I really liked Owen Pallett's version, so I decided to look up the original. I was completely shocked and surprised by what I heard. I found the music in the background to be rather boring, and of course, I disliked the vocals.
Months passed, and I read a review of Ys, Newsom's second album. The review absolutely praised her music, so I decided to give it one last try. I was absolutely right for doing so; her vocals were still very bizarre, and hard for me to grasp, but the music was very nicely arranged. Hearing a harp as the defining instrument was also a nice change.
To those of you who have been repulsed by her voice or otherwise, I do recommend giving her a chance. In fact, there is good news for those of you who feel that way. Newsom had some issues with her vocal chords fairly recently which actually caused her voice to mellow out noticeably. I will leave you to explore her newest album, Have One On Me, for yourself. (It has three discs!)
Here is a track from Ys that I really enjoy:
