Kaki King sees the beauty in vocals
Kaki King's move towards vocalizations in her latest album prove to be surprisingly mesmerizing.
by Andrea Fineman
Managing Editor
Arts | 3/11/08
Posted online at 1:42 AM EST on 3/11/08
King's vocal melodies are driving and catchy without working too hard to catch the listener's attention, much in the way of R.E.M.'s seminal melodies. Song-with-words "Saving Days in a Frozen Head" begins with a guitar line very similar to the beginning of the Microphones' seminal track "The Moon" off The Glow Pt. 2. The song that follows, however, has elements of jazzy guitar grace notes and backup singing, which is created by double- or triple-tracking King's voice.
Album-ender "2 o'Clock" is clearly the stand-out track (and the song offered as a free download on such on-line music outlets as Stereogum.com). The slide guitar plays along to King's voice like a duet partner; instrumental passages showcase the rhythmic style of playing and fascinating use of harmonics that set King's style apart from those of other guitar virtuosos.
Although I haven't seen King live, I'm willing to bet that the songs on this album will gain a tremendous amount when paired with the visual image of King performing. Some might say this is a sign of an inferior album. However, the vocal tracks, especially "2 o'Clock," have no trouble standing on their own.
Dreaming of Revenge comes out Tuesday on Velour Records.
Album-ender "2 o'Clock" is clearly the stand-out track (and the song offered as a free download on such on-line music outlets as Stereogum.com). The slide guitar plays along to King's voice like a duet partner; instrumental passages showcase the rhythmic style of playing and fascinating use of harmonics that set King's style apart from those of other guitar virtuosos.
Although I haven't seen King live, I'm willing to bet that the songs on this album will gain a tremendous amount when paired with the visual image of King performing. Some might say this is a sign of an inferior album. However, the vocal tracks, especially "2 o'Clock," have no trouble standing on their own.
Dreaming of Revenge comes out Tuesday on Velour Records.
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