Paula C

Paula Carino

Flying Dream/Green-Wood single

Big Stir Records

I’ve always like Carino’s music. It's very 90s, but uses the influences of, say, Liz Phair, in fresh, original ways. This is her newest single, part of Big Stir’s single series.

Both songs are about difficult, uncomfortable situations, even as, especially on “Green-Wood,” it’s okay in the end. The music updates 90s college rock very nicely, as it sounds like today’s guitar rock, say, Jay Som. Carino’s voice, while soothing, also has a subtle edge, as though she understands, but wants you to do the heavy thinking yourself. Both songs are memorable, and wonderful food for thought.

Andrea Weiss