Nellie McKay: Pretty Little Head
Nellie McKay's sophmore effort has yet to actually be released.
Well, then, how am I even reviewing it? The power of the interwebs.
After reading up on the album in Wired, I was able to get my hands on a copy of the disc. And, feeling guilty, I'll probably buy two copies if/when it actually gets released.
"Pretty Little Head" balances with her previous effort, "Get Away From Me," nicely. I feel, lyrically, the first album was stronger, but the musical ranges on this disc show growth and a better understanding of how to deliver her music, including a guest appearance by Ms. She-Bop herself, Cyndi Lauper. The assist by Lauper doesn't feel forced, but almost like a natural pairing with the piano songstress.
The lounge-y feel that McKay brings remains strong, but she also embraces some more pop, rock, and jazz sounds to make a most enjoyable collection of 23 tracks. Yes, 23.
Which was the problem she had with the label. They wanted to cut it to 16 tracks, she said no, was vocal about it, and they dropped her, just two weeks prior to the record's planned release. Review copies had been distributed, so the McKay fan base has been able to check it out.
In the end: If you liked her first, you'll adore this. If you haven't heard McKay's work before, this may almost be a better entry point. When the album DOES release, please support her and pick this up. Her music and talent should not go to waste.
Well, then, how am I even reviewing it? The power of the interwebs.
After reading up on the album in Wired, I was able to get my hands on a copy of the disc. And, feeling guilty, I'll probably buy two copies if/when it actually gets released.
"Pretty Little Head" balances with her previous effort, "Get Away From Me," nicely. I feel, lyrically, the first album was stronger, but the musical ranges on this disc show growth and a better understanding of how to deliver her music, including a guest appearance by Ms. She-Bop herself, Cyndi Lauper. The assist by Lauper doesn't feel forced, but almost like a natural pairing with the piano songstress.
The lounge-y feel that McKay brings remains strong, but she also embraces some more pop, rock, and jazz sounds to make a most enjoyable collection of 23 tracks. Yes, 23.
Which was the problem she had with the label. They wanted to cut it to 16 tracks, she said no, was vocal about it, and they dropped her, just two weeks prior to the record's planned release. Review copies had been distributed, so the McKay fan base has been able to check it out.
In the end: If you liked her first, you'll adore this. If you haven't heard McKay's work before, this may almost be a better entry point. When the album DOES release, please support her and pick this up. Her music and talent should not go to waste.
posted by askani97 at 3:57 PM
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