[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Basia Bulat — Heart Of My Own
Album: Heart Of My Own
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1487









Released: 2010
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Under that burning ether that falls
Down on these walls
Burning my arms
I've been alarmed of what is said by you.
For every word I could undo
I've been uncrossed, and I've been untrue
I've been the thorn, I've been the heart.

But the heart of my own - burn it down low
The light in your verse and the shadow between
The way that I was when I used to know.
If I go, what do I hold?
Oh, the maid or the mother I'll be
If only the loom and the thread were whole.
It is work to be dancing out here
If tomorrow I'm mending the empty bones.
There are roses that come without seeking,
They are the ones that I have to sow
In your verses that I am repeating
The way that I was when I used to know.

I wrote on these walls a simple charm to keep the wolves at bay.
Gave all my heart the strength of my arms
To hold you close and safe.
But I kept my eyes closed, I'll never know
Where the shadows are these days.
I stood in the room of a house divided
Ah, and it washed away from me
Oh, it washed away from me.

Oh, and it washed away from me
It washed away to take my own.

Burn it down low
The light in your verse and the shadow between
The way that I was when I used to know.
If I go, what do I hold?
Oh, the maid or the mother I'll be
If only the loom and the thread were whole.
It is work to be dancing out here
If tomorrow I'm mending the empty bones.
There are roses that come without seeking,
They are the ones that I have to sow
In your verses that I am repeating
The way that I was when I used to know.
Comments (161)add comment
NICE! GREAT VOICE!
 bahalana wrote:


I'm not... gonna... do...it....grrr...no...ugggh....AMERICA'S HAT... oh damn, Tourette syndrome!!


Much love to northern neighbors, but for several years I had a note posted in my office: "Canada - Leading the world at being just north of the United States" 

Thank you for Basia and many others!
 DocStrangelove wrote:

always upvote Canada, eh!



I'm not... gonna... do...it....grrr...no...ugggh....AMERICA'S HAT... oh damn, Tourette syndrome!!
Saw her in concert at Knox United Church in Calgary a few years ago.  Jammed out some blues off the cuff, too.  Fantastic show!
Cool, she's my astro-twin!
Canadian eh? She should apply some ice to them there vocal cords ....
Her voice is awesome and she's great on concert - signing in Polish too!

Glad to say she's from The "Six"
always upvote Canada, eh!
the real deal
saw/heard BB live at the NAC here in Ottawa — a must see if in your town!

{#Bananajam}
 jab49 wrote:
Actually, I thought it was Michelle Shocked until I checked. She has that vibrato voice too. A seven for me - quite liked it.

 
Michelle shocked, while a good singer, never had this depth to her voice,  and her tunes have always been ... Less complex. 
This is my first introduction to Basia Bulat, I am blown away.

 
Actually, I thought it was Michelle Shocked until I checked. She has that vibrato voice too. A seven for me - quite liked it.
I really love Basia's writing, her arrangements, her feel, her singing... I am in love! Truly an original and creative artist. 
I can't stand constant intentional vibrato.  Drives me NUTS.  Sounds so forced!  Not crazy about her pitch, either.
Too beautiful for words.....
I saw Basia play here earlier this year, opening for Daniel Lanois, with her excellent band in front of a full orchestra.  I knew nothing of Basia before that show.  It was sublime.   Warbling aside, this song has some cool lyrics and some tasty musical layers.
Dire 

 
I think she's terrific, but then again, I also enjoy Kate Bush, Nico and all of the recent Swedes. Go Canada.
Very nice 
I feel like I've heard it before in different places
Nevertheless
Very nice  
Not for me except instrumentals.
Hmmm   N. Merchant?

Pretty nice voice too 
GO AWAY! (And take Buffy St. Marie with you!)
I don't know what Ms. Bulat's got caught in her throat but I wish she'd cough it up, stop with the warbling, and start singing. At the very least her talented violinist deserves it.
 alanthecowboy wrote:

Autoharp, actually...

 
I knew someone would nail me on that. C'mon - An Autoharp is just a Zither that can make chords. Besides, Zither just has way more comedic potential as a word!
 Lindo525 wrote:

Nice Zither!

 
Autoharp, actually...
 robin_at_domani wrote:

not really...

 

Nope, me neither....sorry
 robin_at_domani wrote:
not really...
 
I often find that artists who didn't interest me when I heard them were much better live or at least on video performances, the more intimate the better. Works for me, anyway!
 Carl wrote:
If you're on the fence or dislike this, here's a clip that might win you: Basia Bulat Tiny Desk Concert.

 
not really...
Can't wait to see her at the Isable next week.  A beautiful new concert hall for a beautiful voice.
 
 TerryS wrote:
Bulat, Basia (2008) 1.jpg

 
Nice Zither!
 jagdriver wrote:
I thought we were done with Buffy Ste.-Marie years ago.
 
Ibid............. blech!
Bulat, Basia (2008) 1.jpg
 mediamarv wrote:
Ok, what's the Natalie Merchant song about the sailor, apricot tree and shot-up return ship? This song starts out almost identically. It is one of my favorite Merchant songs...

 
Nursery Rhyme of Innocence and Experience
 Carl wrote:
If you're on the fence or dislike this, here's a clip that might win you: Basia Bulat Tiny Desk Concert.

 
Thank you for that.  It won me just like you said...
Soo damn good.
I find her super fast vibrato very off-putting.
Love this song.  Love the production.  Adore this voice.


Sulimays returns as Ann, Joe, and Bill review two distinct new tracks, one from Slayer, and another from Basia Bulat, all in this invigorating installment of Breakfast at Sulimays! Thanks for watching, and tell your best friend!


got that Be Good Tanyas sound to it, or is it the banjo?
If you're on the fence or dislike this, here's a clip that might win you: Basia Bulat Tiny Desk Concert.
Yay, she's from toronto!
She must have been on one of those vibrating hotel beds when they recorded this
I thought we were done with Buffy Ste.-Marie years ago.
 Xeric wrote:

Natalie singing whilst sitting atop a very badly imbalanced washing machine at a dead high spin, perhaps.  A bit much for me.
 

 
Yep - fits with the lyrics:

Ah, and it washed away from me
Oh, it washed away from me.
Oh, and it washed away from me
It washed away to take my own.

Awful vibrato squawking - ewww
Saw her last week at a small club here in OMAHA.  She opened for Jim James.   Very nice set and enjoyed her interaction with the crowd.  I also have been reminded of Sandy Denny when I've heard her here on RP.  I agree with the "fuller" voice comment.   I'd like to hear her again with a band.  One that completments her style and voice. 
 MinMan wrote:
modern day Sandy Denny w/ vibratto added for good measure. Maybe I flatter her?

 
Not a bad parallel, but Basia has a fuller voice for my money.
Ok, what's the Natalie Merchant song about the sailor, apricot tree and shot-up return ship? This song starts out almost identically. It is one of my favorite Merchant songs...
Love the backing vocals. However...the munchkin Natalie Merchant...mixed with a twisted Stevie Nicks...just doesn't work for me.
judging by her name I think she might be from Poland :)))!
Love Her Voice & Passion! 
 kingart wrote:
It suddenly struck me that she sounds a bit like Buffy St. Marie, who had a hit song The Circle Game (written by Joni Mitchell) in the late '60s. Bulat's voice, and even the music itself is an echo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_Sainte-Marie
 
 

I agree!
Dolly Parton warblage: -9pts.
Luscious violin: +1 pt.
That leaves me with a very generous: 2
People...get serious. Sandy Denny? Natalie Merchant?
Not even close!
Jewell would be closer than either of those 2.
It suddenly struck me that she sounds a bit like Buffy St. Marie, who had a hit song The Circle Game (written by Joni Mitchell) in the late '60s. Bulat's voice, and even the music itself is an echo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_Sainte-Marie
 

JIan wrote:

{#Lol}
 


 {#Jump} HA HA Wow you got me to laugh out loud! Thank you...inspired to go put on some laundry.
JIan wrote:

{#Lol}
 


 Sloggydog wrote:
Love it - thought it was Natalie Merchant before I looked though
 
Natalie singing whilst sitting atop a very badly imbalanced washing machine at a dead high spin, perhaps.  A bit much for me.
 
I had to turn this one off.  Between the drum and the vibrato in her voice, I was starting to feel nauseous.  Way too much  :(
 Lilygirl wrote:
The drum in the background is making me sick. I feel like my skin is starting to crawl. Totally annoying!
 
Was trying to figure what it was that was grating my nerves...now I know. Thanks Lilygirl...now make it go away!
 jessfine wrote:
I love her voice, love the song - but for some danged annoying reason I keep hearing the care instructions from an apparel tag:  "Tumble dry LOW, tumble dry LOWWWW!
 
{#Lol}
 MinMan wrote:
modern day Sandy Denny w/ vibratto added for good measure. Maybe I flatter her?
 
I dunno what you mean, but I think it's pretty cool they taught a goat to sing! {#Nyah}
sweet.......6
{#Daisy}
I love her voice, love the song - but for some danged annoying reason I keep hearing the care instructions from an apparel tag:  "Tumble dry LOW, tumble dry LOWWWW!
modern day Sandy Denny w/ vibratto added for good measure. Maybe I flatter her?
I'm still really loving this!!

This morning i rode my bicycle again to work (8~9 miles) while it was freezing, -14 degrees Celsius and still, this album kept me listening and going.

9
The drum in the background is making me sick. I feel like my skin is starting to crawl. Totally annoying!
Let's see....Joan Baez, followed by Basia Bulat. I'm guessing that Stevie Nicks must be next.
 TerryS wrote:

I got married in that church many many years ago.
Wish Basia had been singing for us. Our congregation could not sing at all!
 

My Dad was born in Guelph in 1920. I've only been there once.

 juul wrote:
Saw her in a small old church in Guelph - has a great presence in a small venue - what you hear here is exactly what you get live  Never noticed the old straight backed pew I was sitting in as the show flew by.
 
I got married in that church many many years ago.
Wish Basia had been singing for us. Our congregation could not sing at all!


I bought this song within 10 minutes of hearing it on RP.  I have played it scores of times since, at it just gets better every time!
 
Like Tracy voice and vibratto. Good song.
Saw her in a small old church in Guelph - has a great presence in a small venue - what you hear here is exactly what you get live  Never noticed the old straight backed pew I was sitting in as the show flew by.
 hippiechick wrote:
She's growing on me
 
Holy shit..take a shower !

She's growing on me
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Hmmm, interesting seque from Joan Baez; similar sounding song and vocal style. Basia's voice in turn is reminiscent of Shakira (sorry). I guess every artist has similarities to others.

 

It is Shakira who you need to be apologizing to.
 Sloggydog wrote:
Love it - thought it was Natalie Merchant before I looked though
 

Hate it - thought it was Natalie Merchant before I looked through

Ms Bulat may be another of those very fine songwriters whose voice annoys many of her listeners. I find myself looking forward to some future artist's cover of this song. But it is really a strong and deep song!    8 from me.

 
Sloggydog wrote:
Love it - thought it was Natalie Merchant before I looked though
 


Still love this.

Love it - thought it was Natalie Merchant before I looked though
This may be my new favorite song.  I'm so glad she shared this gift. 
 Deadwing wrote:
Balut.

Waiter, I'll have mine with extra vibrato.

I bet when she sneezes it has vibrato.
 
And when she....? :)
Balut.

Waiter, I'll have mine with extra vibrato.

I bet when she sneezes it has vibrato.
Funny, the last song played (spoiler alert) on August 2, 2011 was Joan Baez, Diamonds and Rust, and people complained about the vibrato on her voice. On this song, the vibrato is waaaaay too much and I have to not listen. However, just because it's not my cup of tea doesn't mean it's not good teat for others - so I don't vote on songs like this.
Thanks RP!
omg. i love that voice.nice vibes.paradise...
Oh thanks...for playing another favorite!
(Needless to say, last night's gig was nearly perfect. And when I mentioned hearing her here, she said she learned about RP quite recently, and that she was flattered that her music is played on such a great station .)


Seeing her in concert tomorrow evening!
this getts more annoying everytime i hear it, first time it was actually quite nice but not anymore...
This hurts my ears
Hmmm, interesting seque from Joan Baez; similar sounding song and vocal style. Basia's voice in turn is reminiscent of Shakira (sorry). I guess every artist has similarities to others.

love the funky mix at end of song too!

ooops that was Cake!

I am a little pertubed by the critiques. Can't people just enjoy? I guess that's the world we live in today? Everyone has to have an opinion. And, If your not a "songbird" you get ripped.


 hippiechick wrote:
I have real mixed feelings about her voice. Sometimes I really like it, sometimes the trill is annoying.
 
I could see that. Funny, a few numbers ago I was moaning about a Be Good Tanyas song where the singer sounded like she was standing on an earthquake simulator, so strong was her vibrato. Basia Bulat's vibrato's just as strong yet I love her voice and this song. Inconsistent, or what? I just love that cover photo, too. Time to wield the plastic again, I think. 9 from the entranced Nottingham jury {#Hearteyes}
Nothing a few lessons with a good voice coach can't cure.
 spigolli wrote:
I need to find a vocal de-warbalizer plugin.
 
My first thought exactly!!!!
Too bad, much promise, but the jello vocal cords just don't, pardon, cut it 
 spigolli wrote:
I need to find a vocal de-warbalizer plugin.
 
I had enough of that when being repeatedly subjected to Buffy Saint-Marie on TV years ago.
Bought this CD because of Radio Paradise.  It's great!
 hippiechick wrote:
I have real mixed feelings about her voice. Sometimes I really like it, sometimes the trill is annoying.
 
Yes, vibrato can be a pita; I had to leave (escape) a concert with Buffy Saint-Marie performing,  just 2 years ago. This is a cut above, though imho.


Congrats to Basia Bulat for her Juno nomination! Should have won IMO.
I have real mixed feelings about her voice. Sometimes I really like it, sometimes the trill is annoying.
MMMMMMM.......this sounds so very much like the previous song ( Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust), hard to believe they are separated by 35 years....great segue.  and since i span those years, i can say that i love both these songs.  keep up the great work, RP
ah....a vibrato segue....I get it
Weird! When googeling the lyrics I found myself directed to a site which then was linked to Scientology.... Not pleasant at all.
I love this!  A very Goddess like experience! 
Gotta buy this song!!!!
Loved it.  Adding this one to my "music to buy" bookmarks.


On the heels of my recent snarky comment, I was humbled after watching "#16.1 Basia Bulat - The Shore" here, half way down the page.

Wow.

 

 spigolli wrote:
I need to find a vocal de-warbalizer plugin.
 
When you find it, hep a brotha out.  
 podunk88 wrote:

I was there when this photo was taken.  The location is The Top Of The World Highway in the Yukon and the time of 'day' was midnight and the time of year was late July.  So it was getting dark.  I don't think much was done to this photo to make it look the way it does because I took a bunch of photos with a good SLR camera and mine turned out similar, grainy and moody.   

 
Most useful song comment of 2010

Please consider adding this story to the Wikipedia page for the album.

 Kaisersosay wrote:

Is she gargling,,,,


 
{#Roflol}

 podunk88 wrote:

I was there when this photo was taken.  The location is The Top Of The World Highway in the Yukon and the time of 'day' was midnight and the time of year was late July.  So it was getting dark.  I don't think much was done to this photo to make it look the way it does because I took a bunch of photos with a good SLR camera and mine turned out similar, grainy and moody.   

 
Thanks very much for that. It's an impressive photo to be taken at midnight, even in a 'land of the midnight sun'. Reminds me of when I was in Shetland this summer, when I could read a paper at midnight though I'd not have risked a photo. Kudos to the photographer. Lovely song, too - I really fancy getting this CD if I can get my mitts on it this side of the pond.

 podunk88 wrote:

I was there when this photo was taken.  The location is The Top Of The World Highway in the Yukon and the time of 'day' was midnight and the time of year was late July.  So it was getting dark.  I don't think much was done to this photo to make it look the way it does because I took a bunch of photos with a good SLR camera and mine turned out similar, grainy and moody.   

 
Cool. That's why it works - because it's how your eyes were probably seeing it, too.

 podunk88 wrote:

I was there when this photo was taken.  The location is The Top Of The World Highway in the Yukon and the time of 'day' was midnight and the time of year was late July.  So it was getting dark.  I don't think much was done to this photo to make it look the way it does because I took a bunch of photos with a good SLR camera and mine turned out similar, grainy and moody.   

 

Thanks. Very cool (& rare) to get such a definitive answer to a speculative question posed here.
 Photo-John wrote:


Post-processing, overstylization, trendiness and connections will never be a good substitute for vision and solid technical skills. I prefer to think this image really is a camera phone photo. That makes it more meaningful to me. Sometimes quick and dirty tells the real story best.

 
I was there when this photo was taken.  The location is The Top Of The World Highway in the Yukon and the time of 'day' was midnight and the time of year was late July.  So it was getting dark.  I don't think much was done to this photo to make it look the way it does because I took a bunch of photos with a good SLR camera and mine turned out similar, grainy and moody.   

 cayenne wrote:

I know nothing about the history of this particular cover, but this style is a current fad. Photographers are taking pictures shot with their $5000+ DSLR's, running them through photoshop to add noise and desaturate the colors, and making them look like they came from a Kodak Instamatic and have been sitting in a drawer in your grandmother's house since the '70's. I usually kind of hate it, but it works here, I think. (The last Urban Outfitter's catalog, on the other hand...)

 

Post-processing, overstylization, trendiness and connections will never be a good substitute for vision and solid technical skills. I prefer to think this image really is a camera phone photo. That makes it more meaningful to me. Sometimes quick and dirty tells the real story best.

Damn, I'm not a fan of this warbly-vibrato style, but THAT was a seamless segue from Joan Baez - Diamonds & Rust!  {#Clap}
Linda Williams...
Tracy also!
 Cynaera wrote:
Her vibrato sorta grates on my nerves, but other than that, she's got a good voice.  I might have to check into some of her other work...
 
Well, I was the first person to post about her vibrato, back in May.  Apparently, it bugs other people, too.  Still, I can now get past it and focus on the trueness of her voice and the passion of her songs  She really does have a powerful voice, and once we can get past the comparisons to Tracy Chapman and others, there's a force to be reckoned with here. She's got other work being played here, so I plan to concentrate on it.

Bottom line - for anyone who really gives a whooping funt what I think - Basia Bulat has some serious talent, but she also has a lot of comparisons above which to rise, my own notwithstanding. Bumping this from no rating to a 7, because after having heard it a few times, I'm perceiving more than just the warble. She's got pipes, and I think she's holding back because, maybe, she's afraid that what she could unleash on the listening public would render them incoherent.

Bring it on, Ms. Bulat  - I know there are those here who only WISH I'd be incoherent...{#Roflol}