SHARON VAN ETTEN | TRAMP
I fell in love with singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten’s work when I first heard her 2009 debut Because I Was in Love, and have had the privilege of meeting her and supporting her work ever since. A tireless performer, Van Etten pushes things to the next level with her third release, Tramp – an album that is incredibly well-crafted and arranged despite over a year’s worth of itinerant recording sessions with Aaron Dessner (The National) at his new garage studio. The twelve tracks range from dark rockers to breathtaking ballads, with Van Etten’s captivating vocals and talented three-piece backing band and guest artists. Do yourself a favor and pick-up the album (due out February 7th) and catch Van Etten on her upcoming international tour. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Julie Doiron, Kristin Hersh, Lia Ices, Sarah Jaffe, Lower Dens, Tiny Vipers, Wye Oak
posted by JFelton, January 26, 2012
SHARON VAN ETTEN | EPIC
With her 09 debut album Because I Was in Love, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten immediately captivated audiences with her rich vocals and acoustic guitar, and now she is back with her sophomore album Epic. The opening track “Crime” bridges the two albums – it’s a familiar, strummed, acoustic lament about love gone awry; the only acoustic song on the album. From the second track on, Van Etten is backed by a full band, which expands the melancholy mood and elevates Van Etten’s vocals to a new level. The multipart harmonies, like those on “Love More,” appear throughout the album, conveying a sense of hope; that beauty can come out of the worst of circumstances. Van Etten, who is one of my favorite contemporary songwriters, is extraordinary solo, but accompanied by a band, her music really shines. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Sam Amidon, Cat Power, Sarah Jaffe, Lower Dens, Nina Nastasia, J. Tillman, Tiny Vipers
posted by JFelton, October 7, 2010
SHARON VAN ETTEN | BECAUSE I WAS IN LOVE
Ever since it’s release in spring ‘09, I’ve enjoyed Because I Was in Love by Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten, but for one reason or another I didn’t have the chance to review it until now. Van Etten’s first formal full-length album is introspective and intimate with lovely melodies, layered acoustic guitar, keyboard, and overdubbed harmonies. The tracks lament feelings of heartache and skepticism but Van Etten’s vocal delivery is confident, resulting in rich songs with emotional resonance. Because I Was in Love masquerades as a sparse folk album, but is really a thoughtful composed and arranged album that slowly reveals itself through repeated listens. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Vashti Bunyan, Alela Diane, Laura Gibson, Great Lake Swimmers, Mirah, Julie Peel, Scary Mansion, Tiny Vipers
posted by JFelton, February 1, 2010
RECORD LABLES
