Last week, Fiona Apple played her first two solo shows in a few years at SXSW. The one I saw, at Stubb’s, was a pretty magical affair — a great talent gutting her way through obvious issues of stage-fright and self-consciousness, rising to the occasion and reminding the world of her own power. During those [...]

Watch her perform 'Anything We Want' and 'Every Single Night'

Part of the deal with loving Fiona Apple is feeling protective of her, perhaps even condescendingly so. It’s tough to judge her new songs on first listen, especially live, because you (you meaning me) want her to do well, to knock it out of the park every time. So please keep in mind that I’m [...]

Singer has opted for a very lengthy album title for the second time in her career

At least in theory, SXSW is supposed to be about discovering emerging and ascendent bands, but the fest just keeps adding big names: Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Norah Jones, John Mayer, T.I., Nas, the Shins, and — now — Jay-Z, arguably the biggest name and best live performer in rap history. Last year, Jay was [...]