Vocabulary: Spurious Peers Edition

lapidary: an expert in or book on, or simply pertaining to, gemmary; or, of gemlike character
pinchbeck: a spurious or counterfeit item, named for a copper-zinc alloy used to fake gold
octroi: a duty on certain goods; also, when a sovereign grants the people a constitution
auscultation: diagnosis by listening to the sounds of the body, as with a stethoscope
phalanstery: an ~1800-person commune under the rules of socialistic Fourierism
cotemporary: variant of contemporary, and makes more sense really
amaranthine: purplish red like the flower, or unfading and eternal
distrain: to seize or hold goods in order to satisfy a debt or claim
compeer: a peer or comrade equal in rank, ability, status, etc
coromandel: a tropical tree known for its hard, brown wood
pellucid: translucent or clear, either optically or in style
purulent: containing, discharging, or producing pus
libration: oscillation, especially of the moon
puling: whining, crying, or whimpering

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The Most Serene Republic – “Career In Shaping Clay”
Population

If you’re familiar with TMSR, you know what to expect: bombastic, somehow geometric indie rock, with a sort of uniquely multitracked vocal effect that, to be honest, isn’t for everyone. But it makes for really great songs now and then, like this one, which stumbles a bit in its second quarter but really nails it for the climax. Phages is probably still a better intro to the band, but Population is still a quality record. (insound)

I advise you to cultivate in private life that paternal and pliant character you display in government and to apply to public business the severity you show in your household.

Napoleon (to his brother Louis, King of Holland)

Albuera was the bloodiest battle in the entire war — of the sixty-five hundred British infantry taking part in it, more than two-thirds were killed or wounded. [French General] Soult could not understand what had happened. “They could not be persuaded they were beaten,” he wrote of the English. “They were completely beaten, the day was mine, and they didn’t know it and wouldn’t run.” As a matter of fact, seeing the number of his casualties, [English General] Beresford did think that he had been beaten and said as much in his report to Wellington. “This won’t do,” Wellington replied. “It will drive the people in England mad. Write me down a victory.” Beresford wrote down a victory, and a victory it has been ever since. Thus, sometimes, are battles won.

J. Christopher Herold, The Age of Napoleon

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Minotaur Shock – “Local Violin Shop”
Chiff-Chaffs & Willow Warblers

A classic “organic electronica” album I always associate with Four Tet’s Pause, Fridge’s Happiness, and Manitoba’s Start Breaking My Heart. “Local Violin Shop” is a great example of this vanguard of cross-pollination. Its lively drumming and occasional drilling loop makes it a bit too active to be played in boutiques, but it’s still eminently likeable while also rewarding closer listening. (insound)