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Music Review: Regina Spektor will Become a Household Name

Authored by Scott Goldberg on December 1, 2006 - 7:08am.
Regina Spektor 2The Russian native and one-woman band Regina Spektor is going mainstream following a steady gig as The Strokes’ favorite opening act.  Her first album with Sire Records, Begin to Hope, will have a wider appeal than 11:11, her debut, and Soviet Kitsch, but it’s still thoroughly Regina.  Comparisons from music critics include Norah Jones (because Spektor is fond of the piano), Fiona Apple (because at times she sings powerfully about being a powerful female), and Tristan Prettyman (because her lyrics are sweet and easy).  But it doesn’t take long to realize she has a style all her own, musically and lyrically.  She can sing the blues with the best, sounding like Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” on the song “Lady,” or bring out her darker side and sound like Bjork on “Apres Moi.”
tags: Music | Artists | Reviews | Scott Goldberg | Samples | Regina Spektor |

Music Review: Few Compare to Citizen Cope's Originality

Authored by Scott Goldberg on October 20, 2006 - 4:59am.
Citizen CopeThe words “unique” and “original” are too often tossed at art and music unworthy of such lofty claims, because to possess a truly unique and original style is, perhaps, the highest aim of any artist.  Listening to Citizen Cope’s music, the lack of comparisons will not be obvious right away.  At first you’re reminded of the blues, Cope’s smoky voice and melancholy mood hovering over every track.  But his style is as much blues as it is rap, as much rap as it is reggae; in jazz terminology you might call it a “cool” approach – Cope always sings just behind the already slowed-down beat, taking his time with every word, and in that sense he lacks (gratefully) the urgency underlining most hip hop and rap today.
tags: Music | Reviews | Scott Goldberg | Samples | Citizen Cope |