Joanna Newsom: "Ys"

Joanna Newsom is like a dragonfly; strange, majestic, and perplexingly beautiful. My first introduction to her was probably not the way most people should be introduced to her; a video of her on YouTube. My initial reaction was lukewarm. “Okay, so she can play harp,” I thought, “Big deal.” However, I’m never one to be deterred entirely by a single listen, so I checked out “Ys” the first chance I got, and I’m in love with this album.

For those unfamiliar with Newsom, know that her voice is a very different animal than most of us music fans are used to. It is best described, and probably has been done so, as “pixie-ish,” though I doubt that anyone could actually accurately describe how a pixie sounds. Suffice to say, her voice is “cutesy,” and it only seems fitting that she would be some character in a fairy tale. Fortunately for us, however, Joanna Newsom has chosen to make music, and it’s one of the best female performances of 2006!

“Ys” is instantly captivating. After all, a 5-song album whose shortest track still clocks in at over 7 minutes has to be. What Newsom accomplishes on this album is something awe-inspiring in itself. Not only does she weave intricate stories together with brilliant lyricism and unparalleled musical composition, but she does so with such passion that it’s hard not to be caught off guard by its sheer beauty. The music itself could best be described as a brilliant collaboration between classical music and pop music, on such levels that not even Sufjan Stevens could pull off something of this magnitude.

Indeed, “Ys” is truly something to behold. It’s not an album to play at a party, or to sing along to as you drive around town. On the contrary, “Ys” is an album that you play to relax, to unwind, to experience beauty, to fall asleep to only to be enchanted in your dreams. And while critics of Newsom will obviously cite her voice as the source of their discontent, I can’t possibly imagine another artist taking her place on this effort. It would be tough to put the vocals of Jenny Lewis, Tori Amos, or even Shara Worden behind these excellent composition and lyrics. In that, Joanna Newsom has undoubtedly succeeded in creating an album that is uniquely her, and surprisingly unparalleled.

By all means, buy this album and give it a chance. It’s definitely not for everybody, but “Ys” is one album that no one should pass up, if only to hear one of the most unique and talented females in music today.

Recommended for fans of Sufjan Stevens, My Brightest Diamond, and anyone who wants to dream of worlds unseen.

Key Tracks:
1. "Emily"
2. "Monkey and Bear"
3. "Sawdust and Diamonds"

9 out of 10 Stars