Joanna Newsom - This Side of the Blue

Classically trained harpist Joanna Newsom uses her appreciation of Appalachian folk and bluegrass for an oddly alluring set of indie rock melodies. Milk-Eyed Mender, which follows her homemade EP releases Walnut Whales and Yarn and Glue, is rich in harvest colors. Newsom's childlike voice brings an unstudied grace to an innocent setting of songs, and such quirkiness is hard to find among most guitar-driven indie acts. From the more whimsical moments of "Peach, Plum, Pear" and "Inflammatory Writ" to the dovelike ballad "This Side of the Blue," Newsom welcomes the listener to sink into its imagination. Delicate harp arrangements are nicely sprinkled among specks of pianos, organs, and a harpsichord, only adding to the fascination that is Milk-Eyed Mender. Some may find the album to be overly sweet in spots due to Newsom's girlish voice; however, the fairytale-like appeal of Milk-Eyed Mender is far too intriguing to dismiss. Newsom exists in several musical spheres, one being a member of the Pleased, while not forgetting how wonderful it is to live in a warm place that leaves you bright-eyed and hopeful for only what is good in life. [Allmusic.com]

Category:

Music

Tags:

• joanna
• newsom
• milk-eyed
• mender

[endmateria7]

@tomgilly08 I guess what I'm getting at is that In an ugly world, it's nice to attach and submerse yourself in something softer....that is more akin to our nature. Beautiful things in a not so beautiful place we are. I find that this music is much more warming to my spirit than let's say for example....Converge, or Disturbed, or Lamb Of God. Not that those bands don't have their time and place. But the music we create is a response to both how we feel inside and how this world makes us feel.

[sonrev]

Marry me Joanna... and sing me a lullaby every night

[spectrum99122]

@sonrev Leave her alone. She's mine. My ownl My prescious;

[dramaticafantastica]

This song works with everything. I put it on at work and it makes me feel like work is such a happy place to be, and when you're walking around it makes my city feel like New York duriing a blackout :)

[walesalaska]

i first heared this song on the orange commercial when new york has a blackout and everyone comes out of the houses and have a party on the streets! ive played it for a few of my friends and they think im mental! but its awesome i could easily listen on repeat over and over its the kind of song that makes me smile and feel good about myself. defo in my top 10 thanks for posting it

[BurenVanMartin]

@endmateria7 Agreed. I most often find myself listening to metal, like Lamb of God and other such bands, but I love Joanna Newsom and other softer, yet soulful music like this. Joanna is awesome!

[tigerseyeproductions]

@pandaeyes42 Why would you mask your compliment with a terrible insult like that? If her voice makes you want to go on a "murderous rampage" at all, ever, just don't comment.

[FolkyFan15]

*cries*

[Kivalt]

Hopelessly in love. Might be what feels like to believe in God.

[K1ngSh0t]

brilliant!



[VentraleStar]

And you do what you have to do (rellu rellu).....which is altch can do on this side of the blue. - Truest thing I've ever heard!