This week explores captivating new albums, including Nick Cave's 'Wild God' and Doechii's emotional 'Alligator Bites Never Heal.' The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of music biopics and the unique storytelling found in mixtapes. They delve into themes of identity and vulnerability in rock, while celebrating the artistry of Ellen Reid's and Laurie Anderson's latest works. The podcast also highlights the dynamic interplay between art and music, inviting listeners to discover fresh sounds that push creative boundaries.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 'Wild God' album explores themes of divine encounters and emotional vulnerability through rich production and immersive lyrics.
Doechii's mixtape 'Alligator Bites Never Heal' showcases her artistic liberation by blending storytelling with diverse musical styles and innovative sound techniques.
Laurie Anderson's 'Amelia' album offers a contemplative narrative on Amelia Earhart's last flight, merging storytelling with deep audio elements for emotional engagement.
Deep dives
The Flaws of Music Biopics
Many biopics about musicians face criticism for attempting to encapsulate their entire lives, leading to narratives that lack depth and clarity. This trend is often referred to as the 'cinematic Wikipedia problem,' where films cram too many details but fail to convey a coherent story. A notable exception is suggested, which focuses solely on a crucial period of a musician's career, allowing for a more meaningful exploration of personal dynamics and conflicts. The example of a proposed film about the band Oasis highlights how concentrating on a specific timeframe can reveal both the band's peak and the tensions within their relationships.
Nick Cave's Latest Album
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released a new album titled 'Wild God,' marking their first project in five years. The album delves into themes of divine and demonic encounters and showcases Cave's evolution as an artist who continues to explore profound emotional landscapes. During a discussion about the album, Cave emphasizes the importance of the production by Dave Friedman, which enhances the album's emotional impact. His lyrical approach combines vulnerability with joy, reflecting on his personal grief while inviting listeners to share in the experience of creation.
Dochi's Mixtape and Artistic Freedom
The latest mixtape from rapper Dochie, titled 'Alligator Bites Never Heal,' highlights her versatility as an artist by blending storytelling with various musical styles. Particularly, one standout track showcases her ability to weave complex narratives around relationship challenges while employing innovative sound techniques. Dochie's creative process allows her to play with formats and ideas without the pressure of producing a traditional album, providing her with a sense of liberation in her artistry. This approach to music reflects a trend where artists can explore diverse expressions and experiment boldly in a less constrictive format.
Enumclaw's Grunge Revival
Enumclaw, a band from Washington State, emerges with their second album 'Home in Another Life,' capturing the essence of 90s rock and grunge. The band's sound is characterized by a blend of vulnerable lyrics and fuzzy guitar tones, reminiscent of classic acts while also introducing fresh vulnerabilities in songwriting. Lead singer Eramis Johnson’s storytelling incorporates intimate family memories that resonate emotionally, particularly in tracks dealing with themes such as loss and personal shame. The interplay between raw vocals and rich instrumentation creates a compelling listening experience that pays homage to grunge's earthy roots.
Lori Anderson Explores Amelia Earhart
Lori Anderson’s album 'Amelia' is a contemplative exploration of Amelia Earhart's last flight, combining narrative storytelling with immersive soundscapes. Anderson's innovative use of audio elements, including a drone created from her late husband Lou Reed's guitar sounds, enhances the thematic depth of the album. The music serves not only as a tribute to Earhart's daring spirit but also as a profound exploration of the human experience, juxtaposing themes of freedom and peril. Listeners are invited to engage with the record in a deeply emotional and suggestive way, akin to experiencing a multimedia performance.
The best albums out this week include Wild God from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Doechii's Alligator Bites Never Heal, Jon Hopkins' Ritual and more.
Featured Albums: • Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Wild God • Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal • Enumclaw, Home In Another Life • Ellen Reid, Big Majestic • Laurie Anderson, Amelia • Jon Hopkins, Ritual
Other notable releases for Aug. 30: • Muni Long, Revenge • Emily D'Angelo, Freezing • AWOLNATION, The Phantom Five • Big Sean, Better Me Than You • Shemekia Copeland, Blame It on Eve • Tycho, Infinite Health • Zedd, Telos • Chelsea Wolfe, Undone EP • Tank & the Bangas, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul • The Cactus Blossoms, Every Time I Think About You • Caleb Caudle, Sweet Critters • Amy Rigby, Hang in There With Me • Noah Kahan, Stick Season (Live From Fenway Park)
