From the Top of the World single, plus free download
September 23, 2008 · Print This Article
From the Top of the World EP
Cover art by David Stith
Release date: Sept. 23, 2008
iTunes exclusive: $3.96
While Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond retains a French vocabulary more comparable to that of an African Grey Parrot than to Victor Hugo, she does love to sing French songs from the 1930s. Borrowed melodies from Worden’s favorite French sparrow, the inimitable Edith Piaf, “Adieu mon Coeur,” and “Hymne A L’Amour” have become standard concert repertoire for My Brightest Diamond in recent years.
After having fled Germany to escape the Nazi’s in 1933, composer Kurt Weill penned the music for “Youkali:Tango Habenera”. Years later, Roger Fernay added lyrics describing a vagabond trip to an island of bliss called Youkali, whereupon landing a fairy would act as one’s personal tour guide. Youkali is a land of happiness and fulfilled desire, a place where all the stars shine brighter. But the dreamy mists dissipate in the second verse, as life progresses only tediously while poor human souls seek to escape to the mysterious utopia in vain.
With the help of co-producer / ear candy man Zac Rae, a longstanding Diamond collaborator, these recordings take new flight with his host of reversed pianos, paint can snares, and warbling theramins.
1. From the Top of the World
2. Youkali: Tango Habanera
3. Hymne à L’Amour
4. Adieu Mon Coeur
Listen to an exclusive acoustic version of “Adieu mon Coeur”, then download for freeee while you read an interview with Shara on Stereogum.
[...] nun bereits veröffentlicht, doch wirklich überzeugt hat mich erst die Download Single From the Top of the World. Dies war nach dem Album 2008 A Thousand Shark’s Teeth im September bereits die nächste [...]
i love your music
You are the new queen of indie ;]
Aw, no Bandcamp or Amazon :(
Nevertheless.
I was mesmerized by your voice one evening as I sat working on my computer (web stuff). A clip was playing in the other room on VH1 of a live performance of The Decemberists on their “The Hazards of Love” tour (“The Wanting Comes in Waves / Repaid” and “The Queen’s Rebuke” back to back). Since that moment I have been a great admirer of your work.
As soon as I found out who you were after searching on Google and YouTube I got my hands on “Bring on The Work Horse”, “A Thousand Shark’s Teeth” and even the remix of that one and some miscellaneous singles here and there when I can find them. I can’t wait for your next project/album. Yes… I call them albums (dating myself). ;)
Your voice is so powerful and yet sweet, sensual and soothing. I don’t want to sound too drippy, but you will forever have a special place in my heart. You’re one of the few artists that has had such a significant impact on me musically, as a listener and as a sometimes singer/songwriter/musician.
I hope to catch your NYC show in July at the Clinton Castle. Too bad tickets are only available the day of the performance. *sigh*
All the best to you and your family!
Love and respect.