Joanna Newsom - Untitled Track (Live in Brazil 10/7/07)

October 8, 2007 11:10 a.m. by John Bohannon

Is it possible that Joanna Newsom just keeps getting better? This new track, rather than highlighting her playing, showcases the incredible vocal control shes gained since the beginning of her career. It looks like she is sticking with the long track format, this one clocking in just over the 7-minute mark. My main concern after the release of Ys was if she could possibly follow it with something near as substantial. The concerns have officially ceased.

6 Responses

October 8, 2007 at 2:31 p.m.

J.P.

"Is it possible that Joanna Newsom just keeps getting better?"Well, when you're as god-awful as she is there's nowhere to go but up.

October 8, 2007 at 2:54 p.m.

James

''"Is it possible that Joanna Newsom just keeps getting better?''"Well, when you'''re as god-awful as she is there'''s nowhere to go but up.ZING!!

October 16, 2007 at 4:49 a.m.

Lauren

When you claim that Joanna Newsom is god-awful, it is clear to me your lack of knowledge and inability to recognize or appreciate quality. Not only does Joanna compose and write her own music and lyrics, she plays a very difficult instrument and sings. She is so beautifully unique and you her voice extends to far beyond the normal voices we hear on a daily basis. Her music and lyrics are so incredibly complex and captivating. To hear you say such things not only insults me and Joanna but also insults all those people out there who have a good idea of quality music, and look to her for it. Joanna Newsom is a HUGE inspiration and influence for me and many others, and to hear you say she is the lowest of low and not talented is like saying William Shakespeare was not a revolutionary writerGood day

October 20, 2007 at 10:20 a.m.

shockcorridor

On a previous website I saw some wounded Newsom fan compare her to Stravinsky and on this one Shakespeare, in the tone of declaring her detractors "ignorant" or that they somehow are too pedestrian to understand this complex artist. This is a great way to dismiss contrarian views as beneath the level of sophistication that her fans believe that they themselves must have for listening to her. I think it's really a matter of opinion overall, and I understand that nobody likes to have their sacred cows slaughtered. I knew a kid is grade school who would threaten violence against anyone who denied that Journey was the greatest band of all time. Okay kid, play Escape a zillion times over, just don't hurt me.That being said, I think that Newsom's voice sounds like the mating of a tortured kitten and a three year old throwing a temper tantrum. The music is nice, but her voice should be piped into the ears of every terrorist captive the US holds and we would have bin Laden given up to us within seconds.

October 27, 2007 at 6:02 a.m.

eilene

Clearly she is getting better and better, that was my first thought when i heard this song the first time. I have to struggle to keep my tears from falling dammit! And I love it!!

November 10, 2008 at 4:22 p.m.

Heyy

I never get upset when somebody trashes her voice, because it makes sense. I hated it upon first listen, so I understand why people would do the same.

But it doesn't make any sense to claim that she isn't fantastic at composing and playing the harp (whether it's your cup of tea, or not, there is talent in what she is trying to do) and also that she is wonderful with language. I'm sure she doesn't mind that there are people out there that can't stand her voice (though I personally have grown to love it)--she expected it.

Just don't act as if she is talentless. She has a remarkable amount of skill.

If you read any of the song lyrics on Ys, they can easily be compared to great poetry. If you were to listen to the music without her singing over it, chances are it would be found beautiful.

(Though nothing in the world can compare to her voice for me, I love her style more than any other singer in the world.)