Everyone <3 Joanna Newsom
One of the most unlikely stars of this "avant-folk" or "anti-folk" or whatever-you-wanna-call-it movement (Devendra, Panda, Sufjan, et al) is beautiful Bay Area gnome Joanna Newsom. Joanna (not really a gnome) has played keys with The Pleased; now she's steadily winning over indie rockers with wintry ballads informed by Appalachian folk music. She performs them solo on what is traditionally a schmaltzy instrument: the Celtic harp. Joanna's untrained voice and strangled delivery, however, make Mlik-Eyed Mender one of the more polarizing buzz albums of the year. I put Mlik-Eyed on at Thanksgiving dinner and my sister was NOT feeling it. Maybe it's a headphones album. The music is so beautiful, though, and the lyrics are clever. Please give it a chance. Here's what Modest Mouse says of her in the new Filter...
ISAAC BROCK: That Joanna Newsom album is amazing. There's something about [her] music -- it's honest without trying to be folk, but it is. And somehow it's more contemporary because it's not trying to be modern. I don't know if heartstrings are real, but if they are, they're damn good at jerking on them.You may also remember Dave Eggers devoting his Spin column to her a while back. He fantasized about her being a homely nut -- "she's painfully thin, and wears cracked glasses; she can’t get them fixed, and why? Because she spends all day singing like a crazy person, that's why!" -- because he was sick of quirkiness being accepted in female singers only if they're beautiful ("wouldn‘t it be nice if a woman could become popular with a face that could melt cheese?"). Sorry Dave.
ERIC JUDY: I like the Joanna Newsom album so much it feels like it should be the only one I talk about. I just got it a week ago and I listen to it all the time. Her voice is definitely out there -- I think a lot of people might find it kinda harsh or not like it, but I do. It's just really, really pretty.
I originally bought this album on vinyl, which meant I never listened to it and ultimately GAVE IT to the managing editor at work. It wasn't until I finally got it on the iPod few months ago that it became an almost daily listen (and now I want my vinyl back, Jim). Here's a bit from an interview Joanna did with Free Williamsburg last year:
FREE WILLIAMSBURG: Do you download music a lot?Joanna Newsom - "The Book Of Right On"
JOANNA: I would if I knew how. At this point, I don't mind if people download my music because that means that there's a person who wants to listen. I give away CDs at shows if someone wants a CD but doesn't have any money. I wouldn't want to do that forever. I would happy for someone to download my music.
Joanna Newsom - "Peach, Plum, Pear"
Joanna Newsom - "What We Have Known" (non-album track)
Purchase Mlik-Eyed Mender here. Without a doubt this will be on Stereogum's Top 10 Albums of 2004.
Official Site: Walnutwhales.com
Video: The Sprout And The Bean (Quicktime)
Joanna has only got two US shows lined up until February. Get your tix to this Drag City XMas Spectacular!
Also, keep an eye out for the new Venus zine with Joanna on the cover. Inside Miss Modernage interviews her Norwegian crush Sondre Lerche.
UPDATE: Brooklyn Vegan directs us to some sweet Newsom covers...
Final Fantasy - "Peach, Plum, Pear"
The Decemberists - "Bridges And Balloons"
Posted at 8:33 AM
Tags: Joanna Newsom | Modest Mouse
Joanna Newsom?!?
for christ sake...the worst artist out there. PERIOD!
...next to Arcade Fire
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yuck nasal rumblings of a toddler
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She's probably related to the SF mayor Gavin Newscum...I mean Gavin Newsome, especially if she's in SF. That's an old very very wealthy of SF, private schooling all the way, hanging out with the Gettys.
She sounds horrible.
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Am I the only one who thinks she sounds like Geddy Lee?
Anyway, to me it seems like she's very new to the recording process. That overdubbed chorus of her own voice is amateur night. I think in the future she might be a little better, but I'm not bowling over just yet.
thanks for posting though.
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Man, I couldn't disagree more wholeheartedly with andalusia and nasdaq jones. I really really love Joanna Newsom (that's the correct spelling, stereogum, for shame). She's doing something that no one else is really doing. Granted, I really seem to like a bunch of the neo-folk stuff that's going on right now... but newsom stands apart from sufjan, et al. I like her the most because yeah, her songwriting can seem a bit naive at times, but more than anything she's doing what she wants to do. She's channeling some really early american folk music in her work, and I like that she's not over-processing her voice (ahem, Britney). Perhaps you guys would like to listen to more masterpieces by Ms. Spears and company? I say hooray for a girl who's trying something new... I hope that people will stop being turned off immediately by her voice and start to give her the credit she deserves. Music needs some more experimentation.
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she is related to gavin newsome, but i don't see how you can hold that against her. plus he's not been nearly as terrible as i was expecting him to be. that said, i'm not crazy about her music - it's ok on record, but when i saw her live the harp playing was rad but her voice was like acid poured in the ears.
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My friend did a side by side playing a Joanna Newsom song about fruit vs. the "We are Siamese" track from Disney's Lady and the Tramp. Try it for yourself and see what I'm talking about.
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definately at the top of my list so far this year. she's incred. thanks for the write-up!
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Joanna Newsom is so fantastic, she's like a mystical gypsy queen. I want her to throw daggers at me and rob me while singing.
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I'm digging it. Thanks for posting this.
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I tried, really, I did. Can't get into it. The voice is too grating for me.
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You should put up a more normal track up for someone's first exposure to her. I'd reccomend "clam,crab,cockle,cowrie". That one is absolutely beautiful, and she sings a litte more normally in it.
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i'm with Jason, i tried as well a while ago, but her voice makes me nauseous.
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she sounds like lisa simpson to me but i love the album. way better than the arcade fire.
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Joanna Newsom is like AIDS for your ears.
Worst evs.
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she's amazing. by far the best thing to come out of the bay area in forever and totally the real fucking deal, on stage and off.
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I'm not being funny -- does she have a speech impediment?
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she's even worse than that dipshit band CocoRosie...
2004 - dumbing down the standards in music
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i love (smog).
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That Lisa Simpson comment is incredible. Spot on and so now I picture the woman who plays Lisa Simpson singing and it is fucking hilarious. The music isn't that bad- I'll play it before I take a nap so she'll get played daily.
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Jarring. She sounds like Milla gnawing off her own leg. The fuck?
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If you like Joanna... I bet you will love Hank & Lily. http://www.hankandlily.com/
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He's my norwegian crush too! hes fantastic. superb. wowzeriffic.
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i don't have anything especially helpful or interesting to say, but i wanted to comment just to add myself to the list of people who actually enjoy these songs. the first time i heard her singing i thought, "nah, i don't think this is for me," but after a few listens it really grew on me. she does sound like a cartoon character at times, though, and i can't really imagine her voice coming out of her face (having only seen pictures and heard recordings).
anyway, she may not be for everybody but she hardly represents a trend toward musical crappiness. boring indie rock is way worse for all of us than arcade fire-esque idiosyncracies.
