Sad Dad Rock, Folk, and New Age Pretentiousness
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1. Patrick Watson – Uh Oh, Secret City (Alternative, Indie)
Watson suffered from an ailment that almost cost him his singing voice, inspiring the creation of this album, “Uh, Oh.” His beautiful and unique voice is joined by lots of other beautiful voices. The first track, Silencio, tells the story of his illness. I also enjoy the pompous Spanish and French tracks featured on the album. Great in the background while cooking dinner or on the drive home after a long day.
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2. Beirut – A Study of Losses, Pompeii Records (Chamber Pop, Indie Folk)
What could be more pompous than writing an album for a Swedish Circus? A troupe of acrobats used Beirut’s A Study of Losses to perform their act across Europe. True story. No one track stands out, rather it creates a single sound combining cool vocals and instrumentals that allow you to escape into the fantasy that you are in Europe somewhere watching a super pompous circus. Given all the depressing events of the year, it worked for me.
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3. Rachika Nayar and Nina Keith – Disiniblud, Smugglers Way (Dance/Electronic New Age).
Beautiful sounds. Very atmospheric. The two women who made it are classically trained. Not that it matters, but the album, despite not having many identifiable lyrics, uses the shifting tones of the tracks to reflect on the different stages of their youth and growing up. Hence, the ironic coming of age reference to Disney in the title. I think the album would be perfect for a cool yoga class. Also great for playing at a really high volume in the car.
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4. Cleo Reed – Cuntry, (Self-Released) (Folk)
This is going to make people’s eyes roll, but I think she has a Tracy Chapman type voice. I also like that she mocks country music while also creating her own type of country music, like the original Tracy Chapman. The lyrics are smart, comment on the hypocrisy of the moment, and flow smoothly. I have made a few dinners listening to this album over the past year.
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5. Wednesday – Bleeds, Dead Oceans (Alternative, Indie)
Cool rock album with guitars and everything. I like the concept– to bring attention to all the problems- drugs, poverty, violence, etc in small town America. The band took on the assumption that these problems only exist in cities, songs like “Townies” or “Carolina Murder Suicide” prove otherwise. It is smart and makes you feel like speeding up in the car.
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6. Haley Henderickx & Max Garcia Conover – What of Our Nature, Fat Possum Records (Folk)
Classic old-school folk. Easy to hear influences of Dylan, Young, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, et al, Keeping true to folk, they offer cool lyrics commenting on contemporary politics/society. Maybe it appeals to me for nostalgic reasons, but I like their voices and the concept.
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7. Stereolab – Instant Holograms on Metal Film, Warp Records (Experimental)
Hard to define, but definitely pompous. I enjoyed the French lyrics, political commentary, the synths, unpredictable transitions, and the unique voice of Sadier. It is so different, I am not sure who I could have in the car while this was playing. It takes a certain type of ear. Not for everyone. But I am not everyone (my attempt to stick with the pompous vibe of this group).
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8. Asher White – 8 Tips for Full Catastrophic Living, Joyful Noise (Indie Rock)
I like Asher’s voice. They push the envelope with some jagged tracks. “Beers with my name on them” shifts from alt indie sound to edm midway through the song It took me a couple of listens to come to terms with those quirks. Overall, I found the production to be really creative, it has some witty lyrics, and it keeps you on your toes with a bunch of different speeds/vibes. It’s a fun listen.
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9. Olafur Arnalds / Talos – A Dawning, Universal Music Operations (New Age, Classical, electronic)
Palate Cleansor? Back to yoga? I have enjoyed Olafur Arnold’s melding of classical composition with electronic music for a number of years. This album continues that project as a memorial for a friend who passed away. It is a bit sad but it’s beautiful. Something to have in the background when you are mourning the East Wing of the White House.
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10. Wet Leg – Moisturizer, Domino (Pop)
I preferred their first album, but this one was a lot of fun as well. The lyrics are just so naughty. Halfway through they surprise you by shifting to a more adult/romantic vibe while still being naughty. The music has a youthful energy/beat/sound that propels itself. It’s a nice pick me up, especially when you have been listening to depressing news for 6 months.