Joanna Newsom + Victoria's Secret?

Although the world has seen more and more indie music leaking into commercials nowadays, I have to admit I was pretty surprised to see "Sprout and the Bean" as the background to a commercial for push-up bras. Victoria's Secret may be debuting their softest push-up ever, but I think they're probably also debuting their best background music ever as well. This coming on the heels on the news that Joanna debuted over two hours of new material, and it's official that Joanna's mini hiatus is over. Who knows when we'll get to see that new material? '09? We can only hope. As for the commercial, I actually think the song works? I'm not sure... Video from Stereogum.



-Donovan

Happy Birthday!

Happy 27th birthday to fork/knife's favorite harpist, Joanna Newsom! Recently featured in the fork/knife article "Defending Joanna," the singer/songwriter/harpist has already seen an incredible amount of success for her young age. She hasn't released any new material in a while now, so hopefully we'll see something in either '09 or '10. If you haven't checked her out, you have to give her a try, although she comes with the disclaimer that she is not for everyone.

Joanna Newsom - Bridges and Balloons
Buy Song: iTunes

-Donovan

Defending Joanna

In the last "Song O' the Week" feature, from dear fellow fork/knifer Chandler, I couldn't help but notice a slight against the unendingly fabulous Joanna Newsom. I will begin this post by stating that she is the only artist I can think of off the top of my head that sings and plays the harp as the primary focus of her live act. Her performances are essentially unique in today's world of music. Building on top of that, her song structures are extremely layered and complicated. I have yet to listen to a song from her most recent and polished album, Ys (pronounced "ease"), and not discover another element of musical sophistication somewhere in each song. As for her voice, I will admit that it is an acquired taste, but that once the taste has been acquired, you will hardly find anyone will more erudition in his/her musical inventiveness. I'm not alone in this proclamation, her album got a 9.4 from esteemed peers Pitchfork. I'm posting her current magnum opus, "Emily", the leading track from Ys, despite its excessive length, because I feel it is the best showcase for her talents.

Joanna Newsom - Emily
Buy Song: iTunes

-Donovan