I Sure Hope That’s It

Fiona Apple “Used To Love (rough mix, radio rip)” – At first, it seemed like a cynical attempt to recreate Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot buzz, but after all this time, it’s pretty clear that Sony’s refusal to release Fiona Apple’s third album is the real deal. In a purely abstract way, I understand where the label is coming from – rap and mainstream pop acts are the easy money, and it would take a bit of clever marketing (read: effort) to make the most of Fiona’s album. But they are being shortsighted – if anything is obvious now, it’s that her fanbase has not abandoned her, but have instead become more devoted; rather like what happened with Weezer between their second and third records. Fiona Apple’s appeal is surprisingly broad, and spread out through various pop constituencies, and could easily grow beyond that, but it would require a bit of clever marketing to reach out to all of these different people, and this is obviously what Sony has no interest in doing. This has nothing to do with the accessability of the music – if they could sell a million copies of When The Pawn Hits… (which had no crossover radio hits a la “Criminal” and “Sleep To Dream”), they can at least get this album up to gold certification on the strength of her core fanbase.

Of the five songs which have leaked from the record, this rough mix of “Used To Love” is the most familiar, as it stays closest to the sound of her previous album. Other songs flirt with cabaret and musical theatre, but in a subtle, natural way which is rather unlike the shrill, faux-precocious approach of her younger contemporary, Nellie McKay. Apple’s music still packs an emotional punch, but her lyrics and melodies have grown more mature and understated as she ages, hinting at even greater possibilities if only she were given the chance to record and release more material.

If you enjoy this music, you ought to contact Sony and let them know that you want to buy this album. Corporations only understand numbers, and you should be counted. (Click here to visit the Free Fiona website.)

Elsewhere: Eugene Mirman plays the part of M.I.A. in Aziz Ansari’s comedy routine, Aziz, Will You Be My Valentine? (heart) M.I.A.