Best Albums of the Decade: 4. The Milk-Eyed Mender by Joanna Newsom
The Milk-Eyed Mender by Joanna Newsom, 2006
Joanna Newsom is an acquired taste to say the least. The first time I heard a song from her (Sadie, which is now, of course, my favorite song of hers), I was turned off by her voice; it seemed untamed and sort of awkward which it is. If you listen closely though, you’ll find that Newsom’s music is an entire wonderland. A harpist, she blends the most beautiful strings you have ever heard into songs that seem sort of abstract and odd upon first listen. Joanna Newsom is absolutely brilliant. Her songs have the most vivid imagery possible, seeming more like poetry. While her music seems to have very distinct imagery, she writes with perfect accuracy about the awkwardness of romance (Peach, Plum, Pear), death and loss (Sadie), and even the struggles of being a creative artist (Inflammatory Writ). She is precisely herself, allowing herself to nurture her art by not conforming to the rules of a popular musician. If you’ve listened to Ms. Newsom once and weren’t impressed, try again and really listen, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.
