Richard Hawley don't need no valentine. Neither do you. If you've never heard anything by the British crooner, then check out the gorgeous "Valentine" for a well-needed introduction. The sweeping strings are downright epic.
Valentine - Richard Hawley
Sometimes waiting outside for over an hour in the freezing, flurrying weather is totally worth it. Such was the case on Monday as concert-goers braved near-hypothermic conditions to gain entry into Richard Hawley's intimate in-store performance at New York's illustrious independent record shop Other Music. The British crooner played a sweet set of stripped down acoustic balladry. His deep rasp, charming banter and melancholy melodies had us warmed up in no time. 
While nine songs are listed on the set list, he only played the first seven due to an increasingly sore throat. I was mildly bummed that I didn't get to hear the rockabilly romp, "Serious". Oh well.
If you haven't checked out his latest album Lady's Bridge, well by all means do so.
Tonight the Streets Are Ours - Richard Hawley
I adore, adore, adore Richard Hawley. His raspy British croon, his melancholy lyrics and sumptuous arrangements all make me swoon. If you are unfamiliar with the singer, please check out his latest video for "Tonight the Streets Are Ours," quite possibly his poppiest and most optimistic song to date. Watching it was probably the happiest thng to happen to me today. Those of you fortunate enough to live in the UK can get your hands on his upcoming album Lady's Bridge August 20th. Those of us in the States will have to wait until October 2nd. You have no idea how bummed this makes me.
2005's Coles Corner was probably that year's most underated album. Brimming with sorrow and strings and solitude, it's the perfect soundtrack to the candle-lit evening for one where you hope on a whim a special someone will show up, but you know in your heart they never will. Yeah, I spent a lot of time with this gem of a record. Check out the stunning title track and a live version of "Hotel Room":
