Product Description

Emiliana Torrini's second album, FISHERMAN'S WOMAN, arrivedjust in time for the full flowering of the mid-2000s psych-folk revival (Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, et al), but it clearly stands apart from the pack. Entirely devoid of theself-conscious quirkiness of so many of her contemporaries,she's closer in spirit to the likes of Sandy Denny and NickDrake. Her hushed, fragile vocal style is intimate and entrancing without ever sounding affected or precious. Subtle support from some empathetic musicians keeps the focus squarely on Torrini's ethereal voice and on the hypnotic acoustic-guitar patterns around which most of the tunes revolve. Torrini's lyrics are alternately confessional/emotional and allusive/cryptic, but the honesty of her delivery makes every song come across with an equally visceral impact.

Track Listing

1. Nothing Brings Me Down
2. Sunny Road
3. Snow
4. Lifesaver
5. Honeymoon Child
6. Today Has Been OK
7. Next Time Around
8. Heartstopper
9. At Least It Was
10. Fisherman's Woman
11. Thinking Out Loud
12. Serenade

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8824 in Music
• Released on: 2005-01-31
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
The delicate, folksy Emiliana Torrini you hear on Fisherman's Woman might not be one you know if you heard her previous record, 1999's Love In The Time Of Science. Recorded with Roland Orzabel of Tears For Fears, it was a pleasant enough listen, but did little to distinguish this Italian-Icelandic chanteuse from the trip-hop competition. Fisherman's Woman, however, is quite different: debuting a rustic edge possibly prompted by the acclaim that met "Gollum's Song", a track that Torrini contributed to the score of Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, these tracks harness her gentle, honey-sweet vocals to finger-picked acoustic guitar, gentle wisps of piano, and the chime of xylophone.

The work of Nick Drake is a common reference point for music like this, but here it's certainly valid: shades of Pink Moon haunt the perimeter of tracks like "Lifesaver", simultaneously eerie and exquisite in its quiet beauty. The album highlight, meanwhile, comes with "Honeymoon Child" - a track written with Bill Callahan of American lo-fi institution Smog that's as enigmatic - and consequently, as strangely fascinating - as anything he's ever performed himself. --Louis Pattison

Album Description
Singer/songwriter Emiliana Torrini performs with an exquisite vocalic beauty. Fisherman's Woman, Torrini's second album, is a delicate collection of twelve ephemeral and atmospheric songs that will tiptoe into your heart. The fresh-faced singer, of Italian and Icelandic decent, has a voice akin to that other Icelandic nymph, Bjork. She has also joined the cast of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers to perform the enchanting "Gollum Song", wrote and toured with Thievery Corporation, and wrote a Number One Hit for Kylie Minogue in the shape of huge-selling pop smash "Slow".

Customer Reviews

breath of air
I had reservations about buying this album unheard, but I am delighted with it.
It's not just good; it stays good no matter how often you play it.
Emiliana's voice is as clear as Icelandic air (sorry, but I had to say it)yet as intimate as a lover's voice on your pillow.
Buy it. You won't regret it.

lovely
With an elfin voice as clear and articulate as cut glass, you need to have a heart of stone not to fall under Torrini's spell. These lovely intimate acoustic numbers are perfect little gems that will burrow under your skin, enter your life, and stay with you. Highlights? Most of the songs are great, but my personal favourites are the cheery Sunny Road, the moody Lifesaver (complete with creaking wooden boat), the eternally optimistic Nothing Brings Me Down. Some future classic tunes here. 4 1/2 stars.

addendum
I heard the track 'next time around' whilst listening to last.fm having entered Cara Dillon's name to find similar music. This track is a blast from the past. I know the original Sandy Denny version much better [..]. An interesting contrast, Sandy gives this song a much more brooding interpretation. But hats off to anyone who is willing to promote Sandy's music. I like this, if you do too, I strongly recommend you look out Sandy Denny, especially 'The North Star Grassman and the Ravens'.