Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles

Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles

Though Suzanne Vega came from the world of folk music, that label was often a matter of convenience. In 2014, having been signed and dropped by many different labels, Vega is finding creative ways to keep her career afloat. The accolades of Adele, Lou Reed, and professional songwriters like Dev Hynes (a.k.a. Blood Orange, who’s written hits for Sky Ferreira and Solange Knowles) don’t keep the lights on, but they do inspire her to do her best work regardless of who might be listening. Working mostly with longtime associate and cowriter Gerry Leonard (who once worked alongside David Bowie), Vega also recruits Bob Dylan guitarist Larry Campbell, Peter Gabriel bassist Tony Levin, The Smichov Chamber Orchestra Prague, and drummer Jay Bellerose to bring stellar songs such as the aggressive rocker and autobiographical “I Never Wear White,” the 50 Cent-sampled “Don’t Uncork What You Can’t Contain,” and the “Luka” update “Song of the Stoic” to life. “Horizon (There Is a Road)” is dedicated to Vaclav Havel’s memory. All tracks here show Vega’s continued greatness as a writer and musician.

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