Artist suggestions please!

Posted by: hicapman on 28 April 2004

Hi,
I am really into Tracy chapman,Beth Orton,Suzanne Vega and Tori Amos.Can you suggest anything else that i might try given this taste in music.
Many thanks.
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by Mike Hughes
Shawn Colvin has to be recommended but I have to disagree with others who declare Whole New You to be classic.

Putting aside the covers album (not a good place to start) Whole New You is down a level from virtually every other SC album. It simply lacks a spark and the production is tired and bland. There are songs that spark into life when played live but it's my least played SC and was a profound disappointment when you consider what else she has produced.

Given that you also go for Tori Amos (whom I can't stand) can I also recommend the mighty Jane Siberry - a Canadian songstress who really does go some places you've not been before. Start with The Walking, Bound By The Beauty and then When I Was A Boy. Thes rest is patchy but those three are great.
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Hughes:
Whole New You is down a level from virtually every other SC album.


I couldn't disagree with you more.

quote:
Originally posted by Mike Hughes:
... Tori Amos (whom I can't stand)...


I couldn't agree with you more.
Posted on: 04 May 2004 by jayd
Tori bashing. Woohoo! Count me in as well.

(She frightens me.)
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by Mike Hughes
I don't wish to "bash" anyone. I just think it's relatively easy to dismiss Tori as a minor artist given the quality of her songs.

Fred - as far as Shawn is concerned I have to say I went back, played Whole New You again (twice) and still don't see it.

The production is tired and bland (far too much extended mid-range seems to be at fault) and I'm afraid the album gives me an overwhelming sense of her playing far within her limits i.e. treading water rather than rattling through it. There are one or two songs that stand with her best but the production kills them. I ask myself why I would need this album and each time I do it comes up wanting IMHO.

That said - I hope the next one is great because I love her to bits (objectively)!!!
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by Pete
"Blue" sounds "dated"... egad!

My suggestions are Cowboy Junkies and Over the Rhine, though if you have problems with sounds of recordings interfering with the music note that Good Dog, Bad Dog includes creaking furniture etc. where OtR recorded it at home...

Pete.
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by jayd
quote:
I don't wish to "bash" anyone. I just think it's relatively easy to dismiss Tori as a minor artist given the quality of her songs.


*sigh* Two peoples divided by a common language.

Well then, substitute "express critical disapproval for her oeuvre" for "bash" if it conveys a more appropriately polite tone. Either way, I disagree with (wait, better make that "support a contrasting viewpoint to") your asessment - I think Tori has great songs. I just don't like the way she performs them ("could perhaps more enthusiastically enjoy an alternate reading").

courteously,

j
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Hughes:
Fred - as far as Shawn is concerned I have to say I went back, played Whole New You again (twice) and still don't see it.


At least you gave it a fair chance. Oh, well ... all the more for me to eat! Pass your plate over here. Big Grin
Posted on: 06 May 2004 by bigtrak
Try either of Fiona Apples albums. Amazon are flooging both for 13 quid
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006NT0D/qid=1083881192/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_11_3/202-6947577-9988601
Posted on: 07 May 2004 by fred simon
It just occurred to me that I have another very strong recommendation for anyone who digs the Joni/Shawn/Jonatha/Rickie Lee terrain.

Anders Widmark featuring Sara Isaksson

Anders is a wonderful pianist/composer in the Keith Jarrett mold, but with a certain pop sensibility. Sara is a sweetly soulful singer who breathes life into every note she sings. The music on the album could be described somewhat as Keith Jarrett meets Joni Mitchell and James Taylor on common ground.

I can't recommend this album highly enough; for anyone who has taken well to my previous recommendations, don't miss this one. I couldn't find it in the USA, but ordered from a Swedish online store (can't remember which one). Well worth seeking out.

An absolutely exquisite album.
Posted on: 07 May 2004 by Matt Gear
quote:
Try either of Fiona Apples albums


I'll second that. Forgot to mention her earlier!

quote:
I just think it's relatively easy to dismiss Tori as a minor artist given the quality of her songs.



Mike. Can't agree with you on this one. I think the quality of TA's music output is incredibly high, both from a technical and emotional point of view. I agree 100% that she is an acquired taste, but certainly wouldn't call her a "minor artist".

Matt
Posted on: 09 May 2004 by Mike Hughes
Fred,

Don't get me wrong. I still pull out Whole New You and play selections but I can't consume it as a whole.

Matt,

I love Silent All These Years and I agree with the technical argument but I can't agree she has the songs. Do you like Shawn or Jane S.? Compare and contrast!

Mike
Posted on: 10 May 2004 by Matt Gear
Mike

Not sure what you mean about "having the songs"? She's written a large body of music which is also varied, and whilst there are a few odd moments (To Venus and Back, and Boys for Pele are both a little below par compared to her other work), she consistantly writes songs which are (IMHO) head an shoulders above the majority of other female performers.

If there's anything that keeps her from being more widely appreciated I think it's her out and out quirkiness.

