Was just listening to this new one from Fiona Apple, and it is sounding really nice. Most people probably know by now whether they like her or not, she does have a sound somewhat her own. But the striking thing about this one, especially after a series of loud and crappy sounding CDs from just about everyone this year, this one has some real dynamics! As a matter of fact, it's a very nice recording. There aren't really any singles, and it's more stripped down than normal, no blown out orchestrations or heavy-handed production, though certainly not sparse sounding. The songs are all substantial, and very dramatic at times. I think this one might stand up nicely in the coming months. Kind of what I was hoping for from the latest Carina Round, but not delivered. This one delivers on both music and sound. Fun times with headphones too - the "Hot Knife" closer is something else.

"Werewolf" up at song of the day.... waveform below.