After I watched the original ChatRoulette improv bit, I was reminded of Ben Folds, for the piano geekery and the improv. Well, apparently Ben Folds was reminded of Ben Folds, too, because, well... just check it out.

England sure seems to be producing a lot of young folk singers with very big voices, older than their years. Johnny Flynn is one of them.

Like a louder, less eerie-sounding, less heavily-bearded Fleet Foxes.

A beautiful video for a devastating song. Ok, I could have done without the giant CGI bee flying across the screen. But otherwise, the video is very serene, just Brandi and a guitar and nature blooming around her.

Vocalist Jonathan Chandler reminds me at times of Greg Laswell. This is a good thing. I also enjoy their track "After all that, it's come to this", which features Amy Millan, but I couldn't find it on Youtube. Go look for it, you'll like it.

Is the song a literal story about the effects of mental illness? Is it a metaphor for something? Is it just some damn good storytelling? I don't know. The armchair psychologist in me is fascinated by the song, regardless of its origins. The music lover in me thinks that it's a fantastic showcase for April Smith's amazing voice.

Check out Nneka in Chicago this Sunday at the Double Door. Local artist Jerome Holloway opens. I'm digging out my credit card to buy my tickets as we speak.

Derek Nelson has been gathering a following of fans, and pretty quickly at that, as he just released his first EP in October. Performing with a full band, he's headlining a show on Thursday at Lincoln Hall.