Anjana Vasan's Strange Country Jukebox Will Talk To You
As I was planning our latest playlist, a little elixir to help us settle into these short days of winter, Anjana Vasan’s new album Strange Country Jukebox dropped. It landed softly and soulfully into my world of music.
Listening to Strange Country Jukebox is just what you need for enjoying the resplendent and crisp days of winter or snuggling up in the long dark nights ahead. It put me in the mood for Odetta, Maria Muldaur, Gillian Welsh and Valerie June. It also reminded me of my love of classic country icons like Patsy Cline, Lorretta Lynne, Tammy Wynette and, of course, Dolly Parton
Anjana’s vocals are that of an old soul. The arrangements are exquisitely soothing. It is strange and delightful how she captures the heart of country music and the lived experience of being a brown woman. The album’s artwork by Aleesha Nandhra and animated videos by London based animator Sheetal Thankey are beautifully funky and on point.
I was significantly influenced by listening to Strange Country Jukebox while putting together the Hunker-Down Playlist, bringing my love for classic Country and Folk, Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop into the mix. Wrap up, go for a walk or cosy up with hot cocoa, a whiskey, your kid, your cat or all of the above while listening to our playlist. Just hunker down and enjoy this winter playlist.
