Shelf Life: Liam Hayes, BC Camplight, Andy Shauf

Liam Hayes – “Slurrup” (Fat Possum)

Chicagoan Hayes has been hanging around the periphery of rock stardom for over 20 years, with critically-acclaimed, but under-heard recordings under his own name, as well as Plush (he can even be spotted in the film “High Fidelity“).

But his latest album may be his most focused, with short, sharp, 60s-inspired tunes that could very well break though.

BC Camplight – “How to Die in the North” (Bella Union)

Although we hadn’t seen new records from Brian Christinzio, aka BC Camplight, since 2007 doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy.

He’s been involved with the Philadelphia indie-rock scene, playing with the likes of the War on Drugs, as well as appearing on Sharon Van Etten’s 2011 album, “Epic“.

Now based in Manchester, UK, he finally has released a new album of quirky, diverse songs & we couldn’t be happier.

Andy Shauf – “The Bearer of Bad News” (Tender Loving Empire/Party Damage)

Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Shauf makes his album debut with a collection of seemingly lonely songs that echo the likes of Elliott Smith and Josh Rouse.

But they are plenty of optimistic touches that smartly color his tunes, making for a subtly dynamic record. And that clarinet…!!!

You can listen to a sample below, or stream of his entire new album here as part of KCRW’s Album Preview.

ERIC J. LAWRENCE