Timothy Showalter, a.k.a. Strand of Oaks, lived in Wilkes-Barre, PA before coming to Philadelphia. That’s very close to my hometown, but don’t take it as simple bias when I say there’s something special going on with his music. From the poignant storytelling of “Daniel’s Blues” to the dark ascent of “Bonfire”, there’s some sinister power at work in those verses. It might just be the mark of a man who’s went through more hard times than most of us can say, but you’ve probably read his story by now so we won’t rehash the past. It’s something that he’d like to forget, and his new outlook has proven successful. In the past year alone, he’s made long strides. Releasing his latest Pope Killdragon (which has received much critical acclaim), having his “Last to Swim” video premiered by Pitchfork, landing a Daytrotter session (where his recording of “Lawns Breed Songs” made their “Best of Daytrotter 2010” list), and going on his first national tour has given Showalter plenty to be thankful for this past year. Perhaps this is a sign that the voice-and-guitar tradition is still alive and well. As long as there’s soul involved, the most minimal of arrangements can be effective, and the most unexpected of topics can be stirring. – Joe Poteracki