Land of Talk‘s 2006 debut EP, Applause Cheer Boo Hiss, has just gotten an expanded reissue which adds three songs to its original seven, and then includes a bonus disc of acoustic versions of the songs. “I feel like I’m never going to be fully satisfied with anything I do, but having said that, I’m super proud of the whole EP,” Elizabeth Powell says. “If that’s my legacy, I’m good.” Listen to Applause Cheer Boo Hiss: The Definitive Edition below.
To help celebrate the release, Powell made us a list of 10 albums that influenced Applause Cheer Boo Hiss and it includes Fugazi, Spoon, Digable Planets, Yo La Tengo, Edie Brickell, their ’00s Montreal scene friends Metric, and more. Read that list, and commentary, below.
Land of Talk – 10 Albums That Influenced Applause Cheer Boo Hiss
1. Snailhouse – The Opposite Is Also True
Michael Feuerstack’s jazz-meets-post-rock guitar chord voicings and vocal melodies have been hugely influential on my own playing and writing. Full disclosure: I’m lucky to call him my dear friend!
2. Metric – Old World Underground Where Are You Now
Not a song on this album I don’t thoroughly enjoy. This was my introduction to Emily Haine’s brilliant, from-the-heart to-the-heart poetry and Shaw’s angular, energetic guitar. Been a fan ever since.
3. Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – Shooting Rubber Bands At The Stars
Edie Brickell’s voice is a balm to an aching soul. I love her relaxed phrasing, and where she takes her vocal melodies.
4. Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman
This heavyweight of a record inspired both the budding social justice activist and the hopeless romantic songwriter in me. I love Chapman’s super chill yet powerful delivery.
5. Fugazi – In On the Killtaker
I’ll start by stating “Smallpox Champion” is one of the greatest songs ever written. It plays like wild weather. This record continues to exhilarate me to this day. The dynamics, the power in the release. All of it. Ian MacKaye is undoubtedly a major vocal influence of mine.
6. Mary Margaret O’Hara – Miss America
O’Hara’s is the most dynamic, and expressive voice I’ve ever heard. I carry every second of this record into every one of my record-making experiences. Applause Cheer Boo Hiss was no exception.
7. Digable Planets – Blowout Comb
Incredible record. Poetry and MC’ing at its finest. The live music and the samples so beautifully blended. And the vocals woven into the mix. Definitely influenced how I hear vocals, and live drum sound for ACBH.
8. Yo La Tengo – I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One
This record is the sound of love to me. It’s summertime and it’s a bike ride. And it’s so fucking beautiful.
9. Spoon – Girls Can Tell
Such raw, romantic energy. Jim’s drums. Britt’s voice. Ugh
10. Sarah Harmer – All Of Our Names
The way she lets the low notes resonate to be felt, and the lilt and lift of the highs make Harmer’s gorgeous voice so essentially soothing. I’m inspired by every song Sarah writes!
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