St. Vincent

1. MooziikMaster

   Feb 25, 2014

   10

   The most versatile album, not only by St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) but of the past few years, offers a plethora of delicious snippets. AThe most versatile album, not only by St. Vincent (aka Annie Clark) but of the past few years, offers a plethora of delicious snippets. A mental stunner of an album unfolds with a mixture of voluble guitar mayhem, head-bopping brass sections, and twee electro beats. Not only has Annie Clark grown as a musician, she has blossomed into one of indie rock's most unique staples.
   
   The eponymous album begins with a shaky, frantic progressive track entitled "Rattlesnake". It slowly brings the audience closer and closer to the new image Annie has given herself. By the end of the track, the hair is let down, the feet are dancing, and the ever-creative guitar shrieks emerge in full force. Crank the amp up to 11, you're in for a joyride. The album's first single, "Birth In Reverse", offers an arrangement of head-scratching lyrics involving daily routines along with the type of instrumentals for a fast car ride. "Prince Johnny", an angelic, yet peculiar addition gives off simple vibes at the beginning. A seemingly innocent track trudges on until the voice of an angel cuts in to sing a few bars of nothingness. To describe the sheer beauty of this track would be an understatement, no matter how it is described. Just listen and fall in love. "Huey Newton" follows, giving quirky electro rhythms, heavy percussion beats, and soft, sultry acoustic riffs. Once again, this track explodes towards the end, letting a head-banging rock opera materialize. The following single, "Digital Witness", allows the listener to hear the obvious David Byrne influences. With a jazzy brass instrumentation, this track could be considered a bonus track from St. Vincent's 2012 collaboration with David Byrne, Love This Giant. And damn, is it ever catchy. "I Prefer Your Love" slows things down with an classic St. Vincent style, returning to the slow drums, the synth beats, and the calm vocals. This track shows that even with the power of a rock star, St. Vincent can still make a tranquil piece. However, the tranquility doesn't last long when "Regret" rolls in. With a slick bass line, heavenly acoustics, and the always beautiful vocals of Ms. Clark, it's an instant classic. "Bring Me Your Loves" is new. It's a track hidden at the end of unchartered territory. A new, frenzied pace of music sets this song apart from the rest of the album. With heavy guitar bits, an acapella section, and electronic rhythms from outer space, this brilliant, yet insane track provides a different side to the usual sounds heard. "Psychopath", a more straight-forward song, offers more bellowing guitar riffs, even if you were tired of them. With a incomparable instrumentation, it is another reminder of the David Byrne influence. As the album begins to end, "Every Tear Disappears" gives one final shout. Although it isn't an mad dash of sporadic beats, it finalizes the more unique side of Annie Clark's new-found music style. "Severed Crossed Fingers", the end of a masterpiece, the "ride off into the sunset as the credits roll" moment, is the perfect way to finish. Not only does it calm the listeners back down, it allows them to reflect on the last 40 minutes of their lives. What they just finished listening to is something exceptional. Something unable to be replicated.
   
   St. Vincent's fourth effort could be considered her best. It brings in new elements while remaining faithful to the style that got her where she is today. I admire St. Vincent and all she has accomplished. She is not only my favourite female vocalist, but also a top contender for the genre of indie rock. Congrats to you Annie. You and your funky, bleached hairdo.
   
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   • 21 of 23 users found this helpful
2. DirtySnackage

   Dec 20, 2014

   10

   Another amazing album from Annie Clark. What more can be said? St Vincent continues a trend that I have observed from Clark's albums, which isAnother amazing album from Annie Clark. What more can be said? St Vincent continues a trend that I have observed from Clark's albums, which is that every song has a certain beauty and accessibility to it, but also has a tinge of rawness that acts as her stamp on each song. I believe this quality is what makes her music so unique.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. Twizzle

   Feb 27, 2014

   10

   Best of all her albums to date - so consistent in everything she does. Can't put a track on without then listening to whole album - time andBest of all her albums to date - so consistent in everything she does. Can't put a track on without then listening to whole album - time and time again!! EVERY track is a STANDOUT track! Saw her live at 02 Shepherd's Bush, London last week - AMAZING! Annie is such a hard working lady - deserves all the success she gets. Hope there's another album next year - I'm 69 and might be running out of time!!!… Expand

   • 1 of 3 users found this helpful
5. greatestever

   May 7, 2014

   9

   This album is ridiculously good. St. Vincent continues to evolve and constantly impress. I'm not saying it because she did an album with him,This album is ridiculously good. St. Vincent continues to evolve and constantly impress. I'm not saying it because she did an album with him, but she is the female David Byrne.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. Evic21

   Sep 7, 2015

   9

   One of the best albums of 2014 by far! So rich in sound, texture and guitar riffs and sky high vocals that will send chills down your spine.One of the best albums of 2014 by far! So rich in sound, texture and guitar riffs and sky high vocals that will send chills down your spine. St. Vincent proves that she is a force to recconed with in the alternative genere ans continues to push the boundries and always reinvents her sound for the better.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
7. AlexDyer

   May 31, 2014

   8

   The sickening esotericism of St. Vincent may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is something to be admired by anyone as to where theThe sickening esotericism of St. Vincent may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there is something to be admired by anyone as to where the eccentric Annie Clark is coming from on this zigzagging metaphor for God-knows-what. Modern indie rock has nearly everything to thank St. Vincent for, and her eponymous album shows that clearly. Jittery horn and drum patterns, like the one found on "Digital Witness," punctuate the album, while Clark's voice gives a unique, guitar-mimicking sound that only she could produce. In the best way, Clark has taken a wryly optimistic step into the future of indie rock and rock in general, while remaining anchored to the ground with the roots that became ingrained in her debut, Marry Me. But as the album's cover (a picture of St. Vincent herself on a throne) might imply anyway, she has been exalted and isn't scared to recognize it. However, "exalted" may be pushing it, because in the track "Regret," she sings about how she is "afraid of Heaven because [she] can't stand the heights." And that's okay with us, because we'd like St. Vincent to hang around here with us Earthlings for at least a little while longer.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. polycritic

   Nov 21, 2014

   1

   I love Annie's music. Seriously love. But I fear she's jumped the shark here. I understand the need to expand as an artist, but I feelI love Annie's music. Seriously love. But I fear she's jumped the shark here. I understand the need to expand as an artist, but I feel somewhat alienated. Bring back the warm fuzzies, Annie! I'll be waiting.… Expand

   • 1 of 13 users found this helpful

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