Ys

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Tue Jul 18 2023

1

God help me, I tried for three tracks but I just can't. I'm not going to be mean about this. I'm not going to say there are parts where she sounds like Carol Kane impersonating Regina Spektor. I'm not going to say that the lyrics sound like a rough draft of Jewel's middle school poetry. I won't say this sounds like a bad acid trip at a small-town Renaissance Faire. I won't mention my confusion that her voice is so raspy yet high that it sounds like she's sucking helium through a lit cigarette. I tried, but I just can't make sense of this.

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Fri Jul 21 2023

5

Fuck, I really like this, and I was not expecting that AT ALL. I mean, five songs all longer than what I consider casually listenable? Seems like something I'm destined to be annoyed or at least bored with, but I really adored this. Firstly, it's gorgeous both musically and lyrically, with the strings really meshing well with the weirder choices such as a mouth harp and banjo. In that way it reminds me of a Leonard Cohen album, but I'd say the lyrics are far more abstract than Cohen's works, but it still really works. I like that there s no regular song structure yet it returns to the same line every few minutes to bring the song into its own orbit and not let it stray too far outwards and become a mess. I don't know if I'll go out of my way to listen to most of these songs separately due to their length, but as a whole album this is certainly up there as something great. I will admit her vocals remind me a little bit of whoever sings "Dance Monkey", but not really annoyed at it here. Then again, I never found the vocals on that track too annoying either, so perhaps I'm the one broken. Any way, amazing album, truly unexpected.

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Wed Aug 16 2023

1

Wish.com Bjork. Possibly the worst album I’ve ever heard.

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Tue Jul 18 2023

3

I bet Andy Sandberg is hony for harp music.

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Tue Sep 12 2023

2

Just when you think each song is about to end... you get 6 more minutes of 2-star music.

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Tue Jul 18 2023

1

I’m mad I had to listen to this

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Sun Aug 06 2023

5

"Come on home, the poppies are all grown knee-deep by now Blossoms all have fallen, and the pollen ruins the plow Peonies nod in the breeze and while they wetly bow with Hydrocephalitic listlessness ants mop up their brow" Maybe it's all the harps, but I'm pretty convinced that Joanna Newsom is an angel. No human person could fit the phrase "hydrocephalitic listlessness" into a musical phrase so beautifully. This music is sent from somewhere divine. A friend put Newsom's Peach, Plum, Pear from her first album on a mixed CD for me many years ago and I was entranced with its harpsichord and the first lines: "We speak in the store I'm a sensitive bore You seem markedly more And I'm oozing surprise." The Milk-Eyed Mender became one of my favorite albums, so lovely it nearly breaks my heart. Ys is a harder album to digest. Tracks are long. So are the words. Deep listening is rewarded again and again. This isn't music meant for the background. But still heart-achingly beautiful and holy.

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Thu Jul 20 2023

4

4.0 + "Emily" encapsulates all that is amazing on this record. Newsom's combination of harp and vaudeville-styled vocals are among the most unique in music, and the lyrics evoke images from nursery rhymes, ancient myths, as well as a childlike fascination with the cosmos. The rhythms and tones morph constantly, creating strange and exciting landscapes. This records offers up a feast for the senses, though perhaps one that's best consumed in small bites.

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Wed Aug 09 2023

2

Ok so the background music was awesome, but I could not do her voice. Whenever she hit a high shift and squeaked it actually hurt.

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Sun Sep 17 2023

2

The strengths of this album (originality, ambition, storytelling, cool chamber music vibe, cohesion) are outweighed by the weaknesses (vocals, length of the songs, wandering song structure). It's interesting, I almost enjoyed it in places, and I can see a place for it on this list. But personally, overall, not for me.

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Sun Aug 06 2023

4

This was my introduction to Joanna Newsom. I think I need to spend a bit more time with it to fully absorb her music. I especially loved the orchestra arrangements with the marvelous harp. I was a little less enamored, but very much intrigued, by her vocals and wandering lyrics. Maybe a little Björk mixed with Blossom Dearie? I just can't say I loved this, but I really would like to try it again sometime.

