I am enamored with My Brightest Diamond, a band I only recently discovered through brainchild, Shara Worden’s, association with The Decemberists.
Captivated by some of the most memorable vocals I’ve heard live since Beth Gibbons of Portishead, I had to have more. I immediately downloaded My Brightest Diamond’s 2006 debut, Bring Me the Workhorse, and their sophomore effort, A Thousand Shark’s Teeth released in June of 2008, both on Asthmatic Kitty Records.
This is a band that deserves recognition, both records delivering Worden’s refined, celestial nature. Each listen reveals another layer of complexity; these albums are a tapestry of inventiveness, classical training, stunning string arrangements, and that voice which has garnered comparisons to the theatrics of Jeff Buckley and the seductiveness of Nina Simone. Yes, it’s that good.
Raised by what her bio refers to as “a family of musical wanderers,” Worden’s back story set the stage for such a siren’s life. Her grandfather was an epiphone playing traveling evangelist, her father a national accordion champion and her mother a classical organist. Her influences range from Spanish tangos to Sunday morning gospel, classical and jazz. Toss in a hint of punk rock attitude and degree in opera, and there you have the mélange which makes Worden’s music remarkable.
Check out the video for “Inside a Boy,” the opening track from A Thousand Shark’s Teeth and a live solo performance of “From the Top of the World,” also from their sophomore record.
Inside a Boy
Inside A Boy from Rafa Toro on Vimeo.
From the Top of the World
My Brightest Diamond – From The Top Of The World from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.
This article appears in Jul 7-14, 2009.
