#197
Bat For Lashes - Two Suns (Astralwerks, 2009)
There has certainly been a long tradition of thrilling female songwriters working well outside the lines of mainstream "popular" music (Laurie Anderson, Tori Amos, Kate Bush), but it feels like Natasha Khan is operating so far beyond a world populated by the likes of Fergie and Ke$ha that she really must come from another planet. I loved her debut album, Fur and Gold, but nothing on that record could have prepared me for the growth she demonstrated with this follow-up. Lead single "Daniel" was the first shock, its soaring chorus and evocative lyrics cutting right to the heart of desire and love, in a better world this would have been an inescapable radio hit. As joyful and melodic as that song is, however, the rest of the album is packed with moments equally as haunting and sinister as that one is light and airy. The production is impeccable from start to finish, nearly every single note and sound is deployed to maximize emotional effect - even when the tracks are stripped-down and minimal. With all of the synthesizers and programmed drums littering the album, the organic feel of "Travelling Woman" with its live drums and piano makes for a dramatic turn cements my adoration for this album. A really stunning work of art from an extremely talented woman.
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