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Sun Aug 06 2023

3

Incredibly unique. I'll probably need another listen while reading along with the lyrics to fully appreciate it. Orchestral folk, but I like the terms "prog folk" and "freak folk" to describe it. Not my cup o' tea musically, but maybe I'll give it another shot.

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Fri Jul 14 2023

2

Típic disc que encanta a la crítica, per la seva valentia, el seu so, la seva imatge. I és cert: és un treball valent, amb només cinc llarg temes, amb l'arpa i la veu de Newsom com a protagonistes; amb un so diferent i molt propi, encerclat en la corrent de l'alt-folk que tan en boga estava en aquells anys. I amb una imatge exquisida, com una guapa joglar medieval recent aterrada en els nostres dies. El contingut, però, no està a l'alçada de tot el que l'envolta

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Fri Jul 21 2023

2

I've given Joanna Newsom a listen before but didn't like it. Maybe that's changed, I dunno. Oh no, no, noooo. That voice is too much for me. She can sing really well but there's this horrid inflection in some words that makes me wince. Plus a lot of the time the singing had almost zero connection to what was going on behind it - no doubt the point, but no thanks. The music itself was like jazzy renaissance fair stuff, but with the voice added in it had an odd country flavour. This was a struggle. 2/5.

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Wed Aug 02 2023

2

The way she sings is quite similar to Björk, and I really like Björk but in this instance I feel like it's detracting from the music immensely. I really like this project except for her vocals. It's a shame.

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Mon Sep 04 2023

2

Friends are supposed to help keep you making a fool of yourself. This woman has no friends.

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Thu Sep 28 2023

2

The people who suggest they like her apparently only do so in an attempt to appear interesting. They're not interesting. Neither is Joanna Newsom. We already have Björk, who's mastered whatever this genre is and has proved no one else should even try it. Not for nothing, but I'm sure that Icelandic Princess Björk and I would get along famously. Joanna Newsom seems like someone who wouldn't put up with any of my shit.

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Fri Jul 21 2023

5

fuck dude, I reaaaally want to give this a 10/10 I love almost everything about this; the instrumental arrange is simply divine, and the songs are all so well written what’s really driving me crazy is her voice I am NOT a fan of how she sings it’s like if Bjork was a ukulele girl, it’s painfully annoying I was thinking of giving this an 8/10, but again, these songs are so damn good I’ll give it a 9/10 maybe on a relisten it’ll be a full 10/10, but for right now, those vocals are just driving me crazy

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Sun Aug 06 2023

5

I have never listened to nor recall ever hearing of Joanna Newsom - although later after reading about her harp skills I vaguely recall some past exposure to her - but not enough to have any current recognition. This is fascinating. Hints of late medieval instrumentation, dashes of Blossom Dearie & Björk and a whole lot of interesting song construction, lush arrangements, dense lyrics and harp blended into something I would never have expected. Although this journey is over quite uneven terrain it’s remarkable how smooth and soothing it is to me. enchanting intriguing unique great!

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Fri Aug 11 2023

5

moom

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Tue Aug 15 2023

5

This album is quite astounding. Very ambitious but she achieves what she aims for. I may even go so far as to call this album "visionary," which is a rare thing indeed. I am consistently disappointed by how the users on this 1001 generator website rate great, unorthodox albums; people here have an enormous bias against anything unconventional. I much prefer RYM users in this regard: even if they are more snobby, they are better able to appreciate the weird albums too.

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Tue Aug 15 2023

5

This album is so awesome. I definitely think I'll listen to it again at some point, although I'm not sure what mood I'll be in that will drive me to it. It was the best kind of weird... Relatable but in a confusing way. Such strange music but as different as it was, it was all aesthetic and masterfully produced. Definitely a 5 out of 5.

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Sun Aug 20 2023

5

Sounds SO much like Anais Mitchel. It's gorgeous. What wonderful sound.

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Wed Sep 06 2023

5

:(

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Wed Sep 06 2023

5

One of my favorites of all time

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Fri Sep 15 2023

5

This is an incredible album. The musicianship and songwriting is just on another level. I have always liked Joanna Newsom but hadn't listened to this album in a while. It got me hooked again. I listened to this one all the way through multiple times today and then moved on to listen to "Have One On Me" for the rest of my work day. I'll probably listen to "Divers" all day tomorrow. It's a 5/5. Standout Tracks: Emily, Monkey & Bear, Sawdust & Diamonds, Only Skin, Cosmia

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Fri Sep 29 2023

5

A stunning record - ambitious, enchanting and magical. Something from the past, something from the now. The scale, the imagination. In a lane of its own, Ys transports the listener. Read the room, Caroline Saint-Jacques Renard.

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Fri Oct 20 2023

5

I'd listened before and not cared for it so I was shocked at how much I absolutely adored this album this time through. Just such stirring rises and falls of beautfilly orchestrated music accompanying such vivid yet cryptic poetry is just awesome. I get it now lol

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Wed Nov 01 2023

5

Great chamber and orchestral pop masterpiece

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Fri Nov 03 2023

5

Amazing!!!

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Sun Nov 26 2023

5

Very solid and unique.

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Fri Dec 01 2023

5

This. Is. A. Vibe. Gentle and touching and weird and whimsical. A beautiful record. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: Cosmia Date listened: 30/11/23

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Fri Dec 01 2023

5

Kate Bush and Bjork via California, almost timeless in its themes and sound. The average score for this is way too low and most of you should be ashamed of yourselves.

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Mon Dec 04 2023

5

An astounding achievement in modern pop music: timeless, haunting, achingly beautiful, and evocatively poetic, Joanna Newsom is a force of nature. Like an angel with her harp, she sings of life and death and romance and the cosmos and the beauty and danger of the natural world, all the while surprising, delighting, and possibly even breaking the heart and piecing it back together again for the attentive, engaged listener. Like nothing I’ve ever heard, Newsom went for broke on this her second album and succeeds on ever level. An album to return to again and again, to marvel at, to bask in the glory of, and to dig through carefully to reveal its subtle secrets. 'When the bough breaks, what’ll you make for me? A little willow cabin to rest on your knee What’ll I do with a trinket such as this? Think of your woman, who’s gone to the west But I’m starving and freezing in my measly old bed! Then I’ll crawl across the salt flats, to stroke your sweet head Come across the desert with no shoes on! I love you truly Or I love no-one'

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Tue Jul 18 2023

4

Poetic. Straddling a folk sound and classical. Never quite what you expect with a voice that calls from long ago but echoes the sixties. A demanding album.

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Mon Jul 24 2023

4

Struck by the mystical, childlike qualities of this album. It plays like a storybook, but one that requires some decoding. Really stands out, between the harp, orchestration, lyrics and vocal delivery - clearly a unique artist.

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Sun Aug 06 2023

4

This is a new artist and album for me and when it started I didn't think that I would enjoy this one. It took a few minutes, but then I became enchanted. I am not sure that I can ever really love this, because I cringe every time her voice makes that squeak. it was something special to listen to though!

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Mon Aug 14 2023

4

Much better than I expected, looking at the other comments. Her voice is certainly unique but not at all annoying. Good stuff, too bad it wasn't on Spotify.

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Thu Aug 17 2023

4

Huh. I had always heard of Joanna Newsom being a bit polarizing, but this was my first time listening to her music. I can hear the Regina Spektor/Tori Amos influence, both types of artists that took a while to grow on me. Sometimes the vocals were a bit quirky? But for the most part, I enjoyed the picturesque, descriptive lyrics and I'm a sucker for harp, even if it reminds me of my fifth-grade Medieval Day celebration a bit too much. Or that Encarta game, Mindmaze. Thankfully, IMO, the first song is the worst, so it only got better from there.

