Divers
Harpist and singer/songwriter Joanna Newsom’s idiosyncratic take on folk and Americana has always been a powerful—if polarizing—experience. Her fourth album strikes a balance between the ornate orchestral explorations of 2006’s *Ys* and the more stripped-down confessions of 2010’s *Have One on Me*. She blends labyrinthine wordplay (“Bleach a collar/Leach a dollar/From our cents/The longer you live, the higher the rent”) and obscure subject matter (the names of Lenape villages on what is now New York City) into songs that are passionate, sincere, and surprisingly immediate.
On her fourth album, Divers, Joanna Newsom comes down in size if not scope. A love letter in the form of a reckoning with death, Divers deals with making tangible the huge mass of impending doom about the loss of love. You know, the small stuff. It's a gorgeous record, full of her usual harp wilyness and baroque rhythms.
On her fourth album, Divers, Joanna Newsom comes down in size if not scope. A love letter in the form of a reckoning with death, Divers deals with making tangible the huge mass of impending doom about the loss of love. You know, the small stuff. It's a gorgeous record, full of her usual harp wilyness and baroque rhythms.
Listening to Joanna Newsom’s newest record, Divers, feels like taking a wistful stroll through a field overrun with vibrantly colored wildflowers. The overwhelming sense of beauty that surrounds you as you take in song after song is both real and palpable. With so many different sonic textures working against and in…
Listening to Joanna Newsom’s newest record, Divers, feels like taking a wistful stroll through a field overrun with vibrantly colored wildflowers. The overwhelming sense of beauty that surrounds you as you take in song after song is both real and palpable. With so many different sonic textures working against and in…
The Californian virtuoso returns with her poppiest, best endeavour to punch you in the gut.
The Californian virtuoso returns with her poppiest, best endeavour to punch you in the gut.
After five years, Divers proves Newsom is still capable of maintaining one of the most original voices in the world of…
Harpist Joanna Newsom once again confirms her genius on another rich and textured album
Harpist Joanna Newsom once again confirms her genius on another rich and textured album
After five years, Divers proves Newsom is still capable of maintaining one of the most original voices in the world of…
Album number four from Californian prodigy Joanna Newsom is more modest in scale than its predecessor – just the 11 songs – but no less lofty in ambition.
Album number four from Californian prodigy Joanna Newsom is more modest in scale than its predecessor – just the 11 songs – but no less lofty in ambition.
On each of her LPs to date, California-bred singer, songwriter and harpist Joanna Newsom has expanded and, always subtly, redefined her soun...
On each of her LPs to date, California-bred singer, songwriter and harpist Joanna Newsom has expanded and, always subtly, redefined her soun...
Listening to traditional folk music, particularly from regions like the Appalachians or Catskills in times before and just after the Civil War, is like the best time machine you could envision.
Listening to traditional folk music, particularly from regions like the Appalachians or Catskills in times before and just after the Civil War, is like the best time machine you could envision.
The first notes of Joanna Newsom's fourth record are a throwback to early days. There's a 'The Milk-Eyed Mender' tone to her voice: a
The first notes of Joanna Newsom's fourth record are a throwback to early days. There's a 'The Milk-Eyed Mender' tone to her voice: a
Newsom’s vocals—seemingly limitless, but always under control—glide through swirls of piano, harp, and strings that burst forth and fade at random.
Newsom’s vocals—seemingly limitless, but always under control—glide through swirls of piano, harp, and strings that burst forth and fade at random.
Review of 'Divers' the new album by Joanna Newsom. The single/songwriter's forthcoming release comes out on October 23rd via Drag City Records.
Review of 'Divers' the new album by Joanna Newsom. The single/songwriter's forthcoming release comes out on October 23rd via Drag City Records.
For all the lyrical density and musical complexity of Joanna Newsom’s new album, it’s a surprisingly easy listen
For all the lyrical density and musical complexity of Joanna Newsom’s new album, it’s a surprisingly easy listen
With a voice that's been variously compared to a dying cat and a hobgoblin on helium, it's fair to say that the idiosyncratic sound of harp-toting, indie-folk singer Joanna Newsom is not everyone's cup of tea.
With a voice that's been variously compared to a dying cat and a hobgoblin on helium, it's fair to say that the idiosyncratic sound of harp-toting, indie-folk singer Joanna Newsom is not everyone's cup of tea.
Wonderful and ambitious songs that occasionally trip over their own cleverness. Review by Matthew Wright
Wonderful and ambitious songs that occasionally trip over their own cleverness. Review by Matthew Wright