Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This follow-up to Helicopter Girl's Mercury-nominated debut, How to Steal the World, brings into sharper focus the limitations of Jackie Joyce's approach, which relies too heavily on the presumed appeal of a voice that's as much Eartha Kitt as it is Billie Holiday, and self-consciously spooky, shapeless arrangements that prize atmosphere over substance. The greatest drawback is her lyrics, which reflect similar priorities, often appearing to be assembled from random impressions with little narrative logic. The title Voodoo Chic accurately conveys the affected nature of the proceedings, which become a bit of a Portisheadache after a few tracks. The most authentic voodoo ambience derives from the samples of Dr John's "Gris Gris Gumbo Ya Ya" in "Jakarta Flatline", while elsewhere the settings (produced by either Paul Statham or the Past Present Organisation) range from relaxed to lazy, with burring organ or jazzy sax providing the main textural appeal of tracks such as "Rivermouth" and "Her Lucille". The most memorable song is Tim Buckley's "Blue Melody", rendered in a tropical lilt of piano and congas that's identical to the original, except that Helicopter Girl's vocal limitations drain off all of the emotional energy Buckley invested in the song. Depressing, but not in an attractive way.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments