(Self-released, CD)... Read more

(GlennSource Records, CD)... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

I was asked recently which album I listened to when I was feeling really down. I responded that it depended upon whether I wanted to feel better or keep feeling bad. For those of you who enjoy wallowing, may I suggest Saving Your Side, the sophomore effort from Burlington’s The Leaves. Front woman Aya Inoue has delved into her personal journals and penned an album that paints a pretty clear portrait of hurt.... Read more

The last we saw Ben Campbell, he was gracing regional stages as Orpheus, the male lead in Anaïs Mitchell’s folk opera Hadestown. But it appears his considerable talents range well beyond the theatric. Since 2006, the dynamic vocalist has written, performed and recorded seven full albums of material under the pseudonym Saint Albums for the Jamaica, Vt.-based imprint Lonely Hiway Records.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

After years spent honing her craft in various nightclubs around the state — oftentimes three or four nights per week — Vermont’s reigning (only?) neo-soul siren, Myra Flynn, has finally released her debut album, Crooked Measures. And it appears the chanteuse’s yeo(wo)man efforts are well rewarded. The disc is an expertly conceived and deftly executed affair that, while not without occasional flaws, reveals a rising young local talent on the cusp of reaching her full potential.... Read more

(Island/Def Jam Records, CD)

I want to hate this. But I can’t.... Read more

(Cotton Pony, CD)... Read more

(Stony Plain, CD)... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

Vergennes-based folk/country troubadour Josh Brooks has reemerged a lengthy seven years since his well-regarded sophomore effort, Better Days. Brooks’ new release adds to an already impressive back catalog of folksy fables set to wholesome country strains. But in terms of production and recording technique, Lesson Learned represents a different pass over familiar folk and country terrain and bears the mark of a craftsman still trying to embrace his artistic progression.... Read more