St. Vincent
Marry Me
Beggars Banquet
As a member of the Polyphonic Spree who’s also worked with the likes of avant-garde composer Glenn Branca, one would expect Annie Clark’s first solo project to be quirky and diverse, which it is. What’s surprising about the album Marry Me, from Clark’s one-woman band St. Vincent, is that it is so immediately accessible.
Clark takes risks, trying her hand at everything from Bjork craziness and Portishead sensuality to Billie Holiday blues, and excels at every new sound she tackles. From the dark waltz of "Paris is Burning" to the Candyland marching band of "Jesus Saves, I Spend," what makes Marry Me so tremendously likable is Clark’s love of music, which comes through in every note of every track.
Already known as a talented guitarist from her work with the Polyphonic Spree, Clark proves that her talent stretches far beyond one instrument. Flowing multi-instrument compositions, featuring very capable help from musicians such as Bowie pianist Mike Garson, highlight almost every track on the album. On stripped-down tracks, Clark’s magnetic voice is more than capable of stealing the show.
It’s so easy to fall in love with this album, and this is one marriage proposal that nobody will be able to turn down.
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