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Ahhhh, you're giving me ear Cancer!
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Whoa... I checked out Hank and Lily and they terrify me...
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Quite possibly the worst stuff I've ever heard and I adore all forms of wimp pop, be it C-86 or folk, whatever. But this is the vocal equivalent of being ass-raped by dolphins. All those in favor of this album please report to your local record & tape exchange for musical re-education.
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She has pushed me down with the palm of her eye. Like Daniel Johnston or any number of diamond in the rough type things -she is beautiful. It is like listening to the most popular girl from the 1800's mining camp just stepped off a time machine with a lil coal smudged on her face...sing us a song Joanna
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i love joanna newsom, and have for a long while now...i remember hearing 'book of right on' and being all into it. the voice is weird, yes, but it's definitely a good quirk, and i definitely dig. 'the milk-eyed mender' is a lovely album.
the neo-folk movement has really worked its way into me (especially sufjan, even moreso than joanna, almost)... and i think it's a cool thing they've got going.
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Tommy, pull your pants up.
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milk-eyed mender is definitely on my top 10 list this year, most likely right up in the top 3.
even the decemberists like her; they did a cover of "bridges and balloons" at a recent show. thanks to brooklynvegan, you, too, can go download this loveliness.
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2004/08/decemberists_co.html
just sharing the love.
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Thanks for the reality check goozer...I think she is really awesome, but my writing was a just waking up and baking up reaction.
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Hmm, still holding out a judgement on this one. However, during Peach, Plum, Pear, I could help but envision Alfalfa from Our Gang singing with Spanky playing the harp...
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Joanna Newsom doesn't have a speech impediment. She is like 22 years old, but seems like about 15 when I first met her. I suggest that people see her live. I can't imagine really listening to her record off the cuff and thinking "This is cool." Or "Boy I am in the mood for this."
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Joanna Newsom is the shit. Hooray for the tiniest little witch!
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Alexander, this was the first time I'd heard her and I can't get enough. I don't actually understand why other people wouldn't like it - it's too catchy.
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Dude, people. I can get it if you just don't like her style or sound, but this is the second board I've seen where people seriously seem to get ANGRY about how bad she is, then start making ridiculous comments about her rich girl lifestyle-- you don't know a thing about her. Guys... she's not even from SF -- she was just going to school there, so give it up.
Anyway, yeah, I'd suggest anyone who hasn't heard her record yet, to try to see her live first. It will help put her in context. And people who think they may like her music, but can't get past her voice... put the record down for a bit then come back to it in a month or so... once the music sets into your head,the voice will come next.
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Oh... again about the privedged rich kid connections that are so far off:
Her connection have been purely through musicians who have found her by other musicians and taken her under their wing so-to-speak. These connections started with high school/local friends, who started out just as Nobody as she did, and has nothing to do with status or mayors or Gettys or any such nonesense. She got where she was purely by her music being recognized by better know musicians in her already-musical circle.
Sorry. It just peeves me. Too much, I know. I'll shut up now.
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"The Book of Right On" is growing on me. The fuck!
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Dude, thanks for the downloads. Worked like a charm--downloaded them on Wednesday and bought the album on Friday.
Seriously heartbreaking--in a good way. Thanks again!
-jeff
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Ending a perfect day by being introduced to Johanna by my fine friend Russ...and I am so in love. Not surprising when you realize how much I also love Rose Murhpy and Laurie Anderson. Utterly delicous and adorable.
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i agree, folks: disliking her is no cause for outrage. there's so much worse crap in the music world. and here is a woman who is passionate, sincere, and incredibly talented. her voice is just not your standard saccharine cream-puff, so it takes some ears wide open. i was turned off originally, but somehow intrigued enough to keep listening. and now she's my f*cking number one. and has been all year. so get listening.
ain't nuthin else that i have been able to listen to almost daily for nearly a year.
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Hey,
The best thing I can recommend for people who don't like Joanna is to go see her live, I first heard of her when my brother played her CD. I thought she sounded awful, I couldn't understand why he liked her so much. He then invited me to a gig she was playing, so I went in the spirit of being open-minded. It was truly the most amazing thing I have ever seen, she sounds so much better live and it really is awesome how she co-ordinates herself so well, playing the harp and singing brilliantly. I think she's great, and can't wait to get her album. She's wonderfully original and new, I love her music and want to share the love!!!
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She will be, uh... like, uh, the britney spears for know-nothing indie hipster wanna-be's. And she will marry the charlie sheen of pop, mark mcgrath.
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she's fantastic, granted she has the voice of a ten yr old boy having his nuts stamped on by a rugby player, but she's actually pretty damn good, her songwriting abilities are amazing, and her skill on the harp is unquestionable, 'book of right on' is sensational when she DECIDES to change her voice she'll be bigger than bjork
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to the clueless, get over the fact that her voice is different, newsom is a incredible songwriter and musician. it is the same shit i hear from people about Dylan's voice or Hendrix's voice, it isn't about perfect tones and five octave ranges, if you want that go listen to mariah carey or some other turd.
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My daughter of 5 weeks old, sleeps to hear Joanna Newsom.
The environment in house is magical, seems one fábula.
I love the songs, relax and it's easy to enter in an imaginary world.
Thank you very much...
With love from Europe - PORTUGAL
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meow meow now.
I decided she was for me right away, instinctivly. her voice is so small, but her songs come marching out with an american magic at her command. I can be little baby claire just woke from a nap for mommas teatime again to this music, and I thought that time was gone for good. *sheds a tear* When I heard that Will oldham and Chan Marshall and Smog picked up on her right quickly that was so intuitivly obvious to me they would. Those is my peoples. Say what you want. Recently I see her picture and realized I'd met her in college. Brilliant.
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my fish is floating sleepfully to her song
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thanks for the link to the decemberists cover!
i've recently put up a joanna newsom page & have dutifully sent people to this entry for the mp3s that all good googlers demand.
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How can you people be so cruel?
Ear cancer, AIDS for the ears?
For some, she is heaven. For the others, perhaps you can learn to describe music without comparing it to disease.
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Joanna, if your reading this, i want to marry you. x
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i agree with Joi, you people bringing words such as cancer and AIDS in to the conversation evidently haven't known anyone with, or experienced these illnesses; otherwise you wouln't view it as a joke. It would be so much easier to discuss music without people having to be crass and downright disgusting in order to look fucking cool. I mean lets face it, anyone who resorts to comments like that aren't doing it for themselves are they? try reading some european literature and then you might understand the sheer verbal alchemy that are Joanna newsom's lyrics, or the deep mournful landscapes of her music. Her harp -playing is rythmic and free from stereotype; idiomatic features of the harp such as arppegios and harmonics are used thoughtfully and sparingly. so thats my two cents, so those who feel the need to get personal, who think they know it all, just because someone wants to put something creative and new out there should just go and get a life.
