Ingrid Michaelson is A-OK With 'Be OK'

Ingrid Michaelson's third release, Be OK, is not really a studio release. Put together with some new tracks, covers and live recordings, it is a benefit project with a portion of the proceeds going to Stand Up To Cancer. Released last week on her own label Cabin 24 Records, Be OK is more stripped down than last year's Girls & Boys. This can be attributed to the inclusion of three live tracks and an acoustic version of the title track as well as most of the songs sticking with a single instrument, whether it a guitar or piano and Ingrid's strong melodies. "The Chain", recorded live and a fan favorite at shows, is perhaps the strongest song, using harmonies in a three-part round perfectly. Sometimes using other's material is a good thing. Taken from a Daytrotter session, her piano and vocal version of "Can't Help Falling In Love" lends to the imagination a chanteuse in a smoky lounge on her elbow on top of a piano singing with all she's got. This is how it would sound if Elvis was female. With covers and live tracks making up a good bit of the album, it comes as more of a stop-gap between bigger things. However, Be Ok is a worthy venture and stands up very well on its own merits.

To go along with the album, the Be OK national tour begins rolling along in Staten Island at the end of October. Those of us in the IA area will have to wait until the end of the tour in November, the week of Thanksgiving.

11/23: Philly @ TLA
11/25: Alexandria @ The Birchmere

mp3: Be OK