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Robin Pecknold

When I consider the music of Joanna Newsom in the context of how it makes a listener feel, I’d describe something visceral, cerebral, and, maybe more importantly, imaginative. On one side of the page, I wish I knew nothing of her musical background and only had a mental image of the hours she may have spent icing her little fingers after long sessions spent glued to her harp.

It’s obvious that one so dedicated to an instrument such as the harp would do their damnedest to master such an undertaking. However, it’s refreshing to hear just how meticulously she has worked (and with whom she’s worked) to get where she is when so many musicians these days seem to be picking up an instrument one day, recording a Youtube video the next week and touring the country before you know it.

The Milk-Eyed Mender and Ys collectively have provided a key point on my musical spectrum of taste by creating impressive, lovely songs that showcase Newsom’s strengths as both a harpist and vocalist. I’ve purposely not listened to the entirety of the new record Have One on Me because I’m anticipating the show on Monday in the same way I would be anticipating a new acquaintance. There are those moments that you need to introduce yourself to new music like you would introduce yourself to another, and live, in-person is always the most conducive to developing a healthy relationship.

Come see Joanna play a Wexner Center show on Monday night with Robin Pecknold (of Fleet Foxes) at the Southern Theatre and appreciate.

MP3: Two Headed Boy

Fleet Foxes’ singer Robin Pecknold is opening the short but sweet Joanna Newsom tour, which includes a stop in Columbus.

On tour:

03-28 Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge
03-29 Columbus, OH – Southern Theatre
03-30 Cincinnati, OH – MusicNow Festival
03-31 Bloomington, IN – Buskirk-Chumley Theatre
04-02 Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
04-03 Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre

Above is a live cover of Robin covering Neutral Milk Hotel for your downloading pleasure. More details about where the cover comes from here.

(Photo by Sound on the Sound)

2010 is the fifth anniversary of this festival founded by The National’s Bryce Dessner, who still serves as the artistic director. Pretty solid lineup this year. Here’s the details from the website:

The festival opens Tuesday, March 30th with arresting harpist and songwriter Joanna Newsom. Wednesday, March 31st, St. Vincent, led by composer, singer and guitar virtuoso Annie Clark, will present works from their widely acclaimed latest release, Actor, as well as new works venturing deeper into chamber arranging and composition. The same evening yMusic, will premiere the festival commission written by Clark. Inventive vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Justin Vernon, best known for his work with Bon Iver, presents a rare solo concert to close the festival April 1st. All concerts will be held at the beautiful and historic Memorial Hall. Tickets are on-sale now, via the web and by phone 1-800-838-3600. Single concert tickets are $20; a festival pass for all three concerts is $50.