songs off her forthcoming album. The first single, "Rolling In The Deep," is the song for anyone who's overcoming heartache. It's, quite possibly, our generation's version of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." Meanwhile, Adele herself describes "Someone Like You" as feeling the exact opposite. It's for wallowing in your defeat and drowning in your tears. The songstress has also been out and about singing a third song off "21" called "Don't You Remember" which explores the root of the heartbreak from the last two songs. Adele's gorgeous voice and the piano she parades throughout most of her songs are the key elements to Adele's success and they're why we can't wait for her new album.
Here's a clip of Adele discussing and performing "Someone Like You."

Need a few more reasons to love February? Be sure to check out new albums by Bright Eyes (The People's Key 2/15), Drive-By Truckers (Go-Go Boots 2/15), & PJ Harvey (Let England Shake 2/15)

Mt. Desolation

Every now and then, words completely fail me. (All over the city, my co-workers are gasping in disbelief) Such has been the case with Mt. Desolation's self-titled first album. I keep tweeting things like, "Listening to Mt. D, AGAIN!" and "I can't wait to sell this!" Both those statements are true and, in some ways, accurately reflect how much I love this album. But they don't really explain why I love it because I can't seem to form complete sentences when speaking of Mt D. Everything comes out in sighs and swoons. So, instead of complete sentences, here are a few mutterings.

Heartbreakingly beautiful
Rich in musicianship and chock full of the sounds of '60's Folk
A great tribute to American music, by being more than what American music is currently
Way, way better than Keane (and I really like them)
Quite possibly what the lovechild of Thom Yorke & Joni Mitchell might sound like if they sent it off to be raised by farmers in the 1800s
'Sigh No More' has been my album of the year for two years now, but this year 'Mt D' comes in a very close second

Favorite songs:
Annie Ford kills my soul-It's so sad. But I listen to it most.
Bitter Pill is the taste of leaving home for "something better" and never finding it. So perfect & true.
Platform 7. No reason. I just love it. A lot.

Links:
Bitter Pill
State of Our Affairs