Strange Mercy

Annie Clark’s project St. Vincent creates a consistent album of spacey vocals, fuzzy guitar, and lots of synth. It’s a strong, cohesive record. Some great tracks to be played. My personal favorites are 2, 7, and 9. No FCCs.

1. Chloe in the Afternoon. Vocals alternate with a fuzzy guitar riff behind a swirling organ (2:55)
2. *Cruel. Dancey and ethereal. Great chorus hook. Like something disco. (3:35)
3. Cheerleader. Slow verses that pick up with a chorus that alternates between staccato “I”’s and a flowing “don’t wanna be a cheerleader no more” (3:28)
4. Surgeon. hazy synth. (4:25)
5. Northern Lights. upbeat, kind of poppy (3:33)
6. Strange Mercy. slow and sultry. (4:28)
7. Neutered Fruit. choral backing eventually shares space with slow, deliberate drumbeat. “Did you ever really stare at me, like I stared at you?” Cool little guitar solo. Builds to a crescendo at the end. (4:13)
8. Champagne Year. slow and spare and open. (3:28)
9. *Dilettante. starts slowly plodding, before short horn bursts enter the scene and change the mood. nice flowing melody. (4:03)
10. Hysterical Strength. Driving drum beat keeps it pretty upbeat. (3:16)
11. Year of the Tiger. fuzz guitar quickly gives way to an acoustic guitar. More nice hazy vocals. (3:28)

Reviewed by Gorilla Man Jr. 11/2011