I should let the world in on this musical secret. Cursive is offering their new album, Mama, I’m Swollen, to you early as an mp3 download. The price is $5.00 today, and increases by a dollar each day until March 10th. I’ve already purchased my zipped collection of bits. I know, I should have told you sooner.
Happy Hollow was an amazing album. Though, some might consider it blasphemic. I certainly don’t mind. It’s an impressive exploration into the “darker aspects" of life in a way that’s not cliche – in a way that’s NOT like pussified “I’m always angsty” mainstream rock.
If The Ugly Organ doesn’t make you thrash around, I don’t want to talk to you. If Domestica doesn’t make you feel, something’s wrong. Hopefully I find Mama, I’m Swollen to be of similar caliber when I’m done digesting it.
From what I’ve heard, the new album does feel lighter than Happy Hollow. However, I also thought Happy Hollow felt lighter than The Ugly Organ. But eventually I realized Happy Hollow’s heaviness was in the deep probing lyrics. I don’t skip any songs on the previous albums, but I Couldn’t Love You Anymore might be a song I skip on the new one.
While I’m at it, there tends to be a trend with how long I continue to like what bands put out. With Death Cab I liked the first 3 or so albums. Plans was a descension into mainstream poppy blandness, lacking wit. Stephen Malkmus seemed to have lost his whimsical, zany, dirtiness with the Face the Truth album (but maybe I need to give that one another listen). Maybe Cursive has hit that point AFTER 6 ALBUMS, which means I shouldn’t be overly sad.