Pop Music Notes

Goodbye leaves of fall
So long
Miss you

If you think that Denver is just for the Fray, OneRepublic, 3OH!3, and Dynasty, you’re missing out. Not only does Denver have some big name musicians calling it home, there is also a sizable indie/underground music scene that any minute now someone else may burst out of (Matt Morris, anyone?). Add to that bursting list singer-songwriter Katey Laurel, who this month released “Two Birds” on iTunes and CD Baby.

The premise is simple: two people are separated by distance, and one plans to “drive across the Plains” so they can spend the winter together. However, it’s the mix of this story with the two birds visual that makes the song work, as the listener has no problem picturing those two birds “sitting on a wire” or nestled in a nest, adding more impact than just a simple “I’ll drive to you” premise.

“Two Birds” succeeds not only because of its lyrical clarity, but also because of the simple yet effective production. One listen will transport you to that time between the brightness of autumn and the pure white of winter where you know the snow is coming, and in your mind you are mentally preparing. All it takes is two guitars to propel the song along, and the rest of it just flows. “Two Birds” isn’t a Christmas song per se, but it evokes some of the same emotions that make the more mellow holiday songs a welcome addition to your playlist come November and December.

There’s no plan at the moment for a full-length album, so you will have to go back to her early 2011 CD From Here if you want to hear more, or check out one of her Colorado/New Mexico shows in November or December. Then you can say “I knew Katey Laurel when…”