Major news alert! A new The Deep Dark Woods album Yarrow came out today 27th of October on Six Shooter Recordings. I’ve been a huge fan of this Canadian folk rock band since 2011 when The Place I Left Behind stormed into my heart and ended up as the album of the year on this little blog. I’ve only heard a few songs so far from Yarrow, because I wanted to wait until I pick a copy from the local store. So hopefully I’ll find the time to return to this one with a little more detail when I’ve actually spend a little time with it. If not, I’m sure you’ll eventually find it from my top 10 when it’s time to make those pointless but fun albums of the year lists.

This is stunning Fallen Leaves from the new The Deep Dark Woods album Yarrow.

The Deep Dark Woods Website

One more for tonight as I desperately try to go through most of the music that I’ve fallen in love with during the time I didn’t really have anything to give for the blog.

Self-titled The Weather Station album came just few weeks ago on Paradise of Bachelors, but have already claimed a place among the finest and most breathtaking albums of the year. Canadian Tamara Lindeman has been an incredible songwriter for a long time, but still this one feels like it’s a level or two above all her gorgeous earlier albums. It’s a beautiful, courageous, mesmerizing and captivating work of art that everyone should hear. It reveals something new with each listening session and it leaves me completely speechless for a long time. Ok, those who know me are well aware that I’m ridiculously shy and insecure and hardly speak anything at all. So it might not be that big of an achievement. Anyway, it’s better that I just step aside and let The Weather Station’s thoughtful songs carry you to a new day. This is Thirty from the new self-titled, self-produced and absolutely wonderful The Weather Station album.

The Weather Station Website

There’s a small danger that this blog will become a chain love letter to the Portland-based Fluff and Gravy Records, but I suppose that’s not really a bad thing. Their year has been rather phenomenal. Anna Tivel, The Parson Red Heads, Son of the Velvet Rat albums are all awesome (and most likely The Harmed Brothers too, haven’t listened to that one yet). The most recent addiction to their catalogue is the new Jeffrey Martin album One Go Around that I’ve had on heavy rotation lately. It’s a masterwork of songwriting. It’s like short stories wrapped inside a sweet folk melodies. A while ago, Jeffrey was an English teacher by day and a songwriter by night, but recently decided to follow his dream and took a leap of faith to become a full time musician and songwriter. I hope he find success on his new path. Unfortunately it doesn’t really guarantee anything, but there’s one thing he doesn’t have to worry about. It’s the quality of his songs. Any song would do just fine, but let’s go with October Dark for obvious reasons. It’s October and the length of day is getting shorter every day and soon the only time I can see the daylight is through the factory window. Thankfully I have these songs to carry me through the dark, because despite all the heartache I can feel a small glimmer of light glowing somewhere in the songs.

Jeffrey Martin Website

The few readers who have followed this tiny blog throughout the years may remember a Gothenburg-based Klifton Filente who released sweet and beautiful pop records back in the day. The good news is that the unheralded bedroom pop wizard behind those lovely songs Jonas Lundvall just released a new album full of warmhearted folk-tinged pop songs. Signs of Life is such a beautifully arranged album that adds much-needed colour to these dark autumn nights. The album is now out on Rexius Records. Here are the magnificent first singles Borders and Many Short Breaths.

Jonas Lundvall at Facebook