As I mentioned below, the ever-clever VG dropped me some serious knowledge with regards to some artists this weekend. I thought I'd share. Cause I'm just that kinda' Hillbilly.I'd like to begin by noting that critics are no way to determine the quality of just about anything. Seriously. That includes this site.
That said, they are a good way to find your way to new music (allowing you to make judgements) and they just might give you the descriptive language you've been searching for with regards to a given artist. Maybe.
Regardless, Ms. Jolie Holland is a great example of how critics do, sometimes, recognize quality when they see it. Check out her website - the list of applause is as long as the Great Wall of Zhongguo. That said . . .
Okay, the critics seem obsessed with trying to dissect Holland's work. Is it bluegrass? Is it jazz? Is it folk? Was it written by Hobbits? How much have Western and Latin influences effected the Southern sensibilities of her work? BLAGH.
Jolie Holland writes, sings, and plays American music. If you're Southern and you don't fall in love with it, well, its probably because you hate Southern music of every genre. Me, I like it. Hell, I love it.
There are two sites to check out - both are worth a peek. First, Holland's homepage has a ton-o-jonx, including lyrics and some music - hell, you can stream an entire album. Second is Holland's sub-page on the site of ANTI- (a site which is worth a peak in and of itself). There's more music here and a highly comprehensible (if not comprehensive) bio.
2 comments:
Grab a record or any recording by any artist between the period of 1915 and 1938 relativly and you will hear every bit of every sound she is trying to produce. So in other words she sounds like an old record. Pick up some old Carter family tunes or some John Coltrane instead of wasting your money on her stuff. It is a great attempt, but does not even come close in my book. Her lyrics are great but her voice and pickin fall short.
An ol crusty man.
Papaw - I know it was you - two points. First, you obviously only listened to stuff from her old album. I know it ain't quite perfect, but the key is that she released it by accident. That's right, by accident. Was intended as a practice piece. Listen to her work on the ANTI- site. Trust the Smith.
e.-
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