I should qualify what I wrote above. It is Newsome's music, not her musicianship, that I have trouble with. What I said about her lyrics still stands. |
As a musician, she is an excellent poet. Her music has't grown on me yet, but her lyrics can stand by themselves. |
I think Janyusay's demonstration of childlike enchantment is just what's needed from the listener to appreciate this record. In a similar way I recall the wonder my four year old experienced dancing to George Harrison's "Crackerbox Palace." Personally I prefer pretty much anything else Harrison ever did, but once and awhile a piece of music passes under the wire of the critical faculties & perhaps "Ys" does it too. However there's a fine line between the sublime & the ridiculous. For example, Jane Siberry did a beautiful stretch on "When I was a Boy," only to drive off the cliff into silliness in her next album, "Maria." Another one in this category is Scott Walker's "The Drift", which I think succeeds mightiy as art, but which like Joyce's "Finnigan's Wake" makes a difficult read & there are probably only a few diehards who make it to the end. |
Dgarretson-
Your still with us, nice to hear your urges to commit suicide passed. : ) So why Ys!!!!!? |
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this cd is full of enchantment! i like! i like! |
Quick thanks to Dan for his donation of this disc to a poor Music Lover! It is errrr' Unique. |
I just bought it, never heard her music before. I really liked it, very different, strange, yet musical. I appreciated the uniqueness of it. To much music today sounds all the same. |
This is one I'll put away and probably never play again. |
YAWN! I didn't get it at all. Hardly a change in any song in music texture and a voice that does nothing at all. |
I should add this is the first time i have heard Joanna Newsoms work. I have been meaning to purchase more of her music. Have any of you heard her other work in the band "The Pleased"? I was thinking about trying them as well. |
I love "The Milk-eyed Mender" and had high hopes for this release too, but have thus far been disappointed. I usually give music many listens to give it a chance to connect, but I seem to have a low threshold for this one...I've been listening to over the past two months since its release and it still hasn't sparked any fires for me. I took an immediate likeing to 'Mender', on the other hand. I actually like her voice, but I'm a bit odd that way. It surely is an acquired taste, and not for everyone. Not fond of the lengthy stream-of-consciousness style on Y's. I do very much enjoy her lyrics, especially on 'Mender'. Y's seems to lend itself more to background music, as it's more of a lyrical landscape, where 'Mender' is more conventional compositions. As far as the reviewer's praise; opinions are like assholes: everyone's got one. If you are really turned off by her vocals on Y's, don't bother with 'Mender', but if you are intrigued, but not engaged, by Y's, definitely give 'Mender' a listen. No doubt about it, she's a very talented writer and musician. I'll continue to give Y's a chance as it does have its moments.
Marco |
i dug this album too, but i like 'the milk eyed mender' a lot better... -will |
That album still has me thinking wtf? The music is wonderful in many spots, but her vocals are the sonic equivalent of being autopsied while living.
I just can't take it.
Anyone who want an as new copy, email me and you can have it for $5.00. |
this album has been the number one pick as album of the year for 2006 in at least ten different sources so I bought it and wish I had saved my money. I do like the music but her voice is unbearable for me...
btw I prefer Bjork's singing voice |
van dyke parks genius days were over about 3 decades ago. |
I was quite looking forward to this much heralded album and then got a track on a free CD.
Really didn't do it for me....sorely disappointed. |
I realy enjoy this album, i can listen to her anytime of the day without wanting to murder/ commit suicide. Though I can see how someone might want to take her harp and give it a ye olde chuck into the grand canyon. The way she pronounces words and changes pitch might just drill into someones brain and cause a seizure but i find it relaxing as well as intriguing. Im a fan of Bjork as well and find their style, vocally that is, similiar. I also like the fact how she is telling a story instead of just repeat chorus here and there etc. As for a work of genius? hmmm, dont know about that but it is a very original peice of work to me. What it comes down to-if you dont like it, dont listen to it. Who knows maybe it will grow on you. |
