Everything you thought you knew about Fiona Apple’s long-awaited, soon-to-be-released Extraordinary Machine is wrong. Contrary to rumor, the label did not shelve the album out of fears that it wasn’t commercial enough; neither Apple nor Epic had a falling out with her longtime producer, Jon Brion; neither Apple nor anyone else in her camp leaked the Brion sessions to the Internet last spring; and the version of Machine coming to stores on Oct. 4, as re-recorded under new producer Mike Elizondo, is really the version Apple approved.
The short version of what really happened, as Apple told Entertainment Weekly’s Karen Valby, is that she shelved the album herself; that when she decided to rerecord the tracks with Elizondo, Epic balked; and that, facing the prospect of song-by-song scrutiny from Epic over the rerecording, she quit the sessions altogether. ”So where everybody thinks [Epic] shelved the album, that is actually when I just said, ‘I quit,”’ Apple told Valby. ”It was the only thing I thought I could do.” In March, when unknown fans leaked the Brion version to the Internet in an apparent effort to prod the label to release the album, Apple said, ”I started feeling guilty, because it wasn’t the truth. The album hadn’t really been shelved. What was I going to do, tell all these people to stop, tell them that I had done the quitting? But I quit because I felt that what was going to happen was what they thought was already happening.”
The good news was, the fan response did prompt Epic to pay for her to re-record the album the way she wanted, with Elizondo producing, and she did so in June. ”I’ve been in the driver’s seat throughout this,” the singer told Valby. ”Sometimes not driving. Sometimes not actually moving. I was stalled for a long time, but I’ve definitely been in the driver’s seat.” For the full story, see Entertainment Weekly’s new issue, out Friday.
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Fiona’s breasts are somewhat askew…..much like her previous musical efforts.
Kyle, you are retarded…not clever.
aaah, anything for attention. Funny how you’re insulting, however, you’re on this site, reading aren’t you?
Ass.
Both “Tidal” and “When the Pawn…” encapsulate seasons in my memory–after sampling a few of the previewed tracks, I’m feeling pretty confident that “Extraordinary Machine” is going to be a fresh coat of paint on my mind this autumn. Fiona’s remarkable and utterly unique voice alone warrants further albums. She could be singing 20th century standards or Rogers & Hammerstein, and I’d still eat it up.
I have to go with the group consensus on this one to say that Kyle is a moron. (yet, sadly all morons are entitled to an opinion). I’d also like to say how excited I am to buy this album, and I’m telling everyone about it to help promote music that’s actually worth listening to.
What’s wrong with music being ‘askew’? Maybe learn something about posture, Kyle? Who knows, someday even you might be able to see breasts not in print ~shrugs
I love Fiona, and if she’s telling the truth then I’m glad to see her set things straight.
Don’t believe a word of this article.
Fiona Apple is a kick ass artist. her music is great, her voice is awesome and her lyrics are pensive. In my opinion she has more talent than most of what you hear on the radio.
I could care less if Fiona’s and the studio’s stories are true or false. Getting too wrapped up in the personal and (ugh) business lives behind the music only muddies the enjoyment. Everyone b.s.’s about a new album–it’s always “their greatest work”, “really special”, yada yada yada. If the album pleases, that’s all I care about. If not, on to the next one…
This is obviously a big lie. Problably, Fiona and Epic came to terms and made a deal. They released her album with some major changes to make it more appealing to the MTV audience, she agreed to say it was her and not Sony which shelved the album.
Kile is a perfect idiot : go back to your Kilie Minogues’ and Britney’s hot pictures and shut up man, you’re only a pervert.
Feel free to mail me if you know something! Thanks a lot friends. Renaud
I don’t know and I don’t care if Fiona or Sony or anyone else is telling us the truth : the reality is that we have a new album on the track
I have already seen all the videos (extraordinaires) and listen to Oh Sailor and my opinion is that it will be a great album, in the same vein as the 2nd one, I think
By the way, does somebody knows where to download the remix version of “Across the Universe”, the Beatles cover featured on the film “Pleasantville”. I can only find the original version but I heared a remixed version very very interesting
There is nothing dishonest about Fiona or her music. If you have any perception at all, you know that.
To those who believe that this article is false, please listen to her WNYC radio interview here: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/09232005 and listen to her tell her side. Listen to her sincerity. I don’t understand why you must make her life out to be such a tragedy anymore. She doesn’t have to be viewed as put-upon anymore.
I have to say Kyle, why did you bother reading the article if you thought Fiona’s music was “askew” in the first place? And for that matter, what’s wrong with being “askew”? It’s a hell of lot more powerful and interesting than most of the bull thats on the radio now. In relation to the article,I couldn’t give a rats ass if shes telling the truth or not. What I’ve heard so far is awesome and its got those sharps and flats that Fiona is known for and that I love.
Thank you soooo much for this article….I’m glad that, even though we, at FreeFiona, did not achieve what we orginally set out to do, we helped Fiona in a bigger way than we could have ever imagined. I am proud to have taken part in this.
We just know Fiona has a God given gift and we support her as a TRUE artist and
wish her much LOVE and happiness on her new project!! Chris in Nashville
I don’t know why it would be hard to believe that Fiona walked away from the project fearing her label would shelve the album – what would be the point of continuing on with new versions if they would only claim ownership and eventually refuse to release them? She didn’t want to give any more control of herself to the (unextraordinary) record machine than she had to.
