Anyone Here Know the Music of Nellie McKay?
I'm not asking if you've heard of her. I'm curious as to how many folks know what she's all about. I just discovered Nellie McKay and I'm blown away by what a mature and marvelous song writer she is.
She released her first album at the age of 22 in 2004. She looks like a former head cheerleader, but she's channeling a very old soul with a laser sharp wit and wicked sense of humor. She's also one hell of a competent musician, playing keyboards extremely well, and is credited variously with mallet instruments like marimba, percussion, cello and even saxophone! She writes nearly all her own material.
The exception is a cover album of Doris Day songs, which (I know this will be hard to believe) is delightful. The songs are bland, but the treatment is exquisite, both vocally and in the accompaniment. In fact, I've read that she describes herself as a cross between Doris Day and Eminem.
Which brings me back to her innocent look. She actually does some rap (and for once I don't immediately attempt to get away from the source of the racket). It's pretty intense and when the occasional f-bomb is dropped, it's actually shocking and effective. I think her first album from 2004, Get Away From Me, is probably my favorite and would be my first recommendation to anyone who didn't know her work.
So was it just me who was out in the dark and everyone else already knows about this lady? If not, why isn't she famous?