Push play and you’ll take off into pure awesomeness. What am I talking about? I’m talking about Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti debut 4AD album “Before Today.” When I say take off, I am referring to the plane buzzing intro of the first track “Hot Body Rub” which sets the mood for a spaced out ride that immediately grabs your attention. “Bright Lit Blue Skies” feels like a 60s surfer track and it makes me so happy (it’s the bee’s knees). As I listen, I picture myself dancing like a mad woman in a vintage swimsuit. After experiencing “Round and Round,” I’m now in danger of falling in love with the album (oh, I write as I listen in case you never noticed. I want you coming along with me for the ride.) it’s groovy, funky and sexy.
As I listen to “Beverly Kills” I realize that this is going to be my in-a-happy-mood-music -summer-album. I will be listening to it over-and-over in my summer daze. Now I have to mention the song “Butt-House Blondies” simply because the title is what it is. The entire album has that lo-fi sound of yesteryear, and it feels historical—as though you were traveling through time. Some of the music reminds me of songs from the opening credits of a 70s TV show like the track “Reminiscences.” Also, I have to mention the lyrics from “Menopause Man”… strange, bizarre, and rare. This album is glam, funk, other and it’s worth taking some time out of your day to get into its luscious sonic grooves.
Random Thoughts About Music by Roxanne Hilburn
- Download and listen to “Round and Round”
- Stream the entire album here
Artist: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
Album: “Before Today”
Label: 4AD
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti Tour Dates
09-Jul Los Angeles, CA Echoplex#
10-Jul San Francisco, CA Bimbo’s #
12-Jul Portland, OR Doug Fir #
13-Jul Seattle, WA Neumo’s #
14-Jul Vancouver, BC Biltmore #
16-Jul Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge #
17-Jul Denver, CO Bluebird #
19-Jul Minneapolis, MN Entry #
20-Jul Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall #
21-Jul Detroit, MI Pike Room #
22-Jul Toronto, ONT Mod Club #
23-Jul Montreal, PQ La Sala Rosa #
24-Jul New York, NY The Fillmore / Irving Plaza #
25-Jul Boston, MA Middle East #
27-Jul Philadelphia, PA JB’s #
28-Jul Washington, DC Rock N Roll Hotel #
29-Jul Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 #
30-Jul Atlanta, GA Earl #
31-Jul Birmingham, AL Bottle Tree #
02-Aug Denton, TX Hailey’s #
03-Aug Austin, TX Mohawk #
05-Aug Tucson, AZ Plush #
06-Aug San Diego, CA Casbah #
07-Aug Costa Mesa, CA Detroit Bar #
* = w/ R. Stevie Moore
# = w/ Pearl Harbor & Magic Kids
