Well, if you have seen Zero 7 play live before,
either on their tours, late night talk show rounds, or from videos that you can find on the internet, the question that might come to mind is, "Just how many people are in this band, anyway?" Well, actually, there are only 2. Yep, even though you have seen them with multiple singers and guest musicians, sometimes crowding the stage with up to 20 people, the Grammy-nominated, downtempo style group is actually the brain-child of 2 London-based sound engineers named Henry Bins and Sam Hardaker.Most of the musicians that they use, have already been accomplished on their own, but some have become more well-known because of their association with Zero 7. Their popular trio of vocalists, Sia Furler, Sophie Barker, and Tina Dico are no exceptions. Although they each compliment the style of the band, sometimes singing alone or sharing the stage, they also have their own unique styles that set them apart from the others. As I get time, I will try to examine all of their styles, but today I want to talk about Sia Furler, or just Sia, which is what she calls herself, and her newest album "Some People Have Real Problems".
If you are into the downtempo (or "chill-out") style of music, then this album will definitely appeal to you. But be aware, that if you are looking for mainstream pop, this album may not be for you. Sia has a very odd style about her that may grate on some people, with a vibrato which is sometimes overdone, but if you accept her for what she is, which is a very talented performance artist, you will be captivated by her ability. She is definitely NOT Fergie!
The album itself is very well crafted, with no short-cuts taken. If a piece needed a background choir or horn section to complete it, it was provided. Not by over-dubbing or sampling, but by REAL musicians, playing REAL instruments. Imagine that, in this world of technology! Bravo, Sia!
The above video of the triumphant "Day Too Soon" was from the radio show, "Morning Becomes Eclectic", on KCRW, Santa Monica, California, and I think it really shows her ability to just belt out a great performance. I mean, here she is, just hanging out on a chair (terrible posture for singing) at a radio station, and on the spot, effortlessly nails a track that would be a keeper in any professional recording studio. Then she just goes back to being goofy and giggling, like it was nothing. There are plenty more of these cuts, so check out all of her YouTube videos, if you get a chance.
The rest of the album is full of just great music (like I said, if you appreciate the style). Personally, I do. Again, I am amazed at Sia's ability to breathe life into an otherwise simple song, like on the track, "You Have Been Loved". There is nothing fancy about this song. In fact, it's really not my favorite. It is just piano, strings, drums, and vocals. That's it! But Sia sings it so well, that you want to listen to it over and over.
The opening song, "Little Black Sandals" is kind of humorous, with her footwear having the brains enough to walk away from a bad relationship when her real brain isn't sure.
I thought the song "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine" sounded like a Pretenders song, and then I was pleasantly surprised to see a remake of an ACTUAL Pretenders song, "I Go To Sleep". Actually, the song was written by Ray Davies, and covered by quite a few artists, including Marion Maerz, and Rasputina.
The jazzy, apologetic, "Lentil" is a nice addition to the album, with a music style similar to Fiona Apple, and a vocal like Tori Amos. The song swells to a nice orchestral crescendo, and then fades off quietly, like it began. Nicely done.
Other highlights include the fun, interesting "Playground" which I could see getting some airplay on stations other than public radio (I say that like it's a bad thing), along with "Buttons", which kind of has a B-52's style dance beat, a la "Rock Lobster". Another track that accentuates Sia's vocals is "Death By Chocolate", which has a full choir that lays a foundation for her to sing over.
Here is the full song list:
Little Black Sandals
Lentil
Day Too Soon
You Have Been Loved
The Girl You Lost To Cocaine
Academia
I Go To Sleep
Playground
Death By Chocolate
Soon We'll Be Found
Electric Bird
Beautiful Calm Driving
Lullaby
Buttons
So, two thumbs up from me, especially if you like Zero 7, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, The Pretenders, or if you just want to listen to something that isn't really like most of the music out there.
