Album: Have One On Me
Artist: Joanna Newsom
Born: Nevada City, California
Released: February 2010
Genre: Baroque
To my mind, Have One On Me is a modern classic. My triple album vinyl version is probably one of the records I play most on my turntable, and I love how each of the three sides is as strong as the others (a credit to the record's sequencing). In total, there's about two hours of music, so it's not as long as some other modern classics, like 69 Love Songs, but it's far more consistently brilliant than that release and also some vintage multi-sided LPs, such as Physical Graffiti and The White Album. Newsom's singing is more assured and textured compared to her earlier records, while her musical style has broadened beyond folk into piano-driven ballads, blues and jazz. The influence of Joni Mitchell is very strong, especially on side 1 songs Good Intentions Paving Company and Easy. Of course, the harp is still at the heart of many songs, such as the heavenly highlights Esme and '81.
Newsom's talent as a storyteller is one of the strongest features of this record, as it was with Ys, and I love her turns of phrase and intricate, involving stories. What this album requires is patience and commitment, qualities in short supply in the modern era, and this is part of what makes it such a powerful artistic statement. Ryan Francesconi, part of her Ys Street Band, is responsible for many of the elaborate arrangements, creating memorable moments such as the sweeping strings and exotic brass instruments, like the tambura, on the title track. Kingfisher and Baby Birch also benefit from great compositions, while other highlights are Good Intentions Paving Company, which features some of the best writing as Newsom's explores the foibles of the human heart, and Go Long. Just as Ys was an improvement on The Milk-Eyed Mender, so too was this album a significant step forward from Ys. I can't wait to see what's next.
To my mind, Have One On Me is a modern classic. My triple album vinyl version is probably one of the records I play most on my turntable, and I love how each of the three sides is as strong as the others (a credit to the record's sequencing). In total, there's about two hours of music, so it's not as long as some other modern classics, like 69 Love Songs, but it's far more consistently brilliant than that release and also some vintage multi-sided LPs, such as Physical Graffiti and The White Album. Newsom's singing is more assured and textured compared to her earlier records, while her musical style has broadened beyond folk into piano-driven ballads, blues and jazz. The influence of Joni Mitchell is very strong, especially on side 1 songs Good Intentions Paving Company and Easy. Of course, the harp is still at the heart of many songs, such as the heavenly highlights Esme and '81.
Newsom's talent as a storyteller is one of the strongest features of this record, as it was with Ys, and I love her turns of phrase and intricate, involving stories. What this album requires is patience and commitment, qualities in short supply in the modern era, and this is part of what makes it such a powerful artistic statement. Ryan Francesconi, part of her Ys Street Band, is responsible for many of the elaborate arrangements, creating memorable moments such as the sweeping strings and exotic brass instruments, like the tambura, on the title track. Kingfisher and Baby Birch also benefit from great compositions, while other highlights are Good Intentions Paving Company, which features some of the best writing as Newsom's explores the foibles of the human heart, and Go Long. Just as Ys was an improvement on The Milk-Eyed Mender, so too was this album a significant step forward from Ys. I can't wait to see what's next.
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