I think I'm obsessed with lady songwriters who play piano and sing really, really well. That's how I came to find one of my all time favorite artists, A Fine Frenzy (Alison Sudol). I distinctly remember going to Starbucks one day back in August of '07 and getting a free download of "Almost Lover" with my receipt. Sa-weet. I love free stuff. The next thing I knew, I was listening to the song on repeat in tears. It made me cry! I don't cry!
This, my friends, is how I became a huge Alison Sudol fan.
Born in Seattle, Wa., Alison moved to Los Angeles with her mom when she was five. Smart move, mommy. After making her SXSW debut in 2007, Alison released her first album, One Cell in the Sea. Her single peaked at No. 25 on Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks. Soon enough, the songwriter found herself flying all over the world and playing sold-out shows, first opening for Rufus Wainwright (love him, too) and then on her very on headlining tour. Her music has been used in film and television, and she's even guest starred on a couple of TV shows.
On September 8, A Fine Frenzy released her sophmore album, A Bomb in a Birdcage, full of colorful folk-infused rock songs and ballads with smart lyrics, bright piano rhythms and amazing, let me repeat, AMAZING vocals. She was supposedly "nerdy and quiet" as a child, but look at her — she is absolutely gorgeous (love the red hair). I bet those kids wish they hadn't of made fun of her now. But seriously, this CD showcases straight up, 100% natural talent.
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2000.