Incredible, best album of 2006.

Less grating than The Milk-Eyed Mender, but it's without personality. Sounds like a bad soundtrack to a fantasy movie. If you want something different, try Nellie McKay or Loreena McKennitt.

beautiful but not so beautiful

Personally, my favourite album ever. I'm so happy I heard it months before it was released so that I was free of any influence

This album is without question the best thing I've heard in at least a few years. It's mind-blowingly ambitious and ornately beautiful. I wouldn't expect anything less from Joanna Newsom, this is a perfect album and a stunning masterpiece.

Astounding! Between Joanna and Van Dyke, this si nothing short of a masterpiece! The more you play it, thyee more it grows on you. Congrats Joanna!!

Spell binding! Album of the year.

It's definitely an achievement of some kind, and blistering with passion, pastoral and opaque, yet its emotion is unmistakable. Yet, it doesn't hit me like certain albums of similar feel and goal (say Astral Weeks). It seemed like Newsom was getting more from this (admittedly grand) outpouring of ideas than I was, and yes, her voice detracts from the album. But with its ambition, insanely beautiful arrangements and dense more-from-feeling-than-logic poetry, it sure does come tantalizingly close to a masterwork, and it has the feeling of a ghostly catharsis that is extremely rare in any phylum of music these days. For that, it's an album to be admired, if not to be quite as loved.… Expand

I don't know whay everyone else is hearing, but this is the single worst release in 2006. Newsom's vocals are beyond bad and the album itself is very overproduced. Awful.

Her first album was amazing, this one is just crap. Must be the influence of her new buddy Devendra Banhart. Can someone tell this guy not to talk to other artists ?

Rolling stone dropped the ball. Solid arrangements as the songs meander with a purpose and let her voice shine.

We have seen the birth of a true modern day masterpiece.

awful. 50+ minutes long and she is singing for 48 of those minutes. I would love to hear the version sans vocals.

On first listen, I'm thinking it might be the best of the year. That spot is currently held by TV On The Radio for me, but it's close.

On the verge of replacing In The Aeroplane Over The Sea for me, album of the year, Joanna Newsom is a demigod, wow, i have listened to this album more in the last few weeks than any album this year in total

One of the more groundbreaking albums to be released this year, I think. Takes a while to settle in (possibly moreso than usual; I say this because most times people follow such a comment with, "Just like any great album.") Once it clicks though...incredible.

J Publius said: "This will be on every critics top 10 list, and nobody will listen to it for more than five minutes." Actually I haven't been able to put it down for over a week. Grows with every listen. It's the same for most people I've talked to who liked it.

stunning

One of the finest albums ever written. Opening track "Emily" is one of the best songs ever written. One must be generous and open-minded when approaching Y's, but the rewards are excellent. At times, her lyrics can even be life-changing. Definitely pick this one up.

This is a real dream

Anyone commenting on this album should have the patience to listen from start to finish at least 10 or so times... Well it isn't conventional pop song writing, it is hard to get a hold of at first but your patience will be rewarded. Ys is stunning - Only Skin and Sawdust together make up the most compelling 30 minutes of music released this year. Yes, this album is that good.

I previewed this on iTunes and didn't like it. In particular, Joanna's vocals. A couple of days later, I purchased it and after 2 or 3 listens, I'm fairly smitten with it. I now find her vocals charming and sincere. Beautiful harp and arrangements. Wonderfully escapist.

This is by far the most overrated album of the year. Just awful

Astonishinly beautiful, albeit a tad bjorkish and kate bushish, but once you over that, lyrics in hand, it is a bold, fresh, gigantic musical piece. Well done to that young californian girl!!

Newsom should have stuck to voice work in commercials and cartoons rather than thinking she could sing.

I like the way she rock! I like the way she roll! Jovanna Newston is my honey-lover to the Max!

Another neo-folk (or whatever you call it) record pretty much completely devoided of any soul or passion...or memorable tunes for that matter, having a gimmicky voice is just not enough I'm afraid. String arrangements are nice though...

deeply musical, lyrically astonishing, and profoundly moving.

Brilliant, Beautiful, one of the best of 2006

Just breathtaking. I hate to sound like a music snob and say something like "People who don't like it just don't understand it," but I feel like a lot of the negative feedback is from people who haven't given it a chance. Give it a try for yourself. More than once. This is definitely an album in which something more can always be found.

