Harmonium

I love Vanessa Carlton.  She has a new album coming out really soon and I am dying with anticipation.  This might be a dangerous thing though... the dying with anticipation part... because last time I did that, I was sorely disappointed.  Think Lady Gaga.  Born This Way.

I really have hopes for this one only because of Vanessa's track record.  Her first album was ok with a few really great tracks that piqued my interest.  I got tired of it after awhile, but it lasted me an entire summer, so I can't complain.  You all remember A Thousand Miles.  It's still a great girl song.  Love it.  She also does a really great, emotional cover of Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones.  I don't know if at this point it is worth it to purchase this album, but there are some good moments.  If you are a playlist fiend than it's worth it to sample and buy the one ore two songs that you like for your playlist.  This was largely a label album.  Vanessa didn't necessarily call the shots on the song picks although she did write the songs and play the piano on the album.

My favorite thing about Vanessa Carlton... her second album Harmonium.  It is exquisite.  The album tanked, although I really feel that it has more to do with the lack of press from her record label then me being the only person on the planet that stood in awe of it.  I'm a musician.  I know when something is crap.  It is good. Click on the link above and test it out for yourself though. I think a lot of people just didn't know that it was out there.  The one single that got released didn't get any attention, and I imagine these bigwigs sitting in boardrooms saying that she's too "girl with the piano" for them to back up financially.  Well those of us who appreciate music for it's aesthetic value and not just for the KA-CHING, bought the album seven years ago and still listen to it today.  SO THERE!

Seriously, it is probably my twelfth, all time favorite album.  And you thought I would really stop at eleven?

Harmonium had beautiful piano riffs and is ripe with hopeful, unique songs.  This album is about her falling in love and getting married to Steven Jenkins from Third Eye Blind.  My favorite song is Afterglow.  Sample the whole album, I really love the entire thing, every song.

Her third album is Heroes and Thieves.  It is about her break up and divorce from Steven Jenkins.  It is beautiful too although I don't love EVERY song like I do on the Harmonium album.  This third effort features Stevie Nicks.  Apparently, after the disappointing album sales from Harmonium, the record label took her contract, she had to wrangle a new one and Stevie Nicks stepped in somewhere along the line to mentor her on the "new" album.  Stevie did a great job as a mentor and is featured on the song The One, which represents the melancholy, haunting tone of the entire record.  Steven Jenkins is still really close to his ex wife and produced this music.

Ok.  So.  If you are going to delve into Vanessa Carlton, I say start with Harmonium, move on to Heroes and Thieves and then keep your fingers crossed that the new album Rabbits on the Run is lovely and memorable as well.  It comes out on 7/26/11 and I am downloading it as soon as it comes out.  I guess, keep your fingers crossed for me that my heart does not break yet again over another lackluster record this year.

Here's the new video to check out.  I like it.

The last thing that excites me about this artist is her sense of fashion.  Oh.  She has a great wardrobe. I'm a little obsessed with her clothes.