Magdalen Hsu-LiCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Beautiful & fierce evocative/eclectic alternative pop/rock/folk. Her live shows have elements of performance art. Status:Most recent release, Smashing the Ceiling (2005) See also:Magdalen Hsu-Li's site Comparisons:...cutting edge avant-garde somewhat reminiscent of Laurie Anderson, to modern jazz, folk, pop á la Ani Difranco and Tori Amos. (jsutton@rahul.net) Covers/own material:Own material General comments:Magdalen is very in-your-face and passionately political in her music and lyrics, which I love. Her style is very eclectic piano rock, ranging from very mellow to raging rock. And as one of the few Asian-Americans to enter the alternative rock scene, she brings a fresh perspective that we've not seen before. Very intriguing, and full of potential. (miazgama@pilot.msu.edu) Comments about live performance:I was fortunate enough to see her perform a small concert. It was in a lounge in the student union building, and there were only a dozen of us in the audience. She was wonderful. Her song "Lillian" was written about a sister who died before she was born, and it is one of the most moving songs i have ever heard. Especially when she is sitting there singing in front of you. I think she has a strong, assured presence when performing. And our little audience really appreciated the event. It was just her and her keyboard with a drummer. It was fun to watch the interplay between the two of them. (peskura@scn.org) Recommended first album:Evolution Recordings:
Muscle and BoneRelease info:1997—ChickPop Records—CPR001 Availability:Out of print; may be available at a few Borders bookstores around the country, or used stores Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Magdalen Hsu-Li—vocals, keyboard, piano Produced by:Dale Fanning and Magdalen Hsu-Li Comments:I love her music. Especially her first CD, Muscle and Bone. (peskura@scn.org) EvolutionRelease info:1998—ChickPop Records, 604 E. Union, Seattle, WA, 98122, U.S.A.—cpr003 Availability:Somewhat tough to find in stores, although some Border's Bookstores and Tower Records carry it; it can be ordered on-line from the Harmony Ridge Web Site, Goldenrod Music, and Ladyslipper Music Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Magdalen Hsu-Li—vocals, piano, synth bass, drum, organ, flute, string, synth, mark tree, & tambourine pads Guest artists:Alicia Allen—violin Produced by:Dale Fanning and Magdalen Hsu-Li Comments:"Chick Pop" is a good example of the male-dominated music industry's attitude toward female artists, and sadly, too often the American status quo, as evidenced by: "Chick Pop, Chick Pop / Singing in America...land of the free / Home of the brave home of the slaves / Home of the slaves to GOD and Christianity." "Submissive" is another look at the male attitudes with respect to Asian women. It's written from the experience of being there, facing the fear, and doing something definitely not 'submissive' about it. Magdalen's music to me ranges from cutting edge avant-garde somewhat reminiscent of Laurie Anderson, to modern jazz, folk, pop á la Ani Difranco and Tori Amos. She plays a very powerful hard-driving piano, and has assembled a fine array of musicians to complement her vision and musical essence. (jsutton@rahul.net) FireRelease info:2001—Chickpop Records—CPR004 Availability:Available from Magdalen and hipper stores. Ecto priority:Recommended for fans of smooth pop with biting lyrics Group members:Magdalen Hsu-Li—vocals, piano, triangle, Hammond organ, clavinet, kurzweil programming Guest artists:Dave Carter—trumpet, flugelhorn Produced by:Magdalen Hsu-Li, Dale Fanning, Ryan Hadlock Comments:I read all the other comments about her fiery spirit and confrontational manner and was looking forward to a really dramatic album. Instead I find myself agreeing with Neile. There is an unlisted bonus track that is a dramatic change of pace, but the album as a whole is very smooth and easy on the ears. Magdalen has a fine voice and is a good piano player, but I'm not hit with anything that distinguishes this from the other decent piano-playing singers I've been exposed to. Further info:Hsu-Li's song "Monkey Girl," from Evolution was nominated for a 1998 Gay & Lesbian Music Award for Best Out Song. More info at http://www.glama.com. Thanks to Neal Copperman and Mark Miazga for work on this entry.
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