Down the Way

Sometimes brothers and sisters actually do get along. On *Down the Way*, Julia’s pixie-ish vocals and Angus’ chilled-out croon mesh beautifully over folk-pop that’s breezy yet melancholy. Julia hits a new high with the romantic yearning of “And the Boys,” while Angus indulges a love of Americana on “Yellow Brick Road,” where he sings about losing his heart in California over chiming guitars. There are even echoes of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” on “Big Jet Plane,” the chirpy hit that sticks fast in your memory after just one listen.

<p>An expanded sound and west-coast palette is working out well for the Stone siblings, writes <strong>Caroline Sullivan</strong></p>