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she's brilliant. lovely voice.
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Just caught Joanna on Later with Jools Holland (a british late night music programe) she played 'book of right on', luckily I was recording it and i've listened to it 5 or 6 times since.Fucking Great.
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"Sheer verbal alchemy"?? BWAHAHA!
"I chew my lips, and I scratch my nose/feels so good to be a rose."
C'mon: that shit is funny. And by funny, I mean "fucking awful".
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Hey, what's with all of the immature bashing? Are you guys really that bored? Or are you just that ignorant? I love Joanna Newsom and reading some of these comments astounded me at people's cruelty. With that said, I just wanted to post something positive about Joanna because I absolutly adore her. Sure, her voice may take getting use to and I will admit, I had to listen to her album at least five or six times before I could get past her very distinct, childlike voice before I realized that without that voice, she wouldn't be Joanna Newsom so I don't think any alterations to her voice need be met. She sings with heart and simplicity and is trying something completely out of the "normal" musical realm. So, even if you don't like her or just can't like her, at least give her credit for putting herself out there and doing something she loves and that is write music and sing it with everything she has. That's more then I can say for most people. And if you simply cannot bear her voice, at least give reading the lyrics a try.
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pepare to be haunted by the magical whisper of Joanna Newsom, simple music on the outset then you listen closer and are blown away by simple deep story telling lyrics which let your imagination run wild.
Absolutly fantstic stuff, and here voice is the dogs nads (the best) too!!
(write off at your peril)
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i think what some of you people are saying is disgusting.
she's a little different? so what? Bjork is. Doesn't stop her being a role model for thousands of people. like me. And joanna is so AMAZING. musically and lyrically....her voice really is that eccentric icing on the cake. shes beautiful and amazing. i saw her on jools holland and had to stop and go "what . the . fuck. amazing" and i bought her album.
BEAUTIFUL. IT HURTs taht some of my friends laughed at her
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i was excited to hear more of her music after i heard peace, plum, pear. i listend to the whole c.d. and it was wonderful. her words and her voice/harp is great for story telling and is splended to hear after hearing lots and lots of watered down fancy pop. i know that everyone thinks differently about newsom's music. however i do love it, i just found out about another artist by the name of regina spektor, she is wonderful aswell.
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i was excited to hear more of her music after i heard peach, plum, pear. i listend to the whole c.d. and it was wonderful. her words and her voice/harp is great for story telling and is splended to hear after hearing lots and lots of watered down fancy pop. i know that everyone thinks differently about newsom's music. however i do love it, i just found out about another artist by the name of regina spektor, she is wonderful aswell.
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i was excited to hear more of her music after i heard peach, plum, pear. i listend to the whole c.d. and it was wonderful. her words and her voice/harp is great for story telling and is splended to hear after hearing lots and lots of watered down fancy pop. i know that everyone thinks differently about newsom's music. however i do love it, i just found out about another artist by the name of regina spektor, she is wonderful aswell.
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sorry for the three posts the p.c. has fucked up. and i am sorry for my spelling- peach plum pear. ;)
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Regarding Joanna Newsom and all of the comments that she's provoked I agree with nearly every one of them good and bad. The fact to my ears is that she's totally unique - a bit like Kate Bush when shre first started - that shock of the new.
The harp is beautiful and there's a strange' child-like quality to her voice. I've only really heard the, 'Sprout and the Bean' track so I've no idea what a whole album would sound like. All I know is that the song really stood out for me on the otherwise dreary N. M. E. 'The Cool List' album. I instantly had to find out who she was and now I know a little more and am intruiged.
U2 would have us believe that they are the greatest rock band in the world and can control the atom. Well I think that there's more power in Joanna's harp than that lot can muster!
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Hi you lot,
after a little trawl on google I came across your forum - I wont revisit it but I would appreciate your comments - dan@djh-graphics.com - just thought you would really enjoy the mini website I made for her. It was a purely personal project but I figure it might make a good showcase for future commercial work, it was a learning experience to create these videos using Flash but I hope the end result has paid off!
www.djh-graphics.com/newsom/flash.html
it was a wonderful concert with a capacity of barely more than a hundred. This club - its actually a comedy club - is a gem, Martha Wainwright, Laura Veirs and Emiliana Torrini are all playing there soon.
Anyway, greetings from Oxford, UK!
Daniel Hart
www.djh-graphics.com
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just heard joanna on radio 1 in England, first time i've heard her, had to rush home and download some tracks to hear more, sounded really good, hope this other stuff is as good.
Paul
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http://hometown.aol.co.uk/pchapm506/myhomepage/family.html
to see who i am
paul
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I think Joanna is wonderful.
Her songs are beautiful.
And she is beautiful.
The Milk-eyed mender is great (better than Regina Spektor by far).
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She is amazing. Her lyrics are so random and when you combine that with her voice and the harp-it is unbelievable. I can not stop listen to it.
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i love joanna, she's not like anyone else because of her voice. and the lyrics of her songs are great. i've listened to peach plum pear over and over again for the last 5 days. and i'm serious.. i can never get sick of her.
wonderful.
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have not fallen so in love with an album or artist since jeff buckley's grace
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Everyone talks crap about whats different. So keep talking is you cant still stand the constant trite, Pop-punk crap. Or better yet the crying emo whining...im all about Joanna...but who am i right?...well....im awsome...but you see what im tryin to say here...
Falzy
www.myspace.com/grandtheftmotto
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Hilariously batty! Great stuff! An for those people who have to be offensive every time they find something they dont like I suggest they toddle off an download some bite me spears nonsense somewhere else!
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First of all...why is there all this crap loaded on Arcade Fire!? It's like it's the bands fault for being commercially recognized even though they'er not even signed with a commercial label!! They're still pretty good. Just because they're no longer a secret doesn't mean that they suddenly suck. Get off of your weak and pathetic elitist perch. As far as Joanna Newsom goes...I am listening to her right now as I type this...the first time I heard her I thought ok...that voice is kind of harsh. But there is something so unmistakingly honest about her voice and about her music that if you are a true lover of music...not just a lover of synthetically produced sounds...you can't help but get hooked on her gift. I listen to it all the time now. I'm hooked. I just find it beautiful. It's simplicity...It's honesty...And it is a gift. A uniquely honest sound amongst the abundance of mediocrity
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fucking awesome
joanna newsom is amazing
great voice, awesome harp
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Hey,
I'm in Australia, and first caught Newsom doing "Bridges and Balloons" on late night radio. I then saw the vid for "Sprout and the Bean" and was hooked- went straight out and bought the album. It's sweet, magical and different. Her voice is unusual, but in a *good* way. Surely that's to be encouraged in the face of ever-increasing manufactured bubblepop and Avril Lavigne's version of "Punk"...