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Sat Aug 19 2023

4

There were a lot of factors conspiring to make me feel annoyed with this album, not the least of which is that Newsom's voice has some Björk-ish qualities, but once I settled in, it was quite an enjoyable experience, and there's no denying the poetry of the lyrics. Best track: Monkey & Bear

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Sat Aug 19 2023

4

Björk but good. Really good, god damn. I wasn't expecting to like this but I was completely enchanted. This sounds like something you'd hear a Disney princess singing. Seems like her voice is a bit controversial from reading the other reviews, but I like it. I get that the weird bird yelp she sometimes does can be kind of jarring at first though. Very talented! Glad I listened to this. Definitely doesn't deserve the low global rating (2.72 as of writing this review) - should be above a 3 at the very least!

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Wed Aug 23 2023

4

Not really sure what I think of this album. The instrumentation is absolutely gorgeous and the sprawling folk tales are impressive, but Newson’s voice hasn’t grown on me just yet (though I feel like it will after a couple more listens). I’m giving this an optimistic 4

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Mon Sep 18 2023

4

I remember Joanna Newsom being an absolute critical darling in the 00s, with "Ys" being the peak. But it is also very clear why this may not be a commercial hit. Despite the hype, I never listened. I mean, the 10 minute songs aren't really radio-friendly, so Newsom is one of those you have to seek out. Since I didn't take that initiative, I'll have to thank the 1001 for the exposure. I like progressive rock (though I'm learning not quite as much as I'd thought), and I like some folk, and the merger of the two makes for something interesting and unique. On the other hand, the way Newsom sings sometimes just comes off as Björk with a harp. A vocal style that could be really annoying... somehow works. Most of the time. Just like Björk. "Monkey & Bear" nearly lost me, but "Sawdust & Diamonds" was great and stood out as the best track. Apparently Newsom's first album, "Milk Eyed Mender," was more "twee," according to several reviews? I'm not totally sure what twee is, but I think more twee than "Ys" might be a turn-off? Though "Ys" may not push me to seek out more Joanna Newsom, it was a welcome listen that I would certainly revisit.

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Tue Sep 19 2023

4

I really like the tone and feeling of the record, all the harp is entrancing and the harpist is fucking shredding the whole time. The lyrics are dense and I can't seem to penetrate them on this listen through. Cosmia I could see Katie covering.

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Fri Sep 22 2023

4

I was kind of blown away by this. Really interesting and beautiful. Took me a bit to appreciate her voice. Sort of an American version of Bjork. I wish it was on Spotify, I would put it on frequent rotation. 4 stars.

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Sat Sep 23 2023

4

A series of five beautiful tracks detailing mythical stories that employ descriptive imagery to picture the fairy tales she shares. The string arrangements and cover match the medieval bard mood and execute it better than nearly anyone else renovating the medieval folk sound. The strings are sparse and minimalist, often following a repeating motif and matching the emotions of the story alongside her expressive, sincere voice. The song lengths are in her favor, to get very deep into the story just like 70s prog. It's interactive and exciting, keeping the audience in anticipation with resolution in waves. Loved all the tracks, and it's super consistent.

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Tue Oct 03 2023

4

A truly singular album. The only music really comparable is Joanna Newsoms other works. I will say that the album does get a bit monotonous. Not to make an outrageous claim like there not being a clear trajectory to the compositions, but at length it starts to feel something like a repetition of one musical idea. That is idea is a beautiful one, though.

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Sun Oct 08 2023

4

I totally understand why her sound is divisive, but I found a lot here to love. The folk sound with flecks of Bjork here and there is something I can definitely get behind. You do have to be in the right mood for it, mind.

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Sun Oct 08 2023

4

I’m not even sure how to describe this, but I like it. Quite unlike just about anything else, but “freak folk” seems as good a description as any.

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Mon Oct 09 2023

4

Var ekki viss um þetta við fyrstu hlustun, en þetta vann á, sérstaklega lögin þar sem það er ekki bara Newsom með hörpuna að syngja. Þetta er strax við aðra hlustun ljómandi fallegt og skemmtilegt, og eftirminnilegt. Grænt ljós hér.

