Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Thoughts on Heather Nova

A friend in high school introduced me to Heather Nova. If you've never heard of her, you should check her out. She's fantastic when the mood strikes. I wouldn't go so far as to say that she's an acquired taste, because even if her music isn't your cup of tea, most individuals who have a healthy respect for vocalists and musicians should be able to respect her vocal range combined with her ability to play an instrument at the same time. I realize that there are thousands of people who can do just that, but number one, this is coming from someone who failed piano class in college because I can't read music and I'm too picture oriented to save my life, and two, I firmly believe that she never got the credit that she deserves as an artist. She would easily be in the Top 40 if people knew about her. But, in truth, I think that makes me love her even more in those moments where I just want some chick rock. I don't believe that she's making music because she wants to be famous, but because it's in her blood. That's what it's all about at the end of the day.

A very brief background, in tid-bit-list form...
-Acoustic with an edge, but still with deeper, more intense instruments like the upright bass, cello and the violin.
-Heather Nova grew up mostly on a boat. Did you? No.... Anyone who does not grow up on a boat that is moving around consistently at the very least does not earn cool points.
-***"At it's most ferocious Heather's style could be described as a combination of Patti Smith and Kate Bush, capable of swooping from great heights into moments of great delicacy."***

Listen here for what I still believe to be the best cover ever of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game". Listen here for what is possibly the best angry chick song you've heard since "Precious" by Tori Amos. (This is the live version. I must admit, I'm accustomed to the album version, so this is an adjustment for me, but nonetheless, the most climactic version I could find in a free website.) And for those who prefer a more mainstream song, check out this.

No judging, by the way. This is coming from the chick who just bought Sigur Ros, The Smiths, The Arcade Fire and The Shins... on vynil... bitch...

Enjoy. :)

***from www.heathernova.com