The Weepies “Hideaway” in Beautiful Simplicity

I’m not a music snob. Not by a long shot. I like too many genres of music to be one of those people who comb through record stores like Indiana Jones [can't wait for the new movie, btw!] in some ancient temple of indie-hipster-obscurity reserved for bands who only play in garages dark enough to contain their slippery coolness.

By Jess

Whenever people would try to corner me with the “what’s your favorite band?” question, I would always shrug and tell them the truthfull answer, which was “my tastes change too often to have a favorite.”

Then, I discovered The Weepies.

I had always been a fan of Deb Talan, her beautifully different voice and soft, simple lyrics carrying me through many a break-up or summer drive in the country. So when Deb joined up with fellow folk musician Steve Tannen a few years ago, I was suspicious. Who was this guy and what was he going to do with my Deb’s lovely music?

Turns out, the only thing he did was make it better.

The Weepies newest album, Hideaway, just came out a few days ago on iTunes, and remains the only album I have ever bought in its enteirely without a second thought. At 10:30pm I saw that it was available, and at 10:31pm it was downloading onto my computer.

Hideaway continues the Weepies tradition of velvety harmonies, simple orchestrations, and heartfelt lyrics that look at everyday situations with a special kind of reverence. The perfect soundtrack to a quiet Sunday alone, a walk down a budding spring path, or a candlelight picnic with that special someone, Hideaway is full of songs you’ll find yourself humming for days afterward.

Talan and Tannen seem to think life is beautiful — even when it’s sad or hard — and that’s a viewpoint this listener can always get behind.

Not sure if you want the entire album? Start your Weepies collection with “All This Beauty” and the title track “Hideaway” on iTunes.