Ida Maria, 'Fortress Round My Heart' (Upper 11/Fontana)
Courtney Love minus the bullshit plus more charm.
By Lindsey Thomas 03.19.09 1:02 PM
Among this Norwegian pop rocker's many endearing attributes is her total lack of interest in consistently singing pretty. Her debut is full of rasps and howls, from the raw, frenetic power of the U.K. single "Oh My God" to the ballsy bubblegum blast "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked." The last few notes of "Stella," a torch song from God to a hooker, are so strained they barely make it out of her mouth. Ida Maria throws herself into every song as if it's all a big finale, which makes for an auspicious beginning.
Okay, I get it, soulful lyrics, compelling performance, raw unbridled vocals, but wait a minute, she can't sing.
I just listened to "Keep Me Warm" and I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I feel like its the Emperor's new Clothes here. I can completely appreciate vibe over a pretty voice, (e.g. Billy Holiday, Joe Coc ker, Prince, Bjork, etc.) pretty voices are a dime a dozen, and the fact that she "doesn't care about her vocals, but I'm having trouble getting past lack of intonation and phrasing in context with appreciating the rest of what's going on.
Musically, its rudimentary at best. There's nothing innovative. Not to be flip, but I've now listened to some other tracks and I still don't get it. What am I missing and would someone enlighten me here? I want to hear what you're hearing. I really do.
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