Fiona Apple

I love Fiona Apple. I think she is extremely talented, and I am surprised that she is not more famous. Once, when I was living in Los Angeles, I attended a benefit concert and I actually walked past her and her date in a hallway. It made my night. I think she is beautiful and wistful, and her songs just have that tang of truth and delight/bitterness that make them so often something special.

And let's face it -When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and If You Know Where You Stand, Then You'll Know Where to Land and If You Fall It Won't Matter, Cuz You Know That You're Right  -  was both a ballsy choice, to use your own poem, and possibly the greatest album name ever.

"Criminal" happens to be both an amazing song and a memorable music video. I know that there was/is controversy about it - being exploitative and such (also that she is too skinny, etc.) But regardless of the critical reception, it is one of those videos that you can't look away from when you first see, and sticks out even with several viewings. It is not your usual happy sexy party video. Again, more real and tinged with sadness.  It's not surprising, then, how much airplay it got when it first came out. I was watching some stupid countdown show just a few months ago, and they had this listed as one of the "Sexiest" music videos ever. Now, when I view this, yeah she's pretty and scantily clad and all that, but I think the whole "drug-fueled Valtrex-needing revel amongst the 70s decor" thing comes off as rather more depressing, especially coupled with the song. That said, it's still a fantastic video that conveys a lot of emotion, even though it shows some skin.

I think I actually like most of her videos, they have a very cinematic quality - partially because the songs themselves tend to be unhurried, her voice is so outstanding, and I think she has a very arresting face and quality about her, both very real and very otherworldly. So here are a few of my favorites:

Starting with the classic "Criminal" - I still want those sparkly blue socks she wears.


And here is "Paper Bag" - which is less well known, and I think with the gown and the dancing could have come off very silly if someone else had done it - but she is so stately and radiant in it - and that voice...



"Fast As You Can"


From the more recent stuff there is - "O, Sailor" - which is simple and literal, but comes off still serious and theatrical without being silly. 




And of course, "Not About Love" which features Zack Galifianakis (from a few years back so pre-current fame level) - I like that they are apparently buddies, and she in turn appears on one of his joke tracks. I really like this one. It's quirky and funny and his dancing is well juxtaposed with the more somber tone of the lyrics, so it doesn't come off as just a stunt, despite having him and his dancing in it - a fine line to walk.



And lastly, even her covers are good:


"Across The Universe" [The Beatles]


And "I Want You"  [Elvis Costello] - which is one of my favorite songs in the world, so there aren't a lot of changes I would have accepted, much less liked!