Song of the Day: Tom Brosseau - You Can't Stop

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 "You Can't Stop" by Tom Brosseau from his new album North Dakota Transmissions out on Crossbill Records.

Tom Brosseau - You Can't Stop (MP3)After 12 albums, the power of Tom Brosseau's voice still has the capacity to surprise. Since his debut album, North Dakota, Brosseau has consistently released gorgeously minimal music, largely consisting of himself and handpicked guitar. And though his arrangements have largely stayed consistent, he has maintained a hypnotic spell in all of his recorded work, consistently reaching new heights of maturation as a songwriter, performer, and storyteller.

The lead single from Brosseau's latest album, "You Can't Stop," is built around the tension between the singer's elastic tenor and intricate guitar work. The track conveys both a sense of hope and melancholy or longing  (Brosseau has voiced in interviews his appreciation for the tragic love story), the guitar swelling as Brosseau sings "we're living in our dream//our own little dream," his voice tremulous and emotive. While it superficially recalls other tracks Brosseau has recorded, "You Can't Stop" feels like new territory for the songwriter, exploring new ways to write about the power of memory and the everyday.

Brosseau's tour in support of his North Dakota Transmissions won't be coming to Seattle at this time. However, check out his website and Facebook for more information. Also, here's the quite striking video for "You Can't Stop," which came out last week.