This isn't confusion re: underground beliefs & such, but confusion re: HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN? Pitchfork noted the release of her new album (two weeks ago!), and
looky where this site goes now.
So does anyone know the deal w/ this? I'm quite enamored of her 1st 3 records, and am a bit miffed to note that quite a few songs on her Columbia debut are from these albums. Also, would anyone care to explicate on Ms. Todd's finer points? I would offer a description, but I'd do a terrible job (especially since my mind is dead set on using ZEN as a descriptive tag in this sense).
― David R. (popshots75`), Wednesday, 18 September 2002 03:25 (twenty-three years ago)
OK, I'll give it a shot - the first time I saw her perform, she took the stage w/ a singing bowl. (That's one of those metal bowls you can rub w/ a stick to create a solemn ringing sound, right?) This was @ the Middle East, in front of a crowd eagerly waiting for Kristin Hersh to take the stage. She started "playing" the bowl, and, slowly, the crowd quieted down. Then, a capella, she began singing a song named "Age" (
lyrics here - she also drew the purty pictures). And, from there, the audience didn't say a damn word.
If you notice the precise, evocative nature of the lyrics, then you won't be surprised that her guitar playing is quite similar. That is, bum notes are played when bum notes are appropriate, and dissonance mixes with harmony quite well. Not pretty, not showy, but effective, and quite complementary w/ the words in said songs. And her voice rings with the same clarity and beauty as the tones she pulled from the singing bowl. She is an acquired taste, though - if you get itchy listening to earnest-type ruminations, you should probably proceed with caution, if not turn right around.
If you're not too fond of major label websites (and who is, really?), this one has sound clips & such from her 2nd album (if the links still work).
― David R. (popshots75`), Wednesday, 18 September 2002 03:39 (twenty-three years ago)
seven years pass...
jesus... it looks like a benetton ad..
not too keen on the song either... I liked the pared down minimalism of her last album.
― Deluxe Merseybeat Wig (Jack Battery-Pack), Wednesday, 3 February 2010 09:20 (sixteen years ago)