All Blue, the new album from Toronto-based artist, Julianna Riolino, is a maximalist display of sumptuous alt-country. From the barroom heel toe tap of Queen of Spades to the honky tonk blues of Why Do I Miss You, Riolino presents a set of bourbon soaked songs that focus on the rewards to be gained from letting go of the past, and forging independent (not codependent) futures. On the blazing Americana of Lone Ranger, above a hammered medley of major piano keys, Riolino declares ‘I’m a lone ranger in this lonely world.’ But I’ll be damned if she hasn’t gone and made a record that makes you feel that little less alone.

Read on to find out her Sound & Vision picks:

Three favourite albums:

Vashti Bunyan – Just Another Diamond Day

This is the debut Album of English folk/singer songwriter, Vashti Bunyan. When I came across Vashti, it immediately resonated with me. Her voice cuts with crystalline precision and holds a vulnerability that feels warm and earnest. I love the way this record sounds, it feels intimate, as if it were being performed right in front of me, outside with the sun beaming on my face.

Another Diamond Day is a go to when I am feeling reflective, introverted, and missing home.

Sandy Denny – Sandy

Sandy Denny is a songwriter that paints a rich tapestry with her vocalization and arrangements. This entire album feels like a vignette into the rich storytelling of the days of yore. Sandy is her second studio album after her time with Fairport Convention and Fotheringay and features brilliant players (Richard Thompson, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Alain Toussaint etc.)

Sandy is a record I can listen to and every time I do it’s like the first time I did.

Jacqueline Taieb – Self Titled Compilation

If you are diving into the world of the YE YE sisterhood I would suggest plunging head first into this collection of Jacqueline Taieb material. Jaquelines voice carries you away with a thunderous roar. Bravo and 7 heures du matin as well as Le cœur au bout des doigts are a few of my favourites. Sonically the album is passionate, playful and so incredibly well arranged. Jaqueline sings with a confidence and swagger that pairs well with the raucous guitar and horn section.

If you are feeling like conquering the day that waits ahead of you, pop this on, it will start you off right.

Favourite film:

Amsterdam – David O. Russell 

I will start by saying if you are a lover of music and film and ART (in general) these questions are nearly impossible to answer. I choose to answer this question as follows ‘what is a film you have seen lately that you love?’ I am on tour and the band and I just went to go see the movie Amsterdam’ by David O. Russell. It is the perfect blend of history, incoherent mystery and comedy. The semi true tale of the rise of evil and facism pre WWII. History has a tendency of repeating itself. Those of you that get it…will!..and if it ain’t your thang then well heck! I still love ya.

Favourite book:

Patti Smith – Just Kids

Just Kids was a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. I tend to have a hard time staying focused on the page, but when I started Just Kids, I could not put it down. The life Patti led, her relationships with others, art, and creation inspired and breathed new life into the way I see the world and my passions.

A song that means a lot to you

The Kinks – Sitting In My Hotel

Ray Davies is one of the most brilliant songwriters/composers to ever exist, and I can’t help but always go back to this vaudevillian progression. Sitting In My Hotel is the perfect example of acting so utterly maudlin, that suddenly you catch yourself and almost have to laugh. His lyricism is unmatched. Everybody’s in Show-Biz and this song particularly connects with me now… ‘As I sit in my hotel room, hiding from the dramas of this great big world….’

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