A little over a week ago, Providence folk musician Ian Faria released his unabashedly joyous latest album, ‘Animal Songs.’ Starting with the ambling “Raccoon Song,” halved by the elegant “Cassafrass Blues,” and including “Prayer Song” (streaming below), a ukulele-jumped track that features fellow Providence eccentric Edgar Clinks, the technically masterful fifteen-song effort (which follows Faria’s ‘Covers’ album from last year) exudes real-life gravitas while jubilantly soaking in summer joy. Ian Faria plays AS220 in Providnce, Rhode Island on 3/29. – Zach Weg
