A few days ago while at work and listening to my trusty y-rock internet radio, I heard a song by a woman named Melody Gardot. Later in the evening I was driving home and heard the same song again on the radio. It sort of reminded me of Fiona Apple, and she’s always fun, so I decided to look up this Melody Gardot chick on iTunes. Her music is a bit jazzy and bluesy and her voice gets a little edgy, the album was only $5.99 so I bought it. Of course the single (Worrisome Heart) is now free this week, however it’s always good to support up and coming artists.

I’ve been listening to the album off for a couple of weeks, it has great lyrics and she has an intense voice. It sometimes gives me the feeling of that girly, Sarah McLaughlin type of music, but redeems itself with it’s acoustic and chill undertones. The album has it’s place, probably not what you’ll throw on at your next dance party, but it is quality. I liked it enough to give it to a couple of friends, so that’s saying something.

Fast forward to this evening, in the midst of doing laundry, vacuuming and popping on the computer, I pull up her myspace page. She has a nice downloadable lounge-y remix on her page, you should check it out. Melody’s also a really cute chick with blond hair, dark glasses and a smirk. I scroll down the page to find a picture of her in shadows and see the words, Thoughts on Disability. Reading on, I realize she has a cane in the picture, and in following pictures she’s wearing those dark glasses all the time and has earphones. Turns out that at the age of 19 Melody was hit by a car while riding her bike. It left her with the possibility of severe brain damage, and her doctors suggested she get involved with music to help her brain recover.

Following the local success of her first EP (Some Lessons… The Bedroom Sessions, which was recorded from her hospital bed) she’s just recently released her full-length album titled Worrisome Heart. It’s been getting a lot of hype on the international scene as well as a ton of circulation lately on rock/indie radio stations and iTunes. Seems like the girl is on her way up in this world. Being disabled isn’t an issue for her. She doesn’t use it as a crutch or a selling tool, nor as a downfall to her ability. I’m really liking the fact that we’re hearing about her music because it’s good. Hopefully you will agree.

Check Melody out at www.melodygardot.com.
Songs to hear: Worrisome Heart, Goodnight CharlesLP Remix (myspace)
Bonus points cuz she’s from Philly.

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