Sounds of Darkness

I hadn’t heard of Jill Tracy or her music until a couple of her songs were featured on an edition of the NPR radio show “Hearts of Space”. Almost every October, HOS comes up with a new show of spookiness, and they generally introduce me to an artist, compilation, or genre that I’d never heard of. HOS Halloween shows have introduced me to Raison d’Etre, Richard Bone, “Funeral Songs”, “Stalker”, so much more. Show #711, titled “Netherworld”, featured several songs by Jill Tracy. Many were from “Into the Land of Phantoms”, her soundtrack to the brilliant 1922 silent film “Nosferatu”. A few were from “Diabolical Streak”.

It is a little like cabaret music … lots of piano, a gentlef rhythm section … almost like a little jazz combo in a smoky bar in the early 1920’s. What sets this album apart is the subject matter (and all the minor keys). From the song “The Fine Art of Poisoning”

A pleasant parlor gathering – quicksilver concealed in a ruby ring
Two lumps or three? I have always adored bergamot tea

Her lyrics are twisted and macabre, and delivered with slyness. Jill comes across as a femme fatale – kissing your neck while putting a knife in your back, then walking away with a shimmy-shake that you can’t help but admire while you’re bleeding all over the sidewalk.

If you are having a dinner party at Halloween … something a little formal, perhaps … I cannot imagine more appropriate accompaniment. This CD is delicious.

P.S. There is a compilation album called “A Dark Cabaret”, and some of Ms. Tracy’s songs are on there, but I haven’t heard it yet.