So, is the Jim O'Rourke album good? It's not available for streaming, and it's pretty expensive. Just wondering whether to order it.
100% yes. It holds strong appeal for me as a fan of folk, as well as jazz/rock fusion.
There is no possible universe, though, where that Jamie XX album is better than Carrie & Lowell.
^^^^^^
Carrie & Lowell is the stronger of the two because of how nakedly honest it is. It's beautiful but also unsettling, like you're spying on someone you greatly respect but still can't look away. It's a very brave album in that sense.
I actively dislike the characterization of TPAB as a soulless political screed with no personal revelation, because what has led it to connect with me so closely despite racial boundaries are the very startling glimpses of Kendrick as he really is today; successful but still haunted by depression and self-doubt. It absolutely is a naked, vulnerable album. More so than any he's ever made.
I know your secrets nigga
Mood swings is frequent nigga
I know depression is restin' on your heart for two reasons nigga
I know you and a couple block boys ain't been speakin' nigga
Y'all damn near beefin', I seen it and your the reason nigga
And if this bottle could talk...
I cry myself to sleep
Bitch everything is your fault
Faults breakin' to pieces, earthquakes on every weekend
Because you shook as soon as you knew confinement was needed
I know your secrets
Don't let me tell them to the world about that shit you thinkin'
And that time you...
I'm bout to hurl
I'm fucked up, but I'm not as fucked up as you
You just can't get right, I think your heart made of bullet proof
Shoulda killed yo ass a long time ago
You shoulda filled that black revolver blast a long time ago
And if those mirrors could talk it would say "you gotta go"
And if I told your secrets
The world'll know money can't stop a suicidal weakness
I met a little boy that resembled my features
Nappy afro, gap in his smile
Hand me down sneakers bounced through the crowd
Run a number on man and woman that crossed him
Sun beamin' on his beady beads exhausted
Tossin' footballs with his ashy black ankles
Breakin' new laws, mama passed on home trainin'
He looked at me and said, "Kendrick you do know my language
You just forgot because of what public schools had painted
Oh, I forgot, 'Don't Kill My Vibe', that's right, you're famous
I used to watch on Channel 5, TV was taken
But never mind you're here right now don't you mistake it
It's just a new trip, take a glimpse at your family's ancestor
Make a new list, of everything you thought was progress
And that was bullshit, I mean your life is full of turmoil
Spoiled by fantasies of who you are, I feel bad for you
I can attempt to enlighten you without frightenin' you
If you resist, I'll back off quick, go catch a flight or two
But if you pick destiny over rest in peace then be an advocate
Tell your homies especially to come back home"
Everybody lookin' at you crazy
What you gon' do?
Lift up your head and keep moving
Or let the paranoia haunt you?
Peace to fashion police, I wear my heart
On my sleeve, let the runway start
You know the miserable do love company
What do you want from me and my scars?
Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence
How many times my potential was anonymous?
How many times the city making me promises?
So I promise this
I love myself
The world is a ghetto with big guns and picket signs
I love myself
But it can do what it want whenever it want, I don't mind
I love myself
He said I gotta get up, life is more than suicide
I love myself
One day at a time