The Lucky Valentines
Fort Benton, Montana, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF
Music
Press
THE LUCKY VALENTINES
July 26, 2020
Horses
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Horses
A Montana duo who have been playing music together for over a decade now, The Lucky Valentines return with a sophomore album where their organic DIY sounds touch on the human experience with songwriting that emits sadness, joy and wonder a well thought out landscape.
“Fire In The Night” starts the listen with warm harmonizing between the pair as spirited guitars and restrained percussion enter the quiet climate, and “Bones” follows with a haunting setting as soft, expressive female vocals guide the folksy delivery.
At the halfway point, “Edmund” offers a cautious, acoustic fueled adventure with soothing melodies, while “Agamemnon” hints at country influences as the two illustrate a timeless quality amid their very thoughtful formula. “OEO”, one of the album’s best, then brings in violin for an elegant and fuller display of dynamic musicianship that can only exist after many years of playing together.
At the end, “Goodbye Hallelujah” offers sparse beauty in the emotive execution, and “Lines” finishes the listen upbeat and danceable with a festive spirit alongside the rootsy fun.
Jamie and Shaun, The Lucky Valentines, are married with several children together, and they bring the compassion and empathy necessary to raise a family into these very intimate and pretty stories that will strike a cord with all fans of country, folk and Americana.
Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Patty Griffin- American Kid - Take Effect Reviews
There are a lot of throwaway recordings being made in tiny home studios on a laptop. This ain’t one of them. The flood of mediocrity can blind you to a real gem. Don’t let it happen to “Horses” by The Lucky Valentines. Everything about this album is REAL, from the cover, to the lyrics, the rough and penetrating performances, and the warm and inviting SOUND. Shaun and Jamie’s music will get to you and make you play it again and again. Let it. - Phil Aaberg (Grammy Nominee)
Discography
The Lucky Valentines released a homespun album in 2012, with 10 original tracks.
In 2016 they produced Lion in the Garden, an album which explores life, love, loss, betrayal and hope in the midst of life's ever changing circumstances.
2020 saw their best work yet, the ten tracks of Horses. They released a physical album in July 2020, and have been digitally releasing each track as a single since then.
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Bio
CUPID OUTDID HIMSELF.
“There’s a ‘rightness’ to them… Like they’re in each others’ heads”
These two have been making music together for 11 years and 2020 marks the release of their second studio album. They’ve written upward of sixty songs, and use a mix of folk melodic sensibilities, tight harmonies, and a whole lotta love to make sad things beautiful. Their sound could be bottled up as “Bruce Springsteen and Patty Griffin meet Shovels and Rope in a Gypsy Junkshop”. He sometimes uses a thirdhand suitcase as a kick drum, and the rotary phone from her father’s shop as a mic. She blends classical violin with raging folk passion. He channels John Prine and Hank Williams. They have played hundreds of live shows together and have been featured on MTPR’s Musician Spotlight, at Austin’s Iconic Hole in the Wall Cafe, the side stage of Red Ants Pants Music Festival, and are one of the acts on PBS’s acclaimed 11th and Grant in its 2022 season.
Recorded in their home studio in Montana, Mixed In Portland by Adam selzer (Blind Pilot, She & Him, Langhorne Slim) and Mastered in L.A. by Music industry Veteran Marty Rifkin (Bruce springsteen, Dwight Yoakam, Jewel) "HORSES" blends homespun DIY folk and country sounds with fresh sonic energy; infused with cold heartache, electric wonder, razor sadness and fiery Joy, this is a record made to be played on repeat. The title track, “Horses”, is a semi finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. The Lucky Valentines have a setlist with over 2 hours of original music, both upbeat and slow tunes. The two use guitars, vocals and violin to create a unique, yet familiar sound. Their intimate stage presence can accommodate weddings, events, patio dinners, large venues, brew pubs and low key bars. TLV can provide sound equipment when needed and are happy to travel to play.
For booking please email us at theluckyvalentines@gmail.com. Check out our website, www.theluckyvalentines.com, and Facebook page at facebook.com/theluckyvalentines.
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