Every now and again, I come across a record that has the power to make me perform a complete 180. That is, on the initial listen I’ll absolutely hate it, but over time come to love it more than my (as yet non-existent) children.
‘Something‘ by Chairlift is one of these records.
A while back, on first listening to PJ Harvey‘s ‘Let England Shake‘, I publicly decreed my dissatisfaction… then later had to humbly repent. I decided to learn from past mistakes and keep my gut reaction to ‘Something’ under my hat. And boy, did it pay off!
It seems there’s value in the old adage; “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. Mainly because it allows you to skip the apologies when you later have lots of nice things to say!
Like most folk, Chairlift initially came to my attention by way of an Apple iPod commercial featuring their song ‘Bruises’ from their debut album ‘Does You Inspire You‘.
Between then and now, Chairlift have abandoned their icy indie in favour of punchy pop. Along the way they’ve lost a member but gained something much more valuable, a sense of fun.
That’s not to say ‘Does You Inspire You’ is a bad record. On the contrary, it’s an album I return to again and again. But, where ‘Something’ surpasses its predecessor is in it’s willingness to give front woman Caroline Polachek’s vocals free reign.
Although her vocals have always been front and centre, Polachek really shines on ‘Something’. One rarely hears such accomplished technical vocal ability sans auto tune. Don’t believe me? Listen to Chairlift live…
I’ll admit there are a few tracks on ‘Something’ that I’m not fussed on. However, there is always at least one moment or melody that is worth waiting for on every song, and band mate Patrick Wimberley’s production is flawless throughout.
What has also helped this record win me round are the band’s fantastic alternative promotional videos (see above regarding newly found sense of fun!). The Japanese version of ‘I Belong In Your Arms’ and karaoke style video are justification enough for the new fans Chairlift are no doubt winning.
And here’s another version of ‘Met Before’ with Mystery NYC girl group vocalists accompanied by fucked up bass guitar. Listen to those choral harmonies!
I’d strongly suggest anyone who initially passed on ‘Something’ go back for a second listen. I, for one, am really glad I did. And the record is all the more enjoyable without having to eat my own words!
Cheers
Arran
