#444 Fiona Apple, 'Extraordinary Machine' (2005)

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I remember hearing ‘Get Him Back’ for the very first time. I had stumbled upon this album by chance, and while flicking through it, it was the second song that gripped me. Unlike anything I’d ever heard before, I had to listen to it a few more times immediately. That’s the song I most associate with this album. Fiona Apple has a very unique way of playing piano. In a way it reminds me of the unique way in which Joni Mitchell plays guitar. I could totally imagine an acoustic guitar subbing in for the piano. Coupled with that are her distinctive vocal phrasings. As acclaimed as she is, I think Fiona Apple is very underrated.

The album was fraught with mystery and controversy. It was due to be released in 2003 but was delayed 2 years without explanation. It’s been speculated that her label, Epic, delayed the album due its not having enough commercial appeal. In the intervening years, recordings were leaked as Apple recorded and re-recorded it. The album features some of my favourite musicians; drummers Questlove (The Roots), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney) & Jim Keltner (everyone) and Benmont Tench on organ (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers). This album still sounds unique and fresh today.

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