Richard Shindell’s Movies of the Mind

Richard Shindell
“Blue Divide”
Shanachie Records
1994

Early on, New York-raised Richard Shindell established himself as a contemplative and gifted songwriter. He was never in better form than on his 1994 sophomore release “Blue Divide.” Over its ten tracks, he paints vivid portraits of what it means to be human, from our loves, deceits, pride, lust, nobility, cowardice, and occasionally redemption.

The album opens with “A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress,” a reminiscence of unattainable love. Next, “Fishing” takes us inside the mind of an immigration officer as he interrogates his captive. Time has only made this song more poignant in the current age of daily headlines recounting ICE agents’ callousness and inhumanity to man.

“The Ballad of Mary Magdalen” imagines the biblical figure’s feelings for Jesus, first as a man and then as a deity. “Lazy” celebrates a lighthearted moment of savoring quiet domesticity.

In “The Things I Have Seen,” optimistic patriotism collides with disillusionment after the speaker witnesses battle firsthand. The speaker bears the wounds that the world seems never to tire of probing. The Civil War companion piece “Arrowhead” is told from the perspective of a Confederate drummer boy.

Shindell’s movies of the mind next take us inside prison walls, where a condemned man contemplates the hereafter as he bears the weight of his life’s choices in “Ascent.” The album fittingly closes with the title track, leaving a sense of restlessness and a glimmer of hope.

The band lineup for this project includes Richard Shindell on vocals and acoustic guitar, Steve Addabbo on Hammond organ and electric guitar, Kenneth Blevins on drums, Larry Campbell on lap steel, pedal steel and mandolin, Séamus Egan on mandolin and uilleann pipes, Peter Freeman on synthesizer, Mark Hamza on Hammond organ, Lucy Kaplansky on harmony, Juan Patiño on percussion, Dave Richards and Michael Visceglia on bass, and John Whelan on button accordion. 

Richard Shindell is among the most talented storytellers of our time and deserves a much larger audience. His other noteworthy albums include “Sparrows Point,” “Somewhere Near Paterson,” and “Reunion Hill.”

Kim Taylor's Overlooked Classic

Kim Taylor
“Build You Up” EP
Kim Taylor (self-released)
2011

Kim Taylor possesses one of the most stunningly beautiful voices, and the clarity of thought in her lyrics is exceptional! Born in Miami, Florida, in 1973, and making her home today in Cincinnati, Ohio, she delivers a smooth, laid-back contemporary folk sound that is near-addictive. In addition to having recorded several full-length solo albums and EPs over the past two decades, she is also a member of the duo Water and Sand alongside fellow singer-songwriter Todd Thibaud.

Kim Taylor’s 2011 EP “Build You Up” is a seven-track collection that repackaged her earlier EP “The Greatest Story” from 2008 and added two additional tracks: "I Am You" and the title track "Build You Up." If you’re new to Kim Taylor’s music, I enthusiastically recommend the “Build You Up” EP as a bite-sized introduction to her body of work. Taylor shines brightly on every track here, and even Over the Rhine’s stellar cover of “Days Like This” doesn’t match the simple beauty of Kim’s original, life-affirming version featured here.

As with many digital releases, credits are minimal: the piano on the title track, the acoustic guitar and drums on “Days Like This,” and the balance of the tracks are uncredited. What is clear is that Taylor’s beautiful voice and songwriting combine to deliver an immensely satisfying work that remains one of my all-time favorites. If you desire heartfelt lyrics, beautifully delivered, you can do no better than this overlooked treasure. 

Lynn Miles Warms Winter Nights

Lynn Miles
“Winter"
Lynn Miles (self-released)
2015

On her 2015 seasonal release, “Winter,” Quebec-born Lynn Miles delivered 12 originals and one cover of a Jesse Winchester favorite. It is an enjoyable, unconventional collection of reflective pieces, ranging from deep and thoughtful to humorous. The songs are similar to those of fellow Canadian artist/songwriters Shania Twain’s "God Bless the Child" and Jann Arden’s "Still Here" in that they, in turn, look outward at the real world as it is with a healthy dose of introspection and a touch of whimsy.