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Hey,
I'm in Australia, and first caught Newsom doing "Bridges and Balloons" on late night radio. I then saw the vid for "Sprout and the Bean" and was hooked- went straight out and bought the album. It's sweet, magical and different. Her voice is unusual, but in a *good* way. Surely that's to be encouraged in the face of ever-increasing manufactured bubblepop and Avril Lavigne's version of "Punk"...
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Joanna has burst through, and found the true sound of folk music this generation has ever seen. She is not only talented, but has a one of a kind voice that we will be following for years to come, as of Bob, Janice, and Joan. Sorry she couldn't be on the Grammy's:) Maybe for those who have a negative oppinion about creative musicians should stick to mtv.
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It's like Marmite, you love it or you hate it... I love marmite, and I love Joanna Newsome's music. x
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Her music is hypnotic, deep, it gives you a feeling of comfort, sweetness, and sadness. I listen to her when I want to just kind of invert into myself and be alone and think. If someone doesnt like it, then fine, I'm sure I won't like everything that you listen to , but I won't bring up pestulence and death while talking about your musical choices' clarity or talent. I think her music is something that goes beyond just being something that she feels or being a part of her. It's feels like waves of her innermost self, some primal, some sweet, woven into every tangle of words, every strained vocal chord, and they pick out meanings in the people that listen to it. Each different, but all very internal, beautiful things.
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I saw Joanna Newsom perform on Jimmy Kimmel show. At first I thought it was a comedy bit, but when the painful singing didn't stop I knew that somewhere in Hollywood there is a very nervous TV producer who will be looking for work tomorrow.
Why, when there are so many talented vocalists in the world, did THIS person decide to sing. Isn't there anyone with enough guts to say "Stick to playing the harp and keep your pie-hole shut!" Was there anyone with ears working on the day this record was made?
Naked Iraqi men in a pyramid is only humiliation, but if the army plays this record over the Abu Ghraib prison loudspeakers - it would be torture!
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My wife and I saw Joanna last night perform at the Troubador and definitely saw history in the making. We can't stop listening to her album. To all the haters, especially the one above, don't listen. Keep doin' whatcha doin' Joanna!
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joanna newsom has the most powerful combination of harp and voice, and i cannot wait to see her in the UK in the near future. glad to see all the support for her!
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Dudes, this album rocks and i feel sorry for anyone who doesn't get it. i have had this album for almost a year now and every time i hear it i find something new. i love this music not because it was recommended to me, nor did i read great reviews about it - i stumbled accross it by accident(heard it in an indepentant shop whilst buying a jacket) and it excited me. Joanna's music is for people who want to hear it. it's not about being cool, or following a trend - its personal, and if you don't get that feeling from her then she's not for you!
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There are so many positive things to say about Joanna's music I hardly no where to start. As soon as I heard The Milk Eyed Mender I became an instant fan, and I really know nothing much about American folk. It's all about her voice being so amazingly original and genuine its able to speak to my emotions in a way few artists can. Thanks Joanna, I hope you keep recording for years to come.
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In this "IN-YOUR-FACE" commercialized, bottm-line inspired corporate goal, progress oriented world, filled with desires to evolve and spend faster than lightening (which seems overpowering to the weak minded), it's simply refreshing to be reminded where we all came from, putting us back in touch with our childhood in such a way that emerses us in immagination long ago forgotten. I love Joanna for doing what no-one else has yet been able to accomplish. I doesn't make sense to pick appart the details of a performing artist (choice of instrument, lyrics, voice) when all of it is meant to be combined into a unique experience, in which evidently some don't care or have the capacity to indulge. I understand and respect Joanna's efforts and am greatful to her for sharing the complexities of them with us in such an effortless and beutiful way. By the way, I would love a copy of both "Walnut Whales" and "Yarn and Glue." If anyone is reading this that could hook me up, please contact me.
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I love Joanna Newsom! Her music is at first shrill. Then quickly it becomes cute and endearing. Then as you listen more to the words you begin to respect her as a really talented songwritter! But really her voice is adorable. Why does everyone always wanna hear the same thing???
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Hi guys.
I just randomly found this post and all these comments.
Some news for the Joanna haters:
I know Joanna Newsom. She's from my hometown Nevada City, CA. My sister used y.to have chemistry class with her. Before she went on tour I'd see her all the time. She's the sweetest, gentlest person you'll ever meet. And yes, she's related to the mayor of SF. That's her uncle. But no, that had nothing to do with her connections. Her voice really is that tiny, it's just how it is. I think she works with it rather brilliantly.
If you have any enormous problems with her, uh, don't listen? I know, it's a striking concept. Rather revolutionary. But have faith in me when I say that it works, and you'll never be irritated again! And if you like her, then continue to enjoy her, because she is worth enjoying.
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I don't understand why people berrate music they dont like. i mean i could understand it if it was offensive (and dont try and be funny and say her voice is offensive to you cause thats just sophomoric) but there is nothing that could be offensive to anybody in her lyrics. so haveing said all that I hate joanna newsome.........sorry I jus kidding. I really like her especially since i saw her picture and saw how much she looks like an elf further perpetuating my fantasy that Middle Earth really exists. and her music is so different from most stuff out there (granted i dont listen to much folk music). and some of her sonegs, when you listen to them just make you feel.......inspired......i dont know what word to use but if you feel like i do you know what im talking about. theyre just epic. and she can rhyme like crazy, like oburst crazy. thats all.........and screw you whoever said The Arcade Fire sucks.
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I am also an old friend of joanna, and I will unhesitatingly testify to her good character- she is one of the most sensitive, kind, caring, conscientious and brilliant people I have ever known and I want to offer a few points to those of you who might still read this:
1- she is not from SF, she is from Nevada City, a small town up north towards tahoe.
2- she did not go to school in SF, but rather, Mills, in Oakland.
3- Gavin Newsom is NOT her uncle, nor is he even closely related. They do not spend time together, nor are they in any kind of cahoots because of some strange concept that all the Newsom haters out there have conjuered up for no apparent reason other than to undermine the praise which Joanna deserves due to her own accord.
3- She writes and composes all of her own songs, is an extrordinarily gifted writer, and is not trying to make waves by putting this crazy affect to her voice- that is simply the way she sings, having had no training or prior experience. If you don't like it, you don't have to listen.
