Anna's Pick of the Week: Joanna Newsom - Ys

In preparation for Joanna Newsom’s latest release coming up in a couple weeks (listen to the single here!) I revisited my favorite release from her: Ys. Don’t get scared off by the ren fest album cover. It’s an orchestral wonder that could only be matched by Joanna’s vocals, famously reedy and childlike, but more controlled and majestic this go around. Each track is bursting with movement, in both the sound and lyrics. The record packaging is also beautiful; it opens up and has an embedded book of the lyrics with scrimshaw illustrations. Some people may discount the floral harps and songs about anthropomorphized animals, but it’s remained a favorite of mine for years.