There’s warmth, elegance and cinema to Maryland-raised singer-songwriter Jordana’s new record, Lively Premonition. A transportation into a musical epoch of the past, whilst feeling brisk, lively and cutting-edge, it’s an affable effort that’s orchestral and overt in its composition, and full of happy-go-lucky nostalgia in its piercingly pure lyricism.
The fourth album from the revered artist is her latest traverse into new sonic terrain, and as she rounds up the album’s influences for Wonderland’s latest On Repeat, it’s clear Jordana dove deep into the sonic sensibilities of the style and made nuanced, resolute musical decisions through that. It’s a really giving listen, and perfect for a sharp but sunny autumn’s morning.
Listen to Lively Premonition…
Check out Jordana’s On Repeat…
The Mamas & The Papas – “Step Out”
The first time I ever visited upstate to Kingston, NY to work with Emmett, I was in the process of breaking up with someone poisoning my spirit. While listening to music on the car ride to Emmett’s studio, he sprung up and said, “Dude, I need to show you this song. It’s gonna help you a lot.” And damn, was he right. It’s become one of the most important songs in my life.
Carpenters – “Yesterday Once More”
I mean, come on! Everyone agrees: Karen Carpenter. What a legend. I think I was around 12 years old when I heard “Top Of The World” for the first time. My mom and I love that song and listened to it so much, that we went into a studio at my local music academy to record a cover, singing it together. Surprisingly, that isn’t what started the recording artist drive just yet… Regardless, a bunch of songs on this record are inspired by her range.
Daryl Hall & John Oates – “When the Morning Comes”
This may be one of the greatest songs of all time, and it doesn’t even have a different second verse. The chorus melody is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. I would maybe sell my soul to be as creatively gifted as both Hall & Oates. I tried to channel Daryl as much as possible (whenever appropriate) in this record. Such a confident voice. Goals forever.
Foxwarren – “Sunset Canyon”
Andy Shauf is a huge inspiration for me, and I think it really shines through in “Anything For You”…I wanted to write something as good as this song, so I tried to match the vibe and structure. Foxwarren rules. The whole album is incredible. Can’t wait for more.
Marina Allen – “Or Else”
Marina Allen has one of those voices that I kind of just drop my jaw to every time I hear it. The range she has is comparable to a spectrum between Karen Carpenter and Minnie Riperton, I swear. Her songwriting is poetry, and I’m addicted to singing every single line along to her very loudly. Her latest record ‘Eight Pointed Star’ is also pretty remarkable.
The Lemon Twigs – “Still It’s Not Enough”
Instant addiction as soon as I first listened this record, ‘Everything Harmony’. This track wasn’t even my first pick, but then I really started listening to it deeply and realized that it was one of the most hauntingly beautiful tracks on the record, both instrumentation and lyricism. This record was a huge influence.
Buck Owens and his Buckaroos – “I’m Layin’ It On the Line”
Before heading to Upstate NY during one of the recording weeks, I was in the city at Captured Tracks’ record store in Greenpoint, and I was on a mission: find ‘Roll Out the Red Carpet’ on vinyl — the cover is way too cute to not have in physical form. I implore you to watch this live performance of this song on The Buck Owens Show. Don Rich was one of a kind — and so were those outfits!
Todd Rundgren – “Izzat Love”
Go off, birthday twin! (June 22nd) I kept hearing this song through the years of touring on pre-show playlists sampled by Neon Indian in the song “Deadbeat Summer”. Then, when I was getting into my yacht rock fanatic era, I finally got into Todd, and this song became an obsession and big inspiration to the overall vibe of the record. Biggest regret of my life is not seeing him and Daryl Hall live in Hollywood…
Ambrosia – “Biggest Part of Me”
I love a good boomer dad rock love song. This guy is very much in love with his partner. I was listening to Ambrosia religiously through out the making of this record. David Pack has such a strong, confident voice, so inspiring. I thought, “what a straight up feel good song about loving someone so much. I might take a shot on this topic…”
Steely Dan – “Bad Sneakers”
I love Steely Dan. Shit has me geeking. Every time my mom hears “Peg” in public, she sends me a video (I have a very good Michael McDonald background vocal impression). All I can say is: funky jazz attempt! More piano, Emmett! There was no argument against the last minute addition of a stinger on the end of a track…
Department of Eagles – “In Ear Park”
If you know me, you know that I love me some Grizzly Bear…and that I’m a huge fan of Daniel Rossen…therefore I am a Department of Eagles fan (a Daniel Rossen project). He will forever be an influence to me. That man plays the guitar like no other, and he has a certain cadence to his voice that I’m always trying to replicate in my own way. He is an inspiration to everything I do, so definitely an inspiration to this record — the only difference is that it might be heard in this one more than any other one I’ve released.