From east to west

The two artists today are among my favorite singer-songwriters. They have proven themselves with each album release and coincidentally, they have new CDs which I just had to order on Amazon. Hopefully, they’ll be released here.

Sara Bareilles — The Blessed Unrest (Epic/Sony). Opening with her song for Brave, this is Sara’s third studio album and a crowning achievement for her. There’s more texture, thanks to her playing with synthesizers on such otherworldly tracks as Satellite Call and Cassiopeia, but they never intrude and merely embellish the tunes. I love Little Black Dress, the country-tinged 1000 Times and the do-wop chorus on I Choose You. Eden and December are the more pensive songs, and they shine! The slow burn of the jazz-inflected ballad Manhattan is another highlight of the CD. And there are references to New York on a number of songs. The album may not be as instantly accessible as the first two, but it grows on you and lingers, turning into a fast favorite.

Matt Nathanson — Last of the Great Pretenders (Vanguard Records). A love poem to San Francisco, the new batch of songs has so many references to the City by the Bay. But consistent throughout is the wistful, naughty, romantic streak that has characterized his songwriting. Last Days of Summer in San Francisco, the playful Kinks Shirt and the closing Farewell December (is it a coincidence that both this and Sara’s album end with songs that have December in their titles?) are the choice tracks. I love the opener, Earthquake Weather, and the first line, “I’d kill anyone, who’d treat you as bad as I do.” A great listening album, as the songs go down like a smooth single malt, and like that malt, is good to the last drop/song.