On Vega's new album, 99.9, her frosty voice is the only trace of her earlier days. The record is a noisefest of clangy sound and samples that reflect Vega's desire for growth. But in conversation, Vega is still a study in control. She steers the conversation away from herself on her emotional state. When questions push the envelope of what she considers acceptable topics, her voice takes on an icy note of impatience bordering on annoyance.
Anger is usually the easiest emotion to feel.
But even when discussing anger, Vega displays a sense of distance. I start throwing things. I get very angry. Her dispassion makes it seem as though she's talking about someone else. The picture of Suzanne Vega throwing things is hard to visualize.