Opaque as it is, it feels like a snapshot of life, and life as it is lived right now. Musically there’s not a moment here that isn’t complete and forward thinking.
They’re looking forward, stepping outside of their comfort zone and creating some of the most interesting, ambitious music of their long career.
It's a heavy listen, but potentially a rapturous one as well, for anyone who has ever experienced a reverie of aging and all it entails.
Wagner’s parched baritone burr ... is coated in digital effects, which – against the odds – make his performances seem more expressive, warm and richly musical.
Like many career songwriters over the age of 40, frontman Kurt Wagner has gone more personal, lyrically, and like any rational person in these hopeful, troubled times, his words are heavy on observations and reactions, but short on actual answers to social ailments.
This is admittedly very similar to Bon Iver’s recent work, but there is enough innate Wagner drollery to keep it tangibly Lambchop, even if the delivery means the lyrics are a little less stark in their presentation.
Yet another great release from one of the most consistently interesting bands around.
Time will tell how much more changing Lambchop does, but however they do it, it’ll undoubtedly be just as beautiful as This.
These modern trappings are just misdirection, doing little to obscure the fact that he seems to be feeling more out of time than ever.
This (is what I wanted to tell you) is in no way an entry point to Lambchop, and even to longtime fans, the rumbles found within might leave you desiring more-that's not to say This (is what I wanted to tell you) isn't a decently curious exploration into a well-seasoned songwriting veteran.
I get to see the rain hit my window tonight. How lovely.
Explaining to someone why they should like Lambchop is like trying to explain to someone why they should like blue cheese dressing. You can't, it's kind of an acquired taste. By all means, Lambchop is no boundary pushing behemoth of a band, but rather a spacious one.
'This (is what I wanted to tell you)' continues the artistic direction taken with their (incredibly underrated) last outing 'Flotus'. However, it's far more realized and ... read more
I keep listening to this over and over again hoping I like it more. It starts off SO strong but the quality really drops in the second half in my opinion. The long track lengths aren't helping.
Lambchop's latest album is a minimal, beautiful art pop record reminiscent in many ways of Bon Iver's newer material. This (Is What I Wanted to Tell You) is generous in its worship of autotune, which instead of providing a crutch for many artists instead is a warming accompaniment to Kurt Wagner's soothing lyricism. This, along with soft piano and percussive elements, are the bulk of instrumentation on this album of thoroughly enjoyable assortment of calming and dreamy ballads.
Favourite ... read more
Nothing but respect for anyone putting albums out for 25 years and still pushing themselves to reinvent and reposition. Deep listening (vs casual shuffling) pays off as the knotty mood drips like syrup.
#39 | / | Les Inrocks |
#46 | / | Uncut |
#50 | / | MOJO |