a bit about basia
17Jan08
Next month, Rough Trade is issuing the debut album by Canadian singer/songwriter Basia Bulat. I had the chance to see her play live recently, and though her music is not quite my thing, I was completely suckered by her song “In The Night” — so much so that I’ve been listening to it at least once daily since the show. It’s powered by a speedy autoharp strum, and barrels forward like a (much) more polished and demure version of, say, “Holland 1945.” Basia is unbelievably charming live, and this song — with its tender longing and vocal somersaulting — has worked its way firmly into my head, into my heart.
It probably doesn’t hurt that in college I really loved Blind Man’s Zoo.
I totally see the 10000 Maniacs! Totally precious. But for some reason she screams Swedish instead of Canadian. Interesting video concept if it wasn’t so unoriginal (it’s a total combo of Bat For Lashes’ “What’s a Girl to Do”, Shout Out Louds’ “Very Loud”, Arcade Fire’s “Rebellion (Lies)”)…am I right? I can totally see her performing this on Pancake Mountain…
Yeah, the “Whats a Girl to Do” video definitely leaped to mind when I saw this.
Okay, now I’m totally smitten. If “In the Night” is too poppy, then “Snakes and Ladders” alone will be worth the price of the album. I’m sure she’ll appeal to fans of Feist and Catpower…which is odd for me to say because I’m not a big fan of either (I know, I know…sacriledge!). I’m quite looking forward to 2/5!