Marianne Faithfull - Negative Capability

****

Faithful to her musical past

Marianne Faithfull has been making music since 1964, so for the last fifty four years, now I expect that is older than most the people reading this review. 'Negative Capability' is her twenty first album, which is quite some achievement. I think when you take all this into account and the fact she is still making music, it is quite some achievement. Also the fact she has bee having a number of health scares over the years, as well as high profile relationships with a few banned substances (as well as one with a Rolling Stone).

I am happy that she is still making music, and I get to listen to 'Negative Capability'... which is a great record. These issues left her with her distinctive vocal style almost rasping the words out. This is evident from the start with opening track ‘Misunderstanding’ in which, and being honest, it does sound like an older lady singing. But that would not do the sound justice leaving it there; it is full of raw emotion.

Anyway this is not any older lady, this is someone who can still deservedly command the respect of fellow artists,  for example Nick Cave who helped write and features on the ‘The Gypsy Faerie Queen’ inspired by a ‘Midsummer night’s Dream’. As well as the new collaborations she takes the opportunity to revisit some of her back catalogue including ‘As tears go By’, her first hit back in the 60’s which was also covered by the Rolling Stones.  

‘Witches Song’ is another from her sizeable repertoire that she gives a updated version of on ‘Negative Capability’. Both of these retain the original feel while still offering a different take, an interesting concept for an artist to revisit something older when they feel they can offer something new. Whilst a number of the songs are very personal to Marianne and thing in her life she also comments on events in her adopted city of Paris in ‘They Come at Night’.

This commentary on the attacks at the Bataclan which she was obviously deeply affected by and relives in some graphic detail “bombs explode in Paris, the future is here”. This is a collaboration this time with Mark Lanegan. The city of love is referenced again in ‘No Moon In Paris’ with Ed Harcourt tells the shockingly honest story of how she feels “as lonely as can be”.

The whole album seems to be quite an opening of the soul, being honest it took a couple of listens to really get it, but once I recognised it for the raw and emotional work it is it is quite awe inspiring. Somebody who through artistic integrity has found it is time to open up to the world, I hope the world are listening as this deserves to be heard.

Review by Jon Cooper

Check Out! the Video for 'The Gypsy Faerie Queen' Feat. Nick Cave Below...