You Are Magic
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
The San Francisco artist Alison Faith Levy, who used to play in the bands The Sippy Cups and McCabe & Mrs. Miller, is back with a 3rd solo effort for kids and families, where a nostalgic quality enters the concept album that asks some very spiritual questions about creativity, existence and how we connect with others.
“Roots & Branches” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar in the brief instrumental, and “Turn Around” follows with playful drumming, strong piano work and Levy’s soaring, expressive pipes in the dreamy climate.
In the middle, “Putting It Back Together” flows with a charming bluesy-pop template that bounces with much fun where Levy’s son, Henry Plotnick plays piano, while “Draw” gets soulful in its retro sounds that points towards the ‘60s. “Canopy” then brings no shortage of melody to the psychedelia influenced song craft that illustrates just how diverse Levy is.
Near the end, “Now Is The Moment” takes nods to the British invasion as contributions from Bob Vickers and Allen Clapp won’t go unnoticed, and “Leaves & Sky” exits the listen much like it started- brief, reflective and full of harmony in its folk-rock sensibilities.
There’s no dull spot in Levy’s catalog of music, solo or full band, but You Are Magic might be her finest yet as she brings influences from the ‘60s and ‘70s into a thoughtful and articulate 11 songs that are quite likely the best family album released this year.
Travels well with: Barenaked Ladies- Detour de Force; Carrie Ferguson- The Grumpytime Club