I almost *never* talk about full LPs anymore, because these times are disposable and I’m usually fine just talking about individual tracks. For the first time in a long time, I’ve spent a heap of hours with the new Nothing Rhymes With David LP, and it’s an incredibly well-shaped album in two senses.
First of all, it’s constructed to be experienced as a coherent whole, not as individual tracks or on shuffle. From the track order to the guest appearances, to the artwork, to the liner notes, it is a complete thing. Few people do that properly anymore, and it matters.
Secondly, it’s chock full of impeccably-crafted, intelligent songwriting performed with hearts so large they beat right out of the speakers.
If we must pick one track, Dog Flag’s my current favourite here – an astonishing, astute, and searing tract on being a creative. Damn near every line will shoot right to the core of everyone who’s ever created anything, and especially musicians. Hell, the near-screamed refrain of “maybe you’ll never be anything more” is surely enough to widen the eyes of anyone who’s ever put their art out into the world.
The whole thing’s a real piece of work though, and precious few have this group’s lived perspective AND the talent to match it, let alone put it to music.
There are hardly any true albums released these days, ones you have to sit down for, invest your time in, and really *hear* from start to end. When albums like this pop up you should give them the attention they deserve.
Whether or not the music fires your personal synapses, this is the opposite of disposable, the antithesis of an algorithmic world, an elegant weapon for a more civilised age.
The opportunities to hear records like this are shrinking. Don’t miss them when they present themselves.