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Guest Collector: Theresa Andersson

Home is where the heart is, so it makes sense that multi-instrumentalist Theresa Andersson would pick the heart of her home to craft her latest self-recorded release, Hummingbird, Go!,. After setting up a recording studio in her kitchen, Theresea lovingly knit her life into her songs by turning the everyday objects around her into instruments; soda pop bottles became vibraphones while wine glasses took the place of keyboards to accompany her more traditional violin and guitar work. The results are 12 engagingly personal, homespun tracks that sprout from a single mind but explore a variety of genres, ranging from DIY pop to indie rock with a soulful blues twist.

Though Theresa is currently trekking across the U.S. with a menagerie of instruments and looping pedals to recreate the intricate sound her kitchen incubated, she took some time to share her top ten albums with ARTISTdirect and offer us a glimpse at the inspirations that nurture her lush, sonic-world.

Bobbie Gentry - Ode to Billie Joe

I love everything about this album. It starts with Bobbie's incredible voice and songs. The instrumentation and arrangements cradle her so tenderly and perfectly throughout the record. I have this one on vinyl, of course. I can listen to it over and over again, as I always find something new to tickle my ear.

Leonard Cohen - New Skin For the Old Ceremony

For some reason I find this album to be very sexy. The songs are so well written. A fantastic arrangement of sounds.


Beck - Sea Change

Beck is the master of conceptual moodswings from album to album. This record grabbed me from the first note, but it was the drums into the second song, "Paper Tiger," that made me sit down. The string arrangements on this record are out of this world gorgeous. I love the interplay between the guitar solos and the strings.

Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature

I’m in love. Jose can play that guitar and make rhythms in the smoothest way. Is he really Swedish?


Joni Mitchell - Blue

A classic piece of musical poetry. I’ve sung this record since I lived in Sweden cleaning staircases to make money for my first U.S. ticket. Joni moves me deeply.

Bjork - Family Tree

I know, I know. This is a collection of specially selected best of’s packaged in a deliciously pink case with cute little mini discs and booklets and the best songs from all her records. I just can’t help but think that this is my favorite Bjork.

The National - Alligator

I have listened a lot to both Boxer and Alligator. I love how the National spills musically and lyrically. Alligator has a great sound. It drives but stays soft. I don’t know how they do that but I speaks to me.

Nina Simone - Nina Simone Sings Nina

…or any other Nina recording you can get your hands on. Listen. And listen again. And again.


Bulgarian State Radio and Television Choir - Le Mystère des voix Bulgares

Be sure to sit down when you put on your headphones for this one. I have never heard such total command of the voice. It’s divine. Especially the soloist on track number 3. How does she sing with that kind of vibrato? I’ve tried to learn, but I suspect I would need to spend a long time in Bulgaria to make that happen.

Bob Dylan - Desire

Would there be a true top ten list without Bob Dylan? My favorite Dylan record is Desire with Emmylou Harris and Scarlet Rivera on it. It speaks to me as a violin player, and I love the harmonies.

The ARTISTdirect Staff
07.24.08