As the title of this post suggests, today is one of those lazy summer days in Toronto that is just humid enough to breed lethargy without the added burden of sticky discomfort.

Personally, as I slowly go about the day’s work I can’t help but feel like curling up with a pair of big headphones and nap the afternoon away to the sweet sounds of finger pickin’ goodness. Unfortunately for those of us who actually have to work for a living, a catnap really isn’t a viable option. Instead I’ll just settle for letting Ayla Brook sing a serene soundtrack to my lazy workday.

In that regard I couldn’t be in better company than Brook’s solo debut, After the Morning After, as it just doesn’t get much more serene than “Wake Up Early” or “Leave Anymore.” Throw the leisurely romp of “Sweater Song” into the mix and you’ll be thinking of greener pastures in no-time.

Of course, the entire outing isn’t solely devoted to delicate numbers. Songs like “One Two Three” and the title track are brimming with good ol’ piss n’ vinegar that could just as easily have you dancing around the room.  Though things come full circle with the fragile and elegant album closer, “Wonder” (a song that begs complimentary comparisons to John K. Sampson), as the serene once again wins the day. Not to mention the eerily appropriate opening lines:

“Workday’s all through, still some chores to do. Let them line up all across my bedroom floor.”

In any case, it doesn’t get much better than After the Morning After on a lethargic and lukewarm Friday afternoon.

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Ayla Brook - Wake Up Early

Hear more at Ayla Brook’s Myspace page or grab a digital copy of After the Morning After from Zunior.