Some albums feel like a journey, others like a memory. Things Found In Books, the latest collaboration between Yvonne Lyon and Boo Hewerdine, is both. Inspired by real-life scraps of letters, notes, and mementos found in a secondhand bookshop at Culzean Castle, this collection of songs is a masterclass in storytelling, nostalgia, and delicate folk craftsmanship.
A Beautifully Woven Tapestry of Sound
From the moment the album opens with “The Things You Find In Books”, you’re transported into a world of lost words and forgotten stories. Yvonne’s haunting vocals blend seamlessly with Boo’s understated warmth, creating an intimacy that makes each song feel like a whispered secret from another time. The album is rich in instrumental textures—acoustic guitars, piano, violin, mandolin, and even unexpected elements like clarinet, xylophone, and pedal steel guitar, all arranged with meticulous care.
Standout Tracks
- “Marion And Sydney” – A delicate, poetic reflection with a melody that lingers long after the last note fades.
- “Baby Blue” – A melancholic yet uplifting track, showcasing Yvonne’s ethereal vocals over Boo’s subtle harmonies.
- “Salvador Dali And Me” – One of the more whimsical moments on the album, blending surreal imagery with heartfelt emotion.
- “Paul McCartney In 1970” – A fascinating lyrical vignette that effortlessly evokes the spirit of the era.
- “Waiting” – A closing track that leaves you longing for just one more song.
Production & Atmosphere
Produced by Sandy Jones, Yvonne Lyon, and Boo Hewerdine, the album maintains a delicate balance between warmth and space. The Foundry Music Lab recordings capture every breath, every string vibration, every nuanced harmony with a clarity that enhances the album’s emotional weight. Gustaf Ljunggren’s multi-instrumental contributions bring depth and unexpected sonic colors to the arrangements, while Pete Harvey’s cello work adds an extra layer of melancholy beauty.
A Timeless Collaboration
Both artists have extensive and respected careers in the UK folk and singer-songwriter circles, and Things Found In Books solidifies their partnership as one of the most compelling in contemporary folk music. Yvonne Lyon’s deeply expressive voice carries an emotional weight reminiscent of Karine Polwart or Beth Nielsen Chapman, while Boo Hewerdine’s songwriting remains as poignant as ever.
Final Thoughts
Things Found In Books is an album of quiet revelations. It doesn’t shout; it doesn’t demand attention. Instead, it invites you to sit with it, to listen closely, and to lose yourself in its beautifully woven stories. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their music for the first time, this is an album that will stay with you—just like a well-loved book tucked away on a forgotten shelf, waiting to be found again.
🌿 Recommended for fans of: Karine Polwart, Eddi Reader, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Luka Bloom.
🎧 Listen to this if you love: Acoustic storytelling, folk ballads, deeply poetic lyrics.
🔹 Physical CD available now with a beautiful hardback book edition (44 pages of artwork, lyrics, and photos).
💿 Digital release coming March 7, 2025 on all major streaming platforms.
“Absolutely beautiful—Things Found In Books is a heartfelt, poetic journey through forgotten stories and lost memories. Yvonne Lyon and Boo Hewerdine have created something truly special—deeply moving, beautifully sung, and effortlessly captivating.” – Pump It Up Magazine
