Obadiah is recorded in the style of soul music, a departure from the folk sound of the Be Good Tanyas.[1] The album takes its title from Ford's middle name, "Obadiah". When she was born, her parents asked her brothers to choose her middle name; they decided to name her after their pet cat Obadiah that had recently run away.[2]
Recording
Ford recorded the album with guitarist Trish Klein, also of the Be Good Tanyas. Klein's partner, John Raham, played drums and produced the record. Ford's mother, neighbour, and landlord also appear on the album.[3][4]
Themes
Ford has said that the album relates to an emotional time she had with her family.[1][5] The record, according to Ford, also allowed her to bring together "a soul rhythm section...[and]....folk style writing", two of her great loves in music that had previously been "divided in [her] musicality".[6]
Reception
Ben Ratliff of the New York Times gave the album a favourable review and commended Ford's blending of soul and country influences.[7] He compared her singing to a diverse group of artists, including Dolly Parton, Ann Peebles, and Feist.[7]
^Adams, Rob. "Frazey Ford – finding therapy in music"(First published: The Herald Scotland, October 6, 2010). Rob Adams Journalist. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
