Like many of us over the last couple of years, Calista Garcia found herself consumed by the negative events in the world. As an antidote, she decided to focus on all the good things she saw around her. She transcribed that awareness into a collection of songs that became her new EP, A Beautiful World. So be aware this is an upbeat record. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, there are some wry, perhaps cynical moments, but it emphasizes the positive.
Nothing shows that relentless optimism as much as My Love, My Love, My Love, where Garcia sings that she’ll completely change the world to shield her love from any pain or inconvenience. Likewise the title track gushes that “you make this barren ground a beautiful world” over an acoustic folk vibe. After You’re Gone similarly takes an acoustic approach to what seems like a love song to a parent. The wry observations slip in on Deep Blue Diving, when Garcia notes she’s doing “synchronized swimming in the primordial soup”. Magnolia Tree is my favorite cut on the EP. It’s a 70’s pop number with a little B3 organ, a hint of blues, and some dynamic harmonies. You can just visualize Carol King belting this out from behind her piano, but it’s an original composition.
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s good to review your current playlist. Those hardcore twang pieces maybe aren’t in the proper spirit to blend into a party mix. A Beautiful World can brighten up that social gathering while still providing meat to those who like their lyrics deep.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.