I could easily devote all my time and the entirety of this blog to music. I must admit that at times I fall prey to lure of hoarding good music to myself in a vain attempt to claim it or make it feel more special via the exclusion of others. If you live long enough, however, you realize that exclusivity is a hollow comfort; the mask eventually begins to itch. It is in this spirit that I would like to introduce you to an artist very dear to my heart--one that in an older frame of mind I might never have shared. Her name is Keren Ann.
To give credit where due, Mandar was the first to introduce me. It used to be difficult to get her albums into the US, ordering either from France or Canada. But she's released an English album on Blue Note so you should be able to find the first two records as her reputation grows on this side of the pond.
With influences like Françoise Hardy and Serge Gainsbourg, as well as John Lennon, Chet Baker, Nick Drake and Suzanne Vega, it should quickly become evident why I am head over heels for this singer/songwriter. Her lyrics are inspired--poetic in a way that I refuse to mar with my words. Her melodies are timeless; it seems as though you've always known them. Every one of her pieces breaks my heart, then mends it. Hers is the voice of an angel.
For a dreamy look into the world of Keren Ann, you should begin here, with the video for Ailleurs. Let me know what you think. I already know I'll cherish her music as long as I'm alive.
Posted by George at January 29, 2005 01:18 PMGeorge,
I'm going to start with a few caveats:
1) I couldn't watch the video. It's RealAudio, and I don't have the player intalled. Being a Mac user, I find RealAudio gives a less than satisfying experience.
2) I was able find some of her music on the iTunes Music Store, and took a listen to the samples there (which includes the entire album "Not Going Anywhere"). The problem with iTunes, however, is that you only get 30 second samples. This, often, doesn't do a piece of music justice.
3) Questions like these are horribly subjective. What one thinks about an artist depends entirely upon where one is musically. I'm a guitar player, and I tend to be very partial to guitar players whose artistry captures my fancy. Stuff that rips my heart out tends toward things like Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Riviera Paradise," or Derek Trucks' solo on the Allman Brothers' "Desdemona" (from the album "Hittin' the Note").
With those caveats in place, I have to say that I think I'm not going to be adding Karen Ann to my music collection any time soon (hey, you asked :-). Lyrically, she might be fantastic, but musically I find the emotions to be monotonously dark and dull. Even with the 30 second samples, I had a hard time listening to the whole samples. Where she is musically is almost diametrically opposed to where I am musically.
That said, I looked Karen Ann up on All Music Guide, and they rate her offerings at four starts each with "Not Going Anywhere" getting their AMG-pick checkmark. I don't know. Maybe I've become too much of an old fuddy-duddy to get that much into Karen Ann's form of "neo-folk, late-night lullaby."
Isn't diversity a wonderful thing?
Rick
Posted by: Rick Schaut at January 29, 2005 07:25 PMCan't avoid posting when France is involved. Clever, George. I'm slipping in keeping up with my French culture icons. Thanks for the Keren Ann update. There was rumor she had produced an English language album early in her career while part of a european band, but I could never locate it. Now there's something better! I still say the highlight of my year studying abroad was seeing her private concert at FNAC in the little town of Angers. Still have the signed copy of her first CD. Maybe I'll luck into a second!
Posted by: Mandar at January 30, 2005 09:24 AMRick, that's what it's all about. Each person is entitled to their own opinion, and I commend you for checking out something new. An open mind is all that can really be asked of anyone when it comes to the subjective topic of music. I admit that my admiration is colored by my adoration for all things French. Thanks for your comments and recommendations.
Mandar, I thought this might interest you! Did you see that in addition to "Not Going Anywhere" she's releasing "Nolita" in the US in March? Or now, if you order an import online, like I just did. :)
Posted by: george at January 30, 2005 12:38 PMHey!
Lacey introduced me to your blog. I am Naseem sister and I am a regular reader now of your finely crafter emotional understanding---the mask always seems to get ichy on me!
But, intrestingly enough although I always seem to introduce friends to great music --after years and years--I still have to point out to everyone that "I" was the one who introduced them to such and such great music! "I" was the original groupie befoer they where discoved by the unwashed masses. I know that's stupid --but I am sure allot of you can relate! Yours has become a blog favorite quickly! Thanks for the intro to Kerem music!
Artemis! It's nice to virtually meet you! I've seen a few of your comments on other blogs and wondered if I'd ever meet another of the famous sisters. That day has arrived. You must know by now that I'm enamored by all things Kourosh, so welcome to the club! Here's to many more comments and who knows? Maybe one day we'll meet for real!
Posted by: george at January 31, 2005 09:01 AMbeautiful voice! you caught my attention with the mention of francoise hardy, to whom my father introduced me at a young age. i'll have to get my uncle to send over a cd or two from france.
Posted by: meisa at February 1, 2005 09:42 AMMeisa-- you have an uncle in France? Awesome! Do you ever get to visit?
Posted by: george at February 1, 2005 01:16 PM