By By Tim Brunner
Like the tortured singer herself, the release of Fiona Apple’s third album, Extraordinary Machine has an agonizing back-story. From threats of being shelved by Sony, to rumors of feuding between Apple and producer Jon Brion, Extraordinary Machine has been through the wringer. Although two songs remain untouched from Apple’s first recording with Brion, the rest of the album received an unnecessary overhaul.
There is a reason Fiona Apple does not release albums year after year. Each of her subsequent releases is ladened with rich lyrics. The album is full of songs about lost love and longing for affection, which she seems to feed on.
On “Get Him Back,” Apple croons how “he makes my blood just burn,” referring to one of many relationships. Later, sounding frustrated, she sings about how “he let me down when he didn’t disappoint me.” Apple’s writing talent shines because she juxtaposes her aggravation with happiness and the audience can believe it.
“O’Sailor,” the first single from the album is most likely the strongest. Apple associates a distant lover with the image of a sailor who isn’t always emotionally available. Musically, “O’Sailor” is spot on. The piano emphasizes her distress superbly-you feel her tribulation.
Two other songs produced by Jon Brion, “Extraordinary Machine” and “Waltz (Better Than Fine),” stand-alone creatively. Both are simple in their lyrical and musical content. With “Extraordinary Machine,” she “can’t help it / the road just rolls out behind me.” This is a simple message about being one’s self and letting life happen.
“Waltz (Better Than Fine),” is a simple, yet moving piece. Apple encourages you to “go out and sit on the lawn and do nothing.” String instruments, accompanied by her notorious piano and trademark raspy voice, move the listener to an almost surreal place.
The album does not come without disappointment. Some of the most powerful songs Apple created with Brion were stripped of their creativity. Sounding more like a musical score, the unreleased album leaned heavily on big band instruments. It worked astoundingly especially since the album’s release was so dramatic.
The biggest disappointment is the revamped “Red Red Red,” where Apple. However, the Brion produced version packs a greater punch in regard to the music content. String instruments characterize her intense feelings, replaced by a lone drum on the released version.
After a tedious journey to store shelves, Fiona Apple truly is an extraordinary machine. Not only does she release an album amidst the drama of her circumstance, but delivers one of greater proportions than her previous, a skill she seems to have mastered.
