DISCLAIMER: These won’t be proper reviews -as if I could write those- or have interesting technical tidbits on them. These are more of a “ah, that song reminds me of…” thing. Like the part you skip on a recipe. So it goes.

Album: Veiled.

Release date: August 27, 1996.

Track: 1.

Moods: Whatever, it is what it is.

Unjustly compared to Alanis Morissette, a fate sadly of many female singers of the 90s, Leah Andreone’s wonderful Veiled, which mixes alternative with blues and pop, is one of those albums that flew under the radar. Breezy with intelligent lyrics, it’s worth checking out if you fancy something fresh, even 30 years after its release.

It’s alright, it’s ok was the main single and I love how much it just goes straight to the point. “Welcome to this life, don’t worry baby, ’cause it’s over before you know”, states Andreone, both in a “matter of fact” droll vocal. A hint of nihilism, wrapped into acceptance. Still, I feel all warm and fuzzy after listening to this track. I wish this album had made a bigger splash, but having a fond place for it in my heart should suffice for the time being.

This one was a day one purchase for me, again, from Mix Up, the now dying record store monopoly. It was the only record store I had nearby and I remember the cashier looking at me weirdly. “It doesn’t look like your thing” he said, after giving me my change. I just shrugged. Dunno what he had me pegged as. Life’s too short to worry about what every Tom, Dick, and Harry thinks about ya. Sit back, grab your fave drink and let Leah Andreone delight you with her vocals.

–Sam J. Valdés López