Now Hear This

After Pirate’s Gospel, Alela Diane’s mesmerizing debut record, made my Top 20 of 2007 I had pretty high expectations for her follow up. Believe me, To Be Still met ‘em in spades.  Recorded in various locales over 2008 (including a return to her father’s studio), her sophomore effort is a folk fireside dream; haunting compelling gorgeousness. Now Hear This has a copy to send to you, kind reader. Just email me with the name of Diane’s old home town (she now resides in Portland). Here’s a hint: she used to pal around with Joanna Newsom.

Here’s one of my favorite tracks off the new record to get you in the mood:

White As Diamonds

A beautiful meditation on the silence of snow.

To hear more check out her myspace page.  To Be Still is available now on Rough Trade Records. Buy it here.