Editing Beth Orton (section)

==Musical career==

===''SuperPinkyMandy''===
Orton began working with [[William Orbit]] on an LP together as [[Spill (band)|Spill]], entitled ''Burn Blind''. "Don't Wanna Know 'Bout Evil" was the first track on the album that ended up being released in just Orton's name. ''[[Superpinkymandy]]'' was named after a rag doll which she bought at a [[jumble sale]] at the age of six.<ref>''Morning Becomes Eclectic'', first broadcast 30 May 1997</ref> This rare album was released only in Japan, in extremely limited numbers (popularly quoted{{by whom|date=November 2019}} as between 1,000 and 5,000 copies). The sound is very much Orbit's, but all of the songs (except "Don't Wanna Know 'Bout Evil" written by John Martyn) were co-written by Orton and Orbit, and some tracks were later recycled, in very different versions. "She Cries Your Name" later appeared on ''Trailer Park''. "Yesterday's Gone" became "Montok Point" on the fourth Strange Cargo release, ''[[Strange Cargo Hinterland|Hinterland]]'' (1995). ''Hinterland'' had Orton's vocals on several tracks, and also included an alternative version of "She Cries Your Name".

Orton provided a one-word vocal to the first [[Red Snapper (band)|Red Snapper]] EP in 1994 ("Snapper"), then co-wrote and sang on "In Deep" on ''The Swank EP'' (also 1994). Ali Friend from Red Snapper later joined Orton's band.

It was roughly at this time that she met Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands of [[The Chemical Brothers]] and began the first in a series of collaborations, providing vocals for the track "Alive Alone" on ''[[Exit Planet Dust]]'' (1995). She would later provide vocals for the tracks "Where Do I Begin" on ''[[Dig Your Own Hole]]'' (1997) and "The State We're In" on ''[[Come with Us]]'' (2002). In 2018 she and [[The Chemical Brothers]] released a long-lost cover of [[Tim Buckley]]'s "I Never Asked to Be Your Mountain", a collaborative effort dating back from the late '90s, when the three were sharing space in London’s Orinoco studios. According to [[Mixmag]] "Orton said she rediscovered the tune after it fell out of an unread copy of War and Peace."

===''Trailer Park''===
Her first solo single, a cover of [[The Ronettes]]' "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine", was released, again in extremely limited numbers, in mid-1996, and was followed by "She Cries Your Name", shortly before the release of what she herself considers to be her first LP ''[[Trailer Park (album)|Trailer Park]]'', released on [[Heavenly Records]] on 19 October 1996.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ferla |first1=Lisa-Marie |title=Beth Orton, Oran Mor, Glasgow |url=https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/beth-orton-oran-mor-glasgow |work=the Arts Deck |date=14 December 2012}}</ref> This release earned her nominations for two [[BRIT Awards]] (best British newcomer, best British female) and the [[Mercury Music Prize]] in 1997,<ref>{{cite news |title=Beth Orton tackles lack of women in music industry |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-31438617 |access-date=11 April 2020 |work=BBc |date=20 February 2015}}</ref> was well received by critics, and sold modestly well, selling 300,000 copies and peaking at No. 68 in the UK. The album presented Orton's signature sound, an innovative mix of acoustic-based songwriting and electronic beats and elements. She began to tour this record, first supporting acts such as [[The Beautiful South]], and appearing with [[Ron Sexsmith]], before touring on her own. In June 1997, she had her first [[UK Top 40]] hit single with a reissue of "She Cries Your Name".

===''Central Reservation''===
[[Image:bethlillith.jpg|thumb|left|Orton at Lilith Fair, 1999]]
That summer she toured with [[Lilith Fair]], released the ''[[Best Bit]]'' EP which included the single "[[Best Bit]]", and collaborated with soul legend [[Terry Callier]] on a cover of [[Fred Neil]]'s song "Dolphins". That song improved on her previous best chart position, reaching number 38 in the UK. ''[[Central Reservation (album)|Central Reservation]]'', her second album (proper), helped Orton build on the success of her début. Although retaining the electronic edge of the former, this record showed a notably more acoustic side with a few tracks consisting purely of Orton's vocals accompanied by a solitary [[Steel-string guitar|acoustic guitar]], with subject matters becoming more introspective, including "Pass in Time", a song about the death of her mother. Despite this style, the album still provided more polished moments such as lead single "[[Stolen Car (Beth Orton song)|Stolen Car]]", the jazz-and-strings-tinged "Sweetest Decline", and the electro melancholy of "Stars All Seem to Weep" (with the haunting vocal allegedly recorded in a single take). The album also featured notable contributions from [[soul music|soul]] musician [[Terry Callier]], [[(Dr.) Robert Howard|Dr. Robert]] and [[Ben Harper]]. Two tracks were produced by [[Ben Watt]] of [[Everything But The Girl]].

The album earned Orton a second [[Mercury Music Prize]] nomination and won the Best Female Artist award at the 2000 [[BRIT Awards]].

''Central Reservation'' is ranked number 982 in ''[[All-Time Top 1000 Albums]]'' (3rd. edition, 2000).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/virgin_1000_v3.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060811222706/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/virgin_1000_v3.htm |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 11 August 2006 |title=Rocklist  |access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref>

===''Daybreaker''===

[[Image:Bethbristol.jpg|thumb|right|Orton performing in Bristol, 2002]]
In July 2002, Orton released the album ''[[Daybreaker (Beth Orton album)|Daybreaker]]'', which again blended the early electronica style, with uptempo pop songs and acoustic [[Sentimental ballad|ballads]]. It featured guest appearances from musicians such as [[the Chemical Brothers]], [[Emmylou Harris]], whom she met at [[Lilith Fair]], [[Ryan Adams]] and [[Four Tet]]. It was a great commercial success, reaching the top 8 of the [[UK Albums Chart]], and received largely positive reviews from the press, ranging from "Her best work yet" from ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' magazine,<ref>New album reviews, ''Mojo'', p.102, August 2002</ref> the ''[[NME]]'' (8/10),<ref>New album reviews, ''New Musical Express'', p.33, 27 July 2002</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]''<ref>New album reviews, ''Rolling Stone'', p.72, 25 July 2002</ref> and ''[[The Guardian]]'', but receiving a more lukewarm reception from ''[[Q magazine|Q]]''<ref>New album reviews, ''Q'', p.132, August 2002</ref> (despite this, she was nominated for the ''Q'' award for best album). This was followed in 2003 by a US-only release on American label Astralwerks, ''[[The Other Side of Daybreak]]'', an album consisting mainly of B-sides and remixes of songs from ''Daybreaker'', created by artists such as Roots Manuva. She also contributed a song to the [[War Child (charity)|War Child]] charity, for their ''Hope'' compilation album that year.

''Daybreaker'' debuted at No. 40 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and has sold 155,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/69682/orton-walks-on-the-other-side|title=Orton Walks On The 'Other Side'|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=5 August 2003}}</ref>

A "best of" double album, titled ''[[Pass in Time]]'', was released in 2003. It represented Orton's extensive and diverse musical career through previously unreleased songs, B-sides, and rarities (such as "Where Do You Go" from ''Superpinkymandy''), as well as collaborations with William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers. On 31 March 2003, she played to a packed [[Royal Albert Hall]] in London on the last date of her worldwide ''Daybreaker'' tour. In addition, she played a tribute concert to [[Elliott Smith]] in November.

===''Comfort of Strangers''===
[[Image:beth-orton.jpg|thumb|right|Orton at Aarhus Festival, 2013]]
Orton's fourth studio album, ''[[Comfort of Strangers]]'', was released in February 2006. The North American release was through [[Astralwerks]], and the UK release was through [[EMI]]-UK. The release saw her move away from the electronica element that she is usually associated with, to a more stripped down traditional alt-folk album. This album followed an extended absence since her previous release, partially a result of several production attempts, and the parting of ways between her and [[Heavenly Records]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Beth Orton Bares All|url= http://harpmagazine.com/articles/detail.cfm?article_id=3865|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060210132513/http://harpmagazine.com/articles/detail.cfm?article_id=3865|url-status= usurped|archive-date= 10 February 2006|work=Harp magazine|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref> The album was produced by musician [[Jim O'Rourke (musician)|Jim O'Rourke]]. It was widely acclaimed, with critics noting the depth and focus of the songwriting and the stripped-down quality of the music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/comfort-of-strangers/beth-orton/critic-reviews|title=Comfort Of Strangers by Beth Orton|website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

===''Sugaring Season''===

On 11 July 2012, ''[[Sugaring Season]]'' was announced on Orton's official website as the follow-up album to ''Comfort of Strangers''. It was released on [[ANTI-]], her first through that label, on 1 October 2012, in the UK and the next day in the US. Recorded in Portland, Oregon, US, the album was produced by [[Tucker Martine]] and expanded on the purely acoustic sound of her previous record, with many of the songs written in the open guitar tunings Orton had learned from [[Bert Jansch]] in the years previous. The album was largely recorded live, with a band consisting of [[Brian Blade]] on drums, Sebastian Sternberg on bass and Rob Burger on keyboards. Additional guitar work came from Marc Ribot and Ted Barnes, with backing vocals by Laura Veirs and Sam Amidon. ''Sugaring Season'' was widely received as a return to form, with many critics calling it her finest album to date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/sugaring-season/beth-orton|title=Sugaring Season by Beth Orton|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref>

