Siobhan Donaghy's Ghosts voted most underrated album!
At the end of last year, we asked some of the most influential music bloggers to pick their favourite underrated album of all time. We presented you with their nominations and asked you to vote for your favourite. The ten nominated albums covered a wide range of genres - blues, indie, rock and pop - but there was one clear winner, Siobhan Donaghy's 2007 album Ghosts. "Ghosts" is a well accomplished pop record that certainly deserved more recognition than it received at the time of its release. We caught up with Siobhan recently to congratulate her on the achievement, and speak to her about the album itself...
Interview How does it feel to be recognised in this way?
It feels fantastic and very exciting to have my work recognized by music fans. I do reflect on the project as a whole with mixed emotions but I'm very proud to have created a body of work that is still being enjoyed.
You were an original member of the Sugababes, for their first album. Was it a difficult decision to go solo?
I have never regretted leaving and feel the time I chose to leave was the right time for me. That band, for all its monetary value to them, and joy to the fans no doubt, in my opinion has no depth. Therefore there is nothing to miss. But I feel it worth adding that I enjoyed my time in the band as a teenager and think (debut album) One Touch was ahead of its time. It was a project that made me feel empowered as a young lady and provided me with all the tools I needed to continue on my journey.
Did you feel "Ghosts" was underrated at the time of its release?
I guess I do, yes. It wasn't given the best head start! The main issue with the release was with the manufacturer who mistakenly put an instrumental album onto the "Ghosts" discs, so on the release of my record, it wasn't my record that you bought... just the artwork. The first week of release is key to getting the word out. After this point, it's an uphill struggle.
What were some of the influences behind the tracks on "Ghosts"?
The main influence for the album was my long term love of the Cocteau Twins, as Stuart from My Chemical Toilet mentioned. Liz Fraser being my favourite vocalist, I would go over the old albums for inspiration whenever I needed to. Other big influences were Kate Bush and Shakespears Sister. I went on to work with Simon (Raymonde) from The Cocteau Twins and Siobhan Fahey. Sophie Muller (who directed the video for Stay) shot the video for my first release from "Ghosts", Don't Give It Up. All great privileges.
The album was released in 2007. Looking back on it now, how do you feel about "Ghosts"?
I feel the same about "Ghosts" today as I did the day I started the project. Full of hope that people will hear and love the record as I do.
What is your favourite track on "Ghosts"?
I guess my ultimate favourite is the title track, as it was pain-staking to say the least with lots of to-ing and fro-ing with lyrics, backwards lyrics, made up lyrics, and the creation of a weird and wonderful soundtrack. Ghosts was also the final song to be recorded. In fact, the record pretty much runs as it was made start to finish.
What are your plans for 2009? Will you be releasing some new music this year?
At this point in time I have no further plans to undertake another record of my own. Ultimately, the true nature of the business side of the music industry is enough to keep me away. Nonetheless, if I find myself in the future bursting with ideas and experiences I feel the need to share through music, I will be back.
And what is your most underrated album?
Ah, now that's a good question. Hmm, I can't choose one in particular. I guess it all comes down to how you measure success. The music that I love somehow found its way to my ears, and I rate my favourite music highly so in that sense, it's not underrated!
These were the 2 singles released from 'Ghosts'
Don't Give It Up
So You Say
And here's the track 'Ghosts' which I thought I'd stick up because she said it was her fave.
Ghosts
I think she's great, and it's sad she won't be making music anymore.
As great as 'Ghosts' is though, I'm sure I rinsed her first album 'Revolution In Me' way more.
Parlophone must have been out of their minds dropping her. Ghosts was a tremendous record and definitely a gem amidst all the other British artists attempting electronica. She should hold her head up high in the knowledge that she has recorded 2 solid records unlike all the Sugababes records recorded after she left put together.
I feel a bit ironic saying this, but 'Overrated' from her debut album is one of my favourite songs ever. I ****ing love it, and love singing along to it! She's such a lovely girl, I kind of feel sorry for her.
xxxx 
Linear Mode
