Music
Open Mike Eagle’s Absurd ‘Headass (Idiot Shinji)’ Video Explains How Black People Talk
With help from Jak Knight and Video Dave, Open Mike breaks down how overthinking makes headasses of us all. …
In the new video for “Headass (Idiot Shinji)” from his album Anime, Trauma, And Divorce, Open Mike Eagle recruits comedian Jak Knight (who’s crafted a niche lane for himself as rap’s go-to cameo comic) to break down the meaning behind the slang term in a segment titled “How Black People Talk.” After a fed-up Professor Jak reaches his limit of explaining the phrase — which doesn’t take long — he pops in a VHS (ah, nostalgia) of the actual music video and lets Mike and Video Dave do the talking.
Because Open Mike Eagle has such an absurdist streak, he naturally appears as a person with a literal gluteus maximus on his cranium to lead a “headass support group.” Lyrically, Mike and Dave recount some of their headass, over-analyzing moments from past relationships and their anxieties about their rap careers.
If I can be headass for a moment here, I feel like I need to explain where the “Idiot Shinji” portion of the song’s title comes from for those readers not well-versed in the first item from Mike’s album title. In the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is about (among other things) a lot of trauma and the ways people deal with it (or refuse to), the lead character, teenaged robot pilot Shinji Ikari, is nicknamed “Idiot Shinji” by his fellow teenaged robot pilot Asuka Langley due to his tendency to overthink pretty much every situation he finds himself in — including the life-or-death ones they frequently encounter as the pilots of giant robots.
So, it all ties together with the theme of anime and trauma and general headassery, which is something Open Mike Eagle is very good at doing on his new album Anime, Trauma, And Divorce. The album’s out now on Mike’s own Auto Reverse Records and you can listen to it here. You can also watch the classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix, but unless you too would like to be traumatized, I don’t recommend it.
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“Blue Christmas” by Lisa Humber delivers a heartfelt holiday melancholic glow
Weaving an ethereal soundscape that cuts straight to the soul, Lisa Humber’s rendition of “Blue Christmas” feels like unwrapping an intimate letter to the heartbroken, transforming the familiar holiday classic into a profoundly personal exploration of seasonal melancholy. Gone are Elvis Presley’s iconic version’s upbeat, almost playful undertones; Lisa offers a stripped-back performance characterized by a haunting resonance.
Working closely with producer and guitarist Justin Abedin, Humber breathes life into the song’s quiet void that lingers in the spaces where laughter should reside. Her tender and vulnerable voice evokes a rare sense of unfiltered longing. It’s as though she’s singing directly to the part of us that carries the burden of lonely and disappointed festive promises during a time usually filled with happiness and celebration, creating a stark contrast to the glittering cheer of the season.
The minimalistic instrumentation creates an intimate auditory experience. Abedin’s guitar strings hum softly, almost like a fragile heartbeat, leaving room for Lisa’s vocal tenderness to shine. Each note she sings feels deliberate, and every lyric is imbued with the ache of memories and the quiet hope of what could have been.
Humber’s evolution as a songwriter began with her debut original composition, ‘Boxing Day.’ With this new single, she demonstrates her adeptness in capturing the nuances of human emotions. “Blue Christmas” isn’t just a cover; it functions as a reimagined dialogue with the audience, providing shared solace to anyone whose holiday experiences might not meet the cheerful festive narrative.
This interpretation of “Blue Christmas” encapsulates a dual sense of introspective warmth and illumination while simultaneously embodying bittersweet emotions. Its impact is particularly pronounced when complemented by visuals of twinkling lights juxtaposed against through a lens of melancholy. Ultimately, it represents a stunning addition to Humber’s growing catalog of musical works.
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Louise Goffin Takes Us for an Intimate Ride with “Backseat”
Louise Goffin’s new single, “Backseat,” takes listeners on a nostalgic journey, like a late-night drive filled with deep emotions. The Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter offers a heartfelt song that feels personal yet relatable to everyone. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling style of Laurel Canyon, “Backseat” invites you to dive into its rich, soulful sounds and escape the daily hustle and bustle.
Goffin’s talent shines through in her ability to tell a story reflecting her life experiences. Growing up with famous songwriters, she experienced a world full of creativity and ups and downs, which she beautifully expresses in her music. “Backseat” captures the mix of chaos and tranquility, creating a calming yet powerful musical experience. Her gentle voice flows over various instruments, making it feel like a cozy chat with a close friend.
At its heart, “Backseat” touches on balancing being a passenger in life and taking charge, something everyone can relate to when feeling uncertain about the past and future. Goffin’s gift for sharing her thoughts makes this journey feel shared, showcasing her storytelling talent.
Louise Goffin is truly coming into her own as an artist, turning the intricacies of life into songs that resonate with many. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering her music, “Backseat” is a song you don’t want to miss—a beautiful celebration of growth, resilience, and the magic of music.
