Joanna Newsom "Ys" (2006)
The book compares Newsom to Kate Bush, and I could certainly see/hear some similarities, both in the timbre of her voice, the almost operatic/theatrical
quality of some of her music and the range of sounds. Her more violent
delivery in places like "Sawdust and Diamonds" almost brings Bjork to mind.
Harpist and vocalist Newsom had released her debut album and was part of a new-folk movement along with Devendra Branhart.
Harpist and vocalist Newsom had released her debut album and was part of a new-folk movement along with Devendra Branhart.
This album is
an interesting mix of parts. Newsom recorded her harp and vocal parts
with brass-tacks, punkish producer Steve Albini. Orchestral
arrangements were added after the fact by Van Dyke Parks,
arranger for the Beach Boys' more adventurous albums.
The arrangements nicely accentuate Newsom's songs, giving them room to breathe in places, but coming to the fore when it's appropriate.
The album has only 5 tracks, but most of them are around the 10-15 minute mark, not unlike some 1970s albums, like a lot of the prog, fusion and yeah even some of the folk stuff from that era.
The arrangements nicely accentuate Newsom's songs, giving them room to breathe in places, but coming to the fore when it's appropriate.
The album has only 5 tracks, but most of them are around the 10-15 minute mark, not unlike some 1970s albums, like a lot of the prog, fusion and yeah even some of the folk stuff from that era.
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