Twittering Machines

Joanna Newsom
Have One On Me

Don’t you just love when things are better than you imagined they would be? And when you’re in the midst of all that betterness while it’s happening? I do. And Joanna Newsom’s new triple LP box set is a joy to hold, behold and relish. A feast for the eyes, ears and songful imaginarium.

From her Invisible Jukeboxin this month’s The Wire:

It’s [Have One On Me] really like a love song to California…

I got nodes on my vocal cords and I went on vocal rest for two months. I wasn’t speaking…But I learned a lot that was very useful – when I came back from my vocal rest and started preparing to sing, I had to retrain myself a little and I went to a very specialized vocal coach who specializes in preventing injuries. I learned a lot of things that will hopefully help protect me. My voice got a lot stronger.

I can hear JD saying “I told you so.” John heard this training when we listened to this record at Stephen’s and anyone listening can hear the difference. Her voice is more controlled, softer and subtler at times while retaining those wild abandoned squeals and squeaks. The same can be said of the accompaniment – subtler, softer and less adamant. All around better and I love better.

And each LP as well as the booklet is lovingly wrapped in Joanna. Enjoy.