This has been a great year for new music — especially new music by women. As I write this, five of my top ten 2008 CD’s are by women and most of those are first or second albums.
Years ago I was accused of not listening to many female artists. I had some old standbys by Carole King and Carly Simon that had mostly been inherited from my parents plus a Tracy Chapman or two, but otherwise my collection was distinctly lacking in estrogen.
Continuing the theme of one-named women from foreign lands, we jump from Duffy to Robyn. Robyn is a Swedish pop star who wrestled with record execs who weren’t happy with her new direction, bought out her contract and started her own label. This self-titled album was released in Sweden a year or so ago but reached U.S. shores just last month. Her story reminds me a bit of Aimee Mann, who was entangled in record comapny meddling after early success with ‘Til Tuesday only to launch her own label and self-release her more ambitious solo work. Robyn isn’t in Mann’s league, but she’s crafted a very good album.
Meet Me In Montauk 