Cynical Vision

3rd solo album from Athens, Georgia-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Spencer Thomas. Formerly with Futurebirds, Thomas is an accomplished keyboard player, as well as being proficient on the guitar, bass and drums — and even cello and tuba. He blends folk, rock and a touch of Americana into arresting melodies reminiscent of the 1970s. His arrangements feature “retro synthesizers, vintage drum machines and fuzzed-out electric guitars in an intoxicating blend of analog and electronic sounds.” In the lyrics, Thomas wryly tries to make sense of the obstacles and existential uncertainty we face in the world today — to find the meaning to move forward. RIYL: Runnner, Tom Petty, Warren Zevon, The Wallflowers, and even Randy Newman.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 2, 4, 5, 1, 3, 7, 10. FCCs on Tracks 11-13

1. (2:34) This Is Your Life Now — Confident, deliberate and strummy, with accepting, introspective lyrics. Strings or synth orchestration added as the song progresses. Sounds like Jacob Dylan of the Wallflowers. ****
2. (4:04) Hoeny Burne — A lovely, melodic sway featuring piano, organ and harmonized vocals. Wry, humorous ballad with storytelling lyrics about a struggling novelist/English teacher. ****
3. (3:49) Grab Enlightenment By The Horns — A relaxed alt country shuffle. Nice laid-back bassline under sustained synths, the latter of which at times sound like a mournful pedal steel guitar. ***
4. (4:14) The World Is F---ed And I Love You (Clean Edit) — Super catchy, splashy, up-tempo New Wave-influenced pop rock with a serious message about environmental concerns, science sceptics, our divided electorate and more. Blaring synths, guitars and programmed drums. ****
5. (6:18) Video Farm (Clean Edit) — Leisurely stroll built on a prominent bassline with ‘spoken-sung’ vocals. Lyrics focus on the desire of so many to be constantly on their phones and visible through social media. This one sounds like Runnner (Noah Weinman). ****
6. (3:22) Honeymoon Suite — Light and jazzy slow dance with a plink-y piano and simple syncopated rhythm consisting of reverbed claves.
7. (3:36) Jim (Clean Edit) — Pensive storytelling tune about a factory worker who watches everyone else get ahead at work except for him. Tom Petty-like vocals with organ and shimmering guitar. ***
8. (5:05) Reborn — Slow-tempo, almost funereal in its pacing. Sorrowful vocals over sad, church-like keys. Dramatic, repeating echoed drum signature. Woodwinds and swirling effects in the lead break.
9. (3:04) Cynical Vision — Upbeat rocker with edgy guitar, a bit of piano and a solid backbeat. Very Tom Petty-ish.
10. (3:59) So Lucky When The Music Plays — Surprisingly hopeful closer. A rich, warm synth and organ-heavy ballad with flowing strings and lilting vocals. ***
11. (4:14) The World Is Fucked And I Love You (Explicit) — FCCs: fucked (5 times) — Unedited version of track 4.
12. (6:18) Video Farm (Explicit) — FCCs: assholes, shit — Unedited version of track 5.
13. (3:36) Jim (Explicit) — FCCs: shit (twice) — Unedited version of track 7.