Laura Cannell's Latest Album, Brightly Shone the Moon, Explores the Complexities of Winter
Laura Cannell's folk album, Brightly Shone the Moon, is a nuanced exploration of the winter season, where joy and heartache exist in a delicate balance. Drawing from her childhood Christmases in Norfolk Methodist chapels and churches, Cannell sets out on her most introspective journey yet.
The album begins with the organ, reminiscent of Cannell's formative years, which gives way to the 16th-century folk melody of O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum. The fiddle quivers around this classic tune, conjuring images of a snowglobe swirling in memory. However, the repetition of All Ye Faithful takes on a new tone, as Cannell delves into the complexities of love and longing during winter.
Beauty emerges elsewhere in the album, with tracks like Lost in a Merry Christmas showcasing high melodies that flutter and melt together in the air. Bleak Midwinter presents an urgent, icy rush, replacing melancholy with a sense of hope, while Angels Falling from the Realms is a warm and haunting tribute to long-forgotten hymns.
This is not a festive album for parties or tree decorations; it's one that carries you through the passage of time, with Christingles lighting the way like sparks of ancient songs. Cannell's work is an honest portrayal of winter's struggles and contradictions, weaving together old traditions with modern sensibilities to create something both timeless and contemporary.
In addition to Brightly Shone the Moon, several other releases this month are worth exploring. Anna Pidgorna's Invented Folksongs showcases her unique blend of traditional Ukrainian music and avant-garde style, while Michael Winograd's Plays Tanz! brings traditional klezmer to a spirited live performance. Winter Wonderband's Joy Illimited is a mixed grab-bag of festive tunes, featuring Jennifer Crook, Maclaine Colston, Saul Rose, and Beth Porter among others.
Laura Cannell's folk album, Brightly Shone the Moon, is a nuanced exploration of the winter season, where joy and heartache exist in a delicate balance. Drawing from her childhood Christmases in Norfolk Methodist chapels and churches, Cannell sets out on her most introspective journey yet.
The album begins with the organ, reminiscent of Cannell's formative years, which gives way to the 16th-century folk melody of O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum. The fiddle quivers around this classic tune, conjuring images of a snowglobe swirling in memory. However, the repetition of All Ye Faithful takes on a new tone, as Cannell delves into the complexities of love and longing during winter.
Beauty emerges elsewhere in the album, with tracks like Lost in a Merry Christmas showcasing high melodies that flutter and melt together in the air. Bleak Midwinter presents an urgent, icy rush, replacing melancholy with a sense of hope, while Angels Falling from the Realms is a warm and haunting tribute to long-forgotten hymns.
This is not a festive album for parties or tree decorations; it's one that carries you through the passage of time, with Christingles lighting the way like sparks of ancient songs. Cannell's work is an honest portrayal of winter's struggles and contradictions, weaving together old traditions with modern sensibilities to create something both timeless and contemporary.
In addition to Brightly Shone the Moon, several other releases this month are worth exploring. Anna Pidgorna's Invented Folksongs showcases her unique blend of traditional Ukrainian music and avant-garde style, while Michael Winograd's Plays Tanz! brings traditional klezmer to a spirited live performance. Winter Wonderband's Joy Illimited is a mixed grab-bag of festive tunes, featuring Jennifer Crook, Maclaine Colston, Saul Rose, and Beth Porter among others.
Laura Cannell's new album is like stepping into a cozy cabin on a snowy day - it's warm, intimate, and feels like home 
. The way she balances joy and heartache is so refreshing, it's like the snowflakes are gently falling on your skin 
. Don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in the melancholy of "Angels Falling from the Realms" - it's like a warm hug for your soul 
. If you're looking for something new to add to your winter playlist, give Brightly Shone the Moon a spin 
it's like they're trying to make us read through a novel about Laura Cannell's album instead of just giving us the gist in the first place... I mean, I get it, Brightly Shone the Moon is a great album and all, but can't we just have a summary or something? 
Give me all the feels!
I'm loving the new album from Laura Cannell, Brightly Shone the Moon! 
it's giving me all the winter feels. But what I think I'm really loving is how her music makes you feel like time is passing through you, like the Christingles are lighting up your path. It's so peaceful and emotive. 
Have you guys listened to this album yet?
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. But what really gets me is how she tackles the complexities of love and longing during winter. Like, we've all been there - feeling hopeful one minute, melancholy the next. And Cannell's just like, "Hey, let's explore this messy middle ground together."
... but in the best way possible. It's like she's holding up this mirror to winter, reflecting all its contradictions and struggles back at us. And you know what? It feels so true to life 
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. Seriously though, Laura Cannell's new album is giving me ALL THE FEELS 
. I love how she explores the complexities of winter in such a nuanced way - it's like she's capturing the essence of cozy nights by the fire and frosty mornings in equal measure 
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. And while you're at it, give those other releases a spin too... Anna Pidgorna's Invented Folksongs is giving me major indie folk feels 
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her use of traditional folk melodies alongside modern sensibilities is giving me all the feels! and can we talk about that track "angels falling from the realms"?! it's like she's conjuring up these ethereal, haunting vibes that just make me wanna snuggle up by a fireplace with a cuppa tea 
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. Can't they just leave us alone for one minute? And don't even get me started on playlists that are literally just a bunch of Christmas songs mashed together with some random tracks thrown in. Like, what's the point of that? It's just noise. I swear, if I hear "Jingle Bell Rock" one more time this month, I'm going to lose it 
... I mean, don't get me wrong, Laura Cannell's Brightly Shone the Moon sounds like a really pretty and introspective album, but is it just a case of nostalgia for winter vibes? Like, we all love a good snow day or festive market, but do we really need an entire album about it? 
I'm also curious, what's up with all these winter-themed releases this month? Are people just trying to be cozy and festive in the midst of winter blues? 
I'll have to give them a listen, but I'm still on the fence about whether it's just another seasonal trend or something more. 
. It's not always easy, but she shows us that even in the midst of struggle, there can be this spark of hope and love that guides us through 
. I mean, who needs Christmas cheer when you can have melancholy? And don't even get me started on the title... Brightly Shone the Moon, huh? Sounds like someone's trying too hard to be all poetic and stuff 
And I'm loving the honesty in her portrayal of winter's complexities - it's not just about the joy and cheer, but also the struggles and contradictions. Have you checked out Anna Pidgorna's Invented Folksongs? It's a totally different vibe, but still super cool 
but laura cannell's album is like a warm candle on a cold night 
and i love how bleak midwinter brings an urgent, icy rush to it 
The way she weaves together old traditions with modern sensibilities is giving me life 
but i gotta give it to laura cannell's new album she's like a total winter wonderland in her own special way the way she weaves traditional folk melodies with more modern sensibilities is honestly genius