Notable Album Release: Regina Spektor - Far

Just in case you hadn’t been privy to this information, even though it seems like everyone in the blogging world has been eating it up, Regina Spektor will be releasing her newest album, Far, June 23, along with a special edition release as well. The piano-pop driven sounds will leave “hipster” folks salivating and television shows breathing down the neck of Warner Bros. in order to secure some song usage for their episodes. Expect to hear this album just about everywhere. I just felt I’d be remiss not to mention it (and I do enjoy her music.)

Regina Spektor - “Laughing With” [MP3] (new!)

Regina Spektor - “Blue Lips” [MP3] (new!)

Regina on MySpace

Arrica Rose drops new EP, Pretend I’m Fur

Following up her highly successful previous album (with the dot dot dots), La La Lost, Arrica Rose is back on the indie folk scene with Pretend I’m Fur, a seven-song EP, released May 11, on pOprOck records. After the stunning, lo-fi La La Lost, Rose seems to take her songwriting up a notch in attitude, as more upbeat (yet just as heartfelt) tunes shine through on Pretend I’m Fur.

Rose mixes in soulful melodies with an air of delightful wandering pop as she works for a shimmering sound to appeal to listeners’ wider folk sensibilities. It’s not simple downtrodden “folk” - wistfulness is certainly on display despite such connotative song titles as “Tragedy,” “I’ll Love You Forever and Other Lies,” and “Say Goodbye.” But as has been the theme lately here on KR, artists like Arrica Rose somehow manage to demonstrate hope (see “Pillow on the Ground”) through their mostly melancholic lyricism. Thanks to Pretend I’m Fur, Rose’s poignant and impassioned singing has reeled me in, as I’m sure several of you will feel the same way.

Arrica Rose - “Be Still My Heart” [MP3] (from Pretend I’m Fur)

Arrica Rose & The …’s  - “All My Metaphors” [MP3] (from La La Lost)

Purchase Pretend I’m Fur

Arrica Rose on MySpace