“Don’t call it a comeback...” Well I kind of have to when it comes to new releases from Fiona Apple, Neneh Cherry, Sophie B. Hawkins and Men Without Hats(?!?).
Fiona Apple records are kind of like Halley’s Comet, although they do arrive a little more frequently than every 76 years, they are greatly anticipated. Even though her last album came out seven long years ago in 2005, Fiona still maintains a rabid following. The reason is her deeply personal and heartfelt lyrics. Her fans play her music on constant loop and are analyzed for clues into her life like some sort of Zapruder film. But it’s not just the lyrics. The music also has deft production touches to her piano playing with smart arrangements that don’t bury the songs. This new album is no different and you can start with the title for fans to start breaking it all down.
The official title is (deep breath)…
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
Most people are just calling it The Idler Wheel…I think you should do the same. It’s already garnering rave reviews. I suggest picking this one up immediately. Here’s a sample for you.
Fiona Apple – Every Single Night
The other three artists must also have loyal fans to make them come back and try to recreate the magic they all had over 20 years ago.
Sophie B Hawkins may have been an early influence on a young Fiona Apple when Sophie first hit in 1992. Sophie also hits those deeply personal moments of reflection and intimacy. Expect more of the same with this new album “The Crossing” as well as an acoustic reworking of her 10 ten ten hits, “Damn, I Was I Was Your Lover” (1992) and “As I Lay Me Down” (1995).
Neneh Cherry is collaborating with Norwegian/Swedish jazz combo The Thing and covering songs by Suicide, The Stooges, Ornette Coleman, MF Doom, Martina Topley-Bird and Neneh’s father Don Cherry.
I’m not sure what Men Without Hats has been up to since the “The Safety Dance” made it all the way up to #3 on the Billboard charts in 1983 but they’re back and hoping lightning strikes twice with “Love In The Age Of War”
Basically I’m just using these artists as an excuse to post the four videos that made us first take notice. Enjoy!
