<a href="http://www.thisissomewhere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/anaismitchellmain_400x328_shkl_300x246.jpg"><img src="http://www.thisissomewhere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/anaismitchellmain_400x328_shkl_300x246.jpg" alt="anaismitchellmain_400x328_shkl_300x246" title="anaismitchellmain_400x328_shkl_300x246" width="300" height="246" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4923" /></a>Anais Mitchell we be opening for GPN at the House of Blues show later this month. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity for me to point out that her "Hadestown" record currently sits at the top of my "Top 10 Records of 2010" list.  "Hadestown" has been getting stellar reviews, especially overseas at  <a href="http://www.nme.com/reviews/anais-mitchell/11249">NME</a> and elsewhere <a href="http://drownedinsound.com/releases/15307/reviews/4139727">Drowned in Sound</a>.

<blockquote> Dreams are sweet / until they're not / Men are kind / until they aren't / Flowers bloom until they rot / and fall apart</blockquote>

Now that said, I don't think this record has universal appeal. Concept album? Musical?  A "a multi-layered, sensationally good and endlessly absorbing “folk opera” that reworks the story of Orpheus and Eurydice as an allegorical saga set in depression-era America, where hell is an alluring but ultimately entrapping post-apocalyptic gated community"? via <a href="http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article7104158.ece">TimesOnlineUK</a>
<blockquote>King of Diamonds, King of Spades, Hades was King of the Kingdom of dirt</blockquote>

There are people I know, who like a certain kind of music or are open to certain kinds of things. Unfailingly, when I offer this selection up I've heard nothing but amazement come back to me.  I saw Anais perform the entire opera last night in Woodstock, VT and here's what I wrote

<blockquote>Left home for Woodstock NY last night before I figured out - hey, there's a much better chance of seeing Anais Mitchell if I go to Woodstock, VT. Once I finished the beautiful drive I got introduced to Anais (thanks Dave) and had a wonderful converstion. The show, well - what can I say. The Hadestown opera is a work of..., if not genius, very close to it. Stirring, heartfelt, wondrous. Go listen.</blockquote>


<strong>"Wedding Song"</strong> and <strong>"Why We Build The Wall"</strong>
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hkVOoOvlr8A&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hkVOoOvlr8A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>

So here in the Vermont woods we've got Anais Mitchell, Grace Potter and Neko Case. Is it something in the water?

A few more stellar tunes after the jump.

<!--more-->
<strong>
Bon Iver & Anaïs Mitchell - Lovin's For Fools </strong>
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9dvOIEODVps&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9dvOIEODVps&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>

<strong>1984</strong>
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/h6HLTBwCFO0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h6HLTBwCFO0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>

Any song about George Orwell that give a shout out to Prince is fine by me.

down at headquarters, theres a big database
with black and white photos of the side of your beautiful face
and your library record, and all your test scores
and an invitation to party like its 1984
baby, dont look so nervous, they just want the facts
and its all written? out in the usa patriot act
cause we dont take no chances in a nation at war
so tonight were gonna party like its 1984

oh, honey, what did i tell you about the house being bugged?
they can hear us making breakfast, they? can hear us making love
but excuse me a minute- big brothers at the door
and hes ready to party like its 1984
you know youre my one and only; you always have been
sure is gonna be lonely after i turn you in
so ill wait till tomorrow to file my report
and tonight we can party like its 1984

<strong>"Untouchable Face"</strong> - personal favorite song
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y8CpP89nmEY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y8CpP89nmEY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

