MP3 Masala: Joan As Policewoman - "Eternal Flame"
MP3 Masala: Joan As Policewoman - "Anyone"
A few months back Joan Wasser (aka Joan As Policewoman) had a month residency at The Living Room, a successful stint showcasing songs for her recently released debut LP Real Life. I had seen her open for Rufus Wainwright two years prior, and was really struck by her growth as a performer and writer; her talent, however, has always been beyond question. Rufus turned up as a guest performer one of those nights (as did Antony Hegarty), and since this is Rufus week (what with the gayest show ever at Carnegie Hall tomorrow night -- Rufus Does Judy Garland!), these tracks made their way to me at the perfect time.
The comments to my Living Room posts from a few months back suggest that "Eternal Flame" is about Jeff Buckely, with whom Joan shared an ill-fated romance and engagement. With that in mind, "I can't be the lighter of your eternal flame" is tragically poignant; a unique conflict of love and legacy. This tension manifests in dissonant, bowed violins (Joan's principal instrument, along with guitar and piano), haunting background harmonies and an eerie bass vocal providing "ooohs" and slapped-back lyrics througout. And somehow, through the waltz and the modulation of the bridge, the track is uplifting. Masterful.
The next track is immediately loveable and highly recommended. Joan welcomes new love through nostalgic Motown swing, Rhodes and a li'l trumpet for color. It's updated 60's R&B, kids; as far as tunesmiths come, it doesn't get much finer. And for fans of Buckley's work, you'll notice the influence most apparent at 3:00 of the track, where instruments drop and Joan sustains a note ala "Lilac Wine." Great stuff. And she's kinda sorta gorgeous, which certainly doesn't make her sound any worse.
Looks like Joan is in Europe through the summer, but you can buy Real Life through her webpage. And of course, you can be her friend.
oh amrit, i'm afraid you've done it again. i knew i'd like her stuff the moment i read about the dissonant violins and haunting harmonies, and it's really lovely. thanks.
oh, and love the "gayest show ever" line. you just may be right about that!
Posted by: mjrc | June 14, 2006 at 12:59 PM
yup, killer tracks. killer looks. killer.
Posted by: sinatra | June 14, 2006 at 03:07 PM
once again, a lovely write up about a lovely woman and lovely her work. oh and it's joseph arthur supplin'those sexy low "ooohs".
hope you are well.
cheers.
Posted by: agaye | July 02, 2006 at 04:41 PM