Ariel Pink's best songs are surprising, and there's a real sense of musical delight on Before Today; the sections sound logical but never predictable, and there are wild bridges and short bits that emerge seemingly randomly but wind up taking the song somewhere unexpected.
Before Today is Ariel Pink’s attempt to create a Lo-Fi 80’s psychedelic new-wave record with elements of Beach Rock and post-punk as it spins a multitude of genres on their head. Although it’s absurd crossovers are quite impressive and result in some amazing cuts, the whole lo-fi aesthetic can sometimes kills the momentum of this really cool and interesting project.
Before Today has amazing cuts on it such as “L’estat (acc. to the widow’s maid)” of ... read more
What an odd record. For sure, I don’t think this is as creative or as diverse as Pom Pom, but Ariel’s album with the Haunted Graffiti backing band is a zany, offbeat approach to psychedelic pop, with muddy lo-fi textures, kooky performances, and ambitious song structures in the case of songs like “Round and Round” and “Little Wig”. It’s as odd as it is catchy, and while not as immediately replayable as his 2014 album, it’s a wonderful show of ... read more
solid and cohesive, both sonically and quality wise. going for an older sound but with a modern touch.
FAV TRACKS - Menopause Man, Beverly Kills, Round and Round, L'estat (Acc. to the Widow's Maid).
Although this album has round and round, they missed out on the opportunity of adding Mistaken Wedding here. (before looking at the track list of this album I thought round and round was a non-album single)
FAV: Round and Round, Can't Hear My Eyes, Menopause Man.
1 | Hot Body Rub 2:26 | 71 |
2 | Bright Lit Blue Skies 2:24 | 85 |
3 | L'estat (Acc. to the Widow's Maid) 4:26 | 79 |
4 | Fright Night (Nevermore) 3:35 | 83 |
5 | Round and Round 5:08 | 88 |
6 | Beverly Kills 3:56 | 83 |
7 | Butt-House Blondies 3:27 | 80 |
8 | Little Wig 5:46 | 76 |
9 | Can't Hear My Eyes 3:19 | 84 |
10 | Reminiscences 2:33 | 79 |
11 | Menopause Man 4:00 | 80 |
12 | Revolution's a Lie 3:49 | 75 |
#2 | / | Gorilla vs. Bear |
#2 | / | Tiny Mix Tapes |
#6 | / | Treble |
#6 | / | Uncut |
#7 | / | MAGNET |
#9 | / | DIY |
#9 | / | No Ripcord |
#9 | / | Pitchfork |
#9 | / | The Guardian |
#12 | / | Prefix |