An experience that should be shared.<\/p>\n
Foxygen acquired many fans with their 2013 release We Are the 21<\/i>st<\/i> Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic. <\/i>Now the eccentric duo is back with an ambitious double album. Do not underestimate the whimsical and Bowie-esque name of the record; it is clearly heavily influenced by David. There are also moments of The Velvet Underground and The Kinks. \u00a0The album is dripping with late 60s early 70s experimental psychedelic pop.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow Can You Really\u201d is the single and the most accessible track on the album. With its jangly piano, upbeat melody and catchy groove, it\u2019s vintage pop gold. \u201cCoulda Been My Love\u201d is a lovely track with a slow and dreamy melody. It\u2019s a melancholy ballad with just a touch of soul. \u00a0\u201cYou & I\u201d which harkens back to the Lou Reed influence, features gorgeous harmonies similar to that of \u201cBecause\u201d by The Beatles. \u00a0This track leads into the experimental part of the album which consists of Star Power I, II, III, & IV. Each track leading into the other, each one pulses with noise and energy. \u201cStar Power III: What Are We Good For\u201d is probably my favorite of the four. The Lou Reed influence is super obvious from the vocals of Kevin Barnes (Of Montreal). It\u2019s a wild combination of grooves, loud and soft melodies and layers of guitars, trumpets, and piano. \u201cFlowers\u201d combines organ and piano chords and a swaying melody with minimal drums a la Ringo Starr and pretty pretty harmonies. Imagine if \u201cFool on the Hill\u201d and \u201cDon\u2019t Let Me Down\u201d were morphed. That\u2019s what it sounds like and it works. The remainder of the first disc is tracks which fit well together but would sound odd being singled apart.<\/p>\n
Disc or Side 2 keeps the same vibe going but is more guitar driven than side 1. This side especially the beginning seems to have loads of Rolling Stones elements. \u201cEveryone Needs Love\u201d is anthem emphasizing themes very popular in hits of the decades mentioned previously. It\u2019s nice to listen to but lacking originality to be a show stopper. The closing track of this ruthless double album is the somber \u201cHang\u201d which is mellow and quiet. It has a slight build up but finally ends with a gruff sample.<\/p>\n
If you know anything about Foxygen\u2019s reputation you know they are wild. One could say the same about this album. Foxygen immersed this album with their persona. \u00a0They created an album that is strange, interesting, and at times enthralling. It\u2019s an album that grows on you. It takes a multiple listens to really get what it\u2019s all about. \u00a0It\u2019s like stepping into the Tardis and traveling to a different space and time. It\u2019s an experience that should be shared with our listeners.<\/p>\n
Recommmend if you like: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Diiv, Smith Westerns<\/p>\n
Recommended tracks: Disc 1: “How Can You Really,” “Coulda Been My Love,” “You & I,” “Star Power III: What Are We Good For,” and “Flowers” Disc 2: “Everyone Needs Love,” and “Hang”<\/p>\n
Reviewed by Emilie Stafford\u00a0October 5, 2014<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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