“King’s Daughters Home for Incurables” Karla Kane
Enchanting, acoustic folk for thinking music lovers from local singer-songwriter, Karla Kane. The 11 songs lead listeners into an otherworldly landscape that transports them to distant (and not-so-distant) places and times — from medieval England to California’s golden, tree-studded foothills. At the same time, Kane’s feet are firmly planted on the ground as she addresses many of the topics of the day including feminism and our thirst for hope and respect in a too-often dark world. The disarmingly simple arrangements are precisely produced, populated with an intriguing mix of instruments and sound effects — from Kane’s signature ukulele to nature recordings (birds, bees and rainstorms) and even announcements from a U.K. train station. While this is ostensibly a solo album, Kane makes good use of her fellow members of sunshine indie pop band, The Corner Laughers, as well as guests such as Mark and Helen Luker (U.K.’s Fun of the Pier), Martin Newell, Anton Barbeau, and others.
— Francis

Highly recommended: Play all – start with 4, 1, 10, 3, 2, 9. No FCCs.

1. (4:01) King’s Daughters Home for Incurables — Lilting, medieval feeling. A quick trip of imagination to olde England. Kane’s rich vocals and strummed ukulele at their best. ****
2. (3:21) Wishing Tree — Bouncy, skipping, happy tune. Martin Newell contributes additional vocals and his distinctive poetry. ***

Track-by-track description continues on back.

3. (3:21) Skylarks of Britain — Stately tune that starts in cathedral-like reverie and builds into rich harmonies and a Beatles-like arrangement. ***
4. (2:42) The Lilac Line — First single. An upbeat, strummy celebration inspired by travels through Nottingham on the Lilac bus line. ****
5. (2:57) Don’t Hush, Darling — Opens with buzzing bee sound effects. Pensive and moody. An ode to feminism. “Don’t choose princess when you should be the queen.” ***
6. (1:06) Mother of the Future — Chant that divides the front and back half of the album.
7. (3:09) Under the Oak in May — Fairytale waltz with plucked strings, piano and rich harmonies.
8. (3:35) Midsommar — Mostly acoustic version of The Corner Laughers’ summer standard. Light rhythm from bongos and maracas. Very nice folk sound with distinctive harmonies. ***
9. (3:26) The Weight of Acorns — More traditional folk sound. Prominent acoustic guitar. Some electric guitar as well. Lightly tripping feel with intriguing rhythm instruments. ***
10. (4:18) All Aboard — Soulful commentary on the uncertain age we live in. Train-like vibe created by Kane’s piano. ****
11. (3:09) Grasshopper Clock — Another cover of a Corner Laughers song. Sunny, sweet and uplifting closer. **