Mirah- (a)spera

Album release: March 10, 2009

Ever since Feist taught everyone how to count in Apple commercials last year, I've felt this influx of female singer-songwriters has become too much.  Who are Yael Naim, Colbie Caillat, Sarah Bareilles and where did they come from?  Are they all one trick ponies, or is there something memorable about them?  Do they hold any staying power?  Any merit?

As the strings crescendoed in "Generosity," the first song of (a)spera, I felt something special.  Something's there, I know it.  After doing some quick research (read: wikipedia), I discovered Mirah has been around for a few years (twelve, to be exact) and after a four year hiatus, will be releasing her fourth album (the one I'm reviewing).

While her older albums are either very poppy (You Think It's Like This But Really It's Like This) or very folky (Advisory Committee  and C'mon Miracle), this album is a perfect blend.  She uses many unique and odd instruments, ones I've rarely if ever heard on an album.  Anybody ever hear of a Mandinka Kora before?  There are some very ethnic, poppy, get-off-your-ass-and-onto-your-feet dancey songs: "Country of the Future" makes me wanna cha-cha.  And as poppy and feel-good as some tracks are, that how morose "The River" and "While We Have The Sun" are.     

Mirah is the singer in the intimate, smokey bar or coffee house.  She may play unnoticed, but for the one or two people who catch her peaking through the chaos, they are lucky.  It's hard to predict what will become Mirah in the future.  She sure as hell doesn't know.  In "Generosity," she timidly asks "Am I invited to stay?/I've worn my welcome."

Mirah, stay as long as you want.

(a)spera comes out on K Records March 10, 2009.