In the album’s opener, “Last Night,” she pays tribute to the matriarch of Canadian folk, Joni Mitchell, referencing “The River” as Fall transitions into Winter. "Just Let It Snow" is all about slowing down and accepting things as they are, and not being weighed down by the end of a challenging year. The presence of snow is significant in many of the songs, as with "Little Snowflake," which appreciates the beauty and elegance of snowflakes as they fall. By contrast, "High Heels in the Snow" reflects on the tragic life of a teenage prostitute.

"The Coldest Winter in the History of the World" recounts the exhausting days of harsh winter weather when "It's hard to walk, it's even harder to be nice." This, contrasting with Miles' cover of Jesse Winchester's "Wintery Feeling," celebrates the splendour of falling snow in Montreal, acknowledging "You'll take the sun for granted if you outrun every storm."

"Casino el Camino" and "Christmas Makes Me Miss You More" vividly depict a musician's life on tour and the solitude of the holidays. "Santa Claus Parade" pleads with a grinchy lover not to "rain on my Santa Claus Parade," while "Blue Moon Bar," featuring Rebecca Campbell's vocals, presents a sombre honky-tonk scene on Christmas Eve.

The album finishes on a high note with the lively country rocker "Twenty Pound Turkey," a song that truly deserves a spot alongside Robert Earl Keen, Jr.'s classic "Merry Christmas from the Family."

This highly recommended collection showcases the talents of Lynn Miles on vocals and guitar, Keith Glass on guitar and electric guitar, Dina Maccabee on viola, Andrew Tholl on violin, and Chris Votek on cello, with Peter Kiesewalter composing the string quartet arrangements.

Alecia Moore and Dallas Green = You+Me

You+Me
"Rose Ave."
RCA Records
2014

In 2014, the folk-rock duo You+Me was formed, featuring the unexpected musical collaboration between American pop icon Alecia Moore (Pink) and Canadian indie folk artist Dallas Green (City and Colour). Shedding their better-known alter egos, they created vibrant, richly poetic songs perfectly suited to their voices.

The elegant simplicity of each track on their acoustic folk debut album, "Rose Ave.," is a stunning achievement and a delight for the listener. The project was recorded in just eight days, featuring Moore on vocals and percussion, Green on guitar and vocals, Matt Kelly on piano, pedal steel guitar, and organ, and Alex Newport on bass.

The opener, “Capsized,” is a clever metaphor for lovers drifting apart like two ships in the night; like vessels taking on water, they find themselves beyond saving. “From a Closet in Norway (Oslo Blues)” is about retreating from a lover who has grown distant, regretfully questioning the meaning of everything, while “Gently” contemplates the end of life’s journey and being at peace with oneself and life’s eventual end.

“Love Gone Wrong” explores familiar post-relationship wreckage, but this time from both sides of the equation. The love-affirming ‘You and Me” is a lovely duet showcasing the full power and beauty of Moore and Green’s vocal dexterity. They possess a natural vocal quality that feels like it creates a whole new voice as their voices meld in perfect harmony.

“Unbeliever” is about holding on despite our fears and self-doubt, made possible by love’s sustaining promise. “Second Guess” is about being newly unencumbered by love and struggling to trust again.

Moore’s deeply personal “Break the Cycle” explores her journey toward healing and reconciliation with her mother, while Green’s “Open Door” is a heartfelt tribute to his parents. The album concludes with an acoustic cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love.”

The August Empire's Before the Hereafter

The August Empire
“Before the Hereafter”
(self-released)
2013

In the summer of 2013, Dante Marchi and Liz Constantine debuted their first album as The August Empire, titled “Before the Hereafter.” Their journey began years earlier during a TV commercial recording session, where they spent hours sharing a microphone. Their friendship blossomed into a relationship, paving the way for them to collaborate on songwriting.

Marchi grew up in Texas, immersed in country music, while Constantine enjoyed the Beatles and classical music in upstate New York, learning to play classical flute. Their excellent and diverse styles combine to create something beautiful and unique. The album gained attention when the song "There's a Rumor" was featured on the NBC TV series The Night Shift.