This record blows more than me. i kind of agree what Brian has to say. Rolling Stone sold their soul over ten years ago with their stupid 31/2 star ratings but I think the only reasons Sulfan Stevens and Antony and the Johnsons are famous is becasue they have Fancy Arty names that would go well when discussing the new season of Battlestar Galactica at some upscale party that you go to get away from "common people." The Decemberists are acclaimed because they go well with those Lord of the Rings parties all the nerdy virgins through.… Expand

an impressive album of rich, layered music. the lyrics aren't as great as they were on milk-eyed mender but the production is better and newsom's voice has improved. that said, many will be turned off by her voice without ever knowing the beauty of this album.

so, im gonna review the album, but i honestly havent been able to listen all the way to the end. you know why? cause shes singing about chim-chir-ees and monkeys and bears, and while yeah i get the metaphors and references to her thesaurus-inducing vocabulary terms, its a little preposterous to expect someone to listen to 15 minute songs that arent songs at all. im sorry, but music is not reading a children's book or a nature book while strumming your harp to no appartent rhythm or melody, and then adding an orchestra to do the same thing, that is, play random notes whenever they feel like it. there is absolutely no conjunction to this album whatsoever, and its beyond annoying hearing her repeat the same ridiculous lines over and over about meteorites (pronouncing them meteoroyytes). her first album is terrific and beautiful, but Ys (what the hell does Ys mean??) is absurd. stop trying to be so otherworldly and academic and take the time to actually craft some worthy songs.… Expand

Not my cup of tea but I can see there's something original going on. Some parts sounded like an old Walt Disney cartoon.

At first glance (listen) it can easily seem like Newsom is out to prove something and using a nerdy rennaissance theme to boot. But after repeated listening, it is apparent that she is completely capable of acheiving her goal without a smirk or hint of irony. That her lyrics are thick and poetic, in the strongest sense of the word, is intimidating, while at the same time her vocals grow powerfully passionate and honest with each listen. Her unique vocal style is so distinct that many are hung up by it and fail to proceed to the passion within. As you decypher the poetry and emerse yourself in her flight of fancy, you understand the depth and sincerity of this monumental work. It's stunning that at such a young age, she has succeeded in not only being an incredibly talented musician, but attacking a project this large while carving out her own unique style. Incredible, smart writing+talented musician+unique style+depth and sincerity=too much for some! This is a monumental piece that will go down in history as an artistic triumph!… Expand

Dear Brian D: You are a jackass. Giving this album a 1 totally over looks this album's accomplishments. Yes, it's hard to stomach, yes, it can seem precocious. But, if you can manage to open up a bit, you'll notice that the music is gorgeous. To get off the subject of the album for a second, Brian D, how can you tell people to "Get over yourselves" when you're the one who feels that you're taste in music is so superior. P.S. Rolling Stone hasn't covered good music in years. When was the last time they put someone on the cover who deserved it?… Expand

I loved what parts of this CD I was allowed to hear at the store; it jumped out at me as something which was definitely worth my money. Now, having said that, I just wish I could hear more of Joanna's beautiful soprano which comes and goes all too quickly for I am not very fond of her medeavel wench voice (or whatever you want to call it -- it's just weird to me and hard for me to stomach). But there is no denying that it is an album of considerable artistic achievement. Comparisons to Bjork are not unfounded and I like Bjork also, but these kinds of albums are not my favorites. I will take the reviewers' advice and let it grow on me (see if it grows on me more anyway) and listen to it when i hear it calling for me to hear something totally different. But, yes, very well done, Joanna.… Expand

At first, I thought my dislike of this record was the result of some internal defect; now, I realize that the record just isn't that good. I can see that it's supposed to be a grand statement, and Newsom certainly proves herself to be an accomplished musician here. However, if one is going to make a record like this, it's probably a good idea to have something to say first. What I hear here is a whole lot of sounds smashed together to signify nothing.… Expand

Excellent in every aspect!

Haunting - keeps me coming back

Snooze fest. Too much hype on nothing. You can guarantee it'll get four to five stars from most meatheads...

Rolling Stone has been irrelevant for years. Ys is one of the most enchanting albums, I have ever listened to.

Very good cd. reminds me of an epic poem with wonderful lyrics. she assumes an air of confidence that makes her great.

one of the worst sounding, most indigestible CDs I've heard. yet the songs are amazing. what happened?

i think i can sing better : and thats saying some thing

will some one kill this crazy person

out of this world, new, refreshing, magical, beautiful and truly lovely to hear.

Beautiful, and highly stimulating if you like poetic lyrics, a classical sensibility, and the spirit of artistic endeavour. A masterpiece that I can enjoy again and again.

