Music Review: Extraordinary Machine

Fiona Apple has made a spectacle out of herself since her début on MTV with the song Criminal. The rebellious songstress took hold of the stage in 1996 after winning an award, “This world is bullshit. Don’t model yourself after what you think we think is cool. Go with yourself.” On October 4, 2005 Apple’s first album in six years was released: Extraordinary Machine. Long awaited by fans and disputed by record labels, the Machine/Apple finally cut their way through the red tape. Thankfully, the seemingly crippling label wars and production complications have, thankfully, had no effect on Apple as an artist. Apple’s smoky voice flirts with the powerful instrumentals as the poetic lyrics express her mood of the song. Apple’s tone, reminiscent of Billie Holiday’s, is heavy and soulful with a strong edge to make it her own. The Machine tickles Apple’s album history with songs like “O’sailor” that are suggestive to “Shadow boxer” from the album Tidal. Though similar trends can be heard throughout the album, new musical themes are brought about by the song “Extraordinary Machine”. A curiously gleeful mood is set bythe music. Sounds of strings are complimented by the bouncing tones of the South African Marimba. “Curious, you looking down your nose at me, while you appease – Courteous, to try and help – but let me set your mind at ease.” The song is setting the stage for the album with a new upbeat tone, which is shocking, coming from Apple, a notoriously depressed poet.Apple may have dabbled with “uppers” but the depressing melodies that she is known for can still be found in “Parting Gift”. Her deep piano sounds fall like rain over the lyrics, “Oh, you silly, stupid pastime of mine – You were always good for a rhyme”. Her words are more than just sounds coming from her mouth, they give meaning to her music and express dramatic feeling.The wide range of jazzy instruments that range from the French horn to the Moog Bass create a phenomenal individual sound has really come to life in the Extraordinary Machine. Congratulations to Fiona Apple for actually writing her own music, thus proving to the world that she is a musical genius not only with her lyrics but with her own sound. Extraordinary Machine is Available at most record stores with prices ranging from $10.50 to $15.79.