Of The Voice

When I wrote about Joanna Newsom’s voice the other day a thought came to mind of how much we like to be entertained by people with voices that are untraditional. Some voices are down right bad like the deep voiced grunting of Satanic Metal groups. Some we kind of like. We must like them because many of them have been selling records for decades.

Billie Holiday had an unconventional voice that was full of passion. It wasn’t a great voice, but she could carry a tune.

Leonard Cohen basically talks his songs and if his voice gets any deeper he will only be heard by elephants.

Tiny Tim’s voice was grotesque, but somehow we kept listening.

Kim Carnes showed that a bad voice couldn’t hurt a good song, though she hasn’t done anything new in the last 20 years.

Joe Cocker, I’ve never figured out what the appeal was there.

Rod Stewart, may have been better as a folk singer. His version of Mother Ain’t Dead with Long John Baldry was outstanding, but I never liked anything else he did. Here's a Link to the song. There is a player at this sight so you don't have to download the file.

Janis Joplin, yes she had soul, but her voice reminds me of dragging a muffler under your car.

Ian Durry was OK with his Pop Punk thing. He was more funny than talented.

Bjork really needs to pursue acting more than song.

Joanna Newsom, is like Lisa Simpson inside a sack with fighting cats.

Both Joan Baez and Stevie Nicks singing reminds me goats at feeding time.

I almost forgot about Palo Conte and Tom Waits, my two favorite gravelly voiced performers who whave the ability to sing real pretty and real ugly.

I’m sure I’ve missed some, so feel free to share your list.