Let it be known: I love Katharine Whalen. Always have always will. At least, I've adored her and her music since the first time I ever heard Squirrel Nut Zippers back in 1995; so, having loved and listened to her for more than a decade it now seems like I've been a fan forever. You might have noticed that the first Squirrel Nut Zippers album appeared on EAR FARM's Overlooked of the 90's feature back when the feature, and this site, was in its infancy. Well, I think I may need to revisit those early posts from that feature because the one on The Inevitable doesn't quite get the message across the way it should, but that's neither here nor there. All that matters is for you to know that half of the reason that album, that band, is such a classic is because of Katharine.
So imagine my excitement when I got a MySpace message from her asking to be added as a friend. Sure, the message was from whoever runs her MySpace page (most likely not her of course) but the reason for my excitement wasn't a personal connection. It was because Katharine is making music again! She's got new songs on her MySpace page, a a new website in the works, and an album coming out on June 6th!! You can hear three songs on her MySpace page...one I don't care much for (the commercial ready "You Who") and two that've gotten me plenty excited to hear the new album. They're jazzy lounge with a bit of Moroccan club influence and her voice sounds heavenly, as usual. Go and listen to "Want You Back" on MySpace and grab "The Funnest Game" here - I don't see how you couldn't love her voice.
Listen:
"The Funnest Game"
Katharine Whalen on MySpace
22 March 2006
Katharine Whalen
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2 comments:
It will be intersting to see the over all reaction to this cd. To old fans of the Zippers there might be a couple songs that don't equate. As the producer I wanted to give Katharine the opportunity to explore different styles. Each song on the cd is different. Katharine insisted on doing You Who, and I was like, ok. And the song seems to be going well with the kids who have no idea who Katharine is or the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Hopefully there is something on the cd for everyone and Katharine get's the oppotunity to ignite her carreer. I for one think she has the most unique voice I have
ever heard. I can't put my finger on it either. It just is. And I hate the Billy Holliday referance people throw around. I guess as a producer you encourage the Artist to explore themselves and there own indentity. This is the first album where Katharine does some writing, and her lyrical sense is best summed up as "hobo erotica". Maybe, but quite unique. cd release is june 6, or 666. Mark of the beast. Fingers crossed.
David Sale aka Camus
Even though I understood your disclaimer about the 'add' probably not being from Katharine herself, I could totally relate to your sense of wonder and awe. I am a huge fan of them all (the zippers), individually and together, and had that instantaneous OMG!! reaction myself.
I haven't listened to the song yet or wandered over to the myspace site yet..that will have to wait until tomorrow but how exciting it was to see the posting!
It's so funny because the zippers have been on my mind constantly for the past two weeks because the last time I saw them was at a venue in Seattle called the Crocodile Cafe. The Arctic Monkeys are going to be there on Wednesday and I'd like to go but the show's sold out. I'm obsessing about it which means I'm thinking about the venue which means I'm remembering the zipper show. Oh well, enough of the boring stories..
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