I’m sure everyone who is a big fan of Fiona Apple rememberes me as one of the campaign managers over at FreeFiona. I was lucky to have been promoted, but it was mostly over my rants and digital contributions. I am skeptical that she is being honest in this article; partly because I am disappointed with the electronic, over-synthesized sound that the new version contains. I would like to have heard “Tymps (a.k.a. Used to Love Him & a.k.a. Sick in the Head)” remain the way that it was on the “leaked” versions. I would never have believed that someone who is so true to her roots, travels by foot, is a vegan, and a lover of humanity – would quit after the jon brion production in preference for over-processed, meaty, electronic, computer-generated pop beats. I am skeptical also because the previous statement was that “it lacks a hit single” (poppy/MTV quality-style sound) was the original “statement”. And what exactly does this new version sound like now? EXACTLY! Point made. But I will admit that I am glad it’s being released and I will buy a copy, and continue to promote her music. I am sorry that she has to go on tour, I have never seen her live. I know she doesn’t enjoy being thrown like this, I wouldn’t either… but she is a product – and products are meant to be sold… and when it comes to a corporation like Sony/Epic – these products are meant to be sold WELL. Populous enjoys pop. I will also admit that I enjoy the new version of ‘Red Red Red’ much better than the original. I am sad that this sound was recreated with real instruments, and the rest of the album kept the Jon Brion-way, but that’s life. Maybe this album will make enough money to be re-produced for a follow-up EM album featuring the original symphonic miracle that was once the original Extraordinary Machine. –KT
Grammatical Repairs
1. I know that she doesn’t enjoy being thrown (around) like this…
2. I am sad that this sound was (NOT) recreated with real instruments, and the rest of the album kept the Jon Brion-way, but that’s life…
I would also like to add something that I recently posted on our message board (about 5 seconds ago) after re-posting the message below this one.
copy & paste:
i realize i sound very bitter…
i am not.
i have nothing left to bitch about now that
the new album is being released oct. 4th!!
i’m sooo excited!
but i do not believe that we were ever wrong..
the attitude with which they may have approached
brion about the way the album sounded, might
certainly lead anyone (even brion) to believe that
they were far from impressed.
she may have been touched by what we did…
but i’m sure that the shelving of the album was
mutual on both sony & fiona’s parts.
sony may have said what they said – and fiona
didn’t want any complications…
trust me..
in our own way.. we were never wrong…
-kt
fiona apple is one of the most innovative and phenominal musical artists of all time. She never ceases to amaze me.. well, except for the 6 years or so that she laid dormant…haha.. but other than that, I consider her one of the best. Neither of her CDs have not nor will they ever be “played-out” to me.. I can never get tired of her beautiful voice or inspiring, metaphorical lyrics..
This definently is a CD that was long awaited i had the chance to listen to it on her website i loved every song. Fiona’s music is beautiful and unique! All I can say is keep it coming girl!
I love Fiona since 1997 when I first saw her video Shadowboxer, I was in Venezuela. Every since then I was captured! I saw her live in Atl. a couple of years later, I had to. Great show @ the Tabernacle. The mix between her music & the venue was magical. I waited for almost 2 hrs to see her coming out from the back & walk to the bus tour with her band and bodyguards. She stopped & signed my ticket and almost all of the (around) 100 fans waiting with me. There was a girl on a wheel chair that wrote her a letter or poem, so she came under the ropes and hugged her. She greeted, it was Fiona’s way. It was worth it.
finally!!! well gi think this album is so different from the others, tidal was sad (xD), when the pawn… was happier but like a transition to EM. it’s songs are just full of lifee!!! i lovee itt!! ^-^ one of my fav. of this album that i heard from the free version hehehe…was better version of me, “red, red, red”, Waltz ans please, please, please!
I hope Matt is till playing the drums live…………..
hi i want good women frend pls hellp me.im alon man. iwould like that good women love me
Enjoy Fiona’s music. I’m with Raff, who cares if was
Epic/Sony or Fiona that shelved the record. It’s out now!
This it’s what’s wrong with music today. there’s no more
mastic. Everybody wants to know what pant size the artist
is wearing. F#@%ing Lame. I will say this, Fiona is one
of the few female artists these days that writes her
own music and lyrics. Not only that but she’s doing
“her own thing” and because of that, i will always be
a fan. I can promise that her relationship with Brion
is fine. She didn’t want to remake When the Pawn.
She wanted a different vibe on this record, so what,
Good!!! i Hate it when artists rip off themselves,
peace,
travist
I can’t wait for this CD to be released. I don’t mind electronic music or changes to the songs. I come from Greece and we listen to all types of music and songs in all languages. I like all types of music, music that moves me and i enjoy Fiona’s lyrics and songs. I think americans really have to get over of their electronic music phobia and embrace other sounds too, there are plenty of great electronic bands out there, you are just never exposed to them here in the US (i’d say check out Hooverphonic,Lamb,Morcheeba,Gus Gus, Goldfrapp, Kirsty Hawkshaw,ATB,Way out West and you might like their tunes). I like a big variety of singers and Fiona is one of them. Best of luck to the new CD, and i’m glad it’s being released.
Hola! soy de argentina y quiero contarles que fiona apple entro en mi vida hace mas o menos un año y medio, conocia solamente algunos temas, y desde que tengo su primer disco no puedo dejar de escucharla. Me identifico mucho con sus temas y ojala pueda verla por aca algun dia…ahora estoy esperando que saquen a la venta su ultimo disco para ir corriendo a comprarlo. Mezcla de sonidos, fuerza y motivacion es lo que hacen que fiona este en la cima de mis favoritos. GRACIAS POR TANTOS BUENOS MOMENTOS!!!
I just love Fiona so much. Glad to have her back. She is a genuine artist. So rare!