Thea Gilmore - Murphy's Heart

2010 release, the 10th album from the British singer/songwriter. Gilmore is an artisan songwriter, blessed with an unerring skill set for bittersweet songs of both melodic heft and lyrical edge, genuine emotion that prevails through an understated style, a blend of stark sepia tones and muted colors. Gilmore speaks of the "bleak optimism" in her songs, a slant that has become richer and deeper with each new year, each new album. It's part of growing into adulthood, becoming both a wife and a mother while maintaining the itch to write, sing, connect.