Some albums demand evaluation. In fact, I could probably go on and on about many of the albums on this list, interpreting lyrics, sequencing, album “flow,” individual songs and their merit, etc. etc. I find that in a lot of way interpretability is a good thing: it demonstrates depth and replay value. There’s also a certain malleability to such albums. They can be evaluated in different ways for different people, reaching some personally and some only on a surface level.
But some albums just defy a deep explanation. I’ve listened to Yeasayer’s Fragrant World several times, and I still have no idea how to really talk about it. I can start with the artist, I suppose: Yeasayer is a versatile synth-rock/electronica band with a penchant for diverse moods and atmospheres. They make big left turns in their music, sometimes in the middle of albums, sometimes even in the middle of songs. I think their most defining feature is their experimentation — not that they could really be defined as an experimental band, per se — especially in the search for the craziest synthesized sounds. In fact, much of the thrill of listening to Fragrant World comes from observing just how many weird synth sounds the band has mined out of their machines.
Besides that, there’s not much else I can say about the album except that it’s a really great collection of synth-pop tunes. I like that there’s a good bit of R&B and soul to the vocals, as well. The lyrics are simultaneously whimsical and chilling. Overall it’s an adventurous and fun listen.
Rating: 7.5
Highlights: “Fingers Never Bleed” “Henrietta” “Reagan’s Skeleton”
SAD
No Longer Afraid to Dance 