Description:	LP on Bella Union
	Format:	LP (vinyl)
	Genre(s):	Singer-Songwriter
	Label:	Bella Union
	Price:	£14.79
	Availability:	Sold out / currently unavailable. Sorry!

4
...according to our Phil on 14 January 2010.

I'm finally starting to get Laura Veirs. I was always quite happy to listen to her albums but none of 'em particularly struck me. I think I can't have heard them properly as if they're anywhere near as good as her new album 'July Flame' I'd be banging on to people about it left right and centre. The album features Eivind Kang, Steve Moore, Karl Blau and Jim James (the singer from My Morning Jacket) on a ton of tracks. Apparently July Flame is named after a Peach. I've not seen them in Morrisons before? The album is more summery and upbeat than I remember of her previous outings. Her vocals are delightful and buttery and they're always a pleasure.. There's a large dash of country and folk in there all swathed in various strings and interesting delicate arrangements. It's all very thoughtful and emotive and listening to the songs again they really start to hang around your head, especially the final track on the album 'Make Something Good' which is one of a handful of duets with Jim James. It's an introspective feast of delightfully constructed and created folk music for you to enjoy. And you should.....

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Sound clips for July Flame by Laura Veirs: on vinyl at Norman Records UK. LP (vinyl), Bella Union, BELLAV220, £14.79.

What their label says...

“JULY FLAME” explores the emotion of mid-summer. Drenched in wood smoke, sunlight, pastoral dales, fireworks and warm nights, the lyrics explore the dichotomy between one’s desire for permanence and security and the realisation that such things rarely exist.

“July Flame” is a magical and flawless collection of songs, highlighting Veirs’ masterful finger picking guitar and confident vocals. “Laura’s like the queen bee and my ear is her hive; she nests and makes honey in the hairs of my cochlea,” says JIM JAMES of My MORNING JACKET (who sings on several tracks).

The album breaks from Veirs’ previous full-band efforts, although many of the same players make appearances on the album, including long-time collaborators KARL BLAU and STEVE MOORE. String arrangements are featured more on this album than on others; the brilliant improviser EYVIND KANG plays viola on many songs and legendary arranger STEPHEN BARBER composed hauntingly beautiful string quartet arrangements for three songs.

July Flame is the sixth album that Laura and producer TUCKER MARTINE have made together. Recorded and mixed at their home, the song-writing, arrangements, production and performances create a fully realized piece of art that inspires reflection and calm in a world that spins unsteady.

As word spreads that her forthcoming release – “JULY FLAME” – is possibly her finest album yet, LAURA VEIRS has just announced news of an extensive UK tour in January 2010… dates/info below.

TRACKLISTING:    
     
01. I Can See Your Tracks
02. July Flame
03. Sun Is King
04. Where Are You Driving
05. Life Is Good Blues
06. Silo Song
07. Little Deschutes
08. Summer Is The Champion
09. When You Give Your Heart
10. Sleeper In The Valley
11. Wide-Eyed, Legless
12. Carol Kaye
13. Make Something Good