Joan Shelley and the album “Electric Ursa” There’s very little flash to Joan Shelley’s release “Electric Ursa“, but you don’t need flash when you’ve got songs this good. The Kentucky singer-songwriter is armed with a plaintive voice, quietly powerful lyrics and a group of backing musicians who know how to add sensitive and restrained color to the proceedings. An understated gem that sounds better and better with each spin.
It starts appropriately with a song called “Something Small.” It’s indicative of the whole album, which barely cracks half an hour, with eight miniaturist songs made of delicate arrangements and Shelley’s gentle voice. But around the time you get to the lovely “First Of August,” Shelley’s power becomes increasingly apparent. That’s best exemplified on the album’s shortest song, “Remedios” — the wordless song builds gradually to a graceful peak.
The Fat Angel Sings 