Tag: bright eyes

2020: Favorite Albums of the Year

Worriers – You or Someone You Know: The record that truly accompanied me through this year. Every song could be my song of the year – and I plan on playing Grand Closing at midnight. Happy fucking new year.

Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher: Probably the best album of the year (though I haven’t given Fiona Apple’s new album enough time yet) From lyrics to production to artwork, a nearly perfect record.

Dream Wife – So When You’re Gonna…: My new discovery of the year. Rock’n’roll! Dream Wife are the kind of band that makes you look forward to the future with more excitement. If I could choose a first show to go to after this pandemic, it would be either Dream Wife or ..

Touche Amore – Lament: A great, almost positive postcore album. Touche Amore is the best hardcore band atm and I’d drive far to see them live. And Reminders is oddly life-affirming (especially if you combine it with the video.) Don’t have the physical vinyl, yet.. 

NOFX/Frank Turner – West Coast vs. Wessex: The album my wife and I listened to the most together. I can’t believe Thatcher Fucked the Kids isn’t actually by NOFX, or Eat the Meek actually by Frank Turner. 

Also amazing:

Bright Eyes – Down in the weeds, where the world once was

Algiers – There Is No Year

Laura Jane Grace – Stay Alive

I’m Glad It’s You – Every Sun, Every Moon

Porridge Radio – Every Bad

Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters

Bruce Springsteen – Letter to You

Run the Jewels – RTJ4

What are your faves of the year?

Conor Oberst Rape Accuser Issues Public Apology

i must admit, when I first read the news, I felt some relief (as a longtime Bright Eyes fan) but I remained cautious, weary. Did the accuser make this statement on her own volition? My mind started constructing ways in which she might have been coerced to come forward with this statement. At the beginning of this scandal I unfortunately read so many accounts of problematic sexual behavior (yet also all via third party word-of-mouth in comment treads/personal tumblrs) by Oberst that the accusations could be plausible.

Yet, the accuser did not merely drop charges, she explicitly said she made it up, that the accusation isn’t factual. While “making rape claim to get attention” is far less common than MRAs and other anti-feminsits claim, it is possible. In addition: If I am inclined to believe a woman when she speaks about her abuse, shouldn’t I also be inclined to believe her when she changes that statement?

Conor Oberst Rape Accuser Issues Public Apology

“there is nothing I can do for you
you can’t do for yourself.”
He said “Oh yes you can. Just hold my hand. I think that would help.”
So I sat with him a while and then I asked him how he felt.
He said, “I think I’m cured. No, in fact, I’m sure.
Thank you Stranger, for your therapeutic smile.”

❤

Bright Eyes – Bowl of Oranges (by zornco)

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music.

– George Eliot. The Mill on the Floss. 

(I found this quote in an old journal of mine tonight. Still rings true, especially on the day I received/downloaded both the new Bright Eyes and the new Radiohead album.)