I'm a sucker for a beautiful wail. Currently my two favourite wails, both female, are, one a rock song and two, a single based on a sci-fi movie.
So, the rock song is The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd. The main vocal is by Richard Wright but the wailing is by Clare Torry and is simply amazing. It always makes my neck hair stand on end. A flawless howl of sheer gorgeousness. She was paid just £30 for it originally.
The single based on a sci-fi film is Man in Black, the first of the movie franchise. The main vocal is by Will Smith but the real action is Coko's wonderful moaning. She sings the chorus and riffs around the song like a bird. Quite fabulous and its a pity she didn't get more time.
There are many more fantastic whines out there and I'm sure you have a favourite. Maybe the Diva in the Fifth Element? Something from the Cocteau Twins? Maybe some other?
my current favourite whiner is Lana Del Rey, famous for her nihilistic faux americana. Theres some amazing vocals on the Ultraviolence album, especially Blackest Day, where her voice breaks at certain points and devolves almost into sobs, before rearing back up into raw contraltos. Such an amazing bical range. Mortal Coil released one of my faves in Sing to the Siren, which features in the film The Lovely Bobes, to heartbreaking effect. Cerys Matthews is another beautiful vocalist, as well as the singular talents of Kate Bush, my first musical love!
ReplyDeleteYes, all fabulous whiners Wote! I love This Mortal Coil as well and of course Kate Bush! Lana D Ray is new to me.
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