Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine (#444)

In this episode of the Backwards Beats podcast, hosts Carl and Dan dive into Fiona Apple’s 2005 release, Extraordinary Machine. Ranked at #444 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, the album is a midpoint in Apple’s career, marked by a notorious production history and a shift toward more idiosyncratic, orchestral arrangements. The hosts explore the "Free Fiona" campaign, the influence of classical training on her songwriting, and the contributions of legendary drummers Questlove, Abe Laboriel Jr., and Jim Keltner. Before the deep dive, Carl and Dan share their experience seeing Snarky Puppy at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. Key Points The "Free Fiona" Saga: Discussion of the album's troubled production, from the initial orchestral sessions with Jon Brion to the label-mandated re-recordings with Mike Elizondo, and the subsequent fan campaign that led to its eventual release. Vocal Mastery and Artistry: An analysis of Fiona Apple’s alto range, her "killer annunciation," and her cynical, disdainful storytelling that sets her apart from her 90s contemporaries. The Final Verdict: While both hosts highly recommend the album for its variety and technical brilliance, they ultimately agree that it might not earn a spot in their own Top 500, suggesting her debut album, Title, might be a stronger contender for that distinction. In Their Ears: Carl recommends the shreddy violin work of Jean-Luc Ponty (Enigmatic Ocean), while Dan suggests Duke Ellington's tribute album, ...And His Mother Called Him Bill. Music References saw me by Snarky Puppy Metropolitan Orchist Alanis Morrisette Billy holiday Nina Simone Lana Del Rey Eddie Vetter Chris Isaac Amy Mann Questlove the roots D'Anjalo Erica Baadu in the meantime by spacehog spacehog Abe Laboriel Jr. Abe Laboriel Paul McCartney Kenny logins Jeff Piccaro Chester Thompson the climb by no doubt no doubt Bonnie Raitt Cheryl Crow Brian May Anna Molly by Incubus Incubus the Alabama song by the doors the doors Tom Wait Florence the Machine back from black by Amy Winehouse Amy Winehouse Sigur Ros the Joshua Tree by U2 Running to Stand Still by U2 U2 please, please by James Brown James Brown please, please by Sabrina Carpenter Sabrina Carpenter Aja by Steely Dan Josie by Steely Dan Steely Dan Joe Walsh Vulfpec Genesis Rush Inigmatic Ocean by John Luke Ponte John Luke Ponte Van Halen Mark and Terry and his mother called him Bill by Duke Ellington daydream by Duke Ellington Duke Ellington Billy Strayhorn Join us next week for scary Monsters and Super Creeps by David Bowie .