Polly Paulusma - The Pivot On Which The World Turns - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Haydn / Fricsay - Sinfonien 95 98 & 100 [COMPACT DISCS] date 01/01/2012

Swan Lake is the musical collaboration of Daniel Bejar (Destroyer, New Pornographers), Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade), and Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes, Blackout Beach). While their debut was a beautifully weaved mash up of disparate songwriting styles, this second effort reflects a more stripped down, deliberate approach to collaboration. It's as if they really tried to just make nice songs together.

On her new album Alva, singer, musician, activist and cultural icon Mari Boine offers glimpses into a childhood which she abandoned when she chose to leave behind a strict religious upbringing in order to pursue a life of activism. The new studio record reflects on finding the balance the between her, the at times lonely, mission to share the culture and histories of the Sámi people through music to people across the world, and her personal journey and relationships. The poignancy of the record reaches an emotional high on the mournful InchMu eadniInch (Mother of Mine), wherein Mari laments her own relationship with her mother. She is also found reflective on InchOainnestanInch (Glimpses), when looking at the relationship she has with her son.Alva reflects the InchwillpowerInch of it's name, and takes the listener on a musical journey of exhilarating momentum, spurred along by a full band. There's an emancipated energy that is also reflected in the music, soaring to new heights over vast imagined landscapes of the tundra of Northern Norway.