The diversity of sounds on Shelley Short’s new record A Cave, A Canoo is striking. While the record maintains a mood that evokes genuine laughter and longing (thanks mostly to Short’s perfectly produced vocals) the variety of instruments, and even vocalists on tracks like ‘Time Machine/Submarine’ and ‘Familiar’ give the typically slow moving tracks a very engaging boost of energy. Plus, lyrics like “So hold on, and stick it out/ I’m not gonna be, led about” depict not only Short’s feelings about a particular situation, but also they are telling of her overall attitude toward making music. A Cave, A Canoo oozes with the influence of those she’s spent the past three years with. But even artists like M. Ward and Norfolk & Western tend to slump in a particular sound. On this, her second record, we’re given the impression that regardless of whether or not she achieves the acclaim she deserves, it won’t be her last.

To say the least, this record would make for an amazing flushed out live show. Lucky for us who call Portland home, her CD release show is going down at Holocene on October the 7th. This surely won’t be the last opportunity to catch her at home, but as CD release shows tend to go, she’ll probably bring out all the bells and whistles to make this show a very special one.

Shelley Short – A Cave
Shelley Short – Time Machine Submarine