I’m in the minority. Over the course of the last four years, I’ve tried time and time again to enjoy both of Joanna Newsom’s critically acclaimed full-lengths (2004′s The Milk-Eyed Mender & 2006′s Ys). Unfortunately, the so-called magic has failed to satiate my overzealous ears. Due to sheer curiosity and an abundance of rave reviews from Night 1, I decided to attend her second sold out performance at BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House. The evening was broken into two segments: the first half dedicated to Ys (in its entirety, accompanied by The Brooklyn Philharmonic); the latter section split evenly between new tracks and favorites from her debut LP. For nearly three hours, the California-based harpist & vocalist truly stunned the jam-packed auditorium. The arrangements were flawless, her unique (yet divisive) voice was spot-on and her stage banter was beyond charming. While I haven’t been transformed into a mega-fan (by a long shot), I can honestly say my distaste has severely dissipated, and I look forward to experiencing Joanna’s live show again sometime very soon. Kudos, J – well done! Visit Ms. Newsom at her official site.
(Photo courtesy of Ryan Muir @ Metromix)
MP3: Joanna Newsom – Bridges & Balloons [alt link]
It’s “Inflammatory Writ”
Not WIT
that was done purposefully, a pun.
I think she’s a gifted songwriter, an excellent harpist, and a comically disastrous singer. It’s like someone cross-bred Minnie Mouse, Bjork and Macy Gray in some horrific laboratory, and I continue to be mystified by the fact that she’s taken so seriously by so many.
Final Fantasy’s cover of PeachPlumPear is a testament to her compositional skills. Overall, however, her appeal as a singer baffles me, and I honestly can’t understand how she’s doing so well.
More power to her…