I have revisited Have One On Me several times since its release, but Quit Mumbling has yet to give Joanna Newsom’s 3-part album the coverage it deserves. Finally, the time feels right. The record is back on the turntable, and I’m letting Newsom’s delicate voice and settling harp give the year’s final month a calm start. Due to its length, the album has (wrongfully) been called overly ambitious by many, but on a Sunday where you probably can’t get yourself to do anything useful until well into the afternoon, go ahead and delve into this. Most fans will admit that if you are not ready for it, attempting a full listen to the album’s 18 song tracklist could be a daunting, tiring experience, but if anything, take it piece by piece, and realize just how complete and perfectly crafted each of them are. Newsom’s music gives off a sense of serene, natural beauty that I have only been able to hear from a handful of artist’s around today. Her words combine with her music to paint heavily detailed, complex images to get sucked into.
When her sophomore effort Ys came out in 2006, it became a record I’d return to time after time to consistently drift away with. I still choose to get lost to its 12 minute, peaceful opener “Emily,” especially before I hit the hay. Have One On Me offers the same experience, and consequently, I will hold it in the same regard and treat its highlights the very same way. Listen to a track from all three parts below, and make sure to pick up a copy in the near future if you have not already.
