Jen's Musical Life

The Softer Side of Sears... I mean Jen

For the past five years or so I have been obsessed with women vocalists... well, not with THEM precisely, but with listening to them. These are a few (ok, a lot) of my favorites. If you have any questions about any of them, let me know and I'll try to help. I love to share great music with people, and have often been accused of forcing it on others, but some of it is so incredible that I have to. Enjoy.

I make no claims that this list is complete in any way. It is not all the female vocalist groups ever, nor is it even all of the female vocalists groups in any genre. It is simply a list of the artists that I like. I did not include discographies, or any substantial information on the artists... these are just my opinions and thoughts!

I've avoided providing links to any pages. I've found that they tend to disappear and leave my page unstable. Besides, everyone knows how to use Google, right?

eddie from ohio: folk with bongos! *****
I was invited to attend this concert at the Erickson Kiva here at MSU, and I'm very happy I made time to go! This group is very fun, very personable, and very talented. The lead singer, Julie Murphy, has a great voice that is similar to Ani Difranco's, but the edge isn't always there. It is gorgeous. The percussionist, Eddie (yes, from Ohio), plays bongos incredibly. And I don't like bongos. The bassist also plays mean guitar, and has a great sense of humor. The guitarist is just... wow! He wears pilgrim shoes, you know. Julie dances when she isn't singing, and it adds a lot to the already great show. They do a lot of harmonies with the four of them. If they happen to be in your area, definitely go see them!
julie murphy: no rules
  • favorite song: blue jeans
    october project: celtic/gothic/gentle *****
    What an incredible voice this woman has! Very deep, resonant, beautiful. The music is dark and warm, entrancing. One of my favorite bands of all times. Amazing in concert, too. I can't say enough good about them, so I won't bore you by trying. I can listen to either album continuously for days and still enjoy every note. I can't thank Mohan enough for introducing me to their music.

    self-titled
    falling farther in

  • favorite song: deep as you go or dark time
    dar williams: soft folk *****
    Dar is an absolutely incredible folk singer. She has a lovely crystal clear voice and excellent and intricate guitar playing; but she is most loved for her amazing lyrics. I'm judging this based on the dar-list, a mailing list for dar fans. They all love her, and mention her lyrics most frequently as the reason. Personally, I listen to the music and the voice, and occasionally lyrics penetrate... Dar's frequently do. Obviously highly recommended. Don't avoid her because she kind of belongs in the folk genre; you'd be missing out.
    all my heros are dead
    i have no history
    the honesty room
    mortal city
    end of the summer
    what do you hear in these sounds? EP

  • favorite song: mark rothko song or what do you hear in these sounds?
  • most well known song: as cool as i am or are you out there?
    sarah mclachlan: alternative soft rock/pop *****
    I assume that everyone knows who Sarah McLachlan is. She is the singer who started me off on this female vocalist kick in 1992. She is Canadian, and only started gaining popularity here long after she was a star in Canada. I've seen her three times, and the first time (in Detroit Music Hall) was the best concert I've ever seen. I've never been so drawn into a show before or since. It is interesting to note that she probably has the most frequently mis-spelled name (barring Me'Shell Ndegeocello).
    touch
    solace
    fumbling towards ecstacy
    surfacing
    freedom sessions
    rarities, b-sides, and other stuff
  • Favorite Song: Mary
    kate rusby and kathryn roberts: celtic *****
    These women are amazing! I bought this CD sound unheard simply because the people on the Dar Williams list spoke so highly of it. I had to order it from Andy's Front Hall Records... the dar-list said that it wasn't available in stores, though I never checked. These songs are mostly traditional, arranged by Rusby and Roberts, and their voices (one rich contralto, one pure soprano) blend across these moving pieces so beautifully... I can lose myself in the music and lyrics. Oh, originally I bought it for the remake of Suzanne Vega's the queen & the soldier; a lovely rendition of the classic story-song.
    self-titled
  • Favorite Song: Ned on the Hill
    connie dover: celtic ****
    This woman has a clear soprano voice over harp, guitar, etc; she sings a lot of traditional celtic songs; excellent music! She is American and studied celtic music for a long time before she started singing, she even learned Gaelic so that she can sing in a language that few people can understand, but that is traditional, which I respect.
    the wishing well
    somebody
  • Favorite Song: Baron of Brackley

     

    loreena mckennitt celtic ****
    Loreena is actually from Canada, not Ireland, but her music is very celtic/irish, so I put her in that category. If you saw Highlander III, you heard one of her songs as they panned over the countryside. It was very suitable. Probably the best part of the movie. She has a high soprano voice (sometimes too high), though she has quite a range lower, also. The background music is mysterious and rich. I think that she performs much of it herself.
    the visit
    the mask and the mirror
    the book of secrets
  • Favorite Song: The Old Ways or The Mummers' Dance

     

    jewel pop ***
    I bought this album, hated it, and loaned it out. I got it back, gave it another listen, and realized that I only hate the second song, the rest of it is quite good! Everyone has heard it on M-tv by now, so I don't need to describe it.

    pieces of you
    tori amos pop/alternative ****
    Tori is another of the original set of discs that I borrowed from Lara that set me on this female vocalist track. I really enjoyed "Little Earthquakes", liked "Under the Pink", and was less interested in "Boys for Pele". She is an excellent pianist who gives a great concert. My friend Stacie and I stood outside after the show at Hill Auditorium so that Stacie could give her a ring and an invitation to the party that she was having that evening. Fun!
    boys for pele
    winter ep
    under the pink
  • Favorite Song: Leather or Winter
    innocence mission pop/folk/alternative ****
    My roommate's brother invited us to a concert by this group, so of course I had to buy their albums first; I don't enjoy concerts if I don't know any of the music. My first impression was that they were adequate but nothing special. Luckily, I was too lazy to switch CDs and gradually I realized that I REALLY liked the music and the lyrics and the singer's voice. The concert was excellent, and I have enjoyed this music ever since, even going so far as choreographing a ballet piece to it for dance class.
    self-titled
    umbrella
    glow
  • Favorite Song: Wonder of Birds
  • Most Well Known Song: Curious
    kate and anna mcgarrigle folk/irish/canadian
    I was loaned the album Matapedia and have given it a few listens. I believe that I will like it... one of the singers' voices is very much like the singer from Innocence Mission... kind of breathy and with a sharp edge to it. Fiddle, accordian, and guitar all figure in to their music.
    tara maclean pop/alternative ** On a whim I purchased Nettwerk's "Slowbrew" compilation, and this song captured me from the start. I went straight to the top and asked Adam D. (of Nettwerk) when her album would be coming out. I finally got it after a few mixups at Nettwerk, and although I have listened to it more than a few times, it has yet to capture me as the single let her feel the rain did. I plan on giving it a good listen sometime soon. She has a very nice smooth voice on top of simple (ie not cluttered) music.
    silence
  • Favorite Song: Let Her Feel the Rain
    natalie merchant pop/alternative ***
    I really preferred her in 10,000 Maniacs, but her solo album is all right. The definitive sultry voice.
    Tigerlily
    paula cole pop/alternative ****
    Paula Cole has become more popular lately, and has gotten a lot of airplay. About four years ago, when I first started listening to women vocalists, my friend Lara pointed Paula Cole out to me and told me that she was going to be a big thing. I bought her first album on this recommendation, and indeed it is great. I still prefer it to the popular one (This Fire), on which she does some crazy thing with her vooice that I just don't like. She has a deep interesting voice over gentle electric guitar; cool lyrics. People have accused her of copying Sarah McLachlan, but other than the fact that they are both women who sing, I don't see any resemblance.
    harbinger
    this fire
  • Favorite Song: Happy Home
  • Most Well-Known Song: Where have all the cowboys gone?
    shawn colvin pop/alternative/country
    Long ago I had the albun "Fat City" by this woman, but other than the song "Object of Your Affection", I just couldn't get into it. I listened to "Sunny Came Home" at a record store, and really liked it, so I bought the album. I like it a lot, which suprprises me, as it is not considered to be as good as "Fat City" (by true fans). The second song on the album, which also gets a lot of airplay, is a song that I just don't like.
    a few small repairs
    fiona apple pop/alternative/jazz **
    This woman is not one of my favorites, but I listen to it occasionally. She has a deep, sultry voice, and sings jazzy type stuff, which doesn't fit into my stuff-jen-likes genre very well.
    tidal
    meryn cadell pop/alternative ***
    This is the woman who does the spoken word songs like I Want to be a Flight Attendant and The Sweater. She also sings, and her songs remind me a lot of Ani DiFranco. It may just be her voice, but I really think they are similar. Great voice, and wonderful thought-provoking lyrics.
