New Yorker Rebecca Schiffman’s self-titled third long play is produced by Money Mark. It’s a pleasant exercise in 21st century singer-songwriter quirkiness. Similar to Cate Le Bon, Schiffman has managed to construct a peculiar narrative built around elements of traditional folk music, observational comedy, and sophisticated pop music arrangements. I’m particularly a fan of the ridiculously ingenious lyrics. If we can break it into musical categories, the record is a mix of contemporary European baroque pop, 21st century American folk, and 1990s jazz-pop. Pop Neoyorkino con mucho sentido del humor.

RIYL: Belle & Sebastian, Cate Le Bon, Camera Obscura, Sharon Van Etten and Frankie Cosmos.

FCC CLEAN!
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9

1. (3:01) *Nico – Slow tempo folk pop. Piano driven. Catchy.
2. (2:50) **Walking to the Subway – Americana pop with nice melody. Self- amusement realizations.
3. (3:49) Childhood Bedroom Claustrophobia – Baroque pop at full splendor. Medium tempo. Belle & Sebastian comes to mind.
4. (3:03) **Laura – Guitardriven medium tempo folk pop exercise. Memorable.
5. (4:31) **Tips for Conquering Fear of Flying – Baroque pop with self- assuredness. Medium-up tempo. Ambitious.
6. (4:10) *Time for Your Renaissance – Medium tempo piece. Appealing melody. Frank.
7. (2:05) Little Ronnie – Upbeat guitar-driven recording. Tales of childhood. 8. (2:26) Long Weekend – Slow folky intro. Beat at medium tempo starts at 00:21. Part jazz-pop, part baroque pop. Trumpet solo.
9. (2:18) **I’m Only You – Great piece of pop. Baroque, inspired, and brief. Unforgettable.