4- If you actually pay attention to the lyrics and spend some time thinking about them or read any of her interviews where she discusses the inspiration and purpose behind them you will understand that they are not simply about fantasy fiction or the charm of fairies and make-believe. The majority of her songs have much more meaning than you'll find on the surface (think Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, etc.) as with any child's narrative to which they are so often compared, and to make a specific example, the song
"What we have known" is actually a very astute and somewhat depressing commentary on Cultural Amnesia- something particularly of concern these days with the war in Iraq and other social and cultural battles being fought in the courts and on the streets which wreak of things endlessly repeated in our society.
In ending my tirade, I just want to agree with the sensible folks who've posted before me noting that if you don't like her- don't listen and go find something you do like and save yourself the irritation if it bothers you so much. it's so simple. there is no reason to bitch and moan if you don't have anything substantial or substantiated to say to back it up.
Otherwise, if you're still open minded, I also suggest seeing her live as it really is an incredible experience.
-Another kid from Nevada City
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hi, im also from australia and haven't had a chance to become entangled in this wierd 'joanna is a spoilt rich kid' backlash....and can i say, who cares? im dirt poor like lots of people, and it doesn't magically endow me with some heartbreakingly deep, artistic talent, over 'spoilt little rich kids'.
sensitivity, talent, guts...you've got them or you don't. so, how about people who think she sounds like lisa simpson, or a muppet, or like a spoilt kid who got given chances that you and i haven't been given, fuck off and find your own forum for expression. because maybe you're not listening, but lots of people recoginise that joanna newsome has found hers and you either like it or you don't.
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Bravo Joanna! Bravo! You are a true original. Please don't take voice lessons. What if they teach you to sound like everyone else? Yuck.
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this album is without doubt the best i've heard in a very long. those who take time to listen to the lyrics will be hard pressed to disagree that the lady is a real poet of some substance. this line from "en gallop" really struck me:
"never get so attatched to a poem
you forget truth that lacks lyricism"
i've heard a lot of people say she sounds like a child or is just another lady with a quirky voice, but i honestly find the quality of her voice totally endearing, while the music itself is sheer genius - ranging from the poignant to awe inspiring.
my only complaint is song 11 on the album, "three little babes", which could, if played often enough, cause severe damage to the ears.
all in all, a wonderful talent that deserves to be given your full attention for a few hearings of the album before deciding.
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Lovely.
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The world has gone insane. I have decided its not J Newsom who I dislike, its her fans. Ok I cannot stand her music to me its an insult to traditional music but its really the hippy trust fund types who listen to her music that get me.
ITS ALL HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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it's pathetic how people take time out to comment negatively. Joanna Newsom doesn't care anyhow... how could she? She's making a living at 22 making strange and beautiful music!
Even if you cannot appreciate her voice, her harp arrangements are incredibly difficult and inspired. We should all aspire to have such large imaginations and musical minds.
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"A thimble's worth of Milky moon can touch hearts larger than a thimble" Poignant, touching and playful.
I was having a night of longing and slight tears my "belly ached with many bumblebees (and they stung so terribly)" for the one who's "skin is something that I stir into my tea". I walked in the rain to the ocean and sang my aching heart out to it, "waltzing with the open sea" and FELT it move with me, "clam, crab, cockle, cowrie". I could see myself from the rest of the world's eyes and thought "will you just look at me" falling apart with yearning for her. This song is amazing. Joanna Newsom - the Queen of perfect imagery.
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its simple,her album 'mlk eye mender'is ace!track 7 is gorgeous,she is gorgeous and i'm ashamed i have'nt heard her other two LP's!i'm in love
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JN is amazing. Initially I heard her live on TV and was scared.
But then I got "the Book Of Right On" in my head and went for the album. It is one of the most beautiful album's I've ever heard.
That and Smog's "A River Ain't Too Much To Love" are both exquisitely soul-soothing.
Milk-Eyed Mender is like a portal to another world.
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She sounds like a female tyke twin to Perry Ferrel who fired the band for being too loud and went on a diet of mint tea and goat cheese. Which I think is a good thing. To hell with the big beat, this girl stings like a lady-bug. Would you naysayers prefer the sound poured on by the barrel? Go deaf in your own world.
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Joanna Newsom takes me to a place where I can be a child again and not worry about whether I 'should' like this crazy music. For me, it's not a case of making a concious decision whether to like her or not, it's a case of having no choice but to be whisked away by her. And that is why she is special.
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If this music doesn't strike a chord in you, then you should probably continue to hear the New Kids... but if upon listening to this you find that it strikes your heartsrings, sounding melodic harmonies of worldly-childness-kindness, then it is obviously in your earhand, your strong earhand, where things normally don't slip from it's grasp...
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fuck all of you who don't like joanna newsom and fuck you fucks who think im going to read any of your postings ever again
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What an amazing musical talent. The harp is what blew my mind. I love originality and and i love Joanna Newsom. Her music puts me in the best mood of my life. My best friend could be brutally murdered, and i could still be happy after listening to it. She blows my mind and my imagination. I want to marry that girl.
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Joanna Newsom is the find of the year for me. I can't stop listening to her album. My favourite tracks move between Bridges and Balloons, The Spout and the Bean, Peach Plum Pear, Sadie... She is a genius and anyone who is put off by her unique voice is bothering to give her music a chance and is simply small minded and probably destined to listen to Billy Joel for the rest of their lives. Everyday I dream her playing her harp to me naked whilst I sip a soy banana smoothie etc etc.
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listen to the lyrics, she's up there with dylan cohen, above kimya dawson, surely a new album is far overdue.............she is the best thing ever.
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beautiful
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Ear cancer, to me, is Damien Rice's mencancryfests.
Joanna Newsom just seems like a nut and I love it.
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joanna newsom is so good. so good. deffinately my favourite artist ive heard in a while. it took me a while to get used to but now i love her music
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joanna newsom is what music is supposed to be, not only does she write her own music unlike almost all the muscians you will hear on the radio but she is amazing at it. also for anyone who says her voice is horrible they have never listened to it joannas voice is probable the most tamed voice you will ever get the privalge to hear. that is if you go a little deeper in to listening than just playing ten seconds of one song and coming on a stupid post site like this and saying how much you hate her. im sure i have every song she has ever wrote and i can assure you the more i listen to her music the more stories i hear in them and the more confident i am with saying how impactfull her music in my life.
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for the perosn who wrote about her three little babes song that is not even her song it is a cover track from texas gladden witch i think she did very well on also for the person who said she was a insult to traditional music you my friend have never listened to traditional music. i unlike your self have grown up listening to traditional music like texas gladden karen dalton and such and she is just bringing back what traditional music was all about. i think you intened to say she is not like britney spears or match box twenty or someone who you probable listen to and yes i can say that and be very proud in doing it i would hate to listen to someone who has sold out in every sense of the word and not only doesnt write thier own music but half the time doesnt even know what they are singing about.
