Snakefarm
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Alternative pop ectronica, versions of traditional, early jazz and blues songs
Status:
Most recent release, My Halo at Half-Light (2011)
See also:
A Snakefarm bioThe Ectophiles' Guide entry for Anna Domino
Comparisons:
i think anyone who likes robin holcomb will particularly dig this album. (woj@smoe.org)I don't hear any robin holcomb connection, myself. To me this sounds as though Portishead or Lamb or Baxter decided to do versions of traditional, blues, and early jazz tunes. (Neile)
Covers/own material:
Covers
General comments:
Snakefarm's debut album consists of radical treatments of old, traditional songs. Dark, but not in a gloomy way, more in an atmospheric, moody way. Trip-hoppy, electronic. Very cool. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Comments about live performance:
Snakefarm showcased a little while ago in Los Angeles at Luna Park and the songs were more memorable seen performed. (thecritics@earthlink.net)
Recommended first album:
Songs From My Funeral
Recordings:
- Songs From My Funeral (1999)
- My Halo at Half-Light (2011)
Songs From My Funeral
Release info:
1999—RCA Records/Kneeling Elephant—07863-67687-2-4
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Anna Domino—vocals and vocal fx, electric guitar, accordion
Michel Delory—electric, acoustic, & classical guitars, dobro, banjo, keyboards, drum programming
Guest artists:
Paul Dugan—upright, arco and fender bass
Stephen Ulrich—electric guitar solos and fx
Paul Shapiro—tenor sax, flute, recorder
Produced by:
Snakefarm
Comments:
New Anna Domino! New Anna Domino!! New Anna Domino!!! (Sorry. :)
I heard "Frankie And Johnny" on the radio—I was driving to lunch going "hey, this is cool!" :). I like it. The beats are trippy and interesting, and I love, love, LOVE Anna's voice. You never would know these are old songs without really paying attention to the lyrics. (meth@smoe.org)I love this list. After Mysteries Of America I was eagerly awaiting a new Anna Domino release until someone recently mentioned the Snakefarm album. I immediately ordered it and I'm not disappointed. These are some of the best cover versions of traditionals that I ever heard. And it still sounds like an Anna Domino album. (Dirk.Kastens@rz.uni-osnabrueck.de)
I've just run across an oddity, which is the new CD by Snakefarm called Songs from My Funeral. Snakefarm consists of Anna Domino (vocals, accordion, guitar) and Michel Delory (additional guitars, keyboards, drum programming) doing a dozen or so very dark, traditional American ballads (includes "St. James Infirmary", "Frankie and Johnny", "Tom Dooley", "Rising Sun"). I really like Anna Domino, but this is the last sort of music I ever thought I'd hear her perform. The arrangements are very hip, Euro, Anna Domino-ish. In fact some of the songs are only identifiable with the originals by their lyrics.
Also notable is the photo of Anna Domino that could have been taken by Dorothea Lange. I haven't decided if I like the CD or not. (valrichardson@igc.org)i've been looking forward to this album for a while (as meredith exclaimed, "new Anna Domino! new Anna Domino! new Anna Domino!") and am quite happy with it. of all the albums that wended their way into our house this past week, this one has gotten the most airplay.
i have to admit that had some misgivings about the concept—modern treatments of traditional ballads—which sounds like it could be very annoying or, at the very least, goofy, but they pull it off very nicely. the arrangements are, yes, hip but i think they really capture the soul of the songs without being simple remakes using new instruments or being different from the originals just for the sake of being different. (woj@smoe.org)Delighted to hear Anna Domino on a project that shows a different side of her vocal talents. These electronic versions of old standards is great fun and a truly enjoyable listen. I'm sure my dad would hate their version of "St James Infirmary" though. I'll have to test it on him. Hah! (Neile)
My Halo at Half-Light
Release info:
2011—Fledg'ling Records—FLED 3086
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Anna Domino—vocals, keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica, knives, finger snaps
Michel Delory—acoustic, dobro and electric guitars, mandolin, banjo, bass, synth and drum programmes, percussion
Guest artists:
Hearn Gadbois—hand percussion
Al Pahanish—drums
Sebastian Steinberg—electric bass, upright bass
Comments:
I am so thrilled to have a new Snakefarm album. Songs From My Funeral has received steady play over the last 12 years, both on my stereo and on my iPod (a real measure of love since I do not listen to most of my physical CDs digitally). My Halo at Half-Light has more great reinterpretations of traditional songs. The aesthetic is similar, but it's less electronic (though "Darlin' Corey" is a notable exception). Highlights include "Little Maggie," "Sadie," and "Omie Wise (You Forgot to Answer)." (JoAnn Whetsell)One of the best albums of the year. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)
Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
