Family of the Year are set to release their debut LP, Songbook under their Washashore Records on February 2, 2010. In Songbook's 15 tracks, Family of The Year channels Fleetwood Mac's musical stylings with a hint of late-era Beatles. With shining melodies, charming male/female vocals, personal folk tales and often unexpected electronic sounds, Family create some of the happiest and saddest music you've ever heard. Like their EP Where's The Sun, Songbook will be available via FamilyoftheYear.net for optional donation. Those who donate $10 or more will receive a physical copy of the album, and for $25 or more, the band will also include a Family of The Year t-shirt or tote bag.
The band, handpicked by Ben Folds, Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops to open for them at Symphony Hall, was recently featured on SPIN.com as one of CMJ's must-see bands. The band is currently on tour with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic.
Songbook features an array of musical genres. "Feel Good Track of Rosemead," opens with cheery synthesizers, followed by the live showstopper "Let's Be Honest," which showcases the enchanting back and forth chemistry between singers Vanessa Jeanne Long and Joseph Keefe. Joe combats Vanessa's sparkling choruses with more rugged verses in the nostalgic childhood tune, "Treehouse." "Stupidland" shifts gears as an up-tempo folk song, and "Putting Money" slows it down with its dark choruses. An EP favorite, "Summer Girl" is the heart of the album with its warm harmonies. The stripped down "Surprise" leads into the country-style tune, "No Good at Nothing" which highlights the sweetness of Vanessa's lead vocals. The catchy "Charlie Song" lightens the mood, which seamlessly segues into "Intervention (Staple Jeans)" and features complex harmonies about your favorite pair of worn out blue jeans. Vanessa takes the vocal lead in the haunting tale "I Played Drums on This," as well as in EP favorites "Castoff," a dreary love song showcasing Vanessa's sultrier side, and "Psyche or Like Scope" which shifts gears completely with its dark, synthy dance vibe. The album closes with the jovial folk tunes "Let's Go Down" and "Jamesy," a loose campfire-style sing-along the band recorded late one night with many close friends.
