Monday, March 26, 2007

Natalie Imbruglia and a better Apple

Eight or so years ago when I moved into my current home we got cable, finally, and Natalie was huge on VHS1 with song "Torn." True blue eye three minute song candy and a catchy tune.



I have been taking CDs out of library and this morning I tried - tried - to listen to a more recent Natalie CD, "White Lilies Island," and it left me so uninspired despite slick production and top notch session musicians. I moved from Natalie's CD to one from Avril (who can spell her last name?) which was a bit better, but will still be deleted form my iTunes. Finally I settled on an old stand by, Fiona Apple, and her bootleg version of "Extraordinary Machine." This was a CD leaked on the Internet to force Sony to release it. Fans petitioned and Fiona re did most songs and it was finally released more than a year ago.

Oh, Fiona, I must listen to all your CDs again - including all the bootleg concerts I took off Internet and bought off eBay. I laughed in delight on the train as I listened to to the start of your song below as your lyrics perfectly melded with the tune, the instrumentation and subtle tone of your intelligent voice.



"Extraordinary Machine"

I certainly haven't been shopping for any new shoes, and
I certainly haven't been spreading myself around
I still only travel by foot and by foot, it's a slow climb
But I'm good at being uncomfortable so I can't stop changing all the time

I noticed that my opponent is always on the go, and
Won't go slow so's not to focus and I notice
He'll hitch a ride with any guide as long as they go fast from whence he came
But he's no good at being uncomfortable so he can't stop staying exactly the same

If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine

I seem to you to seek a new disaster every day
You deem me due to clean my view and be at peace and lay
I mean to prove I mean to move in my own way and say
I've been getting along for long before you came into the play

I am the baby of the family
It happens so everybody cares
And wears the sheeps' clothes while they chaperone
Curious you're looking down your nose at me while you appease
Courteous to try and help but let me set your mind at ease

If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine

Do I so worry you
You need to hurry to my side, it's very kind
But it's to no avail
I don't want the bail
I promise you everything will be just fine

If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine

If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine



I guess I will just collect Natalie CD covers because she is so conventionally pretty and poses so well in a bed. No, honestly I do not think I will ever buy one. Nor will I take another out of the library. All the king's horses and all the king's men cannot make Natalie into a creative force.


Get thee to Ani Difranco. She is a amazing.

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