NJ
Seattle, Washington
Recently Rated
![John Coltrane - Ascension [Edition I]](https://cdn2.albumoftheyear.org/200x0/album/15752-ascension_120205.jpg)
Pinned Review
This is that generation-defining album that only comes along once every decade. The anxiety, emptiness, extistential dread, and self-loathing of those transitioning into adulthood in contemporary society are captured perfectly by Will Toledo's witty, self-deprecating narrator. While he may not be the most unique indie rock artist, Toledo certainly knows how to take his influences and create genuinely great art from them. It's not a stretch to say that he's a stronger lyricist and songwriter ... read more
Recent Reviews
Though 'Carrie & Lowell' is certainly an exercise in pain, there's something comforting about how Sufjan Stevens explores the process of grief. Throughout its eleven tracks, the album reaches far down into the depths of human despair and tragedy, yet the end result and the overall message seems to be more affirming. Sufjan sings about meaningless sex, drug addiction, self-harm and suicidal thoughts while trying to grasp with the death of his mother, but there's always light on the flipside ... read more
This redo of the 2011 Bandcamp classic which got singer Will Toledo his initial fanbase is a bold move coming off of the band's breakthrough hit 'Teens of Denial.' Considering just how much of a step up that record was from everything Toledo had done before, revisiting one of his earlier albums could have potentially been a step backwards from what Car Seat Headrest has managed to achieve. Luckily that is not the case. The original 'Twin Fantasy,' while perhaps a bit simplistic and amateurish ... read more
This is an excersize in pain. Pure, raw, unfiltered, visceral, youthfu, overwhelming heartbreak, screamed through a cheap microphone and barely legible through the tinny instrumentation and washed-out, overly reverb-reliant production. That's not to demean the record, though - the rough audio quality does not diminish the power of 'Twin Fantasy' whatsoever, though it does make it an often grating listen. Many of the melodies are underdeveloped (the album was quite obviously written by a ... read more
'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea' is the perfect indie record. It's what the genre was building towards since its inception, and what every indie album since has been trying to recreate, though none has quite managed to reach its heights. The lyricism, filled with a plethora of vivid poetry and religious imagery, is vague and bizarre yet at the same time it's deeply visceral and powerful. Jeff Mangum's admittedly imperfect yet potently emotional vocal perfomance matches his poetry, as does the ... read more
The Smiths go out on what is their weakest moment by a considerable amount. While 'Strangeways, Here We Come' has a strong enough start, it soon trails off into benign fluff. It lacks the witty observations of 'The Queen is Dead' or the potent and political tragedy of 'Meat Is Murder' or the fresh and lively spirit of their debut, and even the best tracks on here feel lackluster when compared to the band's achievements in the past. 'Girlfriend in a Coma' is funny, but it's no 'Cemetry Gates.' ... read more
About
English major also studying gender and religion.
Yes I want you guys to comment on my reviews. I am in fact that needy and it does mean a lot to me to have those conversations. I don't just post them for people to read and move on. Even if you don't like my take. I'll take criticism.
Yes I want you guys to comment on my reviews. I am in fact that needy and it does mean a lot to me to have those conversations. I don't just post them for people to read and move on. Even if you don't like my take. I'll take criticism.
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Member since October 30, 2019