Crystal’s Team Pick:
Every time the word ‘Chesapeake’ has been shouted at me from a publicist’s email, the lazy part of my brain has read it as ‘cheapskate’. An error, clearly – there is nothing stingy about this new album from Virginian singer-songwriter Rachael Yamataga. She’s given it her all, and the result is delightful.
Admittedly I was not amped at the prospect of listening to Chesapeake at 7am this morning, the time that I usually set aside for music writing. Rachael’s past releases, Happenstance and Elephants… Teeth Sinking Into Heart, are not 7am records. They’re 11pm records after a hard day and a couple of vodka tonics. But Chesapeake is not really like that. For the most part, its songs are hooky and hopeful. It’s anytime music, and I think you’ll dig it.
Thanks to PasteMagazine.com, you can stream Chesapeake in its entirety right now. It drops October 11, you can pre-order it via Amazon.
I fell in love for the first time with “Happenstance” providing the perfect backdrop. When we later broke up, it was also the soundtrack to everything I was going through. Naturally, that album will always hold a special place in my heart. Haven’t given “Elephants…” the attention it’s due, but I’ll definitely be a Rachael Yamagata fan FOREVS.
WHAAAA?!! You just made my week.
Omg, I didn’t know she was coming out with her new album so soon! Ahhh, so excited. I’ve missed her voice in my life.