How can anyone like this? Listen to that voice! Since when did bad become good? Now, I'm all for pretentious artists (I'm a big fan of Sting), but only if they have TALENT in the first place! Yeah, she can pick on the harp pretty well, but that doesn't give her an excuse to mindlessly and badly warble lyrics that, while decent, don't flow well. I have no problem handling up to 20 minutes songs (Yes's And You and I is one of my fav. songs of all time), but that's because the music keeps you involved in those cases by changing its tone every few minutes, but here, the only thing that keeps me from going to sleep is Joanna's constant squeaking. I think that if an album plans to be successful, all the elements have to be present, and skipping one area ruins it. Sure, the harp and orchestra is pretty, but the melodies aren't involving enough. Unless you absolutely LOVE THEM TO DEATH, you won't remember any of them the next day. The lyrics are alright, but I'd take anything by Neil Peart over any of them. But her voice...that ruins the whole album for me. To be mean about it, she sounds like Scrooge McDuck lifting heavy things whist sucking helium. And the squeaks! Would it kill her to go get some voice lessons? When will peole get the friggin' modesty to not sing when they can't! *ahem* anyway, I really, REALLY dislike this album, and despite what everyone else tells me, I'll never change my name. Thank you, and goodnight.… Expand

Perfect. Read the Pitchfork review. You love it or you hate it. If you don't like it, it probably won't grow on you, and I pity you.

Beautiful Album. Just evokes the full range of emotions.

I'll never understand why these sprawling idiosyncratic croonings constitute a great work--and that's coming from a fan of Tori Amos and Kate Bush!!

I have currently been examining monkey and bear, I get chills just reading a few lines. this is classical masterpieces with brilliant poetry that seeps into your head and cuddles you in a blanket of ease. if green day is more of your music I would not suggest listening to this as it might put you in a comma.

Quite simply one of the most beautiful records I can think of. Everything is lush and flowing. The lyrics and orchestration are nothing short of amazing.

Her voice is total garbage. I don't understand what's likeable about her baby-like voice and barely competent harp playing.

Magical!! 2006's Masterpiece! Too bad some people just can see it, thank god critics and the big majority saw what i saw and what i felt! Ys is pure magic! Just give it a try! If you can't see how unique her voice, her harp, her lyrics, her music it's your problem. This days people just want easy music, the hooks! She's so much more than that. It's not because you like tori amos or kate bush that means you will like it. Joanna Newsom is unique and she's an acquired taste, you love or hate it. I ADORE!… Expand

When I first listened to this album, I was confused. I liked the harp and doubly so the orchestral overtones, but found the songs rambly and actively disliked her voice. I was somewhat intrigued, but also rather offput. After giving it a long rest, I came back and listened to the song Emily, which for some reason decided to grab me and cling on for dear life. I found myself humming snippets of tune in the shower. The more I listened to it, the more I realized how much nuance there is in this music, and what seemed rambly before was actually a fully populated world of sound filled with interesting audio minutia. Eventually, I got used to the voice, and the other songs on this album grew on me, with the exception of Cosmia, which is the only misstep on the entire album. Now, after many listens, I believe that this album is simply brilliant and I can't remember the last time something held my attention for so many listens (maybe System of a Down's Mesmerize/Hypnotize). You will either love it, or you will hate it, and there's really no in between. And for those of you who can't get past the voice, you are missing something truly wonderful here.… Expand

Album of the decade.

It's like the best thing that I'll only ever listen to once.

rolling stone is the dumbest publication on earth.

Simply beautiful :).

Like Bjork doing 10 minute "epic" Yoko Ono covers with a harp. Overly ambitious and frankly, kind of annoying. Clearly lots of people love it, but I just don't get it.

WOW.

Just perfect. That's all.

rarely does any artist ever reach such high levels of accomplishment with any piece of music. "Ys" is really too good to explain, only listening will do it justice.

Though only five songs, they will continue to reveal themselves to me for years. Every pass over this album has been so different.

Album of the year. Hands down.

This is an amazing piece of art, something that I have come to enjoy more with every listen.

album of the year, period.

Rolling Stone can kiss my puckered pool hole for all I care. I don't want nuts...oh, wait. Um, this is the album of the year.

Magically Fantastically Romantically Amazingly Gorgeous

Stunning. Although at times I can understand some qualms expressed about about it, that I've had 7 or 8 melodies from the album simultaneously running through my mind, later rotating to others, at all times over the last week is something I cannot say about any album I've heard in my life. I can't stop listening to it. Whatever you want to say about pretention, overwriting, whatever... the music is simply just too good for me to care.… Expand

An extremely ambitious album that actually achieves its ambitions. Incredibly rich, complex and subtle, it needs to be heard many times to be fully absorbed, but for me, repeated listens are easy. This is about as good as music can be.

This is not my normal indulgence, but a couple of these songs are perfect. Give the girl a chance. Does it get a tad pretentious, sure. But ambition is important and she has a singular approach that can only humble you.

Like fingernails on a chalkboard. Maybe there's a nice melody in there somewhere. Maybe if Squeaky paused her rambling lyrics for a second or two we could hear it. Pretentious crap.

very boring.... next, please!

