Tune-Yards // Nikki Nack

This is the third album from wonderful American lady and general wizard, Merrill Garbus, aka Tune-Yards. I've loved her from the start; her playful but carefully put together songs are so unusual and shine so brightly amongst so much of the dross handed to us on a plate these days. She writes all her songs. She plays all the instruments on her songs. She sings all her songs. Her first two albums were put together solely on her own, each sound looped over others to create the mish-mash of many noises and moments that is her own style of music. You really never know what's coming next with her songs. Her new album, Nikki Nack, was produced by John Hill and Malay, Big Time Guys who work with Rhianna and M.I.A amongst others, and it shows. It's slicker, tighter, more cohesive both within each song but also as a complete record. It feels less like offbeat musings of a young woman working life out, and more like some big emotional issues and much more epic tuneage are being bandied about. The bass and drums take centre stage on this record, although there are also still her trademark crazy mad unidentifiable noises crowded together. There are 13 tracks; they range from Time of Dark, one of my favourites, which reminds me of a slightly wilder Bat for Lashes upbeat number, to Rocking Chair, on which an old fashioned fiddle accompanies Merrill's loud folk singing, reminiscing about her childhood. Water Fountain is a Milkshake by Kelis style catchy track, whereas Look Around is a sensual ballad in a semi-jazz style.There are a few tracks where the producers have definitely left their mark; Real Thing, which is very nearly 80's style RnB but with some computer game noises in these, but in general, their help has only served to smooth the way for Tune-Yards' sometimes hard-to-listen-to music a little more accessible for some. I am very happy to hear her spirit and voice have not changed and that she has not succumbed to a more mainstream style. It's still very much her work; a massive mix up of jazzy, hip hop, indie, folk, African influenced music that you just have to listen to to believe. Plus, she looks wicked-cool and I wish she was my friend.