Contrary to popular belief, I don't completely shun new music. I try, but more often than not, fail to find anything that is even remotely close to what I deem worthy of a second spin. Most of the time, I can't make it through one spin. (see Lil Yachty)
Why am I bringing up Lil Yachty again? Because I saw a friend's Best Of 2023 list and Lil Yachty was high in the Top Ten. This is a musician friend, someone whose musical taste I not only respect, but a lot of the time, share. We grew up loving the same things. I listened to three Lil Yachty songs and wanted to turn on the gas. It was an auto-tuneless mess, at least for those first three songs(?).
His favorite record of the year is "the record," all lowercase, by boygenius, also all lowercase. I swore I had heard the last boygenius record and also reached for the gas pipe. But I was mistaken, because what I thought was boygenius was someone else, one person, though I can't recall if it was a man or a woman, and it was truly unlistenable, in a faux-dramatic, "I can barely tune a guitar so I might hang myself but first let me make a record" kind of indie way. If I can think of what this crap was, I'll let you know.
In the meantime, boygenius is apparently being referred to as a "supergroup."
Ah yes! boygenius! Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker! That supergroup!
(I just eyerolled myself into a migraine.)
Okay enough sarcasm. I guess this trio of musicians could very well be this generation's supergroup. Who am I to dispute that?
I listened to boygenius and I really liked it. Why? I don't know. Can we ever really know?
It sounded like so many other indie female whisperers. It's lyrically similar to that Taylor Swift, "just read my diary entries while playing a guitar" type thing I despise so much. Yet, I found "the record" incredibly compelling. Some of it, quite beautiful. I made it all the way through and I'm ready for another ride around the complex.
What, if anything, do you have to say about boygenius?
14 comments:
I watch them on Saturday Night Live. I found them so boring. I fast forwarded through both performances. I never bothered to listen to anything by them but these two cut sound pretty decent and if you like it then at least I should listen
The album almost made my "best of" for the year -- in fact it probably should have moved up to actually make the list based on another listen. It's very very good.
My daughter loves them. I haven't given them a listen yet, but am planning to. She actually has pretty good taste.
These two songs sound good, so I'll give the whole thing a spin. Both of them show a strong influence from The National in the sense of arrangements and production. Phoebe Bridgers has backed Matt Berninger on one or more occasions, so it may come from that. Bridger's solo work bored me - sounded like one song played 10 times and given different titles.
- Paul in DK
I liked these two songs - easy listenging, certainly pleasant enough.
Please don't gas yourself. We need you! And don't let go of the scarcasm. We need it!
I do know Bridgers but I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to "supergroup". Who??? Robert Christgau seems to know who the other 2 are. So I guess that's enough for me?
That said I like this record as well. Inventive, playful, doesn't take itself too seriously. I've heard the live show is fun as well. Their audience is rabid.
I like but don't love. But i've listened quite a few times. So that may say something too.
Second one sounded unexceptional, but, dang, that first one was gorgeous.
C in California
I really love how each of their voices is pretty distinctive, but blends wonderfully when singing in harmony. I wouldn't say the album is wall to wall great, some of the songs are wonderfully haunting. I keep going back for another listen.
I liked but did not love Phoebe Bridgers solo. But I really enjoyed this album and it will be on my best of the year list. But then, I might include Mitski as well, so what do I know?
i think you listened to perfume genius? i dont get either
"i think you listened to perfume genius? i dont get either"
Yes! Thank you, Anon.
Horrible!!
My boygenius intro was their 2018 self-titled EP which I enjoyed.
Their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel shortly after the release of this album made me a bigger fan.
https://youtu.be/WPYc7VC6M-Q?si=rJKy-9NaHKPo49xE
I’m enjoying the Lil Yachty album. Very chill.
Thanks for everything!
The second song posted has a subtle "It's a Shame About Ray" melodic refrain
I'm a fan! Love the two songs you posted, "Cool With It" is also very pretty (in a good not cloying way!). It did take me a few listens to get into the album, but that's so often true with music that ends up in heavy rotation for me. Honestly, I think the only two Elvis Costello albums I immediately loved were "This Year's Model" and "The Boy Named If" God help me, I was even underwhelmed by "Imperial Bedroom"!!!
Bruce H.
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