The duo wrote all the tracks on “Before the Hereafter,” except for a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.” Crafted with acoustic guitar and piano, their compositions are beautifully complemented by light strings and mandolin, courtesy of Rich Hyland. The overall sound is genuinely organic, capturing the essence of Americana without lapsing into clichéd modern country music themes. Instead, we are treated to melodic pieces that reflect their understanding of love's peaks and valleys, self-doubt, and our deep longing for connection and acceptance.

Highlights from the album include “There's a Rumor,” “Letting Go,” and “October.”

Skybound Blue Takes Flight on Born to Love You

Skybound Blue
"Born To Love You"
(self-released)
2025

Skybound Blue is a Sisters, Oregon-based duo that met in the jazz choir at Spokane Falls Community College, where they fell in love. Matthew and Jennifer Behnke married and began to pursue their shared dreams of adventure. They spent three summers on Guam, where Matt landed a gig diving for silver bullion on a 17th-century Spanish Galleon. In 2000, they sold everything and sailed around the Bahamas for a year filled with snorkeling, playing music, and making lifelong friends.

I’m indebted to the band’s website for this background information, as sources on the duo are scarce on the internet. Their lives changed forever when Jennifer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cancer remains a significant life challenge for the couple who’ve persevered as loving, supportive companions. From this experience comes a sense of urgency to write and play music, regardless of the circumstances; they have a deep-seated need to create. This led the couple to spend thirteen years in Nashville, working with some of the city’s finest writers and players. They have since returned home to the Pacific Northwest to raise a family and continue honing their craft.

Since 2011, Skybound Blue has released three albums and one EP, featuring some of the most enchanting and enjoyable Folk/Americana music I’ve heard. Their third album, “Born to Love You,” was released in January 2025. As with all their releases, it's an upbeat collection that celebrates the pair's love and is forward-looking, embracing every moment as it comes. Jennifer is featured on lead vocals throughout, and Matthew plays guitar and provides harmony on all songs.

“All My Days” opens the album with a celebration of motherhood, setting the tone for this collection of songs, which are filled with gratitude for every day. “Keep it Simple, Sweetheart” encourages us to relax and go with the flow. “Born to Love You” is about finding peace in the embrace of love.

“Another Song” and “At Last” are both love songs, with the latter being a cover of the Etta James classic, demonstrating Jennifer’s interpretive powers as a vocalist. This is a powerful standout that perfectly complements this collection of originals. “Could You” soulfully beckons to a companion during difficult times.

“We Only Have Today” addresses our human frailty and the loss of a childhood friend, while “Tripping Over Paradise” imagines being part of nature and locking in on those moments of peace and tranquility. “More Joy” is a declaration to reach for joy in this crazy, fast-paced world, delivered in a call-and-response style that pushes back against bad news.

Concluding with “Feather” and “Can’t Hold On,” these two songs explore our powerlessness in the face of mortality, leaving us with a peaceful image of floating on the breath of love. Here, they return to the theme of being grateful for today and finding peace in whatever one’s beliefs may be.

If one role of art is to delve into our inner selves—to explore our hopes, loves, dreams, and fears—then reflect on those we cherish and the world around us, and share what we’ve discovered, this album excels. Skybound Blue focuses on what they understand: life is transient, and it’s our task to reach out, love, and appreciate the love we have, while celebrating each heartbeat.

Since discovering these talented singer-songwriters, I’ve been listening to their entire catalog and continue to find nuance and meaning that I believe everyone can relate to. My deep dive into this group’s music has been very rewarding, and I'm sure yours will be too.

Navigating Life's Invisible Forces with The Whispering Tree

The Whispering Tree
“Invisible Forces”
Eyelash Soup Music LLC
2018

With the promise of a new album release later this year, it seems like a good time to revisit The Whispering Tree’s 2018 second album, “Invisible Forces.” The name The Whispering Tree evokes an image of wind-kissed leaves gently in motion, as if nature’s voice were delivering a message. This moniker, along with all the mysterious wonders and delights it suggests, is fitting for the genre-bending duo of classically trained vocalist/pianist Eleanor Kleiner and guitarist/bassist Elie Brangbour.