Haven't checked out Shawn Colvin or Jane S. Can you recommend some albums?

Cheers

Matt
Posted on: 10 May 2004 by o.j.
Kari bremnes:erindering ,norwegian mood
imo a super female voice .and good cd quality.
O.J.
Posted on: 10 May 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Matt Gear:
Haven't checked out Shawn Colvin ... Can you recommend some albums?


Just go back a few messages in this thread.

To recap, I'd recommend:

Steady On
Live '88
A Few Small Repairs
Whole New You
Posted on: 10 May 2004 by Colin Lorenson
Fred,

Ordered the Anders Widmark / Sara Isakson on you say so. Since you recommended Jonatha I've ended up buying everything she's done. A special talent for sure.

Did I hear that you're recording another album for Naim? Hope so - I'm sitting at work listening to Dreamhouse as I type.

Colin Lorenson

I'm just feeling that way. I don't know why.
Posted on: 11 May 2004 by Matt Gear
Cheers Fred, Will check 'em out.

Matt
Posted on: 11 May 2004 by Rockingdoc
Strange that everyone has skirted around Shawn Colvin's "Fat City". I think this has some of her strongest songs. Larry Klein's production is a bit over-lush, but you do get Joni thrown in as a backing singer. The only bad SC album is the lullaby thing, although "Whole New You" is weaker than the rest.
The live in Bora Bora DVD is interesting for SC fans, and you get to see how she plays the chords. IMO the best way to get into SC is to go to her gigs, she is a good interactive performer.

Oh,, and did anyone mention Joni and Rickie Lee Jones?
Posted on: 12 May 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Colin Lorenson:
Fred,

Ordered the Anders Widmark / Sara Isakson on you say so. Since you recommended Jonatha I've ended up buying everything she's done. A special talent for sure.


So glad you dig Jonatha, she's special for sure. I can't imagine you not loving the Widmark/Isaksson just as much.

quote:
Did I hear that you're recording another album for Naim? Hope so - I'm sitting at work listening to Dreamhouse as I type.


I'm putting the finishing touches on it right now. It turned out better than I ever could have hoped for.

Aiming for a fall release, but I guess that's up to Naim.

Thanks for your interest.
Posted on: 12 May 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
Strange that everyone has skirted around Shawn Colvin's "Fat City".


You know, you're right that there are some great songs on that album. Klein's production is OK, just kind of MOR for my taste. I much prefer Levanthal's Beatlesque vision and co-writing. But for sure Fat City is not chopped liver.

And I like the lullaby album. And Cover Girl, too. And I don't agree that Whole New You is weaker than the rest; I've always felt that if A Few Small Repairs didn't exist, Whole New You would be seen as the masterpiece it really is. So there. Big Grin

By the way, I feel I should mention Joni Mitchell and Rickie Lee Jones.
Posted on: 13 May 2004 by woodface
Hi Fred, I will definitely buy the new album when it comes out, Dreamhouse is an all time classic! Of all the female artists so far mentioned Aimee Mann is the one for me; Batchelor No 2 is one of the best albums I have ever heard. I also like Shawn Colvin but prefer 'A few small repairs' over a 'whole new you'.
Posted on: 13 May 2004 by DenisA
Another Female Singer to consider whose CD's I have purchased From CD Baby If you search for Tracy Chapman on CD Baby it will lead you on a voyage to even more unknown Artistes.

Mellisa Ferrick: listen hard
Acoustic folk with lots of rock and roll. The newest studio release from our (CD Baby) favorite artist.

Mellisa Ferrick: 70 people at 7000 feet

Melissa live with drummer Brian Winton. This is an amazing show recorded on great gear live in Flagstaff Arizona. A MUST-HAVE for any Melissa Ferrick fan!

AND

Christine Collister: 'Live' with Howard Lees (acoustic guitar); Rory McFarlane (acoustic & electric basses). Magical versions of 'Last chance Texaco' & 'Shades of Scarlet Conquering'.

Denis
Posted on: 14 May 2004 by Mike Hughes
Why? Why? Why?

I have just bought Impossible Dream by Patty Griffin (not played it yet) and it suddenly hit me that this wonderful artist really ought to be added to this thread.

Start with the demos of Living With Ghosts and then live with Flaming Red (you'll want to throw it away at first - such is the contrast with the demos). 1,000 Kisses is also very good.

Now, anyone heard of her or have any comments? If you like Shawn etc. then she should definitely be your cup of tea.

Also, any takers for the increasingly bland but always lyrically interesting Dar Willians.
Posted on: 14 May 2004 by Traveling Dan
Dar Willians?

Clearly a natural selection ...
Posted on: 14 May 2004 by Stephen H
Traveling Dan
Brilliant! ROTFLMAO!!
Posted on: 14 May 2004 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by woodface:
Hi Fred, I will definitely buy the new album when it comes out, Dreamhouse is an all time classic!


Thanks for your eager support. It's quite different from Dreamhouse in some ways, but I think you'll really dig it, and hopefully it will become a new classic.