#27 on the 2017 Bacon Top 31
MASSEDUCTION by St. Vincent
It’s been a while since I musically connected with Annie Clark, otherwise known as St. Vincent. I quickly fell in love with her stage presence ten years ago, amidst the release of her debut album, Marry Me. She was a force on the stage, and I made sure to let everyone know about it.
Her 2nd album Actor appeared on the first Bacon Top 31 in 2009, but her third and fourth albums failed to hook me enough to break into the Top 31 in 2011 and 2014. She did, however, appear again on the Top 31 in 2012, because of the fantastic Love This Giant album she made with David Byrne.
But sometimes good things come to those who wait. With MASSEDUCTION, her fifth full-length album, St. Vincent has found new musical ground to cover. This album is solid from start to finish, and helps her escape that “sonic safe zone” my brain had put her in back in 2011.
On top of the great music, Clark has always been a visually stunning musician, both physically and in how she portrays her image in the world. She clearly takes many cues from David Byrne and his chameleon-like transformations over the years. The videos that have come out in support of MASSEDUCTION demonstrate this visual acuity: be sure to watch the above video for “New York,” as well as these great videos for “Pills” and “Los Ageless”.
If you’d given up on St. Vincent like I had, give this new album a listen. You may find you like what you hear.
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28. On the Spot by Hot 8 Brass Band
29. A Deeper Understanding by The War on Drugs
30. Planetarium by Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Bryce Dessner, & James McAlister
31. A Moment Apart by Odesza