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Just heard her on an Orange ad and decided to find out who she was.She does sound like Bjork but less agressive.I thick listening to a whole album might send me insane but I'm going to try it.
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I can't stand JN so much that I had to post to say it. And I never post on these things! Her voice sounds like a cat in heat and the lyrics are are shit. Meaningless dribble! I really don't undestand how anyone could find them moving. The sprout and the bean? really? what fucking bull shit!
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I'm from Australia & my boyfriend & I saw Joanna Newsome live for the first time last night. We were truely blown away! It was like some soul fulfilling religious experience. We were already fans of her album, but after witnessing her incredible music ability, we've fallen in love with her. & you could feel the whole crowd do the same thing. I'd never been to a concert where the whole crowd reverently listens to every song, then applauds & cheers with all their heart at every song closing. It was so moving. I highly recommend you see her live. & if you don't like it then your missing out.
Thankyou Joanna for coming all the way out to play for us here in Sydney. It meant so much. Thankyou
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i absolutely adore her! at first i thought her voice was ... funny (at best), but now it's all just magical. magical! have had the album for a year and it just grows and grows and grows ... and then it grows some more! loveS it!
"hold your breath and clasp at cassiopeia ..."
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some of you people are such rude asses and wouldnt know good music if it slapped you in your face.
joanna has a beautiful imagination unlike anyone ive ever known, makes beautiful music,especially compared to some of the crap being put out these days, and has the balls to put herself out on the line the way she has.
perhaps her voice and her music is an acquired taste, intended for those who appreciate music that doesnt sound just like everything else and is actually worthy of being called music.
you dont have to like it, youre only asked to listen, not spit on it and call it trash. but if you hated it so much, why are you even here to filthy this bulletin?
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hehehe, just reading through some of the comments in here, some people just do not get it do they? Anything slightly left of a 'normal' voice and 'normal' production values and you think its shit.. oh dear..
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i love joanna newsom. shes incredible. people should try laura veirs as well. en gallop is my fave at the moment. does anybody know when joanna is going to be in the uk? i really want to see her live
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it is clear that here voice is polarizing, which I applaud and feel is essential. Much like a plate of Kung Pao, she could dull it down and feed more people. There's no blame here, but if it burns your tongue then stick to McDonalds.
essential.
defining.
original.
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I cannot believe some of the comments here. OPEN YOUR EARS. People think way too much before they listen to music. They think too much about who the person is, where they come from, what they stand for, what they're trying to do and how they compare to others. JUST LISTEN. This is completely gorgeous, beautiful music AND THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO IT.
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I know you. You have lived before, I know you have. I can feel it when I look at you. You are so old. You are so beautiful. I know you. You are Fey. You are like me. When you see me, you will know. It will be in slow motion, and cold. We will know in our eyes, and exist only there, for that moment. I know you. You are beautiful. I will see you in the clouds, and we will dance.
=THE^CROW=
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i love joanna newsom!
from the moment i heard her voice it was amasing, and the harp is just so amasing!
does anyone know her starsign?
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Ive just heard Joanna for the first time a few hours ago, and find "This side of blue" haunting and and bordering on beautiful. She reminds of the way Kate Bush mad me feel 20 years ago man.
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Her voice scares the shit out of me, to the point that I would not buy her album unless I could get an instrumental version, but it does work on some levels and definitely fits her intended goals as an artist.
Scary-as-fuck and brave beats mild and pointless any day. I'm ashamed that so many of those who didn't like her songs just spouted off sophomoric crap, rather than simply stating why and moving on. Her harp skills are incredible. The reason I don't dig her so much is that I just can't get over the fact that she sounds like she's possessed. I've wanted to, but I simply can't. That said, shame on the OMG EAR CANCER/AIDS guys for making people like me look bad.
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She who thinks she dances lone,
Steps light through snowen firs unseen -
I listen as she hides her words between
The pinetree and the cone.
Her eyes flit to the moon, than it is true.
On that way, we led our dreams
To meet unguessing in a purple sky.
(That's why we paint of red and blue.)
Two years ago we met our eyes,
Amid a silent, snowy maze, it seems.
Now I hide my eyes, she does not know,
Among the fir boughs. She does not know
I hide my eyes among the fir boughs.
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PISCES, I hope.
People talk about her being, "out there"
well "out there" is where the pisces' live.
=THE^CROW=
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Joanna's great. It's refreshing to hear some modern music written for something other than the electric guitar. The songwriting and musicianship are both brilliant. I hope someone will reissue her first two releases.
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To those who have posted extremely negative comments...
A friend of a friend of a friend of mine had a copy of Milk Eyed Mender which he hated, so he gave it to a friend of a friend of mine who hated it too, so he gave it to my friend who couldn't decide whether he hated it or not, so he gave it to me. I loved it, and bought an official copy the next day.
I got into Joanna Newsom because three people who didn't like her music had the wisdom to pass her CD on to someone who might like it.
You lot have now shown even that much wisdom.
I'd never had heard her if any of you lot had been amongst those three.
So, you don't like Johanna Newsom? So what? Piss off from this board, then.
Constructive criticism is one thing (if this board was a total Joanna love-in it might be a bit dull), but the "she's shite, she makes me sick, cancer of the ears" approach just exposes your ignorance.
Not ignorance in disliking her, don't get me wrong:
I'm not calling you immature pig-ignorant uncle-fucking arseholes because you differ in me on a matter of taste.
I'm calling you immature pig-ignorant uncle-fucking arseholes because you lack basic social skills which most people have developed by adolescence.
If you hadn't noticed, this is a site put up by a fan of Joanna Newsom for fans of Joanna Newsom.
What are you doing here?
You seem to think that it is socially acceptable to visit such a site and post your hate-filled thoughts on it, but let me stand up to tell you that it isn't.
You seem to think that your views are somehow worth more than anyone else's. Let me stand up again to tell you that they aren't.
I suggest that you go create an "I hate Joanna Newsom" website where you can post all the Beavis-and-Butthead comments you like.
You sad, sad, sad, sad people.
elvira
aberdeen scotland
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I wonder how many other entries on this blog still have people leaving comments on them over a year later? I think Joanna Newsom's brilliant, but some of the 'positive' comments on here are as cringe-inducing as the horrendously crass negative ones. Get ready for it all again when she puts out a new album in a couple of months...
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maybe it's just me but, Joanna Newsom flashes visions of Kristin Hersh. anyways i can't get enough of Ms Newsom and she is near the top of my iPods most played list
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I LOVE JOANNA NEWSOME!!!!, i only wish she would play in Portsmouth UK!!!! london or bristols pretty far
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Though not a fan of the style of music I like the childish lilt and the lyrics.
