Rachel Yamagata

EP
$9.98
I just lauded her work on `Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart', so this rave shouldn't come as a shock. With this short EP, aptly entitled `EP', Rachel Yamagata burst onto the scene (but sadly without a deserved household name status) and proved that she has what it takes to make a real name for herself. I'm saddened by the fact that I stumbled onto this brilliant artist. I mean, it's always nice to feel as though you discovered a hidden gem that not many people know about and so you can feel somewhat special, but that always comes with the pangs of knowing that the artist isn't getting the commercial success they deserve. Rachel Yamagata has more talent in one singular vocal note than half the teeny-bop cash cows making millions today, and yet she is an artist you are lucky if you discover.

Please, buy her music and support REAL artists!

The album opens with the infectious `Collide', a marvelously tapered energetic piece that makes good use of Rachel's vocals while giving her a catchy vibe. `Worn Me Down' is similar in style yet completely it's own. It reminds me a tad of a U2 song in it's composition, but Rachel's lyrical content and rich voice elevate the track and make it unique and instantly lovable (thus a fan favorite).

`The Reason Why' is a comfortable fit for Rachel, a song that relies on her haunting vocals and the simple yet profound piano riffs. It's a beautiful song and a wonderful example of why this talented young woman needs to be on everyone's iPod right now. `Known for Year's has a down and out country vibe to it, reminiscent of Julie Roberts (a nice vocal comparison to be honest). The albums closing song `Would You Please' has a raw blues vibe to it that suits Yamagata perfectly.

What is even better than that cunning closing track is the hidden track that comes shortly after; `These Girls'. A stunning offering, both lyrically and vocally, `These Girls' is one of her finest moments. The delicate way her voice milks the backing arrangements is startling and just slides over the listener with a sensual chemistry that will rest easy on your ears and mind.

So, like I said, Rachel Yamagata deserves all the respect and adoration we can give her and she really deserves to make millions off her gift. So spread the word, help increase her fan base and just shout her praises from the rooftops.

She deserves it.

Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart (2 CD)
$15.98
One of the most impressive artists I've had the privilege of discovering recently, Rachel Yamagata has the ability to chill my bones while warming my heart; and she does it effortlessly. With a sound reminiscent of Fiona Apple (yes, the comparisons are justified), a haunting fragrance comparable to Poe (got to love that) and the soulfulness of Ray Lamontagne (who even duets with her on `Duet'!!!), Rachel Yamagata has her style, and her fan base, practically carved out for her already; but what makes Rachel so special is that she exceeds all expectations by making each and every track her own, never falling into copycat territory or resting easy on the coattails of those who paved the way for her. With the voice of an angel (a fallen angel, beings that the hint of smoke and whiskey rule out a heavenly hope) and the fearlessness needed to stand out in the industry, Rachel Yamagata is one of the best musical talents you've never heard of.

Now you have.

`Elephants' starts off the album with a bold and blunt outlook from this fragile looking creature. Her outer beauty is offset by her inner melancholy; both facets of her person elevating the other to create something truly beautiful to comprehend. Speaking of haunted past lives and blood-soaked jaws, Yamagata paints a vivid picture that one will not soon forget; and the instrumental version that appears in the center of the album only brings those memories back to life, full force. `Sunday Afternoon' may seem daunting at nearly ten minutes long, but don't be afraid; the track never wanes and is one of the best on the album. With a delicate introduction that leads way to a robust center, warming up to a fragile conclusion, `Sunday Afternoon' is a brilliant track that is the definition of a `full circle' or `complete' song. `Little Life' explodes with effervescent beauty at about the 2:15 point. That isn't to say that the song isn't beautiful before that, but it takes on another life. `Over and Over' soars with the use of the piano, and instrument that, in all its beauty, is the perfect vehicle for melancholy expressions. Rachel soaks into this fantastic ballad, creating a major standout on a record filled to the brim with standouts. It reminded me a lot of something off of Damien Rice's albums; something simple yet so rich with character.

`Duet' is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and the pairing of Yamagata and Lamontagne was pure genius; providing us something pure, genuine and sincere.

`What if I Leave' has a nice laid back feel to it, with soft vocals and simple musical accompaniment. `Horizon' isn't as long as `Sunday Afternoon', but it feels longer due to the fact that it isn't as stunning or as engaging. It's still a good song, and it possesses Rachel's beautiful delivery, but it just doesn't have the sparkle I was expecting. That said; `Brown Eyes' is my least favorite track on Disc 1. It just feels out of place for me, slightly distant and awkward.

The best track is the hidden track, `The Only Fault'. It's a brilliant composition of chilling reality and beautiful fantasy; exposing Rachel at her most impressive. Lyrically it is tragically beautiful, and the simple delivery is so much more complex than one might initially expect. It is much more difficult to remain engaging and poignant in sheer delicacy that it is to attempt to dazzle with large amounts of `talent'. Her voice brings to mind the delicate vocal stylings of Leslie Feist; gorgeous.

Disc 2 starts things off with the marvelous `Sidedish Friend'; a spunky and energetic number that is a breath of fresh air on the rather down-tempo album. Sadly, the rest of the Disc lacks the `full' robust flavor of the opening stunner. `Accident' tries, but it falls a little short. It has edge, but the edge lacks the `pop' that `Sidedish Friend' capitalized off of. It's a good song, but it isn't `great'. `Faster' incorporates a rockers heart, which is unexpected (in fact, Disc 2 was a little unexpected) and she pulls it off, even if her voice seems to fit the flow of Disc 1 much better. I give her major props for completely changing her style on this Disc, offering us a complete package so-to-speak. `Pause the Tragic Ending' slows things down again, with a little Latin flare to the backing musical arrangement (yes, it's there). The song is a tad forgettable, but while it's on you'll be intrigued. `Don't' closes the album in a way I'm not too comfortable with. It is nice, but a tad awkward, much like `Brown Eyes' was; just out of place.

In the end this is an extraordinary album, even if a few tracks fall short of the majority of the album. Every track is good, and all are worthy of your ears; and the standouts like `Duet', `The Only Fault'. `Little Life' and `Sidedish Friend' are some of the best songs you'll hear this decade.

Elephants [7 Inch Vinyl Single]
$4.98

Happenstance
$7.99
Some really nice tracks with quality sound, both vocal & instrumental. Some tracks take acquired taste.