Be Yourself features up-and-coming (as well as some already known) folk musicians paying tribute to Graham Nash’s first release, Songs for Beginners.
Even if you’re not fond of tribute albums or compilations, tracks from Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Port O’Brien with Papercuts, and Robin Pecknold (of Fleet Foxes) make this is a great record for any folk-music fan. The album was put into motion by indie-music promoter Britt Govea in collaboration with Nash’s daughter Nile, who also does a beautiful rendition of “Wounded Bird.” This tribute mirrors the order and song selection of Beginners to a T, with some of the artists staying true to the original arrangements while others offer their own interpretation. Port O’Brien does a fantastic “Military Madness,” and Sleepy Sun offers a take on “Chicago” that makes the whole album worth buying.
