Tunes for Tuesdays: Inara George

Inara George is the absolute embodiment of all that is adorable in this world. I've developed a theory to explain these findings. I believe the Universe must have taken all the sweetness, all the quiet sparks of cute and wrapped it up in dense layers of dreaminess to create Ms. George.

I will not be persuaded otherwise.

She's got a hushed, often melancholic voice that floats so effortlessly through the scenic music she creates. At once she's coy and shy, the next she's tongue-and-cheek and kickin' it with an upbeat tune. Regardless of the attitude, her tracks are atmospheric, almost like little condensed worlds to roll across the tongue. Ha, look at me getting all silly and trying to wax poetic. I can't help it -- she renders me to complete, romanticized mush.

And I love her for it.

Inara George made her break into the mainstream music scene after her cover of Joe Jackson's "Fools in Love" was featured on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack. I know, it's a tall order to be featured on such a Juggernaut of a television series and still maintain your claim on the indie scene. It's a delicate line that indie singer-songwriters cross. But, Inara George has maintained her distinct, dream-like sound and she revels in albums that blend a refreshing, free-spirited energy with electro-based accents.

Since it's been quite some time between posts for the Tunes for Tuesdays set, I thought I should share two tracks to even the playing field (and to nudge you a little closer to the sugary goodness of Inara George).

Song the First: "Fools Work," All Rise (2006). It's classic Inara George here. It's quiet and reflective with a gorgeous drop of sadness all mixed into a lush soundscape.

Song the Second: "Accidental," Accidental Experiment (2009). I only discovered this evening that Ms. George released a new album in October 2009, so I'm still getting acquainted with the new tracks. She's just as sweet -- I swear, I want to just carry her around in my pocket.

Oh, Inara George. *Floats away on the breeze* If you find yourself smitten, Ms. George's music catalogue doesn't end there. No, no. She's a driven gal and she's the member of numerous music projects at the moment. She's one half of the self-proclaimed "retro-electro" duo The Bird and The Bee; in 2008, she collaborated with Van Dyke Parks and a 24-piece orchestra on An Invitation; she's a member of the band Merrick and the trio The Living Sisters -- AND, you can even find her on YouTube singing "How Deep is Your Love" with perennial queer favourite, Sia.

*Sigh* Well, I know what I'm doing tonight -- Inara George and a world of cartoon hearts, here I come.