Fiona's machine

I knew only one thing would pull me off my Imogen Heap kick. And today it happened. Fiona Apple’s ‘Extraordinary Machine’ arrived on my doorstep.

I fell in love with it on the first listen.

I never got caught up in the whole ‘Free Fiona' thing. And I wasn’t one of the fanatics that downloaded the shelved version of ’Machine’ from the Internet. …But I have missed Fiona nevertheless, and this album has me thrilled she came back from her six-year vacation ….

Back are Fiona’s classic, bouncy piano, the soaring strings and cutting voice. And the lyrics -- oh, the lyrics -- are as mature, clever, and yet humorous, as ever, starting with the opening title track (which sounds like it belongs in an animated Disney film -- and I mean that in a good way…) …

I certainly haven’t been shopping for any new shoes
-And-
I certainly haven’t been spreading myself around
I still only travel by foot and by foot, it’s a slow climb,
But I’m good at being uncomfortable, so
I can’t stop changing all the time

OK, so maybe you have to hear the music behind them to appreciate the lyrics. But believe when I say this: it’s good stuff.