Stunningly beautiful with lyrics that will play with your head. So close to perfect it's scary. Screw you, rolling stone.

You know how everyone lost their mind over Sufjan Steven's 'Illinois' in 2005 and it was this event and you could get pure glee from playing it for your cool indie friends & regular people alike? Remeber how universal awe was the response every time and it only made you anticipate the look on the next persons face your played it for? That album, that joy, that event for 2006 is 'Ys'. Its as ambitious and OK Computer tight-roping between skyscrapers on fishing line (just like Illinois was) and its similarly intricate and gorgeous and poetic. And its overwhelming the first time you hear it. And it offers layers of new reward to those who peel the onion. Anyone coming in without hearing her debut will have to get used to her high-pitched voice, but that's also less squeeky than on 'Milk-Eyed Mender'. Van Dyke Parks' stamp is readily obvious to anyone who has heard 'Orange Crate Art'. I was initially excited about the freak-folk scene when Devendra Banhart's Rejoicing In the Hands was my favorite album of 2004 but 'Ys' overtakes that record and will probably go down as the San Fransisco's most important moment since the last time freaky folkies congregated there. As far as the present is concerned, the scene is now impossible to ignore. Espers, Vetiver, White Magic, Devendra, all of them are led by Joanna brandishiing her druidic quarterstaff making their mark on pop history.… Expand

I can understand that this album is very good, and that Newsom is a terrific lyricist. My problem is that I just can't get into it.

Beautiful...i cannot stop listening to it.

What the hell is this crap? Is KFed still performing? That's how bad this album was.

best album of the year... no contest

there is something completely inspiring about this album, from the lyrics to the classical musical arrangements newsom proves she is a novel force to be reckoned with in the music world. if you are a fan of music you have a moral obligation to listen to this entire album.

You pretentious people like to think you're cool because you know of things that others don't. In reality your taste sucks and so does this album. Rolling Stone is a good publication and I trust for the most part their critics and right they are that this album is hard to stomach. Things are not beautiful because they're ugly, or different sounding. Get over yourselves.

One of the best albums I've ever heard.

As good as you would think a harp album named after a mythical city in Brittany would be. I am seriously impressed by anyone over the age of 8 who can derive enjoyment from listening to this album. For critics who are bathing Joanna and any other psych folk artist who scraps together an hour long renaissance festival soundtrack, it's really not that hard to drone on about treehouses and forest animals with minimalist strings echoing in at random times. Stopped being impressed by it.… Expand

Joanna Newsom is one of the most interesting artists around - there isn't many other harpist singer-songwriters out there. While her distinctive voice adds to her cult appeal, it also makes it unlikely she will ever 'break-out' and do well on the charts. I sometimes wonder whether she would be better served as part of a duo, with someone else singing - though no doubt that would be sacrilege to her fans.… Expand

some time ago i thought that her voice was REALLY terrible. but then,i think she won me up with these 10-minute songs,great job. :}

My favorite album of all time. This is simply the most beautiful and emotional music I have ever heard. The epic scope, the haunting melodies, the expressive lyrics, the way she seems to pour her heart and soul into every song, it just all washes over me and sometimes overwhelms me. It's so good that I have a hard time going a day without listening to it, which worries me because I don't want to ever get tired of this. A true masterpiece.… Expand

This could be some of the most overated music I have ever had the priviladge of listening to. Listen to the new TV on the Radio album, or Future/sex Lovesounds by Justin Timberlake.

I got this on the basis of the fantastic reviews. When I first put it on, I went 'what the hell', and hated it. I came back and listened to it later, and little bits and pieces struck out- mostly the music, but some of the lyrics too. Now I love it. This is a record that rewards repeated listening. I'm still not crazy about some of the lyrics, but her love of language is obvious and some of the lines are beautiful.… Expand

Magnificent album. Those who have a problem with her voice: you have the problem, which is a pity for you to then not appreciate this, the greatest writer of lyrics of the last 5 years (alongside Craig Finn of The Hold Steady). This music is only mad **** to those with no imagination to take wing. The instrumentation by the genius of 'Song Cycle', Van Dyke Parks, is superb complementing her harp and voice. This is no folkie either, as her songs have the expanse far outreaching anyone of that restrictive genre.… Expand

Joanna Newsom is more than a musician, she is an artist. Perfectly blending her musical talent into the realm of her imagination. Each song is a journey unto itself.

Showing her power as an singer and harpist, Joanna Newsom deliver us the best folk album ever. With strange lyrics, that sounds like talks, we catch ourselves flying around listening to beatiful songs like 'Emily' and 'Sawdust & Diamonds' - the best of this album. Super!