These don’t feel like your average indie-goes-’80s covers; they’re a reminder that even when Olsen’s having fun, she can turn something simple into a gut-punch, consuming your thoughts and evoking reflection of the emotional connection tied to her words.

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For an artist usually so meticulous with her vision, that these are able to sound so airy, almost frivolous makes this curio of an EP all the more engaging.

Angel Olsen's new EP of 80s cover songs is a simple concept, executed spectacularly.

At times you miss the cheese of the originals, but this is a solid concept, extremely well-executed.

The singer is keenly aware that the best cover versions are those where the artists put a distinctive spin on the song, rather than producing a straight facsimile of the original. Angel Olsen confidently accomplishes that with this thoroughly enjoyable EP.

Aisles doesn’t take many risks, but perhaps that’s for the best.

It’s an unusual departure for a songwriter who’s always staked everything on her conviction, but if any artist has earned the breather, it’s Olsen.

At the best of times, her round of covers is simple and agreeable to those already familiar with the originals—it just isn’t completely up to snuff with the imagination we’ve come to expect from Olsen.

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marvelgaryen

Olsen knows how to style herself into any specific era, 'Aisles' proves once again the powerhouse that she is as an artist, the versatility, the ability to adapt to pretty much any genre (it's a talent only a few have). Honestly I loved her take in these iconic 80's songs, she made them even more dramatic if that's even possible, I love this woman to death.

JohnLouisHoward

first, if you don't know the originals do not rate this set of covers. why would you do that. just don't.

second, this is simply an amuse-bouche to tide us over until the next album, so don't take it all that seriously. even serious artists are allowed to have fun. having said that, these are wonderful covers. the string parts on "Gloria" are magnificent. the auto-tune parts on "Eyes Without a Face" are both beautiful and hilarious. if you had to name a vocalist who never ... read more

1y*

MarkAnMan

I've never given myself the time to really listen to Olsen's music, maybe just 2 or 3 songs, so I don't know much about her past work or her strenghts as an artist, but after listening to this EP I think I might fall in love with this woman's discography.

Aisles is an EP that covers 5 classic songs from the '80's, reinventing and taking them into new and unexpected directions. These covers are mostly synthpop reimaginations and, except for "Safety Dance" which I thought was absurdly ... read more

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