Partly released in December, now in full, this is a supreme soul and jazz crossover double album with a stellar cast of guest vocalists, by Bella Union boss Simon Raymonde and former Jesus & Mary Chain drummer Richie Thomas. Like 2017’s album Ojala, many singers are label friends and favourites such as Marissa Nadler who returns, but with an expanding cast there are more delights to pick from this classy selection, including newer artists such as Porridge Radio. Of these, 82-year-old Portland-based soul singer Ural Thomas, previously highlighted in our New Songs section, and doing the title track, perhaps remains the standout. There are echoes of the band’s former oeuvres, particularly of Raymonde’s Cocteau Twins on the shimmeringly sounds on Every Beat That Passed featuring Sweden’s Kavi Kwai, and Heart of A Hummingbird featuring KookieLou. Other standouts include John Grant on Cordelia, Circle with C Duncan, Halcyon with Penelope Isles, a 60s soul style I Woke Up With An Open Heart featuring The Hempolics, Grey Tower featuring former Midlake singer Tim Smith, and perhaps the most the ethereal and haunting, Linger with Gemma Dunleavy. Across all 16 tracks a listening experience that’s mellow, rich and beautiful. Out on Bella Union.
Feel free to also check out our favourite albums of 2020 here:
Fiona Apple to Lianne La Havas to Yves Tumor: favourite albums of 2020 – Part 1
Agnes Obel to Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers to Sault: favourite albums of 2020 – Part 2
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