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Fri Oct 13 2023

4

8/10 Fairytale music? Lit major songs? Ren Faire chamber pop? Music that tries to imagine a world where Bach never happened? I can see one medieval studies major saying "Finally! Someone is making music that caters to my exact tastes!" Sometimes she sings with hints of Bjork and Billie Holiday. Anyway, this is highly original, impeccably crafted, and maybe a little annoying-cutesy? She wields her significant vocabulary in a way that mostly isn't offputting. I think the word "twee" was thrown about indiscriminately regarding stuff like this. But this is too good for the label. Regardless, I like it very much, it's pretty awesome and who am I to judge music this much of itself? I am no one. I am overawed by its creator.

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Fri Oct 20 2023

4

Very weird bit I think that is the intention. Very powerful vocals with a sort of "witchy" feel. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

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Fri Oct 20 2023

4

Ys is a collection of five compositions more than it is an "album", but uses every modern technique to appeal and applies the natural rhyme everywhere it can. Newsom's choice there is captivating, and makes it easy to sink into the feeling of poems in traditional style. The album's world is not foreign, yet its colors bear the mark of elite creativity.

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Fri Oct 27 2023

4

Sometimes the line between genius and bad is pretty thin. I really didn't know what to make of this at first (and am still not sure I know exactly what to make of it to be honest). I think I really like it though? The album is very orchestral. There's lots of twinkling chimes and harps and things, so definitely a bit unconventional. It almost sounds like it should be the soundtrack for some sort of medieval period piece or something. The songwriting might be my favorite part of the album. The songs are beautiful and emotional and clever. In another era she might've been a great poet, but we got this instead. Newsom's voice is also really interesting. I'm reminded by the discussion of Nico's voice in a Velvet Underground podcast that I listened to, where they spent quite a long time discussing whether she's actually a good singer or not. I think Newsom's voice is probably great, but honestly I'm not 100% convinced it's even good. Newsom's voice is a bit squeaky almost, and it seems like she gets criticized for sounding child-like at times. I think it works though, she has great range and expresses incredible emotion in her singing. Anyway, I think it's really good, and I'm enjoying it even more on a second listen. Annoyingly it's not on Spotify (she REALLY doesn't like Spotify), but something about making me dig a bit harder for this seems on brand. I also think it's funny that she's married to Andy Samberg, they seem like they'd be a fun couple. Favorite song: Sawdust & Diamonds Other: Emily, Only Skin, Cosmia 10/26/23

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Fri Nov 03 2023

4

This has "divisive" written all over it, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed this album throughout. I'm not sure what to identify this genre as, but the melodies here never got boring or repetitive. Joanna made some interesting vocal choices at times, but there was something deeply satisfying about the lyrics and their melody that drew me into the music. It's nothing that I would've ever searched out, but I am glad I stumbled onto it in this list. Highlight: Monkey & Bear Lowlight: Cosmia (especially the last 90 seconds or so) Surprise Hit: Emily

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Sun Nov 05 2023

4

Great perform by Newsom. Highly recommend.

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Fri Nov 10 2023

4

Wow great! Folky and lovely. I like the little squeak her voice does sometimes.

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Mon Nov 13 2023

4

TRes special, bon vibe, belle voix. originalité. 1hr un peu long. 4

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Mon Nov 13 2023

4

Good album

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Wed Nov 15 2023

4

these songs are soooo amazing. and i actually always enjoyed her voice a lot... "emily" is just... wow. i do think it does get a bit hard to listen and engage with it for the full run of the album. but that would probably change if i got a bit more familiar with the songs. it's so good.

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Fri Nov 17 2023

4

I'm gonna have to listen to this a few more times. I think I really liked it, but it's not quite like anything I listened to before. Definitely a unique work of art.

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Fri Nov 17 2023

4

So this is damn good, it sucks it is not on Spotify. The album has lyrics like Bob Dylan and a singer like Joan Baez. Clever metaphors and rhyme schemes wander over a relaxing musical background that you would expect in a Renaissance tavern. A real hidden gem that deserves more listens. Our skin was my favorite track

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Mon Nov 20 2023

4

This is intense stuff. I found it hard going to be honest but that doesn't detract from whether it's any good or not. In fact I think it's so unusual and personal- lyrics and dainty that it is unlike much else i've heard. I really need to listen to this in small doses- it's a shame she's not on Spotify and I had to use Youtube.

