Joanna Newsom Returns

Honestly, I think Joanna Newsom should be Yeardley Smith's understudy for Lisa Simpson. Actually, I'll take it one step further and say that Newsom should have sung a bunch of songs as Lisa on that Simpsons Sing The Blues album. Better yet, does Joanna need a new manager? I have some profitable ideas to share with her.

I'm not slagging Newsom off. If anything, I've been eagerly awaiting her next move. Like a lot of folks. Forunately, the wait is almost over. November 14 is the confirmed release date for her new album, Ys. Joanna's been hard at work in the studio with a man named Van Dyke Parks, who worked with the Beach Boys. He's been twittering knobs and working out some orchestral arrangements for Lisa ... ehh ... Joanna. Drag City labelmate and Grammy winner Jim O'Rourke has also made his presence known at Joanna's recording sessions, so expect good things all around.

Expect good long things, that is; there are only five songs on this album, and yes it's a full length.

Joanna's new digs:

01 Emily
02 Monkey & Bear
03 Sawdust & Diamonds
04 Only Skin
05 Cosmia



Milk Eyed: Joanna Newsom