Album Review: Kurt Vile-B'lieve I'm Goin' Down

Another Not So Wild Imagination

Kurt Vile-B'lieve I'm Goin Down
9.2/10




"I woke up this morning/didn't recognize the man in the mirror/then I laughed and I said/oh silly me, that's just me." A puzzling, yet appropriate opening statement by a man so varied, yet so familiar as well. Kurt Vile has been making waves in the singer-songwriter world for about 7 years now, but things have really began picking up for Vile in the last couple of years. While his earlier work was a little more barred back by limitations of recording quality, and struggle with identity, his new material has been revered for has greatly improved in these areas. Smoke Ring For My Halo was a great step forward for Vile. The songs felt intimate and close to Vile's heart. Everything was markedly less robotic than before. These arrangements were also lush. The material was a little more immediate, while somehow not sacrificing any of his artistic ambitions. I thought this project was great, but I was wowed even more by 2013's Waking On a Pretty Daze. The atmospheres created on that record were just astounding. I felt like I could get lost in those tunes forever, and some of the guitar work was magnificent to me. I do think things dragged on a bit long on this record, but sonically I think it is still perhaps Vile's most impressive work. I think Kurt also can be a little tired and non-sensical on this record, but honestly that's kind of who he is. He's got that lazy vibe to him, and the more you listen to his music, the more you respect that. So after such magnificent progress, did Kurt Vile finally hit a plateau, or did he continue to put out consistent rock tunes? I'll just answer that by saying that this album is Pretty Pimpin'.

Much like any Vile project, I was not initially impressed here. Everything kinda just seemed so soft and laid back compared to the lavish Pretty Daze. I was kind of sad, but then one fateful day it started pouring outside, and I heated up some vegetable soup. I had a stuffed nose, and I just really felt like laying back and kind of sulking in my pain. Knowing that KV hits that sad spot in my heart extremely well, I put this baby on. I was amazed! I can't believe I slept on this thing. I think I didn't like it initially because there is so much to digest here. Pretty Pimpin' is both catchy and features Vile's best lyrics to date, Dust Bunnies is simultaneously extremely groovy and catchy, Wheelhouse is a slowburner that hits me in the feels, All in a Daze Work has excellent guitar work, really the list goes on. I think possibly the best thing about this album is that the dull moments are few and far between. With the exception of That's Life Tho (Almost Hate to Say It), nothing on here is particularly weak. That song isn't even that bad either, it just is way too long, and the lyrics are really iffy. Other than that song really nothing bad to say here. It is a relaxing record that won't blow you away or anything, but holy moly is it enjoyable to listen to. Vile's songwriting is sharper than it's ever been, and his tongue-in-cheek method is working way more affectively than on previous releases. While Vile stays pretty much in his comfort zone here sonically, I do appreciate that a lot of the "hazy sounds" on Pretty Daze have been replaced with a more clear and mellow studio sound. Songs like Wild Imagination and Stand Inside have a clarity that previous Vile releases don't necessarily have. Vile feels more in charge, whereas in some previous releases he would tend to get lost in the haze of music. Somehow, 6 albums in, Vile is just getting better and better with each tweak he makes. Although those tweaks may be small, they are effective. Vile has also improved his charisma and likability as a songwriter, so I honestly b'lieve the only direction he's going is up.

I would recommend this album to anyone who really loves lazy day music. There is so much beauty here, but it is also really easy to just get lost in. You can either dig into this thing, or you can just take it on its surface level, and I still think you'll really enjoy it either way. Yet again Kurt Vile has proven to me that he is one of the most exciting singer-songwriters in the game, and there is no reason to b'lieve he won't do it again.

Best Songs: Pretty Pimpin', Dust Bunnies, Wheelhouse, Life Like This, All in a Daze Work, Lost My Head There, Stand Inside, Bad Omens, Kidding Around, Wild Imagination
Worst Songs: I'm an Outlaw, That's Life Tho (Almost Hate to Say It)

My Thoughts On Musical Myths/Stereotypes

Myths/Stereotypes In Music

Keith Moon of The Who playing drums

Pop culture has always been enamored with music. The bright lights, big stars, and wild antics often make for fantastic stories, but sometimes this causes misconceptions to spread throughout the music community. Stereotypes and myths are formed about certain groups, genres, and stars themselves, and a lot of the the things we hear are simply useless, or it is completely untrue. I strongly believe that certain publications and people in this world have printed libel and hurt the worlds conception about music today. This article is to kind of offer my opinions on the negative connotations of that libel. It is also to offer up my own opinions on the state of music today. Hope you enjoy!

