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Don’t let Rachael Yamagata fool you. She may sing and write intimate, complex, moody songs that explore the soul, but she’s still a girl who wants to have fun. Really. With her husky voice (think a hoarse Scarlett Johansson), hearty laugh and adventurous spirit, she’s willing to play along with almost anything, even if the joke’s on her.
Now a Philadelphia resident and Phillies fanatic, she took time out before an October 28 tour stop in Washington D.C. to welcome the challenge ... and think twice about the name of her new record.
How you know her
• The 31-year-old singer-songwriter (born September 23, 1977, in Arlington, Va.) attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., then Vassar, and released her second full-length album, Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart, on Warner Bros. Records on October 7. 
It’s actually an ambitious double album, with 15 songs split thematically into two separate parts. The first CD (Elephants) consists of nine tracks (plus one hidden). And while there are beautiful ballads with lush, orchestral arrangements, the subject matter is dark.
The second (Teeth Sinking Into Heart) rocks out, trashing long lost lovers behind the sounds of grungy guitars along with a few choice (and nasty) words (therefore the parental advisory sticker), while still showing her sly side. (Make sure to order up “Sidedish Friend.”)
Yamagata, who performed "Faster" from the second CD on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on October 9, is expected to make another national appearance later in November (stay tuned for details).
Where you can see or hear her
• After touring extensively with her own band for most of September and October, Yamagata, who plays piano and recently added guitar to her repertoire, has joined the all-women Hotel Cafe Tour, where she’ll remain until its conclusion on November 18 in Los Angeles. That includes a November 11 stop at the Bluebird Theater in Denver. The tour motto:
Article comments
1 - Serge
I'd like inform you that Scarlett Johansson (actress)actually is a clone from original person,who has nothing with acting career.Clone was created illegally using stolen biomaterial.Original Scarlett Galabekian last name is nice, CHRISTIAN young lady.I'll tell more,those clones(it's not only 1)made in GERMANY-world leader manufacturer of humans clones,it's in Ludwigshafen am Rhein,Rhineland-Palatinate,Mr.Helmut Kohl home town.You can't even imaging the scale of the cloning activity.But warning,H.Kohl staff strictly controlling their clones spreading around the world,they're NAZI type disciplined and mind controlled,be careful get close with clones you will be controlled too.Original family didn't authorize any activity with stolen biomaterials,no matter what form it was created in,it's all need to be back to original family control in Cedars-Sinai MedicalCenter in LA.Controlling clones is US military operation.Original Scarlett never was engaged,by the way
2 - Jordan Richardson
Um, yeah...
Anyways, really cool interview Michael. Gonna show this to the wife, as she's a big fan of the Yamagata.
3 - Michael
Thanks for the comments, Jordan. She was a lot of fun. I'll have more with Rachael in my Hotel Cafe Tour preview next week.
4 - hattie
I hear Rachael's SIDEDISH FRIEND AND LIVE-IN BOYFRIEND IS MR. CHRIS GIRALDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 - Mary
I love Rachael Yamagata - this lineup of Hotel Cafe artists is really stellar! I just saw another Hotel Cafe-er, Anya Marina at the Mercury Lounge with The Little Ones... such a good show! She is definitely one to watch - can't wait for her new cd coming out this December!! check out the tunes: www.myspace.com/anyamarina
6 - Michael
Thanks for sharing. Check back later this week when I'll be asking in my upcoming preview about other Hotel Cafe Tour artists. I'd love to hear everyone's comments.
7 - brittney
check out this great story about Rachael Yamagata...