The Fiona Apple Album Sony Doesn't Want You To Hear
The latest gaffe by a major record label: Sony has decided not to release the latest Fiona Apple album, "Extraordinary Machine," because, as far as I can tell, it "lacks a single." (Wilco showed us all just how much that matters, didn't they?) When Fiona's first album came out, I didn't count myself among her biggest fans, but I've given this new album a listen and I think it has its moments. The production is by Jon Brion (who has done some cool work, even though I lean more towards a Jim O'Rourke sound), and on a lot of the songs her voice has a real P.J. Harvey feel to it, so that should be enough to impress all the tough guys out there.
The entire album is currently available for (legal?) free download at this site. There is no guarantee written or implied on how long that link will last - who knows what Sony thinks of it. For those of us who don't like the guilty feeling we get in the gut from stealing music, it's possible to make conscience alleviating donations at Free Fiona that may result in her at least someday getting some sort of recompense for her work. Hey, Justin, give this a listen and let me know what you think.
The entire album is currently available for (legal?) free download at this site. There is no guarantee written or implied on how long that link will last - who knows what Sony thinks of it. For those of us who don't like the guilty feeling we get in the gut from stealing music, it's possible to make conscience alleviating donations at Free Fiona that may result in her at least someday getting some sort of recompense for her work. Hey, Justin, give this a listen and let me know what you think.
posted by Canard at 3:28 PM
1 Comments:
A few notes on Fiona Apple's unreleased 2003 album
In short, I dig it. But I understand why Sony wouldn't release it.
Before listening, I was already prejudiced against the album. I figured it had to be really awful for Sony not to publish it based on quality standards. Remember that Sony has the balls to raise up acts like J-Lo and Michael Bolton to the heavens and proclaim them to be among the finest examples of contemporary artists.
I'd also seen more than a few articles about the album getting leaked onto the internet. They all had this same blurb (I'm paraphrasing): "Fiona's fans are demanding that Sony release the album." Not a one of them, however, said "Fiona's album is so good that her fans are demanding that Sony release it."
So I was skeptical. But given the gratis factor of the album's Internet-only release, I didn't have much to lose.
Fiona's previous work can be summed up as sultry lounge singing; smoky piano bar melodies with an orchestral synth background. It's pop music with shades of sophistication.
The unreleased album is two steps left of her previous work. You can sense immediately that the tone is lighter and less serious - even quirky at times. It's more experimental, more creative. If not for Fiona's signature voice, I might have guessed it was a collection of B-sides from Tori Amos.
The composition is more natural this time. There are no pop backbeats. Just a piano, strings, and drums. I'd also venture to say Fiona's voice doesn't sound as good here, though this is probably the result of unfinished production work.
The album is good solid work, and it's a really excellent listen. It has earned my personal recognition as one of the few discs I can put in and listen straight through without the desire to skip any songs.
But here's the catch: it's an album composed entirely of exceptional filler material.
There are no catchy sing-a-long lyrics, no songs with a "hook". Nothing that would pique your interest if you were flipping stations on the radio. Basically, there aren't any singles here. That's what typically drives major-artist record sales, and that's the reason Sony's holding back.
Sony's loss is your gain. I'll assume you've got Internet access if you're reading this. Go out and get it.
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