Joanna Newsom Redux
image © Paul O'Valle
Previously: [Joanna Newsom]([link])
Joanna Newsom’s latest studio release, Ys, comes out the 14th of November and I can say without reservation that it’s the best recording I’ve heard in recent memory. Usually I get bored with albums after several listens which is why I gravitate toward more stream-of-conciousness genres like dnb, classical, jazz, etc; but I’ve played Ys now probably 15 times and its still fresh – her compositions are deceptively intricate, her words enchanting and her voice unique and sincere.
While I wax starry-eyed effusive maybe you’d like I make good with some links? The following tracks were recorded at last year’s Green Man Festival and are songs from her new album.
AUDIO[Joanna Newsom - Sawdust & Diamonds (live)] AUDIO[Joanna Newsom - Only Skin (live)]
You can find a lot more live performance recordings on Milky Moon, a fan site; and unsurprisingly, YouTube.
LINK/AUDIO/IMAGES [Milky Moon, fan site] VIDEOS [YouTube search for “Joanna Newsom”]
Of the videos on YouTube, make sure you check out the following interviews:
VIDEO [Newsom at Domino Festival in 2005] VIDEO [Newsom while performing with Devendra Banhart]
And don’t forget to pick up her album on the 14th, it has some beautiful string orchestration you won’t hear in the live recordings.
BUY/PREVIEW
P.S., I’ll be here on November 18th: Joanna and a 10-piece orchestra* in Greensboro, NC. This is her only North Carolina performance and Greensboro has a wealth of orchestral talent to pull from.
Update: OK, there’s actually one more NC show in Asheville. Plus a good many more around the country before year-end:
LINK [tour schedule]
Update: *not so much an orchestra as it was her band: some string instruments, a small drum set, accordion, saw and glockenspiel. There’s some video on YouTube.