Desire Avenue

I noticed whilst perusing old threads that Joanna Newsom seems to have had rather an ambivalent reception on this site, particularily in reference to her voice (hmmm - where have I heard that before?).
To tell the truth, I'd not been a massive fan before hearing this album, having dismissed her as part of this new American 'weird folk' scene, which is not really my bag; but I came across the new LP in a record shop and was intrigued by the cover, leafed through the booklet (yes, I'm a sucker for a nice bit of packaging!), saw that Van Dyke Parks was involved and decided to give it a go.
I was bowled over by it - absolutely stunned.
The lush, baroque orchestral arrangements and sympathetic mix couches her voice (somewhat trimmed of earlier excesses) well and really complements the harp playing. It's a definite progression from the previous album.
I'd recommend anyone who wasn't impressed by the first album to listen to this one - it might change your mind.

She is currently touring the US so I reccomend checking out if she is coming to a venue near where any of you are. I got the opportunity to see her on Monday (in Omaha, 6 hours away from where i live) and i was amazed at how good the show was. She had a 5 piece supporting band, and the live drums really, really livened up the fast parts of Emily, Monkey and Bear, and Only Skin. Her voice was less restrained than on the album, and the harp was also more prominent than on the album, and it is AMAZING to see her hands work so fast across the strings.

Yep I am loving this record too. I would however also recommend Milk Eyed Mender its equally stunning.