Lucy Dacus - 2019

After releasing her widely acclaimed sophomore album, Historian, in 2018, indie singer/songwriter Lucy Dacus returned on Valentine's Day of 2019 with a cover of the Édith Piaf classic "La Vie en Rose." Loyally wistful but vitalized with a simmering, eighth-note guitar pulse and full drums, Dacus' version develops into something lively and shimmering, though it's steered, as usual, by her distinctly unassuming, custard-rich vocals. More song releases, all associated with holidays or special occasions, followed throughout the year, culminating in the seven-track EP 2019. The last one to be revealed -- a melancholy, New Year-themed original called "Fool's Gold" -- opens the track list with an intimate tone, squeaky fretboard navigation, and the line "I drank the dregs of the champagne alone." With a thoughtful heavy-heartedness established, New Year's and Valentine's Day lead into the Mother's Day offering "My Mother & I," an original song and EP highlight. Spare and both comforting a