Fiona Apple
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
(Epic)

Fiona Apple is known for numerous contributions to music, among them are her sulky pop songs and long album titles. Her latest album release, The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, provides both of these elements.

Moving past the ridiculously unnecessary album title, the tracks sound more like they belong on her first album, Tidal, than on her next two releases. This return to her strength is emotional and evocative. For example, “Anything We Want” is spirited and features lyrics like “And then we can do anything we want” chanted over and over again. The traditional crashing piano lines typical of Fiona Apple songs are brought front and center on this track. “Hot Knife” is angry and a bit of a jazz track. Everything comes together in this unique way and you won’t be able to turn it off. The anger just drives a gorgeous musical line leading into the chorus, which sounds like a quiet but strangely chant-y group effort. “Left Alone” is a bit of a break-up, depression anthem. Lyrics like “How can I expect anyone to love me/When all I do is beg to be left alone” will haunt listeners. The song will stick with you as the melody pounds along.

If you’re a fan at all of Fiona Apple, you’ve probably been eagerly looking forward to this album. Good luck putting it down once you have your hands on it!