ST. VINCENT – Strange Mercy (Part 4+)

Greg relishes in the comforts of his 30s. Just one step closer to death, I say. No wonder he picked the “Surgeon” quote as his valediction. Annie Clark then confesses her love. Brandon, of course, reciprocates.

St. Vincent Being Fucking Boss (covering Tom Waits’ Big Black Mariah)

Hear Strange Mercy in its entirety.

From: Greg Schmidt
To: Brandon Hall

Great observation about your 20s. I, too, feel that mine were spent trying to impress and demonstrate my uniqueness. I’ve come to the realization that, unlike what I was told in 1st grade, I am not a special snowflake, and it’s a wonderful feeling! My 30s seem way more chilled out and I’m finally enjoying the creative process as opposed to obsessing about the rewards. Since Annie Clark is obviously some kind of wunderkind, it makes sense that she arrived at this realization 2 years before I did. Or at least she’s enough of a free thinker to decide to embrace it before a milestone birthday.

It’s a liberating feeling to shrug off those weights and can lead to some really great art. But I should point out that the need to be bold and stand out from the pack can also lead to greatness. I think this is important in regards to your question about whether this album is classic and whether St. Vincent can progress. Often times, when a musician from an iconic band moves on as a solo artist, they fall into a slump. Now that they have nothing to prove, their music suffers as they keep remaking the same album, which usually equates to albums that are good but not great (see Stephen Malkmus*). Could the same happen to Annie Clark now that she’s too comfortable? Maybe. And telling her that her album is “perfect” isn’t going to help things, so cut it out, Brandon! Just kidding.

One thing I know for certain is that I don’t crave this album. I enjoy putting it on while I read, but I don’t lie on the floor with my eyes closed getting lost in it. And if you took this album away from me, I’m not sure I would race out to Best Buy to pick up another copy.

Clark’s collaborated before, so maybe there are productive years ahead involving her and a group.

“Best find a surgeon / Come cut me open”
Greg

*[Stephen, please forgive me. I would gladly listen nothing but “good” Stephen Malkmus records for the rest of my life and be content.]

From: Brandon Hall
To: Greg Scmidt

I’m opposed to the idea that Annie’s best stuff will be found in a band other than St. Vincent. St. Vincent’s where it’s at. Long live SV.

Please don’t go to Best Buy to buy any albums. Is it because it’s close to you? It is, isn’t it? Right on La Brea. Goddammit. At least go to Amoeba.

I’m sad that my craving for Strange Mercy seems so short lived. I don’t want to move on, yet here I go.

“I’ve seen America with no clothes on.”
Brandon

From: Brandon Hall
To: Annie Clark

I love you, too, Annie! I love you, too!

Strange Mercy is out 9/13 via 4AD. Order from Amazon or iTunes.