This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Controversial Celtic contrarian Sinéad O’Connor says this is her last album before she retires to become a priest or a nun or a snake handler or whatever. Yeah, sure.
I mean, OK, I guess there’s a chance this will be the last CD she releases — though I’m willing to take bets on that. But either way, the overtitled She Who Dwells in the Yadda Yadda Yadda doesn’t really qualify as a new album. Really, it’s more of a contractual-obligation effort to tie up the loose ends of her eclectic career (and perhaps clean out some closet space at the same time). This two-CD set compiles 19 rare studio tracks — reggae numbers, Celtic tunes, electronica, country, and best of all, some cool covers of Do Right Woman, Love Hurts, The B-52’s Ain’t It A Shame and Abba’s Chiquitita — and a 13-song live set that includes both traditional numbers and hits like Nothing Compares 2 U. Granted, it’s all top-notch stuff; many of the studio sides are far more accessible than her usual tunes, while the live album is a joyous, celebratory affair that makes you realize she can be far more lighthearted and easygoing than she has been given credit for. If she had put out this CD a few years ago, perhaps everyone might be sorrier to see her go.
