The magic of these North Carolina natives starts with Renee Mendoza's voice. At once heartfelt yet imperfect, it swoops and swerves through her graceful songs above the thoughtful, textured guitar work of her husband, Brian Haran, a professional luthier who builds his own guitars (as well as his bandmates'). Filling out the sound with engaging rhythm players Chris Girard, Nick Jaegar, and drummer James Wallace (standing in for Jim Bob Aiken) and the result is a band that knows how to play to its strengths in engaging and unexpected ways.

    The episode was curated by music writer Grayson Currin (Independent Weekly, IFC, Pitchfork), thought by many to be one of the great emerging critics of the past several years. "What's not to like about something that's both instantly likable and infinitely explorable?" says Currin, "When I hear Filthybird's songs for the first time, they strike me as somewhat simple pop songs I know I'll love. But the more I listen, there are always five, eight, a dozen things that make the term "pop song" feel inadequate; whether it's Renee's voice or how that voice runs with a melody or how the drums and guitars shift just so to catch that voice."

"I have been told before that I do not have a pretty voice," says Mendoza, "but some of my favorite voices are the ones that aren't pretty. And when you hear them you're like, 'Holy shit, that's Nina Simone,' or 'Holy shit, that's Kate Bush.' Those aren't pretty voices, but they're powerful. Not to compare myself to Nina Simone or anything," she laughs, "but you know..."

    This session was our first of the year, and we decided to take full advantage of the limitless night. We eased into the day, spending the afternoon arranging "I'd Like to Know" and getting to know each other. By the time tracking was completed, we were as charmed by the band as we were by the song: a three minute pop gem, with just the right mix of expected and unexpected, just the right amount of ambience and texture. We hope you'll agree. If the joy we had recording it is any measure, this is a great one.