Funny how many people relate new things to AIDs and cancer and other various diseases. Then again, I agree with Richie that some praises are equally exagerrated and hard to bear.
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hola!!!!!!!!
encontre un tesoro en la musica de JOhanna
mis amigos dicen que es satanica, y yo que es un angelito, algo mistico es, algo celestial
te felicito preciosa, realmente estas cerca de la musica
gracias!!!!!
xmf
el otro yo
argentina
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Best album ever.
...EVER!
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blackjacks blackjacks
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I think she's wonderful...
Try learning her lyrics, people.
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I have only listened to one of Joannas songs, when I first hurd it I thought eeeuuu what is that, (It was on T.V.) I played it over and over again I could not get enough of it. The song was the book of right on.I have to have it! I would also like to hear others, thats why I came on this sight hopeing to hear some, I was unable to.
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Joanna Newsom? = Awesome!
Having heard a snippet of her ethereal voice
on an Orange advert, the track "This Side of Blue", my brother & I were immediately intrigued by who the singer might be...Bjork & Kate Bush never once entered our heads - but maybe Kristen Hirsch, briefly. We were both intoxicated by the voice singing about Svetlana sucking lemons; we eventually discovered who she was, and that she had an album called The Milk-eyed Mender out, and was then even more blown away to hear her playing the harp, a refreshing change from guitars and piano. The more one listens the more nuances are revealed, being so multitextured that its like she embroiders a tapestry of imagery set to music, a blue bayeaux.
After what seems like an eternity she has now brought out another magnum opus called Ys, and has added even more layers to create greater depth to her work. Whereas her first album seemed simple, perhaps childlike on the surface, her new album has magnified with an enriched clarity what may have been hidden before.
Our next step is a desire to see her live, having only seen the video of "The Sprout & the Bean" which gives a greater insight into the intensity of her singing and playing performance;
we are all the more eager to see her live, but may have missed the boat of her current US whistlestop tour, and are now desperate to know if she is doing a 2007 tour of Europe - can any American fans out there shed any hope and light on this?
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Joanna Newsom? = Awesome!
Having heard a snippet of her ethereal voice
on an Orange advert, the track "This Side of Blue", my brother & I were immediately intrigued by who the singer might be...Bjork & Kate Bush never once entered our heads - but maybe Kristen Hirsch, briefly. We were both intoxicated by the voice singing about Svetlana sucking lemons; we eventually discovered who she was, and that she had an album called The Milk-eyed Mender out, and was then even more blown away to hear her playing the harp, a refreshing change from guitars and piano. The more one listens the more nuances are revealed, being so multitextured that its like she embroiders a tapestry of imagery set to music, a blue bayeaux.
After what seems like an eternity she has now brought out another magnum opus called Ys, and has added even more layers to create greater depth to her work. Whereas her first album seemed simple, perhaps childlike on the surface, her new album has magnified with an enriched clarity what may have been hidden before.
Our next step is a desire to see her live, having only seen the video of "The Sprout & the Bean" which gives a greater insight into the intensity of her singing and playing performance;
we are all the more eager to see her live, but may have missed the boat of her current US whistlestop tour, and are now desperate to know if she is doing a 2007 tour of Europe - can any American fans out there shed any hope and light on this?
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Joanna Newsom? = Awesome!
Having heard a snippet of her ethereal voice
on an Orange advert, the track "This Side of Blue", my brother & I were immediately intrigued by who the singer might be...Bjork & Kate Bush never once entered our heads - but maybe Kristen Hirsch, briefly. We were both intoxicated by the voice singing about Svetlana sucking lemons; we eventually discovered who she was, and that she had an album called The Milk-eyed Mender out, and was then even more blown away to hear her playing the harp, a refreshing change from guitars and piano. The more one listens the more nuances are revealed, being so multitextured that its like she embroiders a tapestry of imagery set to music, a blue bayeaux.
After what seems like an eternity she has now brought out another magnum opus called Ys, and has added even more layers to create greater depth to her work. Whereas her first album seemed simple, perhaps childlike on the surface, her new album has magnified with an enriched clarity what may have been hidden before.
Our next step is a desire to see her live, having only seen the video of "The Sprout & the Bean" which gives a greater insight into the intensity of her singing and playing performance;
we are all the more eager to see her live, but may have missed the boat of her current US whistlestop tour, and are now desperate to know if she is doing a 2007 tour of Europe - can any American fans out there shed any hope and light on this?
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Joanna Newsom? = Awesome!
Having heard a snippet of her ethereal voice
on an Orange advert, the track "This Side of Blue", my brother & I were immediately intrigued by who the singer might be...Bjork & Kate Bush never once entered our heads - but maybe Kristen Hirsch, briefly. We were both intoxicated by the voice singing about Svetlana sucking lemons; we eventually discovered who she was, and that she had an album called The Milk-eyed Mender out, and was then even more blown away to hear her playing the harp, a refreshing change from guitars and piano. The more one listens the more nuances are revealed, being so multitextured that its like she embroiders a tapestry of imagery set to music, a blue bayeaux.
After what seems like an eternity she has now brought out another magnum opus called Ys, and has added even more layers to create greater depth to her work. Whereas her first album seemed simple, perhaps childlike on the surface, her new album has magnified with an enriched clarity what may have been hidden before.
Our next step is a desire to see her live, having only seen the video of "The Sprout & the Bean" which gives a greater insight into the intensity of her singing and playing performance;
we are all the more eager to see her live, but may have missed the boat of her current US whistlestop tour, and are now desperate to know if she is doing a 2007 tour of Europe - can any American fans out there shed any hope and light on this?
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Joanna Newsom? = Awesome!
Having heard a snippet of her ethereal voice
on an Orange advert, the track "This Side of Blue", my brother & I were immediately intrigued by who the singer might be...Bjork & Kate Bush never once entered our heads - but maybe Kristen Hirsch, briefly. We were both intoxicated by the voice singing about Svetlana sucking lemons; we eventually discovered who she was, and that she had an album called The Milk-eyed Mender out, and was then even more blown away to hear her playing the harp, a refreshing change from guitars and piano. The more one listens the more nuances are revealed, being so multitextured that its like she embroiders a tapestry of imagery set to music, a blue bayeaux.
After what seems like an eternity she has now brought out another magnum opus called Ys, and has added even more layers to create greater depth to her work. Whereas her first album seemed simple, perhaps childlike on the surface, her new album has magnified with an enriched clarity what may have been hidden before.
Our next step is a desire to see her live, having only seen the video of "The Sprout & the Bean" which gives a greater insight into the intensity of her singing and playing performance;
we are all the more eager to see her live, but may have missed the boat of her current US whistlestop tour, and are now desperate to know if she is doing a 2007 tour of Europe - can any American fans out there shed any hope and light on this?
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Joanna Newsom? = Awesome!
Having heard a snippet of her ethereal voice
on an Orange advert, the track "This Side of Blue", my brother & I were immediately intrigued by who the singer might be...Bjork & Kate Bush never once entered our heads - but maybe Kristen Hirsch, briefly. We were both intoxicated by the voice singing about Svetlana sucking lemons; we eventually discovered who she was, and that she had an album called The Milk-eyed Mender out, and was then even more blown away to hear her playing the harp, a refreshing change from guitars and piano. The more one listens the more nuances are revealed, being so multitextured that its like she embroiders a tapestry of imagery set to music, a blue bayeaux.
After what seems like an eternity she has now brought out another magnum opus called Ys, and has added even more layers to create greater depth to her work. Whereas her first album seemed simple, perhaps childlike on the surface, her new album has magnified with an enriched clarity what may have been hidden before.
Our next step is a desire to see her live, having only seen the video of "The Sprout & the Bean" which gives a greater insight into the intensity of her singing and playing performance;
we are all the more eager to see her live, but may have missed the boat of her current US whistlestop tour, and are now desperate to know if she is doing a 2007 tour of Europe - can any American fans out there shed any hope and light on this?
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Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84...
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Joanna, you are welcome back in Sydney Australia anytime. What the world needs now is more of sprout and the bean and exploration of the myths that give voice to the unease that is this mysterious life. There is much love of life and music in this series of posts and the misplaced anger is a sad fear of love and life. Take courage and swim out beyond the waves of popular culture and in the quiet of the ocean of creative genius hear this amazing voice called Joanna Newsom (waterproof ipod required if you lack the imagination). May I be so fortunate as to meet her one day.
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Joanna, you are welcome back in Sydney Australia anytime. What the world needs now is more of sprout and the bean and exploration of the myths that give voice to the unease that is this mysterious life. There is much love of life and music in this series of posts and the misplaced anger is a sad fear of love and life. Take courage and swim out beyond the waves of popular culture and in the quiet of the ocean of creative genius hear this amazing voice called Joanna Newsom (waterproof ipod required if you lack the imagination). May I be so fortunate as to meet her one day.
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Joanna, you are welcome back in Sydney Australia anytime. What the world needs now is more of sprout and the bean and exploration of the myths that give voice to the unease that is this mysterious life. There is much love of life and music in this series of posts and the misplaced anger is a sad fear of love and life. Take courage and swim out beyond the waves of popular culture and in the quiet of the ocean of creative genius hear this amazing voice called Joanna Newsom (waterproof ipod required if you lack the imagination). May I be so fortunate as to meet her one day.
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Joanna, you are welcome back in Sydney Australia anytime. What the world needs now is more of sprout and the bean and exploration of the myths that give voice to the unease that is this mysterious life. There is much love of life and music in this series of posts and the misplaced anger is a sad fear of love and life. Take courage and swim out beyond the waves of popular culture and in the quiet of the ocean of creative genius hear this amazing voice called Joanna Newsom (waterproof ipod required if you lack the imagination). May I be so fortunate as to meet her one day.
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I must admit,
that most downloaded music is a waste towards the autor, but this time a radio station turned a song of newsoms album, so i offert the symbolic value off a cd for one song,(red cross)
if that's alright (with you)
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I like how people want to justify their appreciation for her with explanations about her "intentions" and the "real life situations" that her songs are built on.
Or "that's just the way she really sings". Uhhh, when people sing the are putting a voice on, which is an intentional choice. Anyone can sing any number of ways.
I'm sorry , but to suspend the inital impression most people have with her music, which is the audio equivalent of a renaissance fair, is to lie to yourself. Yeah, you've talked yourself into it, great.
I'd like to see her use one remotely modern word in her lyrics, like say "helicopter" or hell, even "telephone".
being real, my ass!
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Now, I'm not so fond of comparisons, and Joanna Newsom ain't half bad when you give her a chance, but..."better than Regina Spektor?" Come on! I'd like to assume that you haven't seen Ms. Spektor live. If you have, then we'll just have to differ here. Both solid songwriters, although I'd give Regina the edge. And as much as it may seem unfair, it doesn't hurt that she can sing, either.
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"To gnaw on it later, gnawing on the telephone"
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It's sad to me that so many people really hate Joanna Newsom. I understand the people rebelling against the indie trend (I mean, that's the new thing, right?) but hating an artist based on preconceived ideas about her fans doesn't make sense.
I know Joanna's a little different from what's going on right now, but that's what I appreciate about her. Specifically, I do not appreciate difference for difference's sake, but I think that she has a true talent. She is able to use words I would never have thought of, ideas I would never have dreamed of, and tell me things that I know are absolutely true for me. I think that's what people are getting at about her sincerity. It has to be real, and because it is real, it touches people intimately. And as much as people may dislike her voice, it is able to convey her ideas in a way a more flat voice would not. Almost everything is an acquired taste, and I think it is worth putting the effort towards liking her voice even if you do not initially like it. She is for real, and you will eventually realize that when you find a piece of your own life, even if it is just a fleeting feeling, laid out explicitly in her songs. For your sake, not hers, do not write her off just yet.
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I LOVE JOANNA NEWSOM!
SPROUT AND THE BEAN, EN GALLOP, BOOK OF RIGHT-ON, CASSEOPIA, PEACH PLUM PEAR, INFLAMMATORY WRIT, FLYING A KITE, CLAM, COCKLE, COWRIE, SADIE, SWANSEA!
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It is obvious that some people think that music is only subjective and that everything is music, everyone is talented and exceptional, and that no one is not gifted. they have no boundries and no absolutes. ask yourself, is Joanna better then 7 billion other people in the world that she should be recognized. go down the street and listen to your neighbors, you should find someone there who may be more pleasing.
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Fuck this bitch. She can't sing worth a damn. My fucking dog can sing better than her. And it's not because she's indie , it's because her voice cracks glass ! Take this shit to Iraq and play it for them , and the war would be fucking over. This cunt should stop singing because she sounds like shit.
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Were you personally slighted by her in some way? My god, you're going to kill someone some day.
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hey Scott. Wow I guess I'm not talking to Scott now. There's a STAFF and everything. Anyway I just wanted to say I used to think Joanna's voice was grating at first.... She used to remind me of Lil from Rugrats. But now I think she's so amazing..... So to those who gave her a chance and still didn't like her, I strongly suggest going back to her for a few more chances.... She's very complex and it takes a while to get a proper reading of her.
Okay bye!
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I love her. By the way, the Simpson's character she sounds like is Ralph Wiggum.
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The first time I listen I wasn't sure what I thought, but after a few times I became mesmerized. Now I love her and I could listen to her for hours. I love that little high voice of hers. I not going to compare her to anyone; I just love to her her sing!
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