Rose Melberg: A Grand Chorus Of Whispers

Rose Melberg's music seems to get softer with each passing year — and that's saying something, given that she used to be in a band called The Softies. But her songs have never lacked kindness or warmth, whether she's blasting poppy punk in Tiger Trap or more patiently doling out piano-infused solo ballads like 2006's bittersweet "Take Some Time."

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In "Old Days," Rose Melberg conveys hope and want in just four words: "Oh, love, take hold." Sarah Cass hide caption

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Sarah Cass

In "Old Days," Rose Melberg conveys hope and want in just four words: "Oh, love, take hold."

Sarah Cass

On Melberg's fine new album, Homemade Ship, her arrangements are stripped down further than ever. Still, she accomplishes an extraordinary amount with just an acoustic guitar and an angelic voice: She continues to harmonize with herself to tremendous effect, which makes the chorus of "Old Days" evoke a veritable orchestra of whispers. Its simple four-word plea ("Oh, love, take hold") neatly summarizes the song's gentle barrage of hope and want, as Melberg herself coos winsomely in the background. If any singer-songwriter could get away with ditching the guitar and going a cappella once and for all, it's this one.

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