So, this is my first “real” post of 2014 and I can’t think of a better album to start with than Ben Fisher’s Charleston. Since his first album, Heavy Boots & Underwoods, Ben has been a favorite here at CFM headquarters for his ability to spin stories through song and his strong voice from years of busking in the streets of Seattle. But, since his first album, Ben has grown from great to greatness with Charleston.
Charleston is an impressive collection of engaging folk-rock songs like “Mason Jar” and “Charleston” and ballads like the nostalgic “Magnolia Lane” and the Biblically somber “Rare Desert Rains” sometimes feeling like an anthology of short stories about the American South. Produced by Noah Gundersen, the album is exquisitely engineered and crafted to showcase Ben’s immense talent for imagery and music. His crystal clear voice ringing throughout every corner of this album and filling each of his short stories with life and interest has made Charleston one of the best albums I’ve heard so far in 2014, and I’m sure I’ll carry this album with me throughout the year.
April Wolfe – Common Folk Music
