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Musically, Kasher is all over the place, laying down enough staccato horn sections, sweeping strings, and quirky time signatures to give Sufjan Stevens a run for his money. What the Game of Monogamy occasionally lacks in hooks, it more than makes up for in style.
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Alternative PressIt's an album's worth of lamentation for accidentally getting older, and it's one of Kasher's most affecting albums to date. [Nov 2010, p.114]
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Dec 21, 2010All in all, Monogamy is a bit underwhelming, but there is understated humor in Kasher's musings, and he has a flair for infectious melodies without hooks. He snaps the puzzle pieces together, whether it's a fit or not.
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Dec 22, 2010So far into his career this record might easily be overlooked, yet given the chance it's both a moving and rewarding listen.
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While his newfound symphonic leanings (hello, string section!) are welcome, the real soul of Monogamy is in its theme: Practically every song explores the relatable yo-yo of emotions that accompanies the transition between indiscreet youthfulness and faithful suburban adulthood.
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Dec 21, 2010This is considerably more poppy than what you'd expect from Cursive, and it's clear: Kasher has never been content with playing it safe.
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As with most of Kasher's work, the main draws of Monogamy aren't really musical--words always get prominence over melody. Simply put, if you get a spark out of idealizing your romantic failures by doing things like drunkenly Googling ex-girlfriends (as he does in great detail on "There Must Be Something I've Lost"), listening to Monogamy as a whole is like dousing yourself in gasoline.
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His debut solo album sports lyrics of the sort Loudon Wainwright III has been writing for decades, set to harp, oboe, strings, and horns. Lacerating sentiments clash with pretty sounds as Kasher holds forth on his "death wish," detailing the foibles of prodigal husbands.
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Beneath the snappy hooks and horn melodies, "Cold Love" is a grim catalogue of a moribund relationship. A similar sound shrouds an especially discomfiting trip into his id, "Bad, Bad Dreams." Other songs, like "The Prodigal Husband" and "There Must Be Something I've Lost," have fewer accoutrements to soften the blows. But it all works.
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UncutDec 20, 2010As poetry alone, it's interesting, but the music's elegance make it something more. [Jan 2011, p.93]
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Under The RadarOct 26, 2010Monogamy's slower numbers are as riveting, too, though as always Kasher's blunt lyrics and aggressive sarcasm are an acquired taste. [Fall 2010, p.60]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 2 out of 2
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Mixed: 0 out of 2
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Negative: 0 out of 2
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Nov 14, 2011
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Nov 16, 2010