13 Songs
The self-produced debut album won the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year in 2006 and garnered glowing 4 and five stars in all major UK and Irish press.
A multi-instrumentalist, Feeney plays eleven instruments on 13 songs, including keyboards, alto recorder, treble recorder, harmonium, accordion, violin, harmonica, melodica, xylophone and a clock. However, according to The Irish Times of 16 September 2005, "the most impressive sound is Julie's sustained vocal note on Aching, which clocks in at a lung-bursting 28 seconds..." and also declared, "...Julie Feeney represents a new eclecticism...Lyrically sage, musically taut, 13 songs is a wonderful, wistful collection....The Irish Independent called it "...a rare gem...her excellent debut album...".
The New York Times called it "a charming, urbane and dreamy record while The Observer said "this album marks the blossoming of a major talent". The Evening Standard said it was "2007's first delight...a beguiling mix of the baroque...and the hypnotic avant-garde..." and The Guardian said "...the world will listen...".
The RTE Guide stated that '13 songs' is "...surely one of the greatest debut records ever made in this country...sophisticated stuff" and The Tuam Herald described it as "... adult contemporary ... highly sophisticated, European music ... Julie's clear, high vocals paint abstract pictures of love, life and friendship from a twenty-something perspective..." The Dubliner said "...this album is startling...a fascinating record", and Q said "...she certainly won't be confused for anyone else..."
Hot Press stated, "...With this debut album Julie Feeney announces herself as the most intriguing female voice...to come out of Ireland since Sinead O'Connor...for sheer originality, courage and raw talent, Feeney deserves to soar above and beyond even the merely excellent". The Sligo Weekender said, "...the most impressive aspect of Feeney's musical spectrum is her voice. With little rivalry for purity, it ranges from infant-like wonder ("Judas") to quite sexy and sultry (Under My Skin)... Julie sings "I'm aching for you", just three times on the single, but each one weighs in at 20 to 28 seconds long, a phenomenal achievement for any voice...". The Sunday Times called '13 songs' "...a refreshingly original distillation..."
'13 songs' was self-funded through a series of bank loans and was self-released. She also funded and produced her first music video before being signed to Sony BMG (U.K) for the song 'Fictitious Richard' from ‘13 songs’ and it was directed by young Irish director Vittoria Colonna. It featured Feeney's favourite car, the Volkswagen Beetle. Her second music video was made after she was signed and was directed by Maria Mozchnacz for the song ‘Aching’.
The artwork for '13 songs' was all done by Feeney and characterised by her own distinctive hand-writing and hand-drawn patterns. The same artwork is used on her official website. The self-styled album-cover photo was taken by Eoin Wright. They did 5 shoots before Feeney settled the right photo.
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