Song of the Day: Karl Blau – Poor The War Away

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Morning Show with John Richards, is Karl Blau’s “Poor The War Away” from the album Out Her Space, out November 17th via Bella Union.

Karl Blau – Poor The War Away (MP3)

Karl Blau has been making music for two decades, releasing his adventurous spin on country music through tiny Pacific Northwest labels like Knw-Yr-Own and K Records, and playing with everyone from the Microphones to Laura Veirs to Earth. After taking several years off, the songwriter released the Tucker Martine-produced Introducing Karl Blau last year via Bella Union, earning himself a new generation of fans, and he's followed it up with this year's Out Her Space, which sees him blending Americana melodies and afro-beat textures with languid soul vibes.

Lead single "Poor The War Away" finds him castigating mankind for its addiction to the futility of warfare over lush, interstellar country guitars and keyboard purrs. War seems like it may be here to stay, but Blau refuses to give into despair, holding out hope that we can break the cycle. ("People need hate in their souls/like they need a hole.")

Karl is heading to Europe later this month for a week of shows; check out those tour dates via his Facebook page. And watch video below of Karl performing on KEXP earlier this year from our Upstream Music Fest + Summit broadcast from Little London Plane.