My last post somewhat reflected interesting human mental states. So now that I'm on the topic of insanity, I will introduce you all to a vocal goddess, Diamanda Galás.
I fucking adore, absolutely adore and admire this woman, however she's one of those ones you either love or hate. I think she is fantastic, she has been described (quite fairly) as having the capability of "the most unnerving vocal terror." Her operatic vocal range is hard to compare, she imitates glossolalia, and has said that in single-production works that she has actually fallen into such a state, her work ranges from the insane to jazzy/punk vocals. Classically trained and learnt from a very young age, she composes all her songs and remakes, and plays the piano with a fanaticism that is hard to imitate. She is, a genius, a mad woman, and a vessel of beautifully tragic songs. The lyrical content ranges from biblical references (Malediction & Prayer, Plague Mass), for lack of a better word, Satanism (The Litanies of Satan), human illnesses, both mental and physical (Masque of the Red Death, Schrei X) as well as tragic love and endless despair (Guilty, Guilty, Guilty). Most of the songs are re-makes, or takes on poetry and the biblical scripture, twisted to show the true sickness of Christianity and other oppressions. Others are written by the woman herself, and are a very emotional reflection of her life. I saw her perform in 2008, and I have to say I was not the same for several weeks after. If you believe in spirits, ghosts, or otherworldly presence, they were very much in the cathedral with her, the audience, and I.
I admit, the very first time I listened to her it was the CD "Plague Mass." At first I didn't know what to think about some of her ... vocals. I hated it. I wasn't going to listen to it again. However she stuck with me, her odd shrieking and howling, wailing and despair was in my subconscious. I listened again with greater interest, and now, I am in love with this woman.
For Diamanda beginners, those who have not experienced her creations yet, I would recommend giving "The Singer" a try. It's fairly calm, in the sense that there isn't a whole lot of undistinguished howling, but more breathy singing and gospel-esque passages. From there perhaps "Guilty, Guilty, Guilty," "Plague Mass," or "Masque of the Red Death." Albums such as "Schrei X" and the "Litanies of Satan" I only recommend to those who want to submit to audio torture; it's beautiful torment.
PS, there are NO effects on her microphones or any instrument (which is pretty much only the piano). She uses two mics to get an echo effect, but any weird screeches or noises that don't make sense in terms of normal vocal range -- it's all her. There are a few songs however where I am not sure, but I believe the vocals have been edited to a lower octave. However I could be wrong about that.
You can check out her myspace here, listen to some of the songs.
No comments:
Post a Comment