Depending on what part of the world you live in, and depending on whether you’re a brick-and-mortar or an online shopper, there are about eight shopping hours left until Christmas. If this news is sending you into a spiral of shock and bewilderment, relax! You might as well pour yourself a cojito — thanks, Mom, for introducing me last night to the delicious alternative to both egg nog and mojitos! — and give up your dreams of playing Santa at any of the parties on your social calendar tomorrow. While you’re at it, press play on the two tracks I’ve embedded below — "My Name Is" and "Criminal" — from Age of Solo, the fantastic 2008 debut disc from super-talented British chanteuse Lettie. The former is a wistful little ditty with dreamy layers of vocals, an unexpected splash of harmonica, and lyrics that’ll have you flashing back to animals marching side-by-side toward Noah’s Arc (or a high-rise flat, at the very least). The latter is the most scathing indictment of the Iraq war ever set to a hypnotic dance beat. And Age of Solo, amazingly, has another seven or eight songs I like equally well. (Imagine that! An album that doesn’t require you to skip every other track!) Full disclosure: David Baron, who produced the disc, is the husband of my friend and coworker Jinhi; this does not make it any less fabulous. But give a listen and judge for yourself:
"My Name Is"
"Criminal"
Anyhow, Age of Solo is my go-to present this season for music lovers in search of something that’ll stop them from spinning Beyonce’s I Am Sasha Fierce till even their moms want to pimp-slap ‘em new and under-the-radar. I’m curious to hear what songs and albums you’re giving to friends and family this holiday season. Hurry and post — last-minute PopWatcher shoppers may be counting on you!
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Awesome!
Hey, awesome! And she’s friends with Sarah Fimm on Myspace.
My musical tastes and those of my friends and family, sadly, have no overlap. But as for 2008 albums, Veda Hille and Thea Gilmore both put out great ones.
Lettie is truly her own. It is rare to find an artist so genuine, poetic and true.
She is a very unique and individual artist …..I just love her!
The Age of Solo will be ageLESS; that is clear. Classic-meets-outer-space groove joints like Criminal & Future Retro, plus multiple sing-a-long songs make this debut from Lettie special, special, special. YOU LOVE LETTIE. Maybe you just don’t know it yet.
Thankyou Lettie. An album with a bit of character at last! Edgy, fun and thoughtful. Lets have another soon.
I just saw that you released another album, Everyman. Wow, absolutely great! Can’t decide if the electronic pop of Age of Solo is my favorite, or the acoustic Everyman. Keep up the good work!
Great music to drive to.
Well, what can I say…put simply, Age Of Solo is one the best records I’ve heard in 2008 ! Why Lettie isn’t better known is beyond me. The release of Everyman should secure her place on the music map…it’s even better than Age Of Solo ! A truly underrated talent.
The songs stand out a very strong debut from an interesting new artist…
Thanks for the tip, am listening to her stuff on MySpace now. I adore all the catchy stuff going on here – a lot of depth to the catchy pop shimmer on the surface. Great stuff, amaaaazing voice. J
Such a refreshing album, full of hummable tunes and unexpected pleasures, it gets better as you go along….
Really great music. I have been going to her gigs for a while now and this latest album is definitely the best so far. Really catchy interesting tunes. Go Lettie!!
Letties songs go around and around in my head all the time.. they are under my skin and i sometimes don’t even realize i am humming them down the street or in the shower or making dinner… Lettie is the soundtrack of my mind! haha i love it..
Great vocals – hoping we can make the next gig.
Great vocals – hoping we can make the next gig.
Great stuff Lettie! Keep going with it all, my love. (Love the front cover by the way – you look very thin and gorgeous!). Promise I’ll make it to a gig soon! xxxx
Such striking vocals… Lettie you have a really haunting, beautiful voice! This album is dreamy.
Lettie, you’re brilliant! Keep up the live gigs, composing and multi instrumentals. Dark, funny, cool and beautiful, what more could you want from an album? Enjoy!
Lettie being on the same planet as you is a joy.Your music is an added bonus
lettie it’s not criminal it’s a joy
Lettie, fantastic cd for home and in the car! My Lettie loves it too ! X