ALBUM GRADE: 9.5
Extraordinary Machine is the third album by American singer-songwriter Fiona Apple, released by Epic Records in the United States on October 4, 2005. Produced by Jon Brion, it was expected to be released in 2003 but was delayed several times by the record label without explanation, leading to speculation that a dispute had arisen over its commercial appeal. The controversy surrounding the album and leaked recordings of the Jon Brion sessions were the subject of substantial press attention, as well as a highly publicized fan-led campaign to see the album officially released. In collaboration with producers Mike Elizondo and Brian Kehew, Apple re-recorded the album over 2004 and 2005, and it was eventually released more than three years after the original recording sessions began.
SONG GRADES:
1. Extraordinary Machine – 10
2. Get Him Back – 8
3. O’ Sailor – 9
4. Better Version of Me – 9
5. Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song) – 10
6. Parting Gift – 9
7. Window – 8
8. Oh Well – 10
9. Please, Please, Please – 9
10. Red, Red, Red – 9
11. Not About Love – 9
12. Waltz (Better than Fine) – 8
Produced by Mike Elizondo, Brian Kehew, and Jon Brion.