Alela Diane – Pirate’s Gospel Deluxe (2LP)

Alela Diane’s debut album, The Pirate’s Gospel was originally only available in hand-stitched runs. Hailing from the deep woods and winding rivers of California Gold Rush town Nevada City, Alela grew up absorbing the folk songs of her musician parents and singing in choir. She began teaching herself guitar and writing her first songs, blending trance-like arpeggios, with warm vocals and meditative lyrics about family and nature. Written in response to a loss of home, The Pirate’s Gospel is a powerful document of personal reevaluation set against the backdrop of generations past and future, mothers and fathers, life, death, and birth. The songs were composed during a trip to Europe and recorded in her father’s studio. The album was formally released in 2006 to critical acclaim. This reissue includes 10 unreleased songs, which offer a deeper glimpse into her earlier work. The vinyl has been out of print for years.