This week, “Good Morning America” ran a feature on the trend of birth photography. Because some people really want to document that experience. Singer-songwriter Eleni Mandell, it could be argued, took that idea a step farther with her concept album, I Can See the Future (which was just released this week). According to press for the record, “The songs on I Can See the Future chronicle Eleni’s decision to become a single mother and start a family without waiting for Mr. Right, including her search for the right sperm donor — she chose an ‘astrophysicist who likes classic rock’ — through her pregnancy and the birth of her twins.”
Yeah, mull that one over for a minute. And while you’re mulling, you can watch the video for “Magic Summertime”:
The thing is, even if baby-making and birthing and rearing isn’t your thing, this album shares more with indie-rock free spirits like Tennis and Bahamas than it does with baby dandlers like The Wiggles and Anne Geddes. “The album plays out like a lost ‘60s am pop radio gem, with lush string and horn arrangements and a languid, So-Cal vibe,” says a press release.
And then there’s the star-studded cast of contributors: It was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (The Shins, The Strokes, White Stripes), with Los Lobos saxophonist Steve Berlin, string and horn arrangements by Bright Eyes’ Nathaniel Walcott and a duet with Benji Hughes on “Never Have To Fall In Love Again.” (Listen to that last one below.)
Mandell plays the Grey Eagle on Tuesday, July 24 and, lest you fear the event become too maternal, Hughes (who appeared caped and shirtless at last fall’s PROM!!) also shares the bill. Henry Wolfe opens. 8 p.m., $10 in advance or $12 day of show.
Photo from Mandell’s Facebook page.
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