...or loudly meow, as Cat Power emphatically does on her latest release The Greatest. I discovered last night that this album's true nature is revealed during late-night listening, preferably after a drink or two or whatever one chooses to imbibe in. The laid-back groove the Memphis musicians lay down coupled with Chan Marshall's subdued yet impassioned vocals invoke a smoky, dive-bar atmosphere. I get the feeling, as she admits in the song "Lived in Bars", that this is where she feels most at home.
Cat Power's The Greatest, and Lucinda William's West, are recent examples of some wonderful music being made by women. Here's a quick rundown of some of the more notable female artists who have recently put out good stuff:
Joanna Newsom - She plays the harp and sings beautiful, poetic story-songs. Ys is one of the best albums of 2006. Another incredible talent.
Joanna Newsom "Sprout and Bean" video
Jolie Holland - California girl combines old-timey folk and a country-twang with jazz and Irish influences, mixes in some strings and horns and cooks up a satisfying sound.
MP3: "Springtime Can Kill You"
Fiona Apple - More proof that record labels don't have a clue, Epic balked at releasing Apple's Extraordinary Machine. After songs leaked on the internet and garnered a huge response, she hired a new producer (Mike Elizondo) and the album was finally released in 2005. It was one of the most impressive recordings of that year. They say there is no genius without a touch of madness, and if her sometimes erratic live performances are an indication, she is not without eccentricities. But from that madness comes great music.
Here's her video for the song "Not About Love"
Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) - She is a classically-trained vocalist who is best known for working with Sufjan Stevens. On her debut solo album, she demonstrates her considerable talent.
My Brightest Diamond "Dragonfly" video
Lilly Allen - Quirky Brit blew up last year with her debut release. There are touches of reggae, electronica and hip-hop in her sound along with raunchy, humorous lyrics.
Lilly Allen "Smile" video
Neko Case - A talented songwriter, in the country-folk tradition.
Neko Case performing "Maybe Sparrow" on Letterman
Aimee Mann - She has proven herself as much more than a one-hit wonder (for 'Til Tuesday's "Voices Carry") with her mature and fully-realized concept album, The Forgotten Arm, about the trials and tribulations of a boxer.
Aimee Mann performs "She Really Wants You" on Letterman
Sleater-Kinney - Yes, girls can rock as hard as anyone. Unfortunately, they announced an "indefinite hiatus" last summer.
Sleater-Kinney "Jumpers" video
Karen O (Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs) - Another hard-rockin', punk-ish band led by a woman.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Gold Lion" video
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