An atypical standout V

If it were closer to Christmas, I would just as easily cite this artist's version of "Frosty The Snowman" as a successful example of casting against type.  "Extraordinary Machine," the title track from Fiona Apple's 2005 CD, also displays her talent for taking an unexpected left turn.  Before her third CD was released, I anticipated something closer in style to her previous work, such as "Shadowboxer" or "Criminal."  Instead, Apple led off her third release with a can't-keep-me-down-regardless-of-what-the-world-throws-at-me set of lyrics, set to an instrumental backing that brings to mind Peter And The Wolf.  The full range of her alto voice is on display here, as she sings about her inner strength and making the most of a situation while doing things her own way.  Yesterday, I wrote about songs in which protagonists feel out of place or out of step.  Apple's "Extraordinary Machine," like Sting's "Englishman In New York," illustrates that if it works for you, it's fine to take a different path and not follow the crowd.