Patrick Wolf is a mere lad of 23, but has apparently been making music for more than half his life. His first album Lycanthropy was released in 2003 and was met with critical acclaim but strangely enough he has yet to achieve widespread fame and glory. Which is perhaps not such a bad thing, considering the state of popular music these days. But that's neither here nor there. Ahem.
It would be easy to dismiss Wolf as just another pretty face, as glittery style over substance. But he's actually got the musical chops to back it up. His voice ranges from deep growls to effusive whoops, and everything in-between. He plays quite a few instruments, including but not limited to: pianos, violas, ukuleles, dulcimers, theremins, harmoniums, bells, gongs, synthesizers, and handclaps.
His latest release, The Magic Position, is the most "pop" album Wolf has released, as evidenced by the lyrics from the title track: "You've put me in the magic position/ To live, to learn, to love in the major key.../ Let me put you in the magic position, darling 'cause/ I'm singing in the major key." While on past albums his music has been described as "dark" and "apocalyptic," this time around he even sings straightforward love songs ('Enchanted'). That's not to say it's all sunshine and butterflies, however, he's still got a few songs ('Magpie,' 'Augustine') about love's lament (which are my favorite kinds of pop/love songs actually).
I had a difficult time trying to decide on which songs to include here so I tried to choose ones with a somewhat different sound. While I think all three of his albums are equally excellent, I would venture to say that The Magic Position is probably the most accessible to date. Enjoy, and when you realize you can't stop playing his stuff don't say I didn't warn you!
Bonus: video for 'Bluebells'
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