Joanna Newsome

Bought this album on the strength of her appearance on Jools Holland.

Two words to sum up

1) Crazy

2) Brilliant

Think solo harpist singing like a bluegrass tinged Bjork. Orignal and quirky.

Fantastic - after the initial shock/confusion

 

Have to agree with this verdict . If you want another album which meets the criteria of being quirky , bonkers and brilliant you could try Coco Rosie - la Maison de ma Reve . Some samples available on their website.

 

I must admit that this record is marvellous. Her voice is addictive and I just can't get enough at the moment.
If I'm not listening to it, I have to listen to my 5 year old son's rendition of it, american accent and all. Oh my love, oh it was a fanny little thing...

 

"The sight of bridges and balloons makes calm canaries irritable."

Marvelous.

My fave track at the moment (this keeps changing - sign of a good album) is Peach, Plum, Pear - Kind of a Henry the 8th harpsichord acid session.

Superb.

 

Thanks for the tip.

Just checked out the samples on amazon, and there's a full version (video) of Sprout and the Bean on the BBC site http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A3193481

Just phoned my brother to try and pick this way up on the way home from work tonight, or I'll go grab a copy tomorow.

Sounds interesting

 

What d'you reckon then MO!?
I've just bought it for my brothers birthday, eventhough he's normally into dub and gangsta rap – wonder what he'll make of it.

Glenda – have you got your signature from the Gorky's record by any chance?
Eating salt is easy when you've got a spoon...

 

Hi space cadet - yes it's a lift from Gorkys - one of my favourite bands . I was going to play a track from Barafundle at my wedding but bottled it in favour of something safer at the last moment!

 

Hi Glenda...down this way too?

 

Sorry heavymental - I'm in East Wales - Newport to be precise. Think that there are some other members based around these parts but not enough for a bake off I suspect.
Cheers
Tony

 

I visit pentwyn and llantrisant fairly often - nice drive from the midlands

What is Gorkys?

 

HI Iamboy - Gorkys = Gorkys Zygotic Mynci - a hippyish Welsh band - long time John Peel favourite - best albums are Barafundle and Spanish Dance Troupe . The web site is :
http://www.gorkys.com/
No mp3s to download from the site but I'll give you your money back if you buy but don't love Barafundle.

Cheers
Tony

 

Barafundle is one the best albums ever released I think. I rate most of their earlier stuff over Spanish Dance Troupe though. After Barafundle they seemed to go a bit too safe for my liking. If you can get it, 'Patio' is awesome. It has several tracks recorded before Euros' voice broke and one song ends in their dad bursting into their bedroom telling them off for playing too loud.
All in all they're a great band and it's a mystery why they never had a Top 40 hit when Welsh indie was the big thing. I think Patio Song made it to no. 41...
Did they release an album last year Glenda? If so, any good?

 

It's all gone a bit downhill since Blue Trees - their last studio album was Sleep Holiday in 2003 which was a bit patchy - in a 6 and 1/2 out of 10 sort of way .
Tony

 

I've gone to comment about this before, but have resisted.

I couldn't get enough of the album when I first got it, playing it to everyone who's been over here and watching their face to see their reaction.

But why the reaction? Well, obviously because her voice is so different, and the fact it's a harp!

So, aware of this, I've tried to hold back on making an opinion, or at least, stating one which I might end up realising was just based on the novelty/gimmick or such. Now after a having had this for a few weeks the strange voice seems to keep it's appeal, and still makes me stop and smile, but, it seems less strange and weird, and perfectly fitting for her to sound like that.

Trying to keep this short. Basically, beyond the obvious novelty attraction, these are really great songs and a great and special album. Not just the voice, the harp, or the lyrics. The songs themselves are genuinely great.

Every now and then you come across something new and it makes you really buzz. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, it might have passed by unnoticed and I think I'd have missed out. Some will obviously hate it, but everyone should at least give it a go on the chance it will do something for them.

Some of the people i've played it to have gone and bought copies themselves. Some have just looked confused, or hated it.

There's a few MOments on the album which seem to show up my hifi. One of the bass notes on "the book of right-on" seems to make my speakers fart And there's other bits where I can imagine there's more going on than I can perhaps hear. Just reafirms my need for a sub or better speakers.

thanks again for bringing this to my attention! Perhaps it is still too early to make a true opinion of it beyond the novelty, but I'm pretty sure this is one of my all time fav's already

 

i aim to please

 

And pleased I am

The BBC link I put in the earlier post for the video to Sprout and the Bean.
However..... if you go to this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A3212740 you'll get that video, plus 3 live session videos too! So just when your ears start to adjust to her voice on the album, check them out to remember how strange it can be

They're in real streamed format though. Anyone know how to save them to the harddrive?

 

Touring in april. Dates listed here http://www.dragcity.com/bands/newsom.html

 

My missus hates the CD - she just doesnt get it (alas she listens to elton john and others of that ilk) and I dont like going to concerts on my own

I might trick her into thinking we are going to an Abba tribute night!

NB: I took her to the 'Skin' concert last year which she enjoyed, so all hope isnt lost I guess.

 

Currently preparing to leave for the Bristol show tonight

I'd heard Alasdair Roberts was meant to be supporting, but doesn't seem to be appearing at Bristol. Instead it's White Magic and Six Organs of Admittance.

I hadn't previously heard of either, but have dug out a few samples online. White Magic sound really interesting. Sort of a PJ harvey vocal with keys and strings.
SOOA will have to be seen and heard to get a better opinion though. Sound a bit prog rock/soundscape/experimental, whatever you want to call it.

Will let you know how it goes....

 

Saw white magic not long ago, great.
Six organs are the best thing I've heard all year. I'd say its jazz/folk experimental. They sound like a Neil Young acoustic noise band with Miles Davis Electronic influences.