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Wed Nov 29 2023

4

Really really cool. Bummer it's only on YouTube.

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Mon Dec 04 2023

4

It's not on Spotify, but it is on YouTube. I've never heard of this artist before. The level of talent on this album is massive. Probably the most different album I've heard in this list.

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Wed Jul 19 2023

3

Her voice and the flow/cadence is really throwing me off. It feels like she is singing in a different time signature. I am interested in the fact that this is not a traditional song structure with choruses and verses, but is instead more freeform; like a poem or a story I think this album took some getting used to, but I really think it got better as it went along. That being said; it took me about 40 minutes to get to this point. The instrumental composition is great in this album. The lyrics and song structure are interesting. I don't love her voice and cadence, however. All in all, I was prepared to give this a 1 after the first song. Glad it got better, because it is fairly long. Another reason this album list is fun to go through, you get some genres you would never think of listening to.

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Mon Jul 24 2023

3

Pretty unique folk with a unique voice and harp as the main instrument? Yeah not surprised they got big and have success. I like her voice but the arrangements aren't really jiving for me, feels a bit twee and I can imagine I would have been more into it in college or something. Nice stuff but not my thing.

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Mon Jul 24 2023

3

After hearing her first album years ago, I kind of wrote her off and never tuned back in again. Her voice simply wasn't for me. Taking the time to listen to this though, all these years later, I can see why she has a strong and devoted following. Certainly an iconoclast with her own sound. Brave stuff. Reminds me in parts of Kate Bush, Bjork, and Fiona Apple, all of whom I'm a big fan of. I also really enjoyed the arrangements by Van Dyke Parks. But like Van Dyke Parks' solo records, again, it boils down to the vocals bringing down the whole experience for me. I can see perhaps one song like this working as the showcase/centerpiece of an album, but an entire album of it is exhausting.

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Wed Aug 02 2023

3

I am aware of her skillful and critically acclaimed qualities but it doesn’t touch me in any direct way. It‘s like listening to classic music which only the ones seem to fully enjoy who are classically trained musicians themselves. I lack the eye of this album‘s deeper beauty.

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Thu Aug 03 2023

3

Well, that was avant garde. Modern though. My only issue is the tone of her voice at times was odd.

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Sun Aug 06 2023

3

This is the type of music that feels important and that you should listen to, with its pages of lyrics and eclectic instrumentation. I listened to it a couple of year of years ago, when it was in Spotify, in preparation for the review but I’m no further ahead. the things I struggle with are the wild vocal swings and the length of the songs.

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Sun Aug 06 2023

3

She reminded me of Victoria Williams in that she has a fragile voice that works well with story telling type tunes. It would take a few more listens than I had time for to have a POV for a story teller.

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Thu Aug 10 2023

3

not on Spotify, not going looking

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Tue Aug 22 2023

3

Did not get a chance to listen too (not listed on Spotify). Sorry Joanna. I did see her on the Muppet soundtrack so there is that.

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Sat Sep 02 2023

3

Reviewer said this was the most innovative vocalist since Tom Waits and I got excited. I found the album was more like spoken poetry. The singer has a beautiful voice, and also this habit of squeaking at the start of her words that I didn't like, but happened all the time. Overall, I'm neutral on this album. Maybe a 2.5.

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Sun Sep 03 2023

3

Folk. Melódico pero muy aburrido.

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Tue Sep 05 2023

3

not sure how to rated. besoin d'une 2e écoute. Tout de même pas mauvais à écouter. A revoir si ma note augmente ou descend 6.5/10

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Wed Sep 13 2023

3

Very interesting album, mellow folk with some classical music influence. Not bad but ultimately a tad bit too long and repetitive

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Wed Sep 13 2023

3

I respect the authenticity, haven’t hear something like this yet, but it drags on to be something really exciting.

