The Needle Drop

my brightest diamond

My Brightest Diamond - None More than You EP

New TracksadminComment

Whimsical, delicate, and moving, these five new tracks from singer-songwriter Shara Worden--a.k.a. My Brightest Diamond--make for a pretty captivating lead-up to her next full-length album, which is dropping later this year. We actually shared a track from it a little while ago.

Seems like a pretty capable EP, and doesn't really feel like any material that's completely throw-away. If this is what didn't make the album, I can only imagine how great this next release is going to be.

My Brightest Diamond - "Pressure"

New Tracksjeremy1 Comment

Shara Worden is one of my favorite voices in contemporary music, and I mean that both literally and figuratively. The latter because of her unique songwriting abilities and her way with creating slippery, pretty melodie sand make them sound so easy. The former because, well, that voice! Worden's chops have proven themselves time and time again throughout her career (let's not forget her triumphant, showstopping contribution to the Decemberists' The Hazard of Love). Her project My Brightest Diamond has released three very solid albums, and now it is time for their fourth, This is My Hand.

With the announcement comes first single, "Pressure." Led by insistent drumline percussion and brass, whose melding with the feathery woodwinds sounds oddly comfortable. This sort of groovy tune features another thrilling take from Worden. Multi-tracking her voice into a mini-choir to call-and-response with, she commands the four minutes with grace and power. The twinkling bells and distorted bassy synth swells that recur throughout are nice touches (in fact - everything here seems like a "nice touch" since this is a most slithery song that shifts gears and instruments repeatedly). The song seems to be about mining diamonds, but I can't help but feel that is not really what it's all about. Nonetheless, this single definitely whets my appetite and is getting me giddy for this new release.

This is My Hand is out September 17, via Asthmatic Kitty.

Colin Stetson- New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges

Reviewsadmin6 Comments

Colin Stetson's latest album redefines the saxophone in an avant-garde context. His drones, motifs, and highly technical sax runs are undeniably gripping and beautiful. Not every piece here may sound completely fleshed out, but the technical ability shown throughout the album is more than enough to distract from that extremely minor problem. My Brightest Diamond and Laurie Anderson even show up for vocal duty on a good chunk of this album, too; bringing a new depth to the experimental nature of this album.

I guess I have to warn y'all, though. This album is music that's meant to be observed. It's nothing to party to, that's for sure. But while it may not be upbeat or "catchy," it's still a really unique experience--even in light of jazz titans like Roland Kirk and Ornette Coleman.

WATCH THE REVIEW