****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I was so afraid to open this and listen to it after the last two "new releases" from some of my favorite artists had come out and been completely...... bland. I hate to be one of those that says "It's just not the same anymore about any artist, because being a writer, myself, I know that you get to a point where you want to experiment more. The very first song, and I sighed the deepest breath of relief. I think that this album is pure poetry. Some of the music is hard to hear, in ways, but obviously that is an expression of where she is and her pain.... But the symbology, prose, strange journey this album brought me through over and over again has become as least as amazing to me as Extraordinary Machine, and when I heard that album, I was completely unable to listen to anything but for weeks, heh. There is only one song on this album that is "so-so" to me, but it's probably because its more humor than depth. Not saying it's not a good song, but I don't sit my friends down to say "just listen to how she says this". If you can stand the intensity, and have a love for words and prose, but are a little on the strange side and enjoy commiserating with other people who can voice theirs eloquently, I think there is a very good chance that you will find and appreciate the genius tucked into this album. Every time I listen, I hear something I may have missed or didn't quite catch if I'm listening undisturbed. If you can look past the stereotype of the first albums and you're new to Fiona, and any of what I've described sounds interesting, then this is probably the best cd to start with. In my opinion (and just because of my tastes)she really took the writing and journey to a profoundly new level. The most ingenious part is that she was able to keep the "Fiona" style in tact. Many times I've seen writers lose that balance. I still felt that same Sullen Girl, but there is a complexity that was just taken to the next level without losing her "core" in the process.This is not for someone who just likes to bop around to tunes, I don't think. :) It's for someone introspective who can either relate or appreciate really beautifully written, VERY raw content. The music was the second to grow on me, which is rare. But it all came together for me after listening to it over and over until when I stopped my ipod, the songs didn't stop for days. It's an atmospheric journey I've yet to experience in music, generally. In fact, I can't think of a single album I could compare it to. It stands out, still has some really amazing melodies, raw pain, sadness, anger (rage, maybe closer to, heh) and a sly sense of humor at times. And all put into a package that fits together somehow.To me, that is brilliant. I think if she could stay stable, this would be prelude to some truly, truly unforgettable albums. It does seem, however, that it's a gamble as to whether or not every album may be her last.My advice, listen with an open mind. Learn a little about her history, and really pay attention to the lyrics if your enjoy word weaving. I can almost guarantee there will be a few moments when you go "wow, that was brilliantly said".I can't offer any one song as a favorite, but I love the line in one of the songs (I'm so bad with titles) where she says,"We are like a wishing well and a bolt of electricityWe can still support each other, all we gotta do's avoid each other'Nothin' wrong when a song ends in a minor key."True. And better that than the explosive madness of a really bad breakup. :) And I love her tendency to speak over simply, or even crudely (Anyone remember Extraordinary Machine -song's called "get him back"?"One man he disappoint me. He give me the gouge and he take my glee". hehe.)There's so much more than that I could quote. There's a really brilliant song where she eludes to a volcano (another relationship) and then goes on to sing "....shot up hot from under the sea. One thing leads to another, and you made an island of me". Within the context of the song, it was so brilliantly put... I can't do it justice in such fragments, but, if listen with an open mind, and love really delving into lyrics as more than just ties to music as the main thread, you'll probably experience something really wonderful getting to know this album. I hope I made some semblacne of sense. I probably scared a few buyers away, but I just may have enticed some newer breed of fans who aren't afraid to dig deep and let the album grow on you. For me, it was a one shot deal, but for some I think it will need a couple close listens, and open minds who aren't afraid to dive into a few bizarre bits of imagery (in the brain) or ideas and will recognize how amazing this album is, standing SO very much in it's own galaxy, but still staying SO true and cohesive on it's own.I hope someone experiences what I did. It's not often for me that albums bring me to these places. That's when you know it's magic..... or wizardry is the better word, me thinks. Because this was no mere trick of the hat but a deeply developed, yet raw and exposed "project" (for lack of a better word...) that makes sense as a unit in a beautiful and strange little world of its own. I never write reviews, but I couldn't help myself. I think that a new breed of minds will appreciate this more than the general populace. If you are hesitant because of the name "Fiona Apple", I'd let that rest and give it a good listening. It'd be a shame for someone who would relate to it, and she DOES let you into some really raw places, to miss it because of a more mainstream start. You're awesome (and going to enjoy your new cd) if you lasted to the end of this review. :)Be conscious of it, but also let your unconscious take you away a bit, and you'll see what I mean.FAQ: 1. No, I don't do drugs, not even the smokie (but, I'm not saying "I didn't inhale!" when I was younger). I'm just strange (I prefer, eclectic, but some people around me prefer to tend towards using.... more drastic terms. I just ask them to try to grow a less limited vocabulary, but that hasn't done me much good (or ill, for that matter). ;) I imagine this particular album would be quite an experience if I did listen in an even more heightened state. heh. :) Do share if you try it out that way. It will be some very powerful imagery, I'll bet.Cheers to anyone who had the same experience, or got there in a different way. And more cheers if you give this album a try based on my fragmented "review" and grow to love it. Then I haven't wasted a moment of time writing this, for sure.~Wes
