I listen to all genres of music, but have a special place in my heart for female musicians. The Cranberries got me through my adolescence. Bands like Garbage and Veruca Salt inspired me to be tough in my teenage years. Fiona Apple got me through break-ups in college and I don’t know how I would have survived driving on I-95 without Heart’s Greatest Hits. I like all genres of “chick” music from country to pop to rock, but my special love is for “girl with piano” style music. I am forever a fan of artists like Tori Amos, Vanessa Carlton, Fiona Apple, Charlotte Martin and Regina Spektor. I have a new one to add to my list, Sara Bareilles. I heard her name mentioned on many a conference call at work and was surprised that I had no idea who she was. I got the album almost two weeks ago and it hasn’t left my player. I really like the story-like quality to the lyrics of all of her songs. Sara’s website is really cute, so I had fun reading more about her. Her single, “Love Song” is featured on a Rhapsody commercial, so you may have seen it. That’s not really my favorite track. It’s clearly the single. My favorites are “Vegas”, “Bottle it Up” and “Fairytale”. Here’s how she describes her music:I write mostly on piano and I'm a girl, so lots of people say it's Norah Jones, or Fiona Apple. That's fine. I love Norah's subtlety and Fiona's fierce lyrical prowess. But I also have an affinity for the playful and intelligent-pop of people like Elton John and Ben Folds. And although I don't necessarily write like them, Radiohead, the Police and Bjork changed my musical consciousness. Ben Gibbard writes better lyrics than I can even imagine up. Etta James and Sam Cooke make me wish I lived 50 years ago. Counting Crows recorded an album that I consider to be perfect, and Bob Marley created music that makes me want to be a better human being.
I am also very excited to report that Dolly Parton’s new CD releases next week. She did an exclusive distribution deal with my company, so I got to sample it today. She did a cover of the 80’s song, Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals. You know the song. It’s not a bad song in a Dolly Parton cheesy kind of way. I’ve only had a quick listen, but I really enjoyed the title track, Backwoods Barbie. She sort of has a laugh at herself by saying she wears too much make-up and has big hair. I love it and she looks amazing as always.
6 comments:
Dolly? I love her. All those people who try to be so chic, should just look at Dolly be herself....and successful!
Yes, I love Vanessa Carlton, too.
Dolly wrote some pretty amazing stuff in her early days. I remember her on Porter Wagoner. I also used to work a lot of rock and roll bars in DC area when I was younger - Tori Amos used to play around in piano bars when she was younger (she is from DC area herself) and her Dad used to go along to chaperone her. I also love women musicians who have great way with words. Thanks -- I am always looking for new music
LOVE Fiona. I wonder if we'll hear a fourth album from her.
You have great music taste. I've been enjoying Sara's new album as well. I bought it from iTunes several months ago because they were having some sort of special, and I thought "why not?" I'm thrilled I bought it, because it's become one of my favorites.
PS - Congrats to your bro for winning favorite designer!
A friend and I had a long debate on whether or not Fiona would continue to release albums. Her argument was that once Fiona wasn't miserable anymore her music career would be over. She wouldn't have enough hurt to put into another soul moving album. I have noticed that her music has gotten happier with every release, and I still love every song. I hope we get more.
Shannon....the Coen brothers won!
I LOVE her!!! Billy downloaded her cd to my MP3 player a few weeks ago and I can't stop listening! :)
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