As much belly-aching as I do about women, I thought I would mention 5 things that I adore about them. In a reversal of my complaints about all things Katy Perry, I figured I would mention 5 great albums by ladies that I love.
Volume One by She & Him. In case you didn't know She & Him is the musical partnership between M. Ward, and Zooey Deschanel. Okay, I know I said by ladies, but as much as this is a partnership and M. Ward is great, Zooey's pipes are really the main act here, and they are my favorite thing about it. I know a few people who are pretty "meh" on the album. I can't state how much I am diggin' this record lately. It's the perfect mix of jazz, soul, and a complete 60s feel. I put this album on when I work on my new script, or when I want to get into the Cigarette/Whiskey kind of mood. This record is completely old school, and it doesn't apologize for it in the least, nor would I ever ask it to.
Stand out tracks:
Take it Back
I Thought I Saw Your Face Today
Sweet Darlin'
Sentimental Heart
You Really God A Hold On Me
Where to check em out: www.myspace.com/sheandhim
Incidentally (shameless self plug), Zooey if you ever see this and want to be sing and act in, what I believe is an awesome movie, drop me a line.
Tristan Prettyman's Twentythree was a nice college discovery for me. I don't entirely remember how I discovered her music, which is rare. It might have been on indie radio, it might have been boredom online, it might have just been a random download. I don't know. What I do know is when I heard this I was on a major indie folk type kick. This album has a special place in my heart, just because I discovered it my last year of college. I was in a steady relationship, and my ex was a sucker for anything with a chick on guitar. She listened to it non-stop, and I listened to it pretty fairly consistently as well. This is just a solid, solid effort from a great artist. I saw her perform many of these songs on Feb 15th, 2006 (There's a recording online if you are clever and know how to find such things) and it just really cemented my appreciated of Tristan as a musician. Her new album, is quite solid too. Check out the song In Bloom from it.
Tristan Prettyman's Twentythree was a nice college discovery for me. I don't entirely remember how I discovered her music, which is rare. It might have been on indie radio, it might have been boredom online, it might have just been a random download. I don't know. What I do know is when I heard this I was on a major indie folk type kick. This album has a special place in my heart, just because I discovered it my last year of college. I was in a steady relationship, and my ex was a sucker for anything with a chick on guitar. She listened to it non-stop, and I listened to it pretty fairly consistently as well. This is just a solid, solid effort from a great artist. I saw her perform many of these songs on Feb 15th, 2006 (There's a recording online if you are clever and know how to find such things) and it just really cemented my appreciated of Tristan as a musician. Her new album, is quite solid too. Check out the song In Bloom from it.
Stand out Tracks:
Smoke
Love, Love Love
Electric
Where to Check Her Out: www.myspace.com/tristanprettyman
Autumn Fallin by Jaymay. This is probably the least well known artist on my post. On my folk kick, I also discovered a local (to NYers) musician. I first discovered her EP Sea Green, Sea Blue, specifically the song Gray or Blue. Something about her lyrics, her singing style, and her guitar work all just clicked to me. I fell in love with her EP, but I feel the LP is equally strong, and deserves some attention. A couple of the EP tracks made it to the album, but I ended up falling even more in love with the rest of the album. Hard to Say is one of the most interesting, unique, jazzy tunes I have heard in awhile. I have put this song on at family functions and nobody can guess that it isn't from an old jazz singer. If you live near a major city, and walk around in the mood for some folky stuff, this album is just perfect for it.
Stand out tracks:
Hard to Say
Gray or Blue
You are the Only One I Love
Ill Willed Person
Where to Check Her Out: www.myspace.com/Jaymay
Jenny Lewis's Rabbit Fur Coat. Thanks to some friends, I fell in love with Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis's most famous musical outlet. On her solo debut, Jenny tackles a slightly folkier sound. Her new album Acid Tongue was just recently released, and it I am slowly falling in love with it. I really can't say enough how talented of a musician Jenny Lewis it is, no matter what style of music she goes after. Rabbit Fur Coat is just a complete joy to listen to, and has guests aplenty. Fans of Death Cab for Cutie and Bright Eyes will see those singer's on here.
Stand out Tracks:
Melt Your Heart
You Are What You Love
Handle With Care (a cover of a Traveling Wilbury's song featuring Ben Gibbard and Conor Oberst)
Where to Check Her Out: www.myspace.com/jennylewismusic
Last, and certainly not least, a little album Jewel put out called Pieces of You. Everybody should be remotely familiar with the singles from this album Who Will Save Your Soul, Foolish Games, You Were Meant For Me. This album came out in '95, when I was in fifth grade, and is one of the first albums I ever got. You Were Meant For Me brings me right back to those awkward grade school dances, where the boys and girls are awkwardly on separate ends of the gym, until one bold, foolhardy girl just grabs the hand of a scared little boy, then the rest follow suit. Morning Song reminds me of my first girlfriend, and listening to this album on repeat while just laying there enjoying each other's company. I suppose part of my fondness for this album is sentimental, but it really is a solid effort, and one I don't think she will ever duplicate in quality, no matter which direction she takes as an artist.
Stand out Tracks (that aren't singles):
Morning Song
I'm Sensitive
Daddy
Where to check her out: www.myspace.com/jewel
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