Monday, November 13, 2006

SiA - Colour the Small One

I've mentioned Sia Furler before in my review of Zero 7's The Garden. She's featured prominently in the vocals of the album, and I liked her voice enough to check out her solo album, Colour the Small One. This CD was originally released in 2004, but because of the recent use of "Breathe Me" in the final episode of Six Feet Under, the CD was re-released with 2 more songs and 2 remixes of "Breathe Me." Also, as a bit of trivia, Sia is the niece of another favorite musician of mine, Men at Work's Colin Hay. Of course, like her uncle, she's Australian.

I really like the woodwinds on "Sunday." Reminds me a little of "Strawberry Fields Forever." Sia's voice is especially breathy on this one. When the percussion enters in it's a little unexpected but really fills out the song. I also like the bridge where she sings "It will be OK." This is the kind of music you can listen to when feeling down to lift your spirits.

I can understand why Sia became in such demand after "Breathe Me" was used on HBO's Six Feet Under. Musically, it's a brilliant song. Her vocals are achingly beautiful. The piano has a Philip Glass, minimalist feel to it. After the piano opens the song, it's followed by a heavy sigh, then the verse begins. The second verse has the percussion and guitars join in, but the song still keeps its minimalist aura. It builds through out the song, and it's very powerful. I also like the heavy bass note at the end after the strings have slowly faded out.

I like the use of harmonies (probably from double tracked vocals) on "The Bully." I also like the use of the acoustic guitar. On "Sweet Potato" what sounds to me like a dulcimer is used. Both songs have a very calming effect on me.

The acoustic guitar is also used on "Butterflies." The song also has these deep piano notes I really like, as well as a real heavy bass drum. An interesting choice of instrumentation for a song titled "Butterflies."

A great highlight of the album to me is "Where I Belong." It starts out laid back, but then when it gets to the chorus, her vocals really soar, and a full band joins in.
So don't treat me bad just be glad I am strong
I know where I belong
And soon you will see we are blessed and complete
There's a place here for you with me
Really uplifting vocals.

If you liked "Breathe Me," or Zero 7, I definitely recommend Colour the Small One. As far as I can tell there's not any filler here, except for probably the two remixes on the new American version. But I'd still get the newer release for "Broken Biscuits" and "Sea Shells."

For further reading:
Sia's homepage
All Music Guide's Sia entry
Wikipedia's Sia Furler entry

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