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Concert Fri Feb 08 2008
Introducing Keren Ann
By simply naming her fifth studio album, and her first entirely sung in English, Keren Ann, the Israeli-born, Paris-raised singer seems to have taken on a self-confidence. Already well known in France, Keren made her US debut on the Blue Note Records imprint, Metro Blue, in 2004 with Not Going Anywhere, a collection of gentle lullabies. She followed up with Nolita, a half-French, half-English affair inspired by the New York neighborhood she lived. Both Anywhere and Nolita are worthy listens — especially if you're a fan of Cat Power or Juana Molina — but they still didn't bring her the fame of her label mate Norah Jones (which is probably a good thing). However, Keren Ann could change all that. Recorded in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Iceland and Israel, Keren Ann is as cosmopolitan as its locales, though it never comes across as trying too hard. The album's standout single, "Lay Your Head Down," is a folky-pop song that starts out with Karen's Dylan-esque delivery amongst handclaps, before ending in a wash of melancholy strings, that just as well could become as ubiquitous as one of Miss Jones'.
Listen to "Lay Your Head Down."
Keren Ann visits the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N Broadway, on Sunday. Former Luna members Dean & Britta open the show. Show's at 9pm, tix are $20.