KCRW Exclusive: Agnes Obel – “The Curse”

Agnes Obel’s 2011 release “Philharmonics”was a stunning debut.

I heard the music before I ever saw a picture of her.

The album felt like a Fall day, crisp air and yellowing leaves – a welcome and exotic outing given our beautiful southern California environs. Her take on John Cale’s “I Keep a Close Watch” is superb, forever rescuing a deeply powerful song from utter obscurity.

Now comes “Aventine“, her sophomore release (due October 1st on Play It Again Sam), and it’s absolutely sublime. With it, we are witnessing an artist on a roll.

Close miked and intimate, it’s at once claustrophobic and grand in scale. Often, she lets the music speak for itself with expansive instrumental breaks.

KCRW is very proud to offer the debut of her new video, featuring “The Curse“, the first single from the new album, shot in a Berlin studio.

– chris douridas