Heartbreaking Bravery

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April 13, 2017

Hazel English – More Like You (Stream)

Now that everything’s caught back up to the current release cycle, expect posts nearly every day to recap what’s been happening. Thursday brought in a small trove of treasures from great new tracks by the likes of Sharkmuffin, Christopher Paul Stelling, Walter Martin, Adult Mom, Gallery 47, The Bonnevilles, BNQT, So Many Wizards, Saudade Sisters, and Do Make Say Think to great music videos from John K. Samson, Tara Jane O’Neil, and JFDR to outstanding records by Workhorse, Lugaweight, and Mimi Raver.

Shortly following a characteristically excellent clip, Hazel English has returned with another winsome piece of music just in time to soundtrack all of our warm weather parties. “More Like You”, the project’s latest, is teeming with a familiar carefree aesthetic, something played up in the wistful, nostalgia-inducing home movie leanings of its music video. As always, it’s a warm piece of music, buoyed by the same empathetic warmth that’s quietly made Hazel English one of our most consistent emerging songwriters.

“More Like You” is unassuming, unpretentious, and gently atmospheric, conjuring up a world that’s easy to get lost in and difficult to leave. While the vocals remain pensive, they also retain the sunny optimism that’s always provided Hazel English’s music with a sturdy core. It’s that paradigm that makes Hazel English such a fascinating artist and what makes “More Like You” so alluring. There’s a hint of mystery nestled into the familiarity, rendering the comfortably breezy “More Like You” yet another triumph.

Listen to “More Like You” below and pre-order Just Give In/Never Going Home from Polyvinyl here.

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April 13, 2017

Christopher Gold & The New Old Things – Sad Songs (Music Video Premiere)

There are few figures in the Wisconsin music scene that have been working as tirelessly and exuding as much warmth as Chris Gold, who’s maintained a consistency throughout a number of both musical projects and charitable work. A mainstay in the world of folksy, heart-on-sleeve balladeering, Gold’s also revealed a streak that leans far closer towards punk over the years. “Sad Songs”, the lead-off single from the forthcoming  You Are A Ghost, bridges that divide masterfully.

Directed, shot, and edited by Aaron Jankowski, the video for “Sad Songs” both takes the title of the record it appears on very literally and, in a characteristic turn of events, keeps it in the family. Gold’s son, Oliver, is hidden underneath the sheet for near the entirety of “Sad Songs” but still manages to exude the kind of magnetic, easygoing charisma that defines his father (and his father’s work).

“Sad Songs” itself comes across as a perfect amalgamation of everything Gold’s accomplished in his career, so it seems fitting that he’d find a way to encompass his son into the proceedings. Like all of his work, it’s heartfelt, it’s well-informed, it shows its influences, and reveals a heart all its own. A Southern-tinged rock n’ roll romp from a proud Northerner, “Sad Songs” may look towards the past but it marks an exciting new chapter for the artist responsible for its creation.

Watch “Sad Songs” below and keep an eye on this site for more updates on You Are A Ghost, which will be released on May 12. The release show for You Are A Ghost will be held at Source Public House in Menasha, WI on May 13.

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