Sia

Sia defies defenition, and this is a good thing, and a testament to her originality and creativity. You may know her from her incredible and intoxicating vocals with the awesome and popular 'Zero7'. 'Some People Have Real Problems' is a departure from the strictly electronic chillout/downtempo genre, and her music explores various styles and textures here. From playful and quirky, to soulful, mellow accompaniment by piano and even horns, accordion, cello, and flutes, to more uptempo pop/rock, this release is a stellar palette of vocal showpieces and tight musicianship. This release is absolutely DELICIOUS! Don't miss it!

P.S. My 3 year old LOVES the enclosed colorful kiddie artwork! The CD comes with 7 square card inserts with children's artwork printed on both sides.

Whoever compared Sia to The Feist is a joke! I have both of their latest albums and I find myself playing her much more then The feist. I heard almost all of the newest albums that came out this year and this one stands out a lot in a very good way. It really touches your heart, after it's finish you might even feel like a new person. This is music done right!

I bought this cd after first hearing "Academia." Turns out, on other songs in the album, her voice has a lot more of an R&B style than I usually like, but it is stunningly beautiful, and I would say she doesn't overuse the vocal gymnastics. The music reminds me a bit of Aimee Mann. It's got a familiar feeling, but it's very well crafted and really enjoyable. Fun to sing along and dance to! Her lyrics are generally about love and its travails, but overall the message is hopeful and girl-self-esteem-building. I think I would feel pretty good about it if my teenage daughter were listening to this. It's a fun new find that has been in heavy listening rotation for me!

Sia never ceases to amaze! I bought this album months ago and yet it still lingers in the cd changer. "Day Too Soon" should be on radio! "Little Black Sandals" is a fantastic track. Really take time to listen to each intonation and breath she takes. See her live if you get the chance. I am waiting for her to be recognized for the genius she is. Buy this record. It's stunning.

It's been a long time since I can say that about an album but I know I will be enjoying this one for a very long time. She's got an interesting voice, great lycrics (not too raunchy like most today) and I feel like I've opened the door to a bunch of other artists like her. I'm so happy about this purchase and can't say enough about how much I like her singing!

Great new artist, such a soulful sound. She sings like no one I ever heard before. She really feeels the music!!

Sia has a wonderful voice and great talent as a songwriter - a gorgeous, heartfelt album for all lovers of female singer/songwriters.

I was up late watching Conan O'Brien show and SIA was the featured artist. The song I heard isn't on this album but none the less this album grew on me. There is one song that has been used in many films and TV shows and it's still one of my fav's. This album reminds me of Dido mixed with a little cranberries. I think the recordings are great and the mix was done very well. This album is a great ride all the way through.

Beautiful album. I was so happy to discover Sia since I have been a Zero 7 fan for many years. Sia has such a soulful voice that I don't tire of. A must for Zero 7 and Sia fans.

This cd is a great find. It is kind of slow at times, but the songs grab you and stay with you.

This CD contains a set of beautifully orchestrated ballads by a very offbeat and clever songstress. The music has a haunting feel that stays with you. She continues to mesmerize me with her almost unintelligble words and her mixture of sadness and humor. I hope she intends to continue her music and her art. Sia and her musicians produce a wonderland of sound that is very different yet so very beautiful.
RN

Heard some of Sia's stuff from Zero 7 and decided to try this CD. Listened to it once and was somewhat irritated by the nasal lingering notes/moans.

This is her best CD. She is best singing live. Her voice is so beautiful and all the songs are wonderful. The crowd brings an engery to the music. IF you like Sis, then this is the CD you must have.

I think they could have picked a MUCH better selection of her live tunes than this. They're ok and maybe a must have for Sia/Zero 7 fans...but it doesn't really do her talent justice.

The tracks on this CD are all live except the first track. Sia's voice cannot be compared to any contemporary artist. Each song is moving and chilling.

Sia has a wonderful voice. I am surprised it took so long for me to find out about this truly gifted singer.

