Joanna Newsom "Ys"

The new album "Ys" (pronounced eees) by harp wunderkind Joanna Newsom is densly layered and complex, more storys than songs. The beautiful Cosmia clocks in at 7:17 and is the shortest track on the disc "Only Skin" is a staggering 16:53. The sheer power and beauty of her unique and child like voice, less obvious than on 2004's more accessible "The Milk-Eyed Mender ", hides a smoky maturity. Based around her harp, Van Dyke Parks provides the orchestral arrangments. At times I find this record to be difficult or at least hard to listen to. With its complete lack of traditional pop structure this record is not for casual listening. It requires big ears. Understand, I love this record (perhaps one of the most important records of 2006), but it is not for everyone. If you like your music meaty instead of the typical throwaway fluff, this record may be for you. I find it to be sheer bliss.