Seminal Californian singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist Joanna Newsom released her fourth full length album Divers a couple of weeks back, another first class work of highly idiosyncratic lyricism and exquisitely ornamental musical arrangements to which she enlisted the support of eight musicians including Nico Mulhy, David Longstreth and Ryan Francesconi as well as members of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
The record’s realisation took almost two years, reflecting the length of time between this and her last record. Newsom is never going to visit upon us anything less than a work of art that smacks of 100% discipline and effort and yet the results always seem effortless but his record seems even more so than Have One On Me or Ys. Indeed, Newsom has commented on how much fun she had making it and that shows through in its innate exuberance despite the assiduity.
Newsom has just released a second video from the record for the title track and third “single” following on from our Top 30 listed ‘Leaving The City’ and Sapokanikan’. Divers is out now on Drag City and you can order it on vinyl here. Check out the aforementioned video featuring the cover art work of designer Kim Keever below.
Divers
Joanna Newsom (USA)
From the album, ‘Divers’, Drag City.
Joanna Newsom Label Page
Official Video