Strange Mercy, Annie Clark’s 11-song John Congleton-produced followup to Actor, will be out this fall. They recorded the collection at Elmwood Studios in her pre-Manhattan hometown of Dallas, Texas. A press release notes that Strange Mercy finds St. Vincent “redefining the idea of the guitar hero, utilizing the instrument as a pointillist artist might wield a brush. Countless judiciously placed riffs and instrumental flares, each distinct and unique, cohere into grand tableaus.” Interesting. The song descriptions are of the same pitch:
On “Cruel,” she elicits punchy bursts like an R&B horn section. “Cheerleader” froths and boils, with deep and fuzzy guitars bubbling up to the surface, while “Surgeon” twirls about endlessly, Clark’s vocals dancing amid a blizzard of notes.
She’s joined on Strange Mercy by Grammy winner Bobby Sparks (mini Moog, clavinet, Arp, Wurlitzer), Midlake’s MacKenzie Smith (drums), Daniel Hart (violin), and Beck keyboardist/musical director Brian LeBarton, among others. It’ll be available 9/12 in the UK and 9/13 in the US via 4AD. Until then, here’s the cover of Big Black classic “Kerosene” Clark tore into at the Our Band Could Be Your Life concert a couple weeks ago:
[Photo by Tina Tyrell]
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Is “children’s hospital” a funny show? I don’t know! But as long as that clown is in my face, I will steer clear of this blog! AAARRRAAAGGGhH! I hate that clown!
I have never watched it! That clown is giving me the creeps though!
clowns are creepy. and i’m extremely excited for this album.
I bet it will be a good album!
Childrens Hospital and St. Vincent are both awesome! I highly encourage you to watch the show tonight and buy the album in September. I’m sure you will not be disappointed.
I always forget to record childrens hospital, I really badly want to watch it.
Can’t wait for the album, and is the title image the album cover?
She is so perfect.
I LOVE ANNIE CLARK. MY WHOLE DAY HAS BEEN MADE!
that was so cool!