I bought the latest album from James Yorkston on Friday and it's been on repeat throuout the weekend.
As the title suggests, Songs For Nina And Johanna features James duetting with Nina Persson (The Cardigans) and Johanna Söderberg (First Aid Kit); Nina gets five songs, Johanna four and there's one solo from James halfway through.
It's a joy from start to fiinish, and despite it's late August release, the album is the perfect soundtrack to what has really felt like the end of summer and the start of autumn these past few days.
Both voices are a fine complement to James voice, dry, wistful, on the cusp between spoken word and trying not to disturb the neighbours. Nina lends beautiful melancholy, Johanna an exuberant uplift; the combination is a treat for the ears.
I've pulled together seven videos, spanning four songs. Starting with a surprisingly and delightfully restrained remix of A Moment Longer by Vince Clarke, and including three songs performed for Monitor Sessions in Stockholm, Sweden in June.
Go on, buy the album, your life will be better for it.
1) A Moment Longer (Vince Clarke Remix): James Yorkston & Nina Persson
2) Oh Light, Oh Light (Official Video): James Yorkston & Johanna Söderberg
3) A Moment Longer (Monitor Session, Stockholm): James Yorkston & Nina Persson
4) Love / Luck (Monitor Session, Stockholm): James Yorkston & Johanna Söderberg
5) Love That Tree (Monitor Session, Stockholm): James Yorkston & Nina Persson
6) Love / Luck (Official Video): James Yorkston & Johanna Söderberg
7) Love That Tree (Official Video): James Yorkston & Nina Persson
