Anna Calvi: Artist You Should Know

From KCRW DJ Anne Litt:

When the record books are closed on 2011, Anna Calvi’s debut will be in top 10’s across the board.

She has the power and poetry of Patti Smith and the heartbreaking strength of Chrissy Hynde.

The album opens with an instrumental, which I love, and then moves into the moody sexiness of “No More Words.”

In interviews, she talks about singers like Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. It’s that sexiness that also has grit and is commanding — even arresting. The songs are flirty and heavy all at the same time.

The first song to suck me in is called “Blackout” and, sure, it’s got a great hook, but it’s also a scary anthem of strength and power. Listen to “The Devil” too and think about a whimsical Nick Cave. Really.

If that doesn’t sound like the coolest record you’ve listened to in awhile then, I give up. It’s only March, but I’ve heard the first truly great record of the year.

— Anne Litt