Courtney Barnett

Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit

Written by: MIN on 14/03/2016 17:40:08

Last year, Australian singer/guitarist Courtney Barnett became one of the most talked about new artists within the indie-rock scene when her debut LP “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit” dropped. The record was released through Marathon Artists, and it is undoubtedly one of the most unique recordings within the scene in quite a while. With its dragging, grungy passages and rambling, quirky lyrics, it’s the kind of record that needs time to sink in before it’s truly understood. But once it hits, you’ll find an outstanding charm and wit rarely heard in the mainstream.

Stylistically, the record occupies several places ranging from indie-rock to grunge. At one point you might be listening to the up-beat anti-party anthem “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party” which makes you dance along to a blistering guitar solo, at another you’re caught in a hazy jam-rock session during “Small Poppies” which keeps dragging you down. No matter which point of the record you’re listening to, it’s well-executed; Barnett is a great guitarist, and her interplay with her colleague at that, Dan Luscombe, is excellent. Both Dave Mudie (drums) and Bones Sloane (bass) are good at having a feel for what kind of song is being played, and thus follows the various tempi nicely. Especially the latter of the two plays some exceptional basslines, like in the songs “An Illustration of Loneliness (Sleepless in New York)” or “Kim’s Caravan” where you can’t help but think of some of the classic grunge bands of the early 90s.

Although the mix between indie-/alternative rock and grunge has been made before (Pixies and Pavement come to mind), “Sometimes I Sit and Think…” still emerges as quite unique due to Courtney Barnett’s vocal delivery and odd lyric sheet. When listening to her words about whatever is happening, whether it’s about watching the grass grow or the importance of organic vegetables, it’s hard not to get sucked in. No matter which subject is at hand, she paints a full picture of how she sees it. A great example is the album-opener “Elevator Operator” where she describes a day in the life of twenty-year-old Oliver Paul who’d rather be an elevator operator than be stuck in front of a computer all day. Between the lines, you’ll find subjects about insecurity, superficialities and how the grass is always greener on the other side.

The most recognizable song on the album is the single “Pedestrian at Best” which kicks off with a heavily distorted guitar riff. From there, Barnett rambles on with one of her best and fastest vocal deliveries on the album, featuring the very well-written chorus:

Put me on a pedestal and I’ll only disappoint you // Tell me I’m exceptional and I promise to exploit you // Give me all your money and I’ll make some origami, honey // I think you’re a joke, but I don’t find you very funny

The song is pretty much the perfect encapsulation of what Barnett is at her best: descriptive, cynical and insecure. It’s driven by a crunchy guitar with a “no bullshit”-attitude, the heavy rhythm section helps put emphasize on the music itself so the remaining instruments don’t drown in Barnett’s ambition, and the second guitar fiddles around in the background and toys with effects and feedback to spice up the song. I’d be surprised if this isn’t the song that she’ll be remembered for in a long time.

“Sometimes I Sit and Think…” is ambitious, but manages to sound nonchalant at the same time. Barnett’s impressive ability to tell a story about everything or nothing keeps you interested throughout, and the music nicely complements and makes room for it. The last few minutes of “Kim’s Caravan” and the song “Boxing Day Blues” could have been cut shorter (by the time you reach these two final tracks you already feel pretty full), but it doesn’t take away too many points from the album; its greatest strength is found within its singularity.

8

Download: Pedestrian at Best, Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party, Small Poppies
For The Fans Of: PJ Harvey, Pavement, Laura Stevenson
Listen: facebook.com/courtneybarnettmusic

Release date 15.03.2015
Marathon Artists, House Anxiety, Milk! Records, Mom + Pop Music

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