Okay, let’s dispense with the nostalgia. Back to the present. The 90s have been over for some time now…
So, I must admit that my interest in Bodies of Water was piqued after seeing a photograph of Meredeth Metcalf, the band’s organ-playing singer, on the Gorilla vs. Bear blog. “Surely, her music must be as stunning as her looks,” I thought to myself. I have used this rationale previously: gorgeous singer = gorgeous music. Superficial? Yes. Illogical? Not necessarily. Usually, it works out. Sometimes, it doesn’t. With BoW, it does: mellifluous vocals and lush, occasionally shambolic instrumentation. It’s a near perfect amalgamation of the sweetness of Beach Boys harmonies and the grandiosity of Arcade Fire, with some not so subtle gospel undertones. Good stuff.
But as I mentioned above, easy on the eyes doesn’t always mean easy on the ears. Here’s my list of five beautiful present-day female musicians who make music I don’t care much for:
- Joanna Newsom (she’s gorgeous, but I cannot tolerate her voice — sorry.)
- post-Exile in Guyville Liz Phair (she just turned 40, but she’s still hot! sadly, she’s released nothing worthwhile since 1993.)
- Leslie Feist (her music does nothing for me; i don’t see what all the hype is about.)
- Maria Taylor (Azure Ray was divine, but I’m not feeling her solo stuff.)
- Sarah Shannon (see above, and replace Azure Ray with Velocity Girl.)