Make no mistake, these highly intelligent musicians are deep thinkers; they express themselves without self-consciousness or apologies, as none is necessary when done with such artistry and precision. With only eight songs and a runtime of just over half an hour, this album demonstrates that brevity is the soul of wit. In this concise package, they succeed in exploring the human condition from various angles and articulating some of our deepest fears. However, fear not; the stunning vocals and collective efforts of the duo and their band are never dull or tedious.

Beginning with “These Houses,” the lyricist contemplates the deterioration of dwellings whose previous inhabitants are no longer present, “returning to the earth like growing in reverse,” serving as a metaphor for life itself. “Heavy” is a weight-of-the-world ballad contrasted by “California’s” hopeful longing for a new beginning and starting one’s life anew.

“Fat Cat” calls out wealth and privilege and wonders, “How do you sleep?” as it rhythmically confronts an egotistical, greed-driven figure in their survival-of-the-fittest world. The marvelous bass-driven “Split in Half” captures the isolation we can feel within our communities and even inside our own homes.

“Garden” is by far the darkest offering here, with its apocalyptic vision of a scorched and ruined earth. Remembering all the wonders lost, it’s a vivid, startling lamentation delivered with beautiful, haunting guitar and piano. By contrast, “Bells'” hopeful declaration, “I hear bells ringing for change,” concludes the album with a positive song that would fit comfortably on a playlist alongside Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” While this collection of songs navigates some turbulent waters, the enduring hope for a better tomorrow is ultimately within reach. 

Australian Roots Band, The Audreys, Returns Following Long Hiatus

The Audreys
"Ruin & Repair"
(self-released)
2025

The Audreys formed in 2004 in Adelaide, Australia. The original line-up consisted of Taasha Coates on lead vocals; Cameron Goodall on guitar, bass guitar, and backing vocals; his brother Tristan Goodall on guitar and banjo; and Michael Green on violin, lap steel guitar, and backing vocals. Over the years, the band has undergone numerous personnel changes, with Coates remaining the consistent creative force. 

The band took an 11-year break from recording after their fourth album, 2014’s “'Til My Tears Roll Away.” Their 2025 release, “Ruin & Repair,” marks a welcome return for this folk-rock favorite. Opening with "I Remember Everything" is a beautiful duet that showcases the vocal talents of Taasha Coates and the album's co-producer, Ryan Martin John, along with Tom Kneebone's delicate banjo playing. “Beatles V Stones” and “Secondhand Boots " explore ill-fated mismatched romance, while “Subterranean” and “To Want to Be Loved” are resolute in their pursuit of love.

The group lineup for this venture includes Taasha Coates on lead vocals, Tom Kneebone on guitar and banjo, Beej Barker on drums, and Felicity Freeman on bass. These skilled musicians effectively bring to life Goodall and Coates' compositions. From the upbeat songs to the more reflective “Norfolk Island Pine," "Beyond Compare," and “You’re in A Dream," they never fail to satisfy.

Tristan Goodall succumbed to cancer in 2022, leaving a significant void in not only The Audreys but also the lives of his brother, Cameron, and longtime friend and musical soulmate, Taasha Coates. "Beyond Compare" and "You're In A Dream" are heartfelt tributes to Tristan. In the former, Taasha sings, "Between love and loss is a great big lake full of all the choices that you never got to make." The latter imagines their loved one safe and warm, free of pain and far from the Winter's chill. The album dedication reads, “In loving memory of our brother & best friend Tristan Goodall, 1974-2022.”

This album features Taasha Coates's warm, beautiful lead vocals throughout and songs that linger with the listener long after the last note has played. The songs have a natural flow that feels like a laid-back evening spent with friends, reminiscing and sharing memories of days gone by. Best of all, "Ruin & Repair" reveals greater depth and charm with each listen, making it a record worth revisiting frequently.

Love and Empathy Run Deep in Caroline Spence's True North

Caroline Spence
“True North”
Rounder Records
2022

In 2022, Caroline Spence released the brilliant and beautiful album “True North.” This is art of the highest caliber, a significant accomplishment in the music industry. Being constrained by the limitations imposed by major record labels doesn’t foster uninhibited creation, which is unfortunate for both the artist and the eventual listener. Fortunately, on her final album for Rounder Records, this remarkable singer-songwriter’s insightful, thoughtful, and personal reflections are available for everyone to enjoy.

At the time of “True North’s” release, Spence stated, “this is an album of deep love - love for time on this earth, love for all the people that pass through your life, love for yourself exactly as you are… love for your partner, love for unanswered questions, love for searching and yearning and feeling. This is also an album of grief, which is a form of love. I've felt hesitant to hang my hat here because I don't want sadness to be the headline for this record, because grief is more than sadness, it's love.” And in that spirit of openness, rolling with life’s punches, feeling the pain, and embracing healing, she has succeeded.

The album opens with “Mary Oliver,” invoking the late American poet while exploring the details of daily life and living with grief. "The Gift” is about the fleeting quality of time and how it is the only thing we have. “Clean Getaway” confronts the reality that we must face our truths, and there's no escaping some things we’d rather run away from. The title track celebrates a friend finding their true calling and purpose.

The gentle waves carrying this collection of songs convey themes of friendship and connectedness. “Scale These Walls” invites a lover or friend to penetrate the walls she’s constructed. “Walk the Walk” and “I Know You Know Me” offer friendship and support to a troubled companion. “The Next Good Time” advises that when trouble finds you, “Grit your teeth, get through it, and wait for the next good time.” While this might seem routine fare, it isn’t in the masterful hands of this songstress. Her beautiful expression of love and empathy is genuine and sincere.

“Blue Sky Rain” grapples with the unyielding forces in a failing relationship, while a loner finds renewal in the healing power of love in “I Forget the Rest.” Many emotional stones are turned here, and the precision of Spence’s delivery of her lyrics is always on target. The Greek mythology referencing “Icarus” celebrates a life free of fear and open to adventure, without trepidation about flying too high.

The album concludes with “There’s Always Room,” a poignant expression of revelations gained through loss and self-discovery: "Oh, I have lost, but oh, I have found parts of you I never knew I carried." Our familial bonds often run deeper than we realize; like love, they are to be cherished when everything we hold dear feels lost.

Kristen Grainger & True North Go Deep on Ghost Tattoo

Kristen Grainger & True North
“Ghost Tattoo”
(self-released)
2020

Based in Salem, Oregon, Kristen Grainger and True North released their 2020 album “Ghost Tattoo” as the world was shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans for an extensive international tour starting in Ireland had to be scrapped, and promoting the project became nearly impossible. Nevertheless, the album, a blend of folk and Americana with a touch of bluegrass, is one of their best efforts.

The album is a delicate balance between an unflinching look at who we are today in these polarizing times and a sense of optimism for who we might become. “Ghost of Abuelito” pulls at the heart as it confronts the crisis of children being separated from parents at the Mexico border and being held in detention centers. Grainger’s lyrics pierce the heart, as a child finds comfort in the spirit of his grandfather, giving him the courage to believe he will return to his parents.

The title “She Flies with Her Own Wings” is derived from Oregon's state motto and is an inspired tribute to former Governor Kate Brown, for whom Grainger worked as communications director. It is also a nod to all women in leadership positions. In "Light by Light," a survivor describes the hard truths of domestic violence.

Kristen Grainger speaks eloquently as an advocate for female empowerment and social justice. She understands her folk music heritage and is a voice for the unheard, much like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. This may offend some, but since they are likely part of the problem rather than the solution, I doubt she loses any sleep over it.

Two covers, Tim O'Brien's and Darrell Scott’s whimsical “When No One's Around” and Peter Rowan’s “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy,” lighten the mood, balancing some of the weightier subjects examined here. While lost love and the wish for what might have been are the focus of “Wishes and Dreams.” “Keep the River on Your Right” is an upbeat song reminiscent of Alison Krauss and Union Station. “Fine Young Companion” imparts wisdom from the older generation to the young about the importance of embracing a simple life.

These songs are beautifully delivered by the band’s namesake on lead vocals, alongside the True North band, which includes Dan Wetzel, Grainger’s husband, on guitar, resonator guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, banjo, mandola, ukulele, and vocals; Martin Stevens on mandolin, fiddle, octave mandolin, and vocals; and Josh Adkins on upright bass and vocals. Guest artists Dale Adkins on banjo and Cameron Elmore on bowed bass also contribute to this impressive lineup.

Returning to Romantica's America

Romantica
“America”
2024 Records
2007

Romantica’s frontman, Ben Kyle, along with his parents and six siblings, moved from Northern Ireland to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States when he was thirteen. He worked with his father, a doctor-turned-minister, cleaning department stores after hours to support the family. In addition to instilling a solid work ethic in his son, he taught him to play guitar and write songs. He has utilized these skills in his band, Romantica, and solo endeavors for over twenty years. Although the band lineup has changed, Kyle has consistently delivered intensely personal snapshots from his life, singing about what he knows best: family loyalty and the meanings of connectedness.

The band’s second album, “America,” was recorded entirely in a home studio built by the band. It's a solid, melodic collection of folk-rock ballads written by Kyle. It opens with “Queen of Hearts,” a song that explores the allure of a relationship likely to lead to heartbreak, despite its promise of immediate fulfillment. Kyle’s longing and heartfelt lyrics on "I Need You Tonight" express the emotions of lovers separated by distance, conveying his desire for her to know she is foremost in his thoughts and how he misses home.

“The National Side” is a deeply autobiographical song that recounts the Kyle family history and their move to the States. The title refers to the field hockey team for which their mother played in Ireland. The song captures childhood dreams of following in her footsteps in the sport and tales of his siblings' misadventures during their youth. Familial love permeates as the rhythmic guitar, drums, horns, and accordion guide the listener along this journey of reminiscence.

“Drink the Night Away” evokes the anticipation, excitement, and anxiety of youthful friendship and an evening that leads to self-medication and regretful intoxication. “What was Jesus thinking when he let me sink into the arms of the Lord?” suggests the inner conflict between faith and doubt.

Though it’s slow and brooding, the darkest song on the record, “Ixcatan” is strangely beautiful, with Luke Jacobs’s bass and Eric Heywood’s pedal steel guitar conveying the tension and gravity as it relates the story of an outlaw shooting in the mountains of Mexico. “Fiona” is a bittersweet song about youthful courtship set against the backdrop of living in a troubled Belfast at the time. The sweet innocence of walking a girl home where bombs are exploding into the night, and where “Even the cops were scared out of their minds.”

“The Gulf of Mexico” changes gears with fond memories of carefree summers spent with friends. “La Traviada” is about Craig Kelly, a professional snowboarder, who died in 2003 near Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, in an avalanche that trapped eight people, killing Kelly and six others. While the song concerns Kelly, it also addresses the cost of our passions and the price we sometimes pay for them.

“How to Live in a Modern World” is straight-up country in the tradition of Gram Parsons, followed by the meditative “God Walks on Water,” a spiritual reflection on life, love, and all the mysteries we don’t understand. “Tomorrow I'll know, today I've been guessing, one day's curse, another day's blessing.”

Our journey concludes with “Quiver,” a sweet, simple love song, and the ambiguous “Mateo.” Although its meaning remains elusive, it is beautifully rendered by Kyle’s gentle voice in harmony with the violin and cello, culminating in the last three minutes with just guitar and piano. This feels like a fitting conclusion to everything that has come before it.

While Ben Kyle’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician cannot be overstated, Romantica operates as a cohesive unit, bringing these songs to life seamlessly. The album's warm and upbeat feel is achieved through the artistry of Luke Jacobs on guitar, bass, electric piano, and vocals, along with Mark Hedlund and James Orvis on drums, and Eric Heywood on pedal steel guitar, Erik Brandt on piano, organ, and accordion. Jessy Greene's delicate use of strings melds perfectly with these songs, elevating even the most somber numbers to create something beautiful and uplifting. Not to be overlooked are the warm backup vocals performed by siblings Abby, Jayanthi, and Laurie Kyle on this album.

This album offers an incredible journey through Ben Kyle's reflections on family, friends, and their shared histories, and his keen observations of the world he inhabits. The songs convey deep love, introspection, spiritual conflict, healing, and a healthy gratitude for life as one who has found their place in this fragile modern world. Album highlights include “The National Side,” “Drink the Night Away,” and “Fiona.”