Ys (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Joanna Newsom (vocals, harp); Joanna Newsom; Matt Cartsonis (banjo, mandolin); John Wittenberg, Cameron Patrick, Shari Zippert, Sharon Jackson, Edmund Stein, Gina Kronstadt, Vladimir Polimatidi, Julie Rogers, Peter Kent (violin); Caroline Buckman, Jessica van Velzen, Karen Elaine, Marda Todd, Miriam Mayer, David Stenske, Briana Bandy (viola); Giovna Clayton, Erika Duke-Kirkpartick (cello); Patricia Cloud, Susan Greenberg (flute); Van Dyke Parks (accordion); Peter Nevin, Jeff Driskill (clarinet); Phillip Fethar (oboe); John D Mitchell (bassoon); Robert O'Donnell, Jr. (trumpet); Terrence Schonig (marimba); Grant Geissman (electric guitar); Lee Sklar (electric bass); Don Heffington (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Jim O'Rourke.

Recording information: Entourage Studios, LA (12/2005-06/2006); The Village Recording Studio, LA (12/2005-06/2006).

Arranger: Van Dyke Parks.

It shouldn't be a surprise that an artist as stridently unconventional as Joanna Newsom would make a second album that overturns all the expectations established by her first. While Newsom's harp, highly poetic lyrics, and distinctive, child-like voice will be familiar to fans of THE MILK-EYED MENDER, YS takes Newsom's art in a new, startling directions.

The quaint, self-contained folk portraits of the debut are obliterated here in favor of sprawling epics that recall sea shanties, Homeric myths, and progressive rock. Newsom's words are still highly literate and evocative, though they seem more narrative and symbolic than the surreal expressions of MENDER. The album is graced by string arrangements from Van Dyke Parks which create a swelling, dramatic counterpoint to Newsom's performances. Production assistance from indie-rock titans Steve Albini and Jim O'Rourke helps make this stellar effort one of 2006's most provocative releases. minimize