[Premiere] Listen: Kathleen Edwards – Sidecar // Song Of The Day #350

Nearly a month ago to the very day we posted up the new offering from Canadian songstress Kathleen Edwards. ‘Wapusk’ (a polar-bear domain in Manitoba, fyi) was strewn in meloncholy and longing – helped slightly by the subtle production and backing vocal duties of Edwards’ boyfriend, one Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Though, don’t assume that Kathleen is riding on the coat tails of Vernon, as this is an artist of great worth with a back catalogue that dates way back before the bearded one made waves with For Emma, Forever Ago.

Needless to say, based on the strength of ‘Wapusk’ we’ve been itching to hear more from Edwards’ forthcoming long-player Voyageur which drops on January 16. So here we have the world’s first play of new single ‘Sidecar’ which, in terms of contrast couldn’t be more opposite than its predecessor. Whereas ‘Wapusk’ was delicate and brooding, ‘Sidecar’ is a burst of pure unadulterated joy. There has always been a very fine line between Americana and power pop crossing over to one another – from Nada Surf to Big Star, Teenage Fanclub to The Long Winters – with every uplifting chorus and perfectly placed melody there’s usually a hint of american roots buried underneath. ‘Sidecar’ is no different, which only adds the reward of repeated listens – a two minute forty second hit of unfiltered serotonin.

Its effectivness is in its lyrical simplicity. An ode to new love (or lust); the kind that sparkles and has the ability to produce goosebumps at any given moment. “I was feeling so lost for so long” sings Edwards – you can almost picture her grinning whilst the words fall from her mouth. The whole song a warm embrace of new beginnings. Pure joy.

If Edwards can keep this kind of quality up througout the aforementioned album, we’re in for something very special indeed.

Kathleen Edwards – Sidecar

Catch Kathleen Edwards on tour with Bon Iver on the following European dates:

October
22 – Edinburgh, Usher Hall
24 – London, HMV Hammersmith Apollo
26 - Utrecht, Netherlands – MCV
27 – Brussels, Belgium – AB
29 – Paris, France – La Grande Halle de La Villette (Pitchfork Music Festival Paris)
30 – Cologne, Germany – E-Werk

November
01 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
03 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene
04 – Stockholm, Sweden – Globen Annexet
05 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Falkoner
06 – Hamburg, Germany – Docks
09 – Leeds, England – O2 Academy
11 – Bristol, England – Colston Hall