MUSIC REVIEW: Yael Naim

Yael Naim
Yael Naim
Atlantic Records

Yael Naim is the new kid in Apple town and she’s hoping to follow in Feist’s hot-selling footsteps. Like the Canadian singer before her, the Israeli-French singer also has a folksy pop tune “New Soul” that landed the job of selling Apple’s latest toy – in this case, the MacBook Air. That kind of commercial airplay can be a double-edged sword. Sure, you’ll get lots of exposure but when everyone starts to ask, “What else have you got?” you better deliver. Naim’s answer to that query is the March 18th release of her self-titled debut. The disc showcases an artist who might not have as strong an album to back up her heat-seeking single as Feist did but what she lacks in cohesiveness she makes up for with sheer moxie. Singing in Hebrew (the lovely “Lachlom”) and English, Naim’s whimsical songs range from melancholy ballads (“Lonely”) to eccentric cover choices ( Britney Spears’ “Toxic”). It’s not a perfect mix but it’s definitely worth a listen.

–Amy Wagner

The Daily Shortlist March 25

Shinjo Ito Works on One of his Most Famous Sculptures, The Great Parinirvana Image.

Location: Chelsea, NYC
Art: The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito
Venue: Milk Gallery
Food: Better Burger
Drink: Turks & Frogs
Miscellaneous: City Bakery

The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito celebrates this great Japanese artists sculpture, calligraphy, and photography work in this exhibition. A devout Buddhist too, he helped create Shinnyo-en Buddhism which also played a role in his art. The name says it all in it’s mission to serve a burger as Better Burger uses organic, antibiotic, hormone & nitrate free meat and poultry in its quest to offer up a healthier alternative to the classic patty. A great little wine bar in Chelsea, Turks & Frogs has a menu of wine and beer from all over the world, including Turkey, while having the ambiance of being in someone’s home. A must if you’re in Chelsea, City Bakery offers one of the best chocolate chip cookies and thickest and richest hot chocolates in the city. The food is a gourmand’s delight.