The last great new musical discovery I made by listening to the radio was Zeus, a band I brought to you just a little over a year ago. Now a year on, one of Zeus’ pals, Afie Jurvanen has become my latest radio crush, with his debut LP under the moniker Bahamas. Pink Strat is a soulful alt-country album in the same vein as Jason Collett and Great Lake Swimmers (whom Jurvanen has played with) but it’s Jurvanen’s distinctive “love-done-me-wrong” songwriting that sets Bahamas apart from his contemporaries.
For an album of such honesty and heartbreak, it’s surprisingly easy to listen to and fall in love with Pink Strat. Jurvanen doesn’t adorn the songs with frilly productions, nor does he force the emotional sentiments of the songs down your throat. Think of all the great bluesman you’ve ever enjoyed listening to in the past; you know they’re singing about some pretty brutal relationship troubles, but you never feel sorry for the guy. It’s probably because whatever event it was that inspired the songs, Jurvanen has been able to translate it into absolutely fantastic music. The payoff for living through pain is art, I guess.
Bahamas has spent the summer charming the pants off music festival audiences across Canada, and will certainly continue to do the same as he hits the road with Amy Millan throughout the Fall. Pink Strat is available now through Nevado Records.
MP3: Bahamas “Lonley Loves”
Mysapce: Bahamas
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my favorite part about this is how after song after song about – “I’m no good for no one” and love is never pure, he ends it all with a simple, optimistic little cover that shows he’s not giving up on either.
Comment by herohill 09.09.09 @ 10:15 amLeave a comment
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