Myth: Rock and Roll is Dead!

Older generations today will tell you that Rock & Roll is dead and that older Rock bands are far superior to what we have to offer today.

Truth: Rock is alive, Society is moving on

In all actuality there are plenty of great rock bands out there today. Perhaps why people may think Rock is dead is simply because the impact the music has on today's youth is significantly less than it used to. I think the music is definitely still there with great up and comers such as Courtney Barnett, Tame Impala, and The War On Drugs, but it just seems that the time for the genre is simply fading. Albums are still getting revered and appreciated by many, but it seems like people are not yearning to hear Rock music as much anymore. Perhaps this is because the lack of innovation the genre has encountered. There is not as much flexibility in Rock music than a genre like Electronica or Hip-Hop. 

Myth: Country Music is Awful

Country music is seemingly pretty hit or miss these days. As a student, I encounter a wide variety of different opinions on the topic. You either love it, or you hate it. I happen to be from an area where people tend to hate it. 

My Opinion: I agree slightly

It's really not awful, that's not what I should say. I think there is some great more underground Country artists such as American Aquarium or Chris Stapleton, but Country-pop, a genre that's been ever so thriving since the dawn of Taylor Swift, has taken an enormous plunge. Pop tunes from Johnny Cash with politically charged meaning use to rule the airwaves, but now I only hear songs about women and beer. Sorry Country fans :(. The whole genre is definitely completely awful in any way.

Myth: Drugs make you a better Musician

Many think the use of drugs can help a musician really come into their own. Some people think artists like Kid Cudi or even Julian Casablancas possibly "fell off" because their efforts to stay sober. 

Truth: Depends

Really no way to prove this one. Sure certain artists have excelled while under the use of drugs, but many great artists also never use drugs. Some of my favorite albums ever were conceived because of drugs, but then again whose the say the drugs did the magic. For me it's more about the emotional state the writer is in, and when a writer is using drugs heavily they are most likely in a very fragile emotional period, which could lead to a fantastic, emotionally raw record. I'd say some people might need that feeling that drugs might evoke from them in order to feel that focus they need.

Myth: Rappers are not Musicians

Many people think rappers are not musicians. They believe their rhythmic skills and word play does not qualify them properly. Many think in order to be a musician you must be able to play a musical instrument

Truth: Rappers ARE Musicians!

As long as you are an active participant in making music, I would say you are a musician. In order to craft any song, you have to have the necessary skills of musicianship. Many rappers of today use complex rhythms, dynamics, and amazing vocal delivery in order to convey their message. They shape their raps much like a musician would work hard to properly shape a phrase. Last but not least, the voice is an instrument, so yeah this argument is completely irrelevant.

Myth: Making Hit Songs Makes You a Sell Out

If you are an artist that is willing to try to churn out pop single after pop single, then you must likely are a sell out who doesn't actually care about music.

Truth: Mostly False

Sure people try to milk music for the dough, but even our biggest pop stars are capable of doing insane things. Beyonce and Miley Cyrus for example both have been known to make pretty glitchy/experimental music from time to time, so it is acceptable to have a little fun. As long as you stay true to the reason you started making music you are fine. I think T Swift is a sell out, and I also cite Weezer and Green Day as two huge sell out bands. These bands dropped their authentic sounds in order to gain pop appeal :(.

Myth: Indie Kids are Music Snobs

Many people give me that negative tone for being an indie kid, but sorry haha, it's just what I happen to like. 

Truth: We Are

I am totally a music snob, but you should be too! There is so much music out there to listen to, and honestly if you don't absolutely love it, why are you listening to it? There is something for all of us to dig into and enjoy, and I am willing to find it even if I hate a lot of the things in the way. I will say I am not a complete snob though. I love all genres, and I think that Hip-Hop is closing in on Indie for the best active genre of music. 

 

I'M COMING BACK THIS TIME LEGIT

The Return
I plan to return to doing full fledged music reviews very soon. My goal is 3 per week, but obviously I have a crammed schedule so that may not be possible. I'll do whatever is possible though. I have been so preoccupied as of late, but I haven't really stopped listening to music. I've just stopped writing about it. I'm not sure if I will write reviews or create a youtube channel, but either way I'm going to go back to my roots on this one. Reviews will probably be shorter, but just as in depth. I'm thinking I'll probably just do video reviews, but maybe I'll do both. We'll see.

:)