Sarah Slean’s playlist

“I remember making my first recording, Universe, and getting a taste of what you can do in the studio. I got bitten by the bug and I knew I had to record again,” Sarah Slean smiles as she thinks of 1997.

Today, the Toronto-based pianist is touring the nation in support of her sixth studio album Land & Sea.

As always, Sarah doesn’t disappoint. Land & Sea is a stellar double LP where pop (Land) and classical (Sea) collide and interlock.

Aside from the collection being Sarah’s most ambitious offering to date, something’s different here.

“I have no creative compromises,” Sarah says.

Parting ways with Warner Music after spending a good decade under its wing has the songbird thinking bigger and soaring higher than ever.

“Freedom is something I’ve always wanted as an artist,” she adds. And independence never sounded better.

Here are five songs that are at the top of Sarah’s playlist.

All is Full of Love – Bjork

“The lyrics to this song reach me someplace so far down it’s difficult to describe. When she says, ‘your phone is off the hook’ I want to bawl. It’s like a haiku sent direct to you, from the Universe, spun in the dreamy gossamer of digital fairies.”

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Glitter Dust – Andy Maize

“I cannot get enough of Andy’s voice. This album blew me away – that gravely tenor that seems right next to your ear, the rich sounds, the tenderness and broken-ness in his point of view. Gorgeous.”

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The Kiss – John Southworth

“I love music that revisits old pockets of the universal psyche, but with new eyes… that’s the magic of Southworth… into a Grimm Fairy Tale with Buster Keaton as your guide… (sigh)”

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I Go To Sleep – Sia

“One of my favorite singers. A unique and soulful voice and some fine songwriting. This one kills me. The production and string arranging is swoon-worthy, but it’s always her vocal that takes it over the top.”

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Tightrope – Janelle Monae

“Just bad-ass. Nothing else to say.”

Sarah’s latest album Land & Sea is available now and she plays Montreal’s la Sala Rossa on December 8. View all tour dates here. 

Posted by Marc Andrew on Nov 29 2011. Filed under Celebrity Playlist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.