St. Vincent: New Record, On Tour

A weird thing happened to us with St. Vincent's new record, Actor. We threw it on, and were really, really enjoying it. This was a bit of a surprise, because we had found her first release Marry Me to be a bit underwhelming. So then we went back and threw on that record, and were digging it too. Hrm. Clearly something has transformed in our musical mind, and created a new and interesting rift that allows for St. Vincent to occupy.

Mind you, we're not complaining: the record is very enjoyable, and is highly original. Annie Clark's voice does still rub us the wrong way at times, just too sweet and syrupy for our tastes. That being said, the record has so many layers and intricacies, that one's musical brain can't help but be compelled by the conflict that is drawn up between electronic blips, fuzzy guitars, swelling strings, and Clark's own sweet vocals.

What's more, we will say this: Despite a new found appreciation for both, Actor still beats out Marry Me hands down. On the new record Clark manages to be more adventurous, more edgy, and less inclined to get wrapped up in overly intricate arrangements. Instead she takes the opposite approach, and increases the low fi simplicity of her sound. We likey.

Clark will be touring in support of her new record over May and June, and that includes a stop at Bimbo's next Wednesday, May 27th. We'll be curious to see how Clark transitions her new sound to the stage, and if she sticks to her guns with the more lofi/rock vibe that's on the disc. We certainly hope so. Tickets are on sale now.

mp3: St. Vincent - Save Me From What I Want

St. Vincent Summer 2009 Dates
5/22/2009 Washington, DC Black Cat
5/24/2009 George, WA Sasquatch!
5/25/2009 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
5/27/2009 San Francisco, CA Bimbo's 365 Club
5/28/2009 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre
5/30/2009 San Diego, CA Casbah
5/31/2009 Phoenix, AZ Modified
6/2/2009 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
6/3/2009 Omaha, NE Slowdown Jr.
6/4/2009 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
6/5/2009 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater
6/7/2009 Chicago, IL Epiphany
6/10/2009 Lexington, KY The Dame
6/11/2009 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge
6/12/2009 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo
6/16/2009 Birmingham, AL Bottle Tree
6/18/2009 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
6/19/2009 Austin, TX Mohawk