Album of the Week: Clouds by The Ballroom Thieves

Album: Clouds
Artist: The Ballroom Thieves
Release Date: July 15, 2022
Label: Nettwerk Music Group Inc.
Favorite Tracks:

• The Lightning
• Trodden
• Harry Styles
• Borderline

Thoughts: The Ballroom Thieves are Boston-based folk duo responsible for one of my favorite albums of 2020, Unlovely.  They were once a trio but have lost a member in the intervening years and are now Calin Peters (vocals, cello, bass) and Martin Earley (vocals, guitar).  Their sound has softened some and feels more meditative.  As one might expect, the lyrics deal with the isolation and disruption of the pandemic years and the hope to return to old habits like touring. In this summer when Harry Styles seems to be everywhere, they’re also thinking of him. What I like best is Peters’ sweet voice.

Rating: ***1/2

Album of the Week 2022

January

• Olivia Rodrigo – Sour
• Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever
• Adele –30 
• Tran Uy Duc – Came
• Yard Act – The Overload
• Aoife O’Donovan – Age of Apathy

February

• Tanya Taqaq – Tongues
• Various Artists – Summer of Soul soundtrack
• Mitski – Laurel Hell
• Shamir – Hetrosexuality

March

• Lady Pills – What I Want
• Stromae – Multitude
• Jenny Hval – Classic Objects
• Yumi Zouma – Present Tense

April

• Ibibio Sound Machine – Electricity
• Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems
• The Linda Lindas – Growing Up
• Deer Scout – Woodpecker
• Sault – Air

May

• Congotronics International – Where’s the One?
• Oumou Sangaré – Timbuktu
• Various Artists – Daptone Mood
• Wet Leg – Wet Leg

July

• Editrix – Editrix Goes To Hell
• Medicine Singers – Medicine Singers
• Mourning [A] BLKstar – Celestial Bodies
• Lizzo – Special