Simply put, Sia is the ish, man! It takes some getting used to, because some of the songs have a sort of old-school R&B vibe, giving off the impression of material that is dated and bland. If you think this, then you don't understand Sia. She has a way of sounding R&B or rock, or whatever and then not sounding completely R&B or rock or whatever. It's really weird and awesome. Just a suggestion here. Try listening to this album while smoking. The sudden turns this album makes throughout makes for a really trippy experience.

There's only one song on this entire CD that really highlights the beauty of Sia's voice. Granted, she wrote the songs on this CD after she lost her boyfriend in a car accident -- so you could imagine she was out of it slightly. Her other solo work is better as is her work with Zero 7.

Sia's work as part of Zero 7 was fantastic so when I ran across her solo CD's I bought this one and Colour the Small One.

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm disappointed. The good news is that Sia's voice is there is all of its breathless glory, she uses her vocal inflections in a wonderous way, and she has a very clever way with lyrics The bad news is that there is a sameness and predictability to much of it.

I still like both of them, but I really really wanted them to be my new favorites, a mark they have both fallen far short of.

Let's face it, not all electronica/soul cd's are worth your buy. Many times I'll try one out and toss it a month later due to unoriginality and boring melodies; but when a friend of mine handed me the dubut album by this woman, I was hooked solid. It's hard to sum this sound up into words, all I can say is that it's a rhythmic journey through soul and fire which takes the listener into various emotional terrains and leaves us looking to buy property there by the end of the album. This album is suggested to you with my highest reccomendation, and I am a musical SNOB so these reccomendations do not come easy!. Check her out, buy the album or find a way to become introduced to this fine quality of music.

If you look at the "Somersault" CD single on itunes, it has an amazing 8:24 remix by Yam Who. If that remix is on this CD single, then it definitely deserves 4 or 5 stars. If it's not available on the CD, get yourself to itunes immediately and download this baby. Yam Who takes what was a good song and elevates it into the stratosphere with dynamite percussion, haunting organ, and sweet strings. It is truly an experience not to be missed!!!

Sia defies defenition, and this is a good thing, and a testament to her originality and creativity. You may know her from her incredible and intoxicating vocals with the awesome and popular 'Zero7'. 'Some People Have Real Problems' is a departure from the strictly electronic chillout/downtempo genre, and her music explores various styles and textures here. From playful and quirky, to soulful, mellow accompaniment by piano and even horns, accordion, cello, and flutes, to more uptempo pop/rock, this release is a stellar palette of vocal showpieces and tight musicianship. This release is absolutely DELICIOUS! Don't miss it!

P.S. My 3 year old LOVES the enclosed colorful kiddie artwork! The CD comes with 7 square card inserts with children's artwork printed on both sides.

Whoever compared Sia to The Feist is a joke! I have both of their latest albums and I find myself playing her much more then The feist. I heard almost all of the newest albums that came out this year and this one stands out a lot in a very good way. It really touches your heart, after it's finish you might even feel like a new person. This is music done right!

I bought this cd after first hearing "Academia." Turns out, on other songs in the album, her voice has a lot more of an R&B style than I usually like, but it is stunningly beautiful, and I would say she doesn't overuse the vocal gymnastics. The music reminds me a bit of Aimee Mann. It's got a familiar feeling, but it's very well crafted and really enjoyable. Fun to sing along and dance to! Her lyrics are generally about love and its travails, but overall the message is hopeful and girl-self-esteem-building. I think I would feel pretty good about it if my teenage daughter were listening to this. It's a fun new find that has been in heavy listening rotation for me!

Sia never ceases to amaze! I bought this album months ago and yet it still lingers in the cd changer. "Day Too Soon" should be on radio! "Little Black Sandals" is a fantastic track. Really take time to listen to each intonation and breath she takes. See her live if you get the chance. I am waiting for her to be recognized for the genius she is. Buy this record. It's stunning.

It's been a long time since I can say that about an album but I know I will be enjoying this one for a very long time. She's got an interesting voice, great lycrics (not too raunchy like most today) and I feel like I've opened the door to a bunch of other artists like her. I'm so happy about this purchase and can't say enough about how much I like her singing!

LOVE THE VARIETY ON BOTH DISCS AND WHOEVER COMPILED THIS SELECTION, HAS EXCELLENT TASTE!! BUY IT IF YOU LOVE GOOD, CHILL MUSIC.

I liked everything on the disc. Eclectic blend
that works great together. Laid back but not sleepy.

This double CD compilation naturally comes from Quango, who introduced the world to Zero 7, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and Koop. Zero 7's enchanting Sia contributes a rare remix of "Where I Belong" and ill tracks from Moloko, Chicks On Speed, Truby Trio and a ton others are included on this collection of cool downtempo grooves, electro-house and hip hop soul.

A must to add to any chillout playlist!

I'm not sure why there are as many negative reviews as there are. This may not be Beau's best renditions of his poems, but he is without a doubt a poetic force, who not only writes vividly, but his delivery and performance enhances his message like no other. He is full of energy and pathos. His live performances are intense. Beau will take you on a ride you will enjoy. Again these are perhaps not the best renditions of Beau Sia's works... but thats only because Beau is meant to be experienced live and in person.

...cause now I can't buy it for people and impress them by saying "I know this guy!" Oh, well.... you may still be able to get this CD and his second one, "Dope and Wack," at his website: www.beausia.com. You may be able to get his book there too. Good luck! :) -mjl from okc

Yes Beau Sia is a poet, yes he is damn good at what he does and yes this is an attempt to bring poetry into the mainstream, and whats wrong with that. Everybody could use a little honest art now and then. That often means making it funny, god forbid. If you don't like it go read the Bitter Oleander and forget to take your medication. Long ago poetry was invented as a way to help remember important stories and cultural myths. To stick it in the heads of the masses using rhyme and meter. Poetry is supposed to appeal to a wide base, and it is sad that the small press is what it is restricted to now.
I must say Beau going off live is much better than this cd for sure, but either way you must see in the stand up comedy stylings, the art.

Strictly for the pre or post-adolescent. Unless you are from ten to twenty five years old and prefer your culture honest and real. Ever since the collapse of the 'poetry boom' of the early 1990's most publicity about spoken poetry has had to cope with those who think the BIG NEW IDEA for poetry is to make it into consumer entertainment. As if entertainment were an idea at all. The result is a whole generation of young writers, or those who think they are, copping to the schlock school of poetry. This recording is a perfect example. Throw away what talent you have, and Sia has some, and conform to an homogenous style easily consumed for its cynical self-deprication of talent. Once 'poets' found out that on a stage any loud yell, vulgar phrase, heavy hand gesture or pop-social cliche would get a rise out of a crowd a whole new category of sub-poetry became obligatory for them. Forget about themes, this type of poetry replaces them with 'issues.' Forget about poetry for that matter, in favor of really, really bad acting on a stage. Much of this is the outcome of the rise of poetry 'slams', the preferred format for the adolescent dream of being a contest winner who gains admiration from fans and then is able to pretend he is a celebrity. So this recording is full of adenoidal vocals, superficial ideas dressed up in hormonal angst or greeting card sentimentality. Of course there is a lot of heavy handed humor that is ingratiating and begs for you to identify with its stage wink. By all means spend your money on this recording if you want a good example of how this vein of self-promotion, testosterone strangled writing chops and 'get a load of me on stage while I act foolish' can get fronted as poetry. Oh, yes, and there is musical accompaniment, mostly canned studio engineering, that is worthy of any teevee commercial for youth junk-culture. The only other reason to spend money on this is because you want to hang around for a few years and watch the poet's progress to see if he will ever overcome himself. If you are that sympathetic.

This is strictly for 13 year old girls who like their "poetry" in little bite size MTV-deep-fried morsels. Sounds like someone gave any high school kid who just got into "spoken word" by way of Henry Rollins a tape recorder and a terrible producer and said, "Hey, dude, make your opus magnum!" PPPHHHHFFFFTTTTDDD!!!