Blog - New Music Canada Track of the Day March 9, 2007 - Jill Barber "Measures and Scales" - CBC Radio 3: Free music, videos, podcasts & concerts

New Music Canada Track of the Day March 9, 2007 - Jill Barber "Measures and Scales"

Posted by Lisa Christiansen on Mar 09, 2007

I'm the first person to say that folk music isn't sexy. Sure, hanging out with half naked hippies at a folk fest - that's sexy. But over all the words that usually come to mind are earnest, important, creative and maybe even whimsical. But music that makes you think good, nasty thoughts - not so much.

So I think it's safe to say that Jill Barber has carved out a singular niche. She's been known to describe it as "smokey folky" and I think that's pretty good. The former Port Credit, Ontario resident and now the pride of Halifax, Nova Scotia, mixes up her breathy vocals with accordions and clarinet and a romantic sensibility that evokes a French chanteuse at her most plaintive and vulnerable.

Jill can write a sweet lyric too. And in this track of the day Measures and Scales she harkens to those questionable folk roots: "I am just a dreamer wearing sensible shoes"

Who knew they could be so damn hot?

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01

Re: New Music Canada Track of the Day March 9, 2007 - Jill Barber "Measures and Scales"

Posted on Mar 09, 2007 by tb3

Yes… in addition to her incredible sound, she does not make my eyes bleed.
02

ooooooh jill barber, you make my knees weak

Posted on Mar 09, 2007 by pattie

now i'll be the first to exclaim my adoration for jill barber - from the highest peak, for all the world to hear, but i feel i must admit that when i first stumbled upon her music i wasn't really a fan of this song.

at the time, i was sort of in the process of coming out of my dance rock / post-punk revival phase, and so jb's music was a bit of a departure for me. and 'measures & scales', well it was a little too reminescent of cabaret crooning for my tastes, so for the first little while i usually just skipped that track.

but, then one day i gave the song a good listen, and i was just swept away by its sensuality and lyrical brilliance. it was breathy and dreamy and subtly desperate, and i couldn't imagine never loving it.

i won't claim it as my favourite JB song - that honour goes to 'a note to follow so's version of 'in perfect time' for sheer sentimentality - but 'measures & scales' is definately the hidden gem in my JB catalogue. i forget how magical the song is until i hear it playing, and so every time i listen to it, it's like falling in love all over again.

and falling in love with jill barber is something i will never tire of.
03

Summer Dresses

Posted on Sep 23, 2007 by Delysid

Jill Barber does make lovely music.

And I totally concur with the previous posts as to her personal charm and beauty.

In particular I like how she takes such delightful advantage of one of the most flattering and attractive forms of feminine attire, the humble summer dress. I know of no other garment that renders its wearer so ravishingly sexy without relying at all for that effect on being also rather revealing.

As Jill so convincingly demonstrates -- see the photos at her own site (www.jillbarber.com) for further evidence. That site, by the way, also looks beautiful. It seems Jill's aesthetic sense extends to every domain she touches.