Thursday, January 12, 2006

Martha Wainwright

You have to check out Martha Wainright. Ive downloaded her self titled album from iTunes and its really, really good. I only got to hear of her through a free CD on the cover of Esquire magazine, which had the track 'Factory' on it. Of course this being the age of the internet nothing is too far away from you, so I checked out her website and of course the Music Store.

Every track has the explicit marking which if you can get by doesnt really dent the enjoyment of the album, its hardly noticeable (apart from the track Bloody Mother F*****g A******e which you might want to forward if youve got children).

Anyhow, it really is a fantastic listen. Honest, raw lyrics which still require some thought, an intruiging voice, and a melodic and well recorded sound. Comparisons with Emmy Lou Harris arent without warrant.

It does require some staying power towards the end if only that 16 tracks is a fair amount to absorb all at once, but the first 5 or so are a great opening and draw you in to the rest of the recording invitingly.

I like the tone and style of it, its personal and observant. She is the brother of Rufus who appears on a later track and comes from the family of Loudon Wainwright III so she clearly has a particular talent within her family.

One word of warning the download from iTunes had some pops and clicks in it which they refunded me for and asked me to wait a fortnight before I redownloaded. Caveat Emptor until they get it fixed!

Anyway its here: iTunes

and here: Website

There is other news but thats for another day. Depending on how I feel.

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