Song of the Week XIV: Sea of Bees’ ‘Marmalade’

Each week I not-so-subtly suggest a song you should know by heart. For this super-special fourteenth edition, I want you to know how much I appreciate “Marmalade,” a fuzz-rumbling number from Sacramento's Julie Ann Bee (aka Sea of Bees) that’s equal parts Polly Jean Harvey and the Kris Special and, above all, fresher than fresh.

The new album’s called “Songs for the Ravens,” and if you’re wondering if you should pick it up, look no further for an answer than these words of encouragement from former Grandaddy frontman (and current Admiral Radley member) Jason Lytle: “I’m not entirely sure why I love this album so much,” he recently wrote. “Sure, there are great arrangements, plenty of nice harmonies, a good blend of acoustic and electric guitars, organs, drums and electronic flourishes, lush moments, driving moments and delicate moments. Sure, there are sincere lyrics sung with just the right balance of sweetness, confidence and vulnerability — all assembled into very enjoyable concise songs. … These are the things I can put my finger on. That which I cannot put my finger on is the mysterious, wonderful and addictive qualities of this album as a whole.”

Anyway, if you like what you hear, mosey on down to www.seaofbees.com, where you’ll find … everything you’d expect to find on an artist’s website these days.

And, as always, happy listening!

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