Alright, so as I was on the matter already, let’s take another look at that contemplation from my last post: early, raw, unrefined emotional talent or later, unkinked, smoothed-out production? Unfettered creativity vs. honed skill? And for a more exaggerated take: Stick to your guns and die in honest obscurity, or sell out and play the stadium tour to top40s-radio fans?
(A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) or A Head Full of Dreams (2015) – I know I said that there’s no black and white, but if you prefer the latter you are wrong, and I’ll fight that opinion tooth and nail <3)
In contrast to my previous take (rating Car Seat Headrest’s (CSH) 2018 version of “Twin Fantasy” over the 2011 original), today, I will make the case for a band’s earlier works being more compelling, rather than their shined-up later works. And let me preface this: it’s not quite as neat and tidy this time as the direct comparison of the same album over two different productions, so bear with me.
The band in question is Australia’s very own psychedelic rock wonderchild Kevin Parker and his (solo in creation; ensemble when touring) project Tame Impala.
Founded in 2007, Tame Impala, much like CSH, started out with its center figure working through their inner machinations by means of artistic expression. Both Innerspeaker (2010) and Lonerism (2012) thematically are very directly tied to Kevin’s inner monologue and contemplations, navigating the hectic world around him as an introvert.
Songs often showcase a counterplay of self-doubt, re-affirmation and self-encouragement on Kevin’s behalf. On Innerspeaker’s (2010) “Alter Ego”, he asks his alter ego for support in a romantic endeavor
When the one from my dream
Is sitting right next to me
And I don’t know what to do
Oh, alter ego
Get them to love you
and comes to the realization, “The only one who’s really judging you is yourself / Nobody else”.
Similarly, Lonerism’s (2012) opening track “Gotta Be Above It” cuts straight to the chase, when Parker declares
And I know that I gotta be above it now
And I know that I can’t let them bring me down
And I gotta bide my time as a face in the crowd
While Tame Impala’s more recent work still retains a lot of the same themes from a lyrical standpoint, to me, it misses that initial immediacy – both lyrically and musically. The rougher edges on the earlier material play more into the narrative of the tormented loner putting his heartfelt woes to music.
More grit, more psychedelia, more 60s beach rock vibe, more blown out drums, more fuzzy guitars, more reverb, more blues – personally, I find all of those make the earlier work more captivating, more enthralling.
All of this being said, give their stuff a listen – it’s really worth it. Or actually, give it a watch, if you will. Tame Impala’s music videos are phenomenal (how did I not think to mention that earlier?)! Reminds me of the music video heyday, but more of that another time..
Cheers, y’all!
Coryphe 