THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HARP

When I listen to Joanna Newsom's music, I can't help but think the 24-year-old singer/songwriter has been teleported to modern society from a Renaissance village where she rode about on a unicorn, plucking the harp that rested in her petite lap. Adding to her distinctiveness are screeching, gravelly vocals that sound exactly like my cat, Confetta, when she doesn't get what she wants.

It might seem like I'm not painting a very flattering portrait of Ms. Newsom, but the truth is that I love her to death. A few months ago a friend gave me a copy of The Milk-Eyed Mender , her first CD. It's a solid album, comprised mostly of three to four minute songs like "Bridges and Balloons" and the hit indie single "Sprout and the Bean."

Nothing on Milk-Eyed prepared me for her latest album, Ys (pronounced "eees"). Released by Drag City in late 2006, Ys consists of five tracks that range in length from about seven to seventeen minutes. A full orchestra accompanies Newsom's fervent harp playing, giving the music unbelievably lush textures that transport you to another world if you don't fight the eccentric arrangements or the admittedly obtuse lyrics.

For a video sample of Newsome playing a clip from "Sawdust and Diamonds" visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=032nP0N-QRE