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Thu Sep 14 2023

3

Imposible opinar. No existe nada prácticamente en Spotify

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Mon Sep 18 2023

3

This is an album that all should listen to even if harp driven baroque folk is not their thing. I find a lot to enjoy on Ys. The instruments create a fantastical atmosphere. Joanna’s voice is good, but used in a somewhat unconventional way. I appreciate the album quite a bit. I would enjoy hearing it again. In the end, I think the baroqueness and a too much for me in that the album feels off kilter. I don’t know another way to describe it.

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Tue Sep 19 2023

3

A whole album of mainly harp and Kate Bush-like singing sounds intriguing. Joanna Newsom even sounds like the young Kate Bush, but unlike with Bush, here the songs aren't there. Well, it was a nice idea. 2.5/5

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Sat Sep 23 2023

3

I'd heard of Joanna Newsom and had high hopes. Imagine my surprise when the lush harp music was accompanied by what sounded like a drunken Bjork impression. The voice was distracting, with cadences ill-fitting to the rhythm of the words and music. Like she'd listened to Jane Siberry at her weirdest and said "hold my beer". I gave it two tries and I admire the album for being different and what she was trying to do, but can't say I enjoyed it.

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Wed Sep 27 2023

3

Not sure why, not sure how, but I am enjoying this. i probably would never listen again but, man, it is beautiful. Shes cringe for being anti-spotify like bro ur rich stfu, star off for tht she lowkey jacking bjork but its whatever iguess. BRO WHY DO I LIKE THIS WTF

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Sun Oct 15 2023

3

Okay. This is kinda like the worst of Joni Mitchell meets the best of Kate Bush, and they drop acid while reading The Lord of The Rings out loud.

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Tue Oct 17 2023

3

Newsom sounds like a cross between Bjork and Kate Bush, but she can play the harp. Her lyrics are strange as hell but I guess weird can be wonderful. Let's just not get carried away. I'm not about to go claiming this is the greatest album you'll ever hear or needs to go on the top X list of the 2000's. Still, as far as weird and different goes, it's worth being on a 1,001 list.

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Fri Oct 27 2023

3

Unique- talk singing poetry with harps

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Sun Oct 29 2023

3

Not on Spotify

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Mon Oct 30 2023

3

Very very weird. Not bad but no slappers unlike Gaelynn Lea

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Thu Nov 02 2023

3

I enjoyed it much more than I was expecting when it started. I'm not sure if I'll go to see other albums from her, but this one will stay with me for some time.

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Thu Nov 02 2023

3

I definitely didn't need to listen to this but it's not bad. Voice could be a little annoying at times, but seemed appropriate for this style of music. I guess if you're a fan of this genre (Renaissance folk?) you would like this but otherwise it's completely skippable.

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Fri Nov 03 2023

3

Weird. Will never listen to it again. And yet there is something there in the lyrics. In my mind I see a woman playing a harp at a wedding going free form and the congregation is trapped until she is done.

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Fri Nov 03 2023

3

Instrumentation was pretty interesting and I could tell the lyrics were supposed to be good even if I wasn't paying enough attention to get anything out of them. Still, this was a pretty long and not very easily listenable album. 6/10

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Fri Nov 03 2023

3

Intriging. Its American Bjork with a Harp

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Sat Nov 04 2023

3

I don't mind a bit of baroque, and I didn't hate this, but there is a level of affectation here (particularly in the vocals) that is too much for me. Compounded by songs of a somewhat egregious length.

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Fri Nov 10 2023

3

obscure. wouldn’t listen but musically it’s very respectable

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Fri Nov 10 2023

3

Yeah, she has a very interesting voice, and singing while playing the harp is :fire:

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Sun Nov 12 2023

3

It is only available on YouTube as opposed to Spotify so it hindered my ability to listen and do stuff. What I heard I liked

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Wed Nov 15 2023

3

I’m so sorry the album was very nice and did what it wanted and the lyrics were good but MY GODDDDDD IT NEVER ENDED. BUT I’M FREE!!! I’M FREE!!!!! Maybe if she had a harmonica instead of a harp… the mouth harp if you will… I would’ve enjoyed it more. I’m so sorry Joanna.

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Thu Nov 16 2023

3

Interesting listen. Not for me. For somebody. Just not me.

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