#213 Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do' (2012)

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I had no idea that this album existed. It’s the only Fiona Apple record I’ve never listened to. What an interesting, listen, though. I mean, I’m not surprised. Fiona Apple is a uniquely interesting artist in her own right. It’s long title is derived from a poem written by Apple. Following the delays of ‘Extraordinary Machine’ (#444), Apple recorded this album in secret sometime between 2008 and 2011. Apple originally wanted to release the album in 2011, but held off until her label, Epic, had appointed a new President, as she didn’t want her record to get lost in amongst the disarray. When it came time to showcase the record, she couldn’t remember how to play any of the songs as they’d been done for months, some even for years.

The production is pretty sparse, most tracks featuring Apple and her piano front and centre, but occasionally the sound of a double bass and drums show up. Stand outs on the record for me were ‘Valentine’ (when the bass kicks in at 1:20, man!), ‘Anything We Want’ and ‘Hot Knife,’ the Jazziest song on the record. It’s not an easy record to listen to. It requires your attention, for sure, and after the 45 minutes, I felt satisfied, yet exhausted. But that’s Fiona Apple for you. The album actually debuted at #3 and was nominated for Best Alternative Album at the 2012, so not sure how I missed it.

#rs500albums