Laura Stevenson was born into a musical family. Her grandfather was a composer whose resumé includes “Little Drummer Boy” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” while her grandmother was a singer for Benny Goodman. Needless to say, these musical genes have been passed down to Laura.
Laura Stevenson began her musical career as the keyboard player for Jeff Rosenstock’s punk/ska/whatever the hell they were musical collective, Bomb The Music Industry! While touring/recording with BTMI!, Stevenson grabbed a guitar and began writing songs with a few other BMTI members. Thus, Laura Stevenson and the Cans were formed. The Cans released two records before Stevenson did her own thing and released a solo album.
“Wheel” is Stevenson’s first solo release. It was released under Don Giovanni Records, which also released another killer record this year but we’ll get to that later. “Wheel” is a very, very refreshing folk, singer/songwriter album with songs about middle class love. She sings about “mak[ing] you happy” by “making you coffee when [she] wake[s] up in the morning.” Her unique vocal timbre along with her finger-plucked guitar melodies make this album a nice, relaxing folk album.
This is probably my album of the year. I highly recommend giving this album a listen. I was hooked after hearing the first song.
Best Tracks: Reneé, The Move
Grade: 9/10
Ryan and Jon Do Music 