    clannad celtic ***
    This is the group with whom Enya sang before she went solo. I believe that the word clannad means family in Gaelic, and indeed, they are Enya's family. Enya's sister, Maire Brennan was/is the lead singer and has also made a few solo albums. Clannad is well known for their work on soundtracks such as the Robin Hood tv series and Harry's Game.
    lore
    maire brennan celtic/pop **
    I bought this because I like Clannad's music, and thought that I would certainly like their lead singer's music. I do, but it is nearly completely different. It is still considered Celtic by most, but I think that it is closer to the pop genre. She has a wonderful voice, of course, but the music isn't my favorite. Too poppy, too many sythesized sounds.
    misty eyed adventures
    suzanne vega pop/alternative/folk ***
    suzanne vega: another voice that I wouldn't call great, but in combination with the incredible lyrics and music, it works. I fell in love with the queen and the solder back in high school, and am still trying to figure it out on guitar. Too tough for me!
    self-titled
    solitude standing
    days og open hand
    99.9 degrees
    nine objects of desire
  • Favorite song: The Queen and the Soldier
  • Most Well Known Song: Luka
    kate bush alternative/original ****
    Kate Bush is generally considered to be the forerunner to Tori Amos and the field of women's music in general. She has a unique, rather piercing voice, and writes great lyrics. She is probably the first female vocalist I started listening to, early in high school, once again introduced to by Mohan (the bringer of all good music). She has tons of albums and has been singing forever. One of my favorite songs, wuthering heights, was written and recorded when she was 13, I think.
    the whole story
    the sensual world
  • Favorite Song: Wuthering Heights or This Woman's Work
  • Most Well Known Song: Rubberband Girl
    indigo girls folk/rock ****
    Everyone knows them already; I prefer the songs written / sung by Emily. I've learned to play nearly all of their songs on guitar, but I haven't yet mastered singing and playing at the same time. Someday!
    self-titled
    nomads . indians . saints
    rites of passage
    swamp ophelia
    shaming of the sun
  • Favorite Song: Watershed
  • Most Well Known Song: Closer to Fine
    jann arden pop/folk ***
    I bought this disk after hearing 10 seconds of the disk at a listening station. Very rich with just a touch of country. She is from Canada, and was/is more popular than she is here, but I think she'll become popular in the underground of female vocalists. I wouldn't be surprised to hear her songs played on adult radio stations, though I believe that insensitive was played on our college station not infrequently. I saw her play at Borders Book Store in Portland, OR in summer, 1996. It was a good show... she joked that everyone would think that all that she wrote were dirges, because the audience kept requesting her sad songs.
    time for mercy
    living under june
  • Favorite Song: Good Mother
  • Most Well-Known Song: Insensitive
    mary lydia ryan pop/alternative **
    I discovered this woman quite by accident, and it was a pleasant surprise. She has a great voice, and plays piano beautifully. I heard that she was like Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan; I don't see the Sarah resemblance, but she is very like (but not too like) Tori on her earlier albums. I highly recommend that you try her out. She is trying a very innovative way to spread her music around. She will send you her cd, and if you like it, you can send her $15. If you don't, then send the cd back. Very clever. You can order the cd at: http://www.eventure.com/mlr.
    wendy beckerman folk **
    I picked this up for $1.00 at a used CD store, and it is surprisingly good, considering that I'd never heard the name. It is very simple, just the guitar and the singing. I like it, but it might be too sparse for most people.
    by your eyes
  • Favorite Song: Gilliana
    sinead o'connor: pop/alternative ****
    I really love her voice, her music, and her lyrics. I have many memories associated with her music, including dancing at the Haunt with my lovely friend Julie to Emperor's New Clothes. That was the first time I'd ever been to a dance club! I drive to her music a lot, because I love to sing along in my car (where no one else can hear me).
    the lion and the cobra
    i do not want what i have not got
    universal mother
  • Favorite Song: Troy
  • Most Well Known Song: Nothing Compares 2 U
    mary black celtic/country ****
    Mary Black is someone that I experienced on many celtic compilation cds that I bought before I ever bought one of her cds. I think that her new stuff is too country for me, but her older work is beautiful celtic songs.
    shine

     

    tracy chapman folk/rock ***
    Everyone knows who Tracy Chapman is. She did the song Fast Car years ago, and recently was very popular with Gimme One Reason. Her voice is very deep, and her guitar work is great.

