ChickSpeak

Anais Mitchell is not new to the music scene, and although she may not be topping the charts in quite the same way as Lady GaGa, she’s definitely been making her mark. Signed to Ani Difranco’s label, Righteous Babe Records, this sweet-voiced songstress brings to the table songs so filled with honesty and vulnerability you’ll melt immediately.

Take for example her album The Brightness, which features songs so full of melancholy memory and affection they’ll transport you seamlessly to moments of magnitude in your own past.

“Out of Pawn” tells the story of her uncle’s love affair with a girl in New Orleans. Her unassuming lyrics are relatable to everyone, and have that mix of nostalgia and strangeness that is irresistible to music lovers.

“Your Fonder Heart,” arguably her most successful song, questions the true affections of her heart’s desire. “Way over yonder I’m waiting and wondering wither your fonder heart lies/way over yonder I’m waiting and wondering whether your fonder heart lies.”

Although not on her new album, my personal favorite is her earlier song, “Cosmic American.” Featuring lines such as “I’m a live wire, I’m a short wave radio/ Do you copy?” The lonesome guitar and longing in her voice pull at your heart strings in a manner not unlike predecessors Dolly Parton and Norah Jones.

Her clever twist of words reminds one more of a novelist, or poet, and that quality is what makes her songwriting standout over others’ amateur efforts. Perfect for cruising along the highway at night, or just chilling out on the couch on a Sunday morning, don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost in the dreamy world of Ms. Mitchell’s composition.