SOUNDTRACK: ST. VINCENT-4AD Sessions (2011).
When I was looking up something about St. Vincent I happened upon this 4AD Sessions recording. Eviddently the audio was included on reissue of Strange Mercy, but there was also this video available.
She plays four songs from Mercy in an interestingly configured and lit studio (the visuals are so very 4AD).
Shot at Shangri-La Studios in the heart of the Brooklyn film and photography district in Greenpoint, the session was recorded with Annie’s new band, Daniel Mintseris (keys), Toko Yasuda (moog) and Matthew Johnson (drums). Given St Vincent’s transgression from the underground to the pop spotlight over the course of three studio albums, it’s somewhat fitting that Shangri-La host the session having initially earned its name as a secret spot known only through word of mouth.
The first song is “Chloe in the Afternoon” which opens with synths and Annie’s voice. It’s interesting that her latest album seems so un-guitar heavy, when in fact, the guitar never really dominates her songs. Except when it bursts forth at choice moments. Like on this one, when it is fuzzed almost beyond recognition. The drums are sharp raps as Annie sings her vocals. Then comes the almost angelic chorus “Chloe in the Afternoon.” I love watching (and hearing) her smile as she sings it and the delicate guitar (almost inaudible) that accompanies it. The song end with a rocking guitar solo (this is before she had her signature guitar made.
“Surgeon” opens wt synths and what sounds very unlike a guitar (the video confirms that a guitar is at least playing along with the synths). It’s a quieter song. When the guitar formally comes in it’s my favorite St. Vincent guitar part–up and down sliding chords followed by a nifty little riff. It all comes and goes so fast and it’s awesome. I love seeing her play it “live.” After a couple of instrumental breaks and a repeat of the chorus, Annie takes a wild echoing guitar solo–she totally wails and the keys create a wavery bass line.
“Strange Mercy” is slower with a pretty, sympathetic melody. The middle section features a neat guitar solo (oddly processed but cool-sounding). The middle section with the great sounding guitars and verses about “dirty policemen” just confirms the greatness of this song.
“Year of the Tiger” is a smoother song which also ends the album. It’s got terrific buzzy guitars throughout. I this love the way she sings the “Oh America, can I owe you one” with particular venom.
St. Vincent’s music often sounds like a studio concoction, so I love seeing her duplicate it live. And I’m really looking forward to the upcoming Austin City Limits show she recorded.
[READ: October 10, 2017] “Likes”
This is the story of a man trying to communicate with his 12-year-old daughter.
She has an Instagram account and he is trying to learn more about her by following it–since she’s not very talkative.
But her account is a puzzle–an ice cream cone, a shop window, the dog, an earlobe.
He had been spending a bit more time with her lately because she had been going to physical therapy. He felt responsible for her inheriting his bad joints–runner’s knees, Achilles Tendonitis. The therapist was very friendly and Ivy seemed to be open with her although he could never quite hear what they were talking about. (more…)