Labradford – “David”
Fixed::Content
I had a minimalist music phase in college – when I discovered not every song needs to have drums, keyboards, bass, samples, voice, and so on. Labradford and Stars of the Lid are the main finds from that period, and Fixed::Content remains one of my go-to albums for days like today, when “real” songs just grate. Even though there are only four tracks on it, “David” still feels like a last farewell after the epic “Twenty.” Its pleasant synth washes and Labradford’s signature thoughtful plucking give it a sense of finality.
A wanton eye, a liquorish tongue, and a gamesome hand.
Many men neglect the tumults of the world, and care not for glory, and yet they are afraid of infamy, repulse, disgrace; they can severely contemn pleasure, bear grief indifferently, but they are quite battered and broken with reproach and obloquy (siqueidem vita et fama pari passu ambulant [seeing that life goes hand in hand with repute]), and are so dejected many times for some public injury, disgrace, as a box on the ear by their inferior, to be overcome of their adversary, foiled in the field, to be out in a speech, some foul act committed or disclosed, etc., that they dare not come abroad all their lives after, but melancholize in corners, and keep in holes.
Anatomy of Melancholy
…A mere madness, to live like a wretch, and die rich.
Anatomy of Melancholy
Unwound – “We Invent You”
Leaves Turn Inside You
The primary purpose of this track is to signal that something big is coming. That incredible noise, which, yes, does go on for a full two minutes, is like a priming coat for your ears, preparing them for this incredible and unique album. It’s a sign of a truly great band that they were able to encompass so many sounds and yet stay cohesive. Leaves Turn Inside You is definitely a milestone.
Horner: But I did not expect marriage from such a whoremaster as you; one that knew the town so much, and women so well.
Pinchwife: Why, I have married no London wife.
Horner: Pshaw! that’s all one. That grave circumspection in marrying a country wife, is like refusing a deceitful pampered Smithfield jade, to go and be cheated by a friend in the country.
Pinchwife: [Aside.] A pox on him and his simile!
The Country Wife
