I’m really enjoying the Waxahatchee album but, on first listen, I’m not sold on the other two. I am really interested in that distinction between knowing objectively that something is good and actually enjoying it. I can’t pinpoint why that happens for some things and not others. It’s the same with loving vs only liking a song. I wish I understood what was going on - but maybe the mystery of it is part of what makes it special.
I find that distinction happening more and more these days. There are so many well-made records out there and many of them just don't click with me. Waxahatchee's previous records are like that -- looking forward to checking this one out.
I'm genuinely happy to see that I'm not the only one that held this view! I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on Tigers Blood once you get a chance to play it.
I dug into it over the last couple of days and while I think I like it better than her older stuff, there's something about the combination of her voice and phrasing that I don't love. Can't quite put my finger on it. Glad I checked it out, though!
Kevin's review really clicked with me too. Both the new Waxahatchee and Hurray For The Riff Raff albums this year flipped me from a more emotionless "this is very good music" reaction that I have had to them in the past to genuinely enjoying listening...over and over.
I'm happy to hear it! Hurray For The Riff Raff is another fantastic example. 'Life on Earth' was my on ramp to her work, and while I thought the record was really well done, it just didn't stick with me the way her new one has.
What you're describing is a huge part of what makes music so interesting, IMHO. On the one hand it's very scientific --- the physics of sound waves and the mathematical patterns involved. On the other hand, its emotional and visceral. People and their pesky feelings aren't as easy to map out as wave patterns.
So yea "I think this objectively has quality but doesn't give me the feels that I seek" is a perfectly valid response. Good reviewers (like Kevin 😁) understand the difference.
Conversely, "this is objectively crap but I loved it when I was 12 and still smile if it comes on the radio" is also a perfectly valid response. (Looking over at you, Def Leppard)
That mystery is absolutely part of the appeal, IMO. How boring would life be if we all liked the same songs--and only the same amount? Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I'm always fascinated by what people are into (or aren't), and why. Sometimes it's something objective, but often it's for reasons that are completely subjective--the song reminds you of a time/place/person), the bassline reminds you of hitting the club when you were younger, etc.
Love how “cinematographic” the Outer World record is. Strong soundtrack vibes. It’s rare to find such a cohesive yet profoundly mood-driven album in 2024 (admittedly, I’m not familiar with a lot of new stuff these days, but still).
of course! And thank you for taking the time to check it out. I know the two of you have your plate full with the record & tour, but if you ever want to talk more about the band, the album, or life on the road, I'm love to do it.
Great to hear about the new Church record. I liked Hypnogogue -- and they were fabulous on that tour -- but it didn't stay with me after a while because it's so dense. Going to dig into the new one tonight.
I might be off here, but it feels lighter (?) than Hypnogogue did. It's not poppy in the way some earlier stuff is, but it definitely felt easier to digest.
There's something about Waxahatchee that fits the vibe of the here and now so well. "Right Back To It" could be an anthem for the getting-sort-of-back-to-whatever-normal-means-these-days times we're in.
Is "Under The Milky Way" representative of what The Church are like ? Cuz that song is lame and dissuades me from exploring them further. <shrug.gif>
IMO, it's not representative at all. I know it was a massive hit, but there are so many other eras/sides/etc. to the band that are far from 'Under the Milky Way.'
I do like Waxahatchee a lot, and it ticks all my boxes, but... I do'n't know. It feels there's something missing within all the quality. Is it a deepness that is missing, a feeling of a unique warmth to the sound, is it all a bit too safe? Is she relying to much on her powerful vocals? Or are half of the songs just not as good? Questions that i can't answer, but I know they are valid.
side note: Right Back To It will end up in my top 3 of best songs of the year
I’m really enjoying the Waxahatchee album but, on first listen, I’m not sold on the other two. I am really interested in that distinction between knowing objectively that something is good and actually enjoying it. I can’t pinpoint why that happens for some things and not others. It’s the same with loving vs only liking a song. I wish I understood what was going on - but maybe the mystery of it is part of what makes it special.
I find that distinction happening more and more these days. There are so many well-made records out there and many of them just don't click with me. Waxahatchee's previous records are like that -- looking forward to checking this one out.
I'm genuinely happy to see that I'm not the only one that held this view! I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on Tigers Blood once you get a chance to play it.
I dug into it over the last couple of days and while I think I like it better than her older stuff, there's something about the combination of her voice and phrasing that I don't love. Can't quite put my finger on it. Glad I checked it out, though!
Kevin's review really clicked with me too. Both the new Waxahatchee and Hurray For The Riff Raff albums this year flipped me from a more emotionless "this is very good music" reaction that I have had to them in the past to genuinely enjoying listening...over and over.
I'm happy to hear it! Hurray For The Riff Raff is another fantastic example. 'Life on Earth' was my on ramp to her work, and while I thought the record was really well done, it just didn't stick with me the way her new one has.
What you're describing is a huge part of what makes music so interesting, IMHO. On the one hand it's very scientific --- the physics of sound waves and the mathematical patterns involved. On the other hand, its emotional and visceral. People and their pesky feelings aren't as easy to map out as wave patterns.
So yea "I think this objectively has quality but doesn't give me the feels that I seek" is a perfectly valid response. Good reviewers (like Kevin 😁) understand the difference.
Conversely, "this is objectively crap but I loved it when I was 12 and still smile if it comes on the radio" is also a perfectly valid response. (Looking over at you, Def Leppard)
Yes! Exactly this. I sometimes want to dig down and investigate what gives me those feels but I think it is often intangible.
Ineffable. "Hard To Explain" as The Strokes would say
Maybe a little bit of both!
I'm right there with you! I'd love to be able to articulate those feels better. FWIW, tomorrow's post touches on this a little bit.
Ooh! Looking forward to it!
Lol. Both can be true!
(and thank you for the kind words!)
That mystery is absolutely part of the appeal, IMO. How boring would life be if we all liked the same songs--and only the same amount? Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I'm always fascinated by what people are into (or aren't), and why. Sometimes it's something objective, but often it's for reasons that are completely subjective--the song reminds you of a time/place/person), the bassline reminds you of hitting the club when you were younger, etc.
Love how “cinematographic” the Outer World record is. Strong soundtrack vibes. It’s rare to find such a cohesive yet profoundly mood-driven album in 2024 (admittedly, I’m not familiar with a lot of new stuff these days, but still).
Yes! it feels like it would be at home in both a 60s sci-fi movie and a swanky club.
I've got to check out all three of these!
I'd love to hear what you think of them!
The new Waxahatchee record is her best.
That seems to be the consensus so far! I certainly think it is, anyway. Feels like she's really hit her stride.
I’ve seen Waxahatchee mentioned several times lately, so guessing I need to check them out!
Love The Church - will be checking that one out for sure!
Appreciate the kind words, Kevin.
of course! And thank you for taking the time to check it out. I know the two of you have your plate full with the record & tour, but if you ever want to talk more about the band, the album, or life on the road, I'm love to do it.
Let's do it! It's a lil crazy, but we'll find time!
Email is outerworldsound@gmail.com or DM me on twitter and we can sort it all.
Great to hear about the new Church record. I liked Hypnogogue -- and they were fabulous on that tour -- but it didn't stay with me after a while because it's so dense. Going to dig into the new one tonight.
I might be off here, but it feels lighter (?) than Hypnogogue did. It's not poppy in the way some earlier stuff is, but it definitely felt easier to digest.
There's something about Waxahatchee that fits the vibe of the here and now so well. "Right Back To It" could be an anthem for the getting-sort-of-back-to-whatever-normal-means-these-days times we're in.
Is "Under The Milky Way" representative of what The Church are like ? Cuz that song is lame and dissuades me from exploring them further. <shrug.gif>
IMO, it's not representative at all. I know it was a massive hit, but there are so many other eras/sides/etc. to the band that are far from 'Under the Milky Way.'
A couple of other tracks I like:
'Reptile'
'Tantalized'
'Almost With You'
'Metropolis'
Good to know, thx.
Maybe I'll just start with the new album with no preconceptions 😁
I do like Waxahatchee a lot, and it ticks all my boxes, but... I do'n't know. It feels there's something missing within all the quality. Is it a deepness that is missing, a feeling of a unique warmth to the sound, is it all a bit too safe? Is she relying to much on her powerful vocals? Or are half of the songs just not as good? Questions that i can't answer, but I know they are valid.
side note: Right Back To It will end up in my top 3 of best songs of the year