Megan Palmer began her musical career as a violinist, accompanying artists like Sarah Harmer and opening for Lucinda Williams. Forget Me Not was released last month, and is her debut solo effort.
The album is centered on Megan’s pretty singing voice and eclectic musical style, though her violin playing is in there as well. Many artists like to claim that they cross genres, Megan actually does it. In fact, I think her label does her a disservice by comparing her to Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones. Though my descriptions of her music are probably inadequate, too. Megan’s music is far more interesting than any artist that she could be compared to.
“Angelo” and “Mirror” start the album out in a subtle way. Both are unique in their musical arrangements and the pristine quality of Megan’s vocals, but misleading in their seemingly innocent singer-songwriter mood.
“Portland” is the stand out track on the album. It’s upbeat, quirky, and lovely with elements of jazz, indie, and bluegrass. I imagine that if Madeleine Peyroux, Mirah, and Leon Redbone were to collaborate on a song, it might sound like this.
“What Comes Around” begins to take the album in a bluesy direction, but “Tomorrow’s” steers the mood back into an eerie, bluegrass vein. It’s another highlight, hinting at everyone from Neko Case to Charlie Daniels without tarnishing Megan’s original style.
Next is the laid back, countryesque ditty, “Please Come Back”. “Forget Me Not”, “Diamond Mind” and “I’ll Be Home” revisit the singer-songstress sound of the opening tracks. “Lemonade” is an eccentric and cute lil piano tune. And the swaggering, seductive ode to “Absinthe” calls to mind Jolie Holland’s old fashioned jazz mimicry.
“Every Day” ends the album with a mellow melody that emphasis the ethereal quality of Megan’s voice.
Forget Me Not will definitely be in my top albums list this year.
Megan Palmer – Tomorrow’s (mp3)
Megan Palmer – Angelo (mp3)
Megan Palmer – Mirror (mp3)
Several other mp3s and a full concert are available for download here.
Muruch 
Hey V, I upgraded my WordPress install today and seem to have futzed something up in the process. Your mp3 links appear to be broken right now, but I hope I can solve the problem tonight. Really sorry about this, I’ll be in touch again soon.
…sorry, false alarm. The mp3 files in question had already been deleted and the server currently fails to throw up a proper 404. So that I will have to look into, but the newer links are fine. Apologies for the off-topicness.
No need to apologize! I appreciate you keeping me update. Thank you again for hosting my files. 🙂