Which Patricia Barber album floats yer boat?

I have Modern Cool and Cafe Blue. I put on her stuff to hear what my system really sounds like, since the recording quality of these CDs are top notch. I think she is a good pianist. I play professionally and don't claim to play like Herbie, but I know a thing ot two. I enjoy her voice more, and she has a great range. Her songs are interesting. Not something I would listen to if I was feeling down as most of her tunes are quite depressing if you listen to the words (and how many audiophiles really listen to the words anyway?). Her recordings float my boat as far as sound quality and musicianship go, but if you really listen to the lyrics, your boat may start to sink.

Yikes! I love Dylan and Mitchell but after reading the above posts I now feel kinda cheap and dirty, not to mention foolish, musically uneducated and just plain dumb and "undefined" 'cause I enjoy listening to all of Patricia Barber's albums. If I had to pick a favourite, Companion would be it - but please don't hold it against me, I'm just a ...yawn...ho hum audiophool, I guess.

I've got all Barber's albums, including her earliest.

"Modern Cool" does it for me, though I very much enjoy every single one of them. In particular, the title track and "Company" are superb.

As for uninvited comparisons, I never much enjoyed the music of either Bob Dylan or my compatriot, Joni Mitchell. I recognize them as major artists, but never liked 'em enough to buy any of their albums.

Anyway, if one is going to compare Barber, it makes sense to compare her, favourably or not, to other jazz composer/vocalists.

I think she's a major musical and lyric talent. Yes, she's intellectual and self-conscious and both of those are part of her artistic importance.

Happy listening all!

Joel.

It seems, for reasons I cannot divine, that one either loves her or hates her.

My (two) favorites are "Companion" since it is recorded live and has lots of old-school ambience, and "Cafe Blue" in 45rpm vinyl where the renditions of "Too Rich for My Blood" and "Nardis" are outstanding and--for me--hair raising.

I agree that the studio recordings lack "presence" which detracts from otherwise strong performances. Also, the angst in some of her tracks (particularly Modern Cool) some regard as artificial and superficial but I accept as amusingly sardonic and ironic (whatever she were intended).

I too was surprised at the negativism...as "do you think PB is overated?" wasn't the question.

Personally I have all her cds & enjoy each one. On top of her & her band's talent I think she/they have a unique sound. "Unique" is hard to find and a special joy if it trips your trigger. (Zappa comes to mind when I think unique.)

The

"I currently only own companion and spend most of the time wishing she would shut up"

comment was actually kind of funny as shutting up and letting the band play is one of the things I DO like about her. Norwegian Wood off Fortnight in France...if this isn't letting the band play...awesome cut.