I’ve always been drawn to songwriters whose lyrics are too smart for me. I enjoy feeling like I’m in the hands of an artist whose work has layers that are beyond my grasp. Aldous Harding’s lyrics are often mistaken for absurdism. This was my take at least, when I first heard her 2019 breakthrough track…
All posts by Rich Bradley
“You Will Never Work in Television Again” – The Smile
I’ve written before about how impossible it is to have any objectivity about the band that got you through high school. That band for me was Radiohead – OK Computer came out the year I turned 13, which more or less sealed things – and blessedly, they have continued to hold an active and meaningful…
“Hold On” – Aeon Station / “Three Types of Reading Ambiguity” – The Wrens
“Hold On” is a peculiar choice for a leadoff track. Observatory is also a peculiar debut – its artist, Aeon Station, was unknown until Sub Pop announced Observatory last fall, and no one was more surprised to learn about the album than Charles Bissell, one of its credited engineers. The album’s entire rollout has been notably…
Alternative & Indie Rock Like Taylor Swift’s Folklore: A Spotify Playlist
Taylor Swift’s new album folklore is a surprise – not just because she kept it secret until a few hours before its release, but because it’s largely a collaboration with The National’s (and antifa’s) Aaron Dessner. As it turns out, Swift’s lyrical prowess and seemingly limitless gift for pop hooks match perfectly with Dessner’s organic,…
“Hymn (Remix)” – Car Seat Headrest
If you’re also a Car Seat Headrest fan, maybe you and I had a similar experience: one particular moment during your first listen to their new album, Making a Door Less Open, ruined your Friday. To be clear up front, I adore this album now. It’s only been out for six days as I’m writing…