Normal as Blueberry Pie – A Tribute to Doris Day cover

Normal as Blueberry Pie – A Tribute to Doris Day

Nellie McKay · 2009

46 min · 14 tracks · rock music

A whimsical blend of jazz and pop standards reimagined with a contemporary twist and Nellie McKay's playful vocal charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sentimental Journey — This track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, blending nostalgia with McKay's distinctive vocal delivery that captures the essence of Doris Day's original interpretation.
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    The Very Thought of You — McKay's rendition transforms this classic into a playful yet heartfelt expression of longing, showcasing her ability to infuse new life into well-known songs.
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    Meditation — The laid-back vibe and jazzy arrangement highlight McKay's versatility as an artist while paying homage to the soothing quality of Day's original performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album creatively reinterprets classic standards, showcasing McKay's unique vocal charm and eclectic influences.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Meditation,' which shifts from a slow ballad to an upbeat swing.
  • The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring lush orchestration while others are more stripped down.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical melodies for sunny days
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • nostalgic warmth with playful charm
  • short tracks for easy enjoyment
  • for lighthearted gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy, fast tempos
  • seek complex, experimental sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Normal as Blueberry Pie marked Nellie McKay's third studio album and her first tribute record, showcasing her eclectic musical influences. At this point, she had already gained recognition for her unique style, following her critically acclaimed debut album, Get Away from Me, which was released in 2004.
Stylistic neighbors
Regina Spektor· Fiona Apple· Tori Amos

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Very Thought of You 2:10
  • 2 Do Do Do 3:13
  • 3 Wonderful Guy 3:11
  • 4 Meditation 4:01
  • 5 Mean to Me 2:42
  • 6 Crazy Rhythm 2:54
  • 7 Sentimental Journey 2:47
  • 8 If I Ever Had a Dream 3:47
  • 9 Black Hills of Dakota 4:02
  • 10 Dig It 2:52
  • 11 Send Me No Flowers 3:21
  • 12 Close Your Eyes 4:22
  • 13 I Remember You 4:26
  • 14 I Want to Be Happy 2:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata