Cookin' with Kasey

Yesterday saw the annual Homebake music festival in The Domain, central Sydney. Amongst many fine Aussie artists performing was the cross-over queen, Kasey Chambers. Primarily a country and western singer, Casey's music is also considered middle of the road rock/pop.

I used to think it was just me, but for all her talent Kasey really annoys a lot of people. And it's to do with the fact she sings like a baby. Or more to the point, she seems to sing from the back of her nose. As if she's wearing braces. Or maybe it's the stud in her mouth - or is it the chin ? Whatever...

A female passenger from the concert vented her frustration, 'Yes she was fantastic, but for God's sake, she's a grown woman with a baby and husband ! Sure, I've got her CDs, but I can only listen to them in small doses.' An early hit for Kasey was, Not pretty enough. A song which received so much airplay it became annoying in my cab. Women especially would request I turn it off.

Later in the evening I carried a woman from Homebake who had marketed Kasey in the early days for EMI. When I put this vocal peculiarity to her, she reluctantly agreed, 'Yes, she tends to polarise people with her voice. But she talks like that.'

Shortly thereafter Kasey was interviewed on ABC radio's Saturday Night Country. Whilst she does talk with a voice which sounds affected, I don't think it is. It sounds strangely natural.

Anyway have a listen, (about a third of the way in) and judge for yourself. Here she chats to the host and plays some beautiful tunes from her new album, Wayward Angel. Simply sensational, especially the title track plus her new single, Pony. Check out the baritone guitar. We're going to be hearing a lot of this song. Hopefully not too much.

Comments

[Darlene]

Interesting analysis of Ms Chambers.

Actually, I am a fan of hers and love her distinctive vocals. However, I must concede I haven't heard her sing in concert.

The "Pretty" song was played way too much, as commerical radio is wont to do, but the cynical lyrics about someone telling someone she is who she is were good, if wrongly assumed to be a bit of the victim side.

Alas, as my computer technology extends to a second-hand dud with the worst internet access on the planet and no speakers, I can't listen to the tune, but can I put on my Casey CDs.

[Darlene]

Sorry, my grammar is the pits today. I think I should just give it up and go to bed. Blah!

[adrian]

Darlene, I've just recalled Kasey's special edition issue of The Captain. It contained half a dozen bonus tracks of cover songs. In particular, a fantastic rendition of a track, Freightrain. And from memory, without a trace of nasal vocals. She can do it, and still sound great.

With her undoubted song-writing abilities, it will be interesting to see what inspiration is created from her just announced marriage breakdown. According to publicity this is a mutual separation, so any perception of victimhood should thankfully be absent. One hopes.

[Carl]

Homebake was great! Casey, one of the best performers, but she needs a few more UP songs for a live set in the big smoke.

Spiderbait was my highlight. Homebake has not always been good to "the bait", but this year they went off.