Camera Obscura, "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken"
Camera Obscura, "Come Back Margaret"
Where my indie kids at? Did ya think I forgot ya? I really haven't been listening to much, as it's kinda tiring keeping up with all of the new releases and ridiculously hyped band. Plus, it's unbearable reading the majority of Pitchfork's reviews, so I tend to just avoid this music for as long as possible.
Camera Obscura are a Scottish band that have been around for a few years, finally getting lots of buzz and attention for their latest, Let's Get Out of This Country. The best comparison might be to their countrymates, Belle and Sebastian, who also deal in pop music with a twist and melancholy lyrics. While this might give you a vague sense of what to expect, it's not the whole story. Camera Obscura seem to delve further into country music, along with a clear love for the orchestral sound of the girl-group sounds of the 60s. There's something a little darker about Camera Obscura lyrically, too, although I can't say I am an authority on B+S's music, so don't hold me to that.
This new album seems to be getting some buzz and attention, but it seems hard for me to believe that such a sad, consistent album would really blow up. My guess is that they will continue to enjoy a loyal fanbase that will grow with each amazing album, which isn't a bad thing.
It's a wonderful album, heartbreaking at times, dealing with love and love lost in a way that isn't the best for someone coming off of a breakup. The first song on the album and one of the best is "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken," which is such a beautiful, tragic line. The song is a jangly affair, featuring lead singer's Tracyann Campbell's unique, not-quite perfect voice leading the way for my ears. " The title lays out the ideas behind their songs, that vulnerability that one needs to have to fall in love and which dooms you to such sadness when it ends. "Come Back Margaret" picks up when the pieces have fallen, giving us the album's best track. It's a beautiful, yearning song, Campbell's sweetly singing "No, you never stay" over and over at the end to wonderful effect.
This album didn't hit me hard at first, but has slowly seeped into my listening over the weeks. It seems underwhelming, sounds too similar throughout, etc. However, soon I found myself seeking out specific songs, then the whole album and now I am writing about it. It may not be in the Top 10 at the end of the year, but it is well worth a purchase. Go here to buy it, as it is recommended. More indie to come in the near future, so keep those white belts and crossed arms at the ready.
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