Pooka
Country of origin:
England
Type of music generally:
Thin-edged folk/rock
Status:
Disband. Final album, Shift, 2001
See also:
The Official Pooka Page
Comparisons:
This is a hard one. Maybe like the darker songs of The Flash Girls. Some of their harmonies are a little like blackgirls or the English a cappella folk group, The Watersons. No one I know of sounds quite like them. (Neile)
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Pooka are a duo who sing quirky tunes with odd harmonies--sometimes sweet sometimes edgy. They are definitely not to everyone's taste, but I like them. They are ethereal and kind of fey, and like the creature they're named after, they're not quite a tame spirit, however magical. Their harmonies & some of the lyrics seem to come right from that folklore--a little dark, human on the basic level of dark cottages on a dark night. Something in their harmonies reminds me of the Yorkshire folk group (I think Pooka is from Yorkshire, too) The Watersons, who have very harsh but beautiful harmonies. Though strangely enough, most people I know don't like them, either. It's worth giving them a listen to see if they'll sink into your brain. (Neile)I am very intrigued by this duo. Mostly just acoustic guitars wild harmonies some creepy lyrics. They sound like a couple of young girls with no vocal training. I didn't like it at all the first time but after a few times through my CD player their music has grown on me. It's bare bones yet complex at the same time and one wonders what kind of a mind some of the lyrics came from. (ItsyBitsyS@aol.com)
Recommended first album:
spinning is electronic-based. Pooka is acoustic. I would follow your preferences in those areas.
Recordings:
Pooka
Release info:
1993--Elektra, U.S.--61624-2
Availability:
Wide in U.S. and U.K.
Ecto priority:
Recommended only for those who like offbeat folk rock
Group members:
Natasha Jones--vocal, guitar
Sharon Lewis--vocal, guitar, piano
Guest artists:
John Coxon--bass guitar, slide guitar, electric guitar
Barak Schmool--tenor saxophone
Simon Whittaker--drums
John Pryce--bodhran
Produced by:
Pooka with John Coxon
Comments:
I wasn't sure I liked this when I first bought it, but gradually it has grown on me. It's and edgy and strange and sweet. My favourite song is "Sleepwalking," the most urgent song on the album. Give it some time and I think this album will surprise you. It did me. (Neile)
spinning
Release info:
1997--trade2/Island (U.K.)--TRDCD 1004/524 426-2
Availability:
U.K. only release; out of print and a little hard to find
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for fans of extremely quirky pop
Group members:
Natasha Jones--vocals, guitar, keyboards
Sharon Lewis--vocals, guitar, keyboards
Guest artists:
Steve Lamb--bass
Joe Leach--programming, keyboards
Rob Ellis--drums, percussion
Elgan Prosser--dist. guitar
Jeremy Stacey--drums
The Kick Horns--brass
Rodi Lorimer--trumpet, flugelhorn
Claire Jenkins--cello
Seth Lakeman--violin
Produced by:
Joe Leach
Comments:
Pooka have a certain awkwardness that is disarming and quirky and works on their folkrock/pop sound. This album feels more poplike than Pooka, but still distinctively off-kilter and odd and charming. (Neile)
Further info:
Write Pooka at: 14 Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV32 4BR, England
