The Milk-Eyed Mender cover

The Milk-Eyed Mender

Joanna Newsom · 2004

52 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music · avant-garde music

A whimsical tapestry of harp melodies and intricate storytelling woven together with Newsom's ethereal vocals.

The Milk-Eyed Mender is an album by Joanna Newsom, released in 2004. A whimsical tapestry of harp melodies and intricate storytelling woven together with Newsom's ethereal vocals. This album garnered critical acclaim upon its release, earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork, which highlighted its innovative sound and lyrical depth. It played a significant role in shaping the indie folk revival of the early 2000s and established Newsom as a distinctive voice in contemporary music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Milk-Eyed Mender sound like?

A whimsical tapestry of harp melodies and intricate storytelling woven together with Newsom's ethereal vocals. Rooted in traditional folk music and avant-garde music.

What makes The Milk-Eyed Mender by Joanna Newsom notable?

This album garnered critical acclaim upon its release, earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork, which highlighted its innovative sound and lyrical depth. It played a significant role in shaping the indie folk revival of the early 2000s and established Newsom as a distinctive voice in contemporary music. Released in January 2004, "The Milk-Eyed Mender" was Joanna Newsom's debut album, marking her entrance into the indie folk scene. At this time, she was a young artist still finding her voice and style, having previously released only a handful of EPs that showcased her unique blend of avant-garde and traditional music influences.

How many songs are on The Milk-Eyed Mender?

The Milk-Eyed Mender has 12 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Tracklist

12 tracks·52:11

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bridges and Balloons Standout 3:42
  • 2 Sprout and the Bean 4:32
  • 3 The Book of Right‐On 4:29
  • 4 Sadie Standout 6:02
  • 5 Inflammatory Writ 2:50
  • 6 This Side of the Blue 5:21
  • 7 “En Gallop” 5:07
  • 8 Cassiopeia 3:20
  • 9 Peach, Plum, Pear Standout 3:33
  • 10 Swansea 5:05
  • 11 Three Little Babes 3:42
  • 12 Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie 4:21

Release Date

January 1, 2004

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

52 min 11 sec