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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Naomi King unveils the seductive truth with her new single, “Fetish”
Naomi King bares her soul in “Fetish,” the electrifying lead single from her latest album, Black Water. King explores the murky depths of manipulative relationships and self-realization with a powerful combination of raw honesty and the unapologetic vulnerability of a tumultuous friendship.
As both the writer and producer of “Fetish,” King fearlessly confronts the unsettling realization about a friend who turned out to be exactly as she suspected. The song serves as a poignant anthem of empowerment, a declaration of reclaiming one’s identity in the face of deception. “Now I know who I am in the eyes of men – I’m a fetish,” she proclaims with chilling clarity.
The accompanying music video adds another layer of intrigue to the song’s provocative themes, embracing them with unabashed confidence and seductive edge. The production quality is impressive, although it occasionally teeters on the brink of excess, mirroring the song’s exploration of boundaries.
King’s multifaceted talent as a musician and artistic prowess are on full display from start to finish. Her ability to seamlessly blend elements of alt-rock with pop sensibilities creates a rich tapestry of melodious beat that’s as infectious as it is introspective. This sound envelops the listener and resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of manipulation and betrayal.
The song “Fetish” by King showcases the artist’s exceptional musicianship and artistic vision. King’s confident delivery and hard-hitting lyrics evoke a sense of catharsis, while the song’s enchanting sonic ambiance captivates its audience. Despite the unconventional nature of its lyrics, “Fetish” demands the listener’s attention and leaves an indelible mark. This must-listen auditory masterpiece is a testament to King’s remarkable talent and creative prowess.
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Album Review
Review of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” LP
Pam Ross’ debut album, “When Therapy Fails,” represents a vibrant foray into the music world with a compelling blend of rock, Americana, and country. This debut from the Fuquay Varina-based artist, affectionately enveloped in what has been termed “PamMusic,” strikes a resonant chord through its fusion of earnest lyricism and robust musicality.
The Sound
The album is framed by Pam’s dynamic vocal abilities that effortlessly transition from fiery rock anthems to tender country ballads. Her voice, characterized by its raw emotional depth, serves as the linchpin holding the varied styles together. The instrumentation across the album, particularly the guitar work, is robust and purposeful, complementing her storytelling prowess.
Track Highlights
- “Fire In the Hole” starts the album with a rousing energy that’s both infectious and reflective of Pam’s known stage presence. The track sets a high bar with its spirited guitar riffs and anthemic chorus.
- “Falling off the Merry Go Round” showcases Pam’s lyrical skills, weaving a poignant narrative about life’s unpredictability and the pain of letting go.
- The chart-topping single, “Better Than a Good Thing,” encapsulates the album’s theme of finding joy and resolution amidst personal turmoil. The song’s catchy hook and heartfelt lyrics undoubtedly contributed to its success.
Lyrics and Themes
The album’s title, “When Therapy Fails,” hints at the deeply introspective nature of its content. Each song serves as a vignette, exploring themes of resilience, personal struggle, and the redemptive power of music. The lyrics are both clever and impactful, with songs like “Cornflakes and Beer” using everyday imagery to discuss deeper emotional truths.
Overall Impression
“When Therapy Fails” is an accomplished debut that firmly establishes Pam Ross as a significant new voice in her genre fusion. The album not only navigates the complexities of personal adversity but does so with an infectious zest and genuine artistry. Its blend of genres, compelling lyrics, and Pam’s vocal prowess make for a memorable musical journey.
In conclusion, Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” is a robust introduction to her artistic vision, filled with tracks that are likely to resonate with a broad audience while earning her a spot among the notable newcomers in the indie music scene.
Recommendations and Playlist
For those drawn to Pam Ