the luyas

Jessie Stein is in the Luyas, who made one of my favourite albums this year with Faker Death, and one of my favourite songs with 'Dumb Blood'. This is her writing about her favourite music this year, something more people will do here over the next few days.

I am pretty sure I spent the first half of the year listening to sad
songs that I've known for a long time. Lots of old Silver Jews
records. Townes Van Zandt. Les Mouches' You're Worth More to me than 1,000 Christians... I got into some really good new records in the second half though. The Dirty Projectors put out that beautiful 'cover' record (Rise Above), which is great, but doesn't live up to their incredible live show. They're incredibly able, and have a really special sensibility that is really inspiring.

There is a really neat Montreal two-piece called Elfin Saddle who just put out an beautiful record called Gigantic Mother/Wounded Child. They are the kind of band with the good sense to name themselves after a mushroom. They, are quietly admired gems in the city.

Hmm what else... w'else!..?
Sandro Perri's Tiny Mirrors is weirdly gorgeous.
I saw a Hawk and A Hacksaw play in Manchester with a cimbalom player and a trumpeter, and it was a graceful tearing down of the house.
My friend Steve Lambke made a beautiful record for his project Baby Eagle. I listen to it when I sit in the car and noticeable weather is happening outside.

Les Mouches - Close to You
Sandro Perri - Brainwashed session (YouTube)
The Luyas - Dumb Blood
A Hawk And A Hacksaw - Portlandtown

{Thanks, Jessie!}