Faulkner

I’ve seen a few takes comparing this album to my favorite National song, “Pink Rabbits.” I definitely hear it a little bit, as well as Lana Del Rey and Mazzy Star. (Although I’m not particularly bowled over by the album so far. Her vocals have come a LONG way over the years, I agree.)

From the Philippines 🇵🇭

Not unexpected.

A lot of people find the National a bit boring but I enjoy them. I’d say these are more exciting:

This is the highlight:

I wonder if we should brace ourselves for an explosion of surprise material from artists who’ve been holed up creating new music. Especially if they have home studios and what-not. It’s been a very slow few months. I know some artists want to wait until they can support new releases with tours, but who knows when that’s gonna happen at this point. Concerts will likely be one of the last things to return.

From Toronto 🇨🇦

I love The National (of which Aaron Dessner is a member), so I’m interested in seeing how this goes. That sound is certainly not on trend in terms of what gets streamed, but who knows? Her most loyal fans will certainly will follow her anywhere. Not sure what she has to prove anyway.

I think I vaguely remember her and Cutter seeming like a promising pairing. They wound up sticking him with Marian Crane/Brent, who killed him off. What a waste.

Totally missed this in the above promo:

From Houston 🇺🇸

The shot before Michael opens the door at the end, with his beard and heaving bare chest, seemed so obviously like a crucifixion allusion. Very artfully composed.

I was into that hairy, sweaty look (which I know was only temporary), even if Michael was absolutely detestable. (I would never have been one of those twisted fans who stalked Roger Howarth in the early ‘90s.)

This era was peak CLB.

Sorry, I should have said “racially.” Like how they’ve added Garcelle to BH. Some of the more lily-white casts (basically all of them except ATL and Potomac) could see some new POC cast members. But he sounded noncommittal with the “discussion” language.