“Norm” Andy Shauf
Indie pop with elements of chamber pop and jazz. 8th studio album from Canadian master-storyteller, Andy Shauf. This is a complicated story that ponders the meaning of God and what love means. The concept centers on a character named Norm, who ends up being a stalker (spoiler!). The narrator’s point of view shifts throughout, making it sometimes hard to follow. But in the end, Norm apparently succeeds in kidnapping the woman he’s been stalking, with the unwitting help of her tow truck driving ex, who tows her car for a laugh from a Halloween store parking lot — leaving her stranded so accepts a ride from Norm. The arrangements are generally soft and multilayered, with lots of piano, synth and woodwinds in addition to guitar. All the instruments are played by the phenomenally talented Shauf. RIYL: Paul Simon, Elliott Smith and early, spare Fleet Foxes.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 7, 6, 2, 3, 11. No FCCs detected.

1. (3:41) Wasted On You — Leisurely, catchy melodic stroll with piano, synth and a hooky bass line. Lyrics are written from God’s perspective, speaking to Jesus in Norm’s universe. ****
2. (2:43) Catch Your Eye — Slow romantic ballad, with twinkling keys, a bit of strummed guitar and rich harmonies. Lyrics touch on the origin of Norm’s dark desires. ***
3. (3:48) Telephone — Another slow lilting melody, with breathy vocals in a sweet falsetto. Omnipresent organ and synth, plus some low woodwinds. Simple beat interspersed with bass. ***
4. (2:02) You Didn’t See — Mostly strummy, but with a soundscape of synths and some piano accompaniment. Harmonized vocals in the chorus.
5. (3:13) Paradise Cinema — A classic slow-burn torch song feeling. The woodwinds are getting increasingly ominous. Simple guitar and piano.
6. (3:10) Norm — Beautiful piano-based ballad, with lovely harmonies in the chorus. Lyrics reveal more of Norm’s obsession, and it’s clear that he’s not a good guy. ****
7. (3:03) Halloween Store — Mid-tempo, light strummy tune. Very catchy. Swirling synths. Nice woodwind passages. The moment when Norm decides to act on his plans. ****
8. (3:25) Sunset — Measured, swelling and gentle. Piano chords, with a bit of guitar and synths crying in the distance.
9. (3:09) Daylight Dreaming — Pensive and thoughtful. Smooth vocals mixed with piano and the occasional dark, horn-forward orchestral rush.
10. (3:31) Long Throw — Stop-and-go melody, with broad, ethereal orchestral washes.
11. (3:30) Don’t Let It Get To You — Wistful and dreamy. Prominent piano and bass. Soft tap of the drums on every 4th beat. ***
12. (1:43) All Of My Love — Sweet and simple piano and strummed guitar closer, with woodwinds once more. Brings the concept album full circle.