''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' magazine said, "Blessed with great songs, wonderful arrangements and vocal performances that seriously raise the bar in our expectations of what she's capable of, it is a record that shows real artistic growth in every area and is destined to become a classic that rivals Trailer Park and Central Reservation",<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heselgrave |first1=Douglas |title=Beth Orton: Sugaring Season |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/beth-orton/beth-orton-sugaring-season/ |website=Paste Magazine |publisher=Paste Media Group |access-date=22 September 2020 |date=2 October 2012}}</ref> while ''[[Pitchfork (magazine)|Pitchfork]]'' called it "10 songs of sweet resilience delivered by a voice of seemingly effortless expression."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Currin |first1=Grayson |title=Beth Orton: Sugaring Season |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17126-sugaring-season/ |website=Pitchfork |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=22 September 2020 |date=3 October 2012}}</ref> Her solo concert in November 2016 was named a top gig of the year by chief ''New York Times'' critic John Pareles, who stated, "Alone onstage with her acoustic guitar for much of her set, Ms. Orton set up steady, mantralike picking patterns, a backdrop of serene constancy for the turmoil of ache and determination in her vocals. The songs were hypnotic, the audience silently rapt."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/arts/music/the-best-concerts-of-2012-as-seen-by-times-critics.html|title=The Best Concerts of 2012, as Seen by Times Critics|first1=Jon Pareles, Jon Caramanica, Ben|last1=Ratliff|first2=Nate|last2=Chinen|date=26 December 2012|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The album release was followed by extensive touring in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, solo and with her band, and included an appearance as musical guest on ''The Late Show with David Letterman''.

===''Kidsticks''===
Orton's sixth studio album, ''Kidsticks'', was released on 27 May 2016 and marked a distinct turn towards a purely electronic sound, with her playing keyboards and synthesizers instead of acoustic guitar. The album was produced by Orton herself alongside Andrew Hung from the band [[Fuck Buttons]], who provided drum and synth programming. The album included contributions from Chris Taylor of [[Grizzly Bear (band)|Grizzly Bear]], George Lewis Jr from [[Twin Shadow]] and composer Dustin O’Halloran. ''Kidsticks'' was released on 27 May 2016 following extensive airplay of the singles "Moon" and "1973" on BBC 6Music and elsewhere. In October 2016, Orton returned to ''Later ... with Jools Holland'', performing the singles "1973" and "Wave". ''The Guardian'' wrote that "''Kidsticks'' is a real reinvention: not so much a return to her electronic roots as a bold exploration of fresh territory."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/26/beth-orton-kidsticks-review-radical-reinvention-is-as-dreamy-as-ever|title=Beth Orton: Kidsticks review – radical reinvention is as dreamy as ever|first=Tim|last=Jonze|date=26 May 2016|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

Orton was criticised over her music video for the song "1973" in which she is shown spray painting a federally protected [[Joshua tree]] and other desert plant life. After an outcry from the local community, which included a petition on [[change.org]], the music video was removed online.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Beth Orton Under Fire For Spray Painting Joshua Tree in '1973' Video |date=29 May 2016 |author=Mitchell Peters |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7386080/beth-orton-spray-painting-joshua-tree-1973-video-shorefire-publicity-marilyn-laverty-change-org |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref> Orton publicly apologised<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/1879884/beth-orton-removes-1973-video-with-spray-painted-joshua-tree/video/|title=Beth Orton Removes "1973" Video With Spray-Painted Joshua Tree|date=29 May 2016|work=Stereogum}}</ref> and the Mojave Desert Trust responded positively to her outreach, stating, "We appreciate that Beth Orton regrets her prior actions, and that she intends to educate others about the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert, and the responsibility we collectively share for protecting this unique environment from vandalism and harm."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2016/06/07/beth-orton-joshua-tree-spraypaint/85558890/|title=Musician didn't get OK to film on Joshua Tree property|first=Denise|last=Goolsby|website=The Desert Sun|access-date=11 April 2023}}</ref>

===Band===
Orton's consistent band from 1999's ''Central Reservation'' until around 2006 was guitarist [[Ted Barnes]], keyboardist Sean Read, ex-Sandals drummer Will Blanchard and former [[Red Snapper (band)|Red Snapper]] member [[Ali Friend]] on bass. However, this had changed by 2008, with Ali and Ted having moved on to form their own band [[Clayhill]], and Ted having pursued his own projects, with Orton guesting on his solo debut album, ''Short Scenes''. After that Orton's touring band consisted of Amidon, Steinberg, with [[Steven Nistor]] on drums,<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Radio6 Music Marc Riley Beth Orton|url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rsycj|publisher=bbc.co.uk|access-date=11 April 2013}}</ref> and her current touring band consists of Alex Thomas on sticks, vocals and electronics, and Grey McMurray on guitar, bass and electronics.

Orton played at the ''One Big No'' concert in March 2003 at the [[Shepherd's Bush Empire]] in London, organised by [[Emily Eavis]], and has participated in concerts hosted by producer [[Hal Willner]], including the 2006 concert film ''[[Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man]]'', and performing a duet with [[Nick Cave]] as part of Willner's [[Allen Ginsberg]] Tribute at the [[Ace Hotel Los Angeles|Ace Theater in Los Angeles]], in spring of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKtLE7oUrb0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/LKtLE7oUrb0| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|title=Nick Cave – The Ship Song (with Beth Orton) (Live at The Theatre at the Ace)|last=mileyosiris|date=8 April 2015|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>