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:

1. Joanna Newsom (she’s gorgeous, but I cannot tolerate her voice — sorry.)
2. post-Exile in Guyville Liz Phair (she just turned 40, but she’s still hot! sadly, she’s released nothing worthwhile since 1993.)
3. Leslie Feist (her music does nothing for me; i don’t see what all the hype is about.)
4. Maria Taylor (Azure Ray was divine, but I’m not feeling her solo stuff.)
5. Sarah Shannon (see above, and replace Azure Ray with Velocity Girl.)