By Jay Boucher

I’ve been a huge fan of Meg Baird since her early days with Espers and their ethereal post-folk, spaced-out psychedelic style of music. From there, she’s collaborated with many musicians like Bonnie Prince Billy, Sharon Van Etten, Kurt Vile, Glenn Jones, Mary Lattimore, and she’s a founding member of the psych-rock band Heron Oblivion. Today, Meg Baird’s newest release Furling (Drag City) arrives on LP, CD, and in digital format. It’s her first new solo album since 2015’s Don’t Weigh Down the Light (Drag City) and it’s absolutely gorgeous. 

From the opening instrumental track Ashes, Ashes which showcases Baird’s piano playing in a wistful psych-groove to the very next track, Star Hill Song, which guitar-wise reminds me of early Mazzy Star. Baird’s vocal style is reminiscent of that 70s English folk scene—Sandy Denny, Vashti Bunyan for example—and its most prominent on Ship Captains, Cross Bay, and the dreamy and delicate feel of Twelve Saints. Baird plays many parts on her new album (piano, guitar, percussion, vibes, organ, mellotron, synth) and it certainly has a great flow from beginning to end. One of the outstanding tracks is, Will You Follow Me Home? It’s sort of euphoric and it feels familiar—a nice upbeat groove, with a very Neil Young feel musically. Regardless of what I think, all nine tracks are worth your time and the accompanying musicians (Charlie Saufley, Mary Lattimore, and Tim Green with Doug McCombs, Ryan Jewell on tour) are simply world-class. 

It’s only January, but this album is already at the top of my list. Solid production, a brilliant flow and delightful lyrics. Look for Meg Baird on tour in North America.