     

    Liz Phair rock/alternative **
    Deep, rough, untrained voice; interesting lyrics about sex and relationships; standard chick-rock guitar. I don't listen to this much. I'm into gentler stuff these days.
    exile in guyville
    whip-smart

     

    ani difranco rock/alternative/folk ****
    Ani was introduced to me by John, who is also responsible for my Dar exposure, what a wonderful guy he is! He writes great diaries, too! Ani has very interesting feminist lyrics. They often make me think. He voice is very cool with a great edge. She is probably the best guitarist I've ever seen, with a great funky style.

  • Favorite song: Both Hands
    cowboy junkies soft country/alternative ****
    This group has a rabid folloing. They are a little bit country, but not really. Margot Timmons has a lovely deep soothing voice. Great music to fall asleep with, or just listen to in the dark.
    trinity sessions
    caution horses
  • Favorite Song: Misguided Angel
  • Most Well Known Song: Sweet Jane (remake of VU song, of course)
    alison moyet soft country/alternative ***
    if you were kind of strange in the late 80s, you might remember Yaz; she was their singer. Deep raspy voice, rather blue-sy. She plays her own acoustic (mostly) guitar with a rocking edge. I still love her music. Then again, I still love Yaz.
    alf
    hoodoo
    essex
  • Favorite Song: Ode to Boy
    annie lennox rock/pop/alternative ***
    You remember her from the eurythmics, right? Her solo albums are great! More jazzy than I usually tolerate, but definitely worth listening to.
    medusa
    diva
  • Most Well Known Song: Why
    the sundays rock/folk **
    This is very odd music. I can listen to it in the background and love it, but on its own it bores me. Reedy, distant voice over echoing guitars.
    blind
  • Favorite Song: Wild Horses (remake of Rolling Stones)
    the story rock/folk **
    These women have high voices and they do a lot with harmony. Their lyrics are really cool, and their music is very melodic.

  • Favorite Song: Easier Than Sorry
    the cranberries rock/folk **
    The Cranberries are one of the first bands to cash in on the big irish fever that is sweeping the US. They made it big with Linger and kept it up until recently. Delores has a high, sharp, voice, and the guitars are a bit ambient. They actually use drums, unlike most of the bands that I listen to.
    everybody else is doing it, why can't we?
    no need to argue
  • Favorite Song: Pretty
  • Most Well Known Song: Zombie
    kristen hall folk **
    Kristen has sung on tours with the indigo girls several times, and she is a frequent topic of conversation on the indigo girls' e-mail list. She has some really great songs. Her voice is very deep and raspy, and her guitar playing is great.
    fact and fiction
  • Favorite Song:Out In the Country
    melissa ferrick rock/folk **
    I was led to buy her album by repeated discussion on the indigo girls e-mail list. She has an alto, raspy voice over lots of guitars. It pretty much rocks. Not very soothing, just rocking.
    massive blur
    willing to wait
  • Favorite song: Happy Song
    enya celtic/new age ****
    I've loved listening to enya for many years, since my friend Julie introduced me to her at Shady Pines camp in northern Michigan. I couldn't believe that I had been missing out on her for so long. I remember thinking that, but I have no idea how long she had been around then. It was in 1990. Anyway. Enya is pretty well known. She has a lovely voice, and ethereal music. I love L.A. Story even more because her music is in it.
    watermark
    the celts
    the memory of trees
    shepherd moons
  • Favorite song: Storms in Africa
  • Most well known song: Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)
    dead can dance: ambient/bizarre ***
    I'm tempted to say that this band serves as the music behind modern dance choreography more than any other... it certainly seems like it. Let's see... my friend Mohan played them once for me and I told him to turn it off because I was in the mood for something relaxing. Later, my friend Alan played the ubiquitous mr. lovegrove for me, and now I really love that song, and some of their other songs, too. That's what friends are for, right?
    spiritchaser

     

    lisa germano: alternative ***
    Lisa has a sultry, clear, mezzo voice and interesting lyrics. I was introduced to her by my friend Stacie, who played You Make Me Want to Wear Dresses for me, and I loved it! It is definitely on my top 25 list of all time. Just an interesting note... there were two releases of "Happiness": I prefer one and Lisa Germano prefers the other!
    happiness
    excerpts from a love circus
  • Favorite song: You Make Me Want To Wear Dresses
    lisa germano: alternative ***
    Mazzy Star are country-ish, but don't let that turn you off. I can't listen to this for too long, but sometimes it is unbeatably good. Cool voice. I first heard them because Karen, Scott, and I went to Quality Dairy at some time when the radio station was there, and they gave us free tapes. I got Mazzy Star's second album. Lucky me!
    she hangs brightly
  • Favorite song: Ride It On