Anyway, the album is called "Skeletal Lamping" and it is RIDICULOUS!!! It really is a psychedelic masterpiece. A deeply layered collage of sound. Kevin Barnes is a genius. His super-crispy production, upbeat, catchy pop tunes and humorously poignant lyrics set this album apart from anything else. I wouldn't hesitate to put him up there with the original mad genius of pop music, Mr. Brian Wilson. They both have an innate understanding of what makes up that beautiful and deep pop sound.
After doing some research and reading recent interviews and blogs, i've found some interesting information that allow for a deeper appreciation of the album. First off, lamping is type of hunting where a hunter puts up a really bright spotlight. Then, said hunter turns it on and when the animals freeze and begin to runaway, they shoot to kill. So the albums is called Skeletal Lamping, Barnes said he basically wanted to write and record all the crazy ass thoughts in his head and "lamp" his skeletons. "This record is my attempt to bring all of my puzzling, contradicting, disturbing, humorous fantasies, ruminations and observations to the surface, so that I can better dissect and understand their reason for being in my head." He definitely has some deep seeded stuff going on. But dont we all.
About two years ago, Barnes gave Outback Steakhouse permission to use a version of one of his songs (Wraith Pinned to Mist...) for an ad campaign, thinking it would be funny to hear how they changed it to sell terrible steaks and bloomin' onions. He said he was kinda hurt by the all the people who called him a sell out and he made a conscious effort to make this album as crazy and off the wall as he could. A way to say, "See, im no sellout". He definitely succeeded.
Barnes also said the album is kinda pieced together like a collage, taking different songs and putting them together to make one single song that really doesnt go together, but kinda does. A way to keep listener on their toes, unable to know where the song will go next. He considers most of todays music to be far too predictable and wanted Lamping to be as surprising as possible. Honestly, my jaw dropped a few times during my first time through.
If you could see sound, Skeletal Lamping would look like the artwork of Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol combined. Totally surreal and unapologetically pop. I really cant say enough about it. It sounds amazing, its unbelievably original, avante-garde, and over the top. Highlights include the opening track 'Non-Pareil of Favor'. It starts off as a sunny love song, suddenly plunging into distorted, guitar pounding noise-rock, and then seamlessly moves into a beautiful, harmonious melody. 'Wicked Wisdom" again starts relatively normal, eventually stepping into a nasty breakbeat with sick harmonies, then into a very Lennon-esque Magical Mystery moment. By far, the best track of the album is 'St. Esquisite's Confession'. It begins very 'Freedom of 76' but shifts into some of the dirtiest, stankiest, evilest funk ever. With some psychedelic lyrics like "Seduced a dream back to the surface. Clarified my empty elephant thoughts, some beautiful deaths." At least, thats what i think he says.
Some might say of Montreal's music is corny or cheesy, but one mans gross corny cheese is another's delicious cheesy corn. i can see why some people might not like it, its total wierdo pop. But thats why i friggin love it. I recommend you kick back, put one some headphones and enjoy the trip.
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3 comments:
That's a great idea for adapting to the new music economy, whatever that is. R-Head's idea, the pay-what-you-want scheme for In Rainbows, may only work with their following. I hope of Montreal does great with this.
Another idea: a paypal donate button for people who downloaded the album for free because of its convenience, but still want to support the band. I think many fans would have no problem doing this.
ohh, that paypal thing is a good idea. i certainly would do it. but the only hitch is that the dreaded RIAA would probably be able to find you and penalize you for not paying the suits. unless paypal is totally private. is it?
it wouldn't be an admission of theft... just a donation. from a fan, you know, a little extra. it might make for tricky accounting on their side, like how proceeds pay off their advance. I'm sure the record companies would want to dip in the donation pot, but I don't see how they could, unless it was in the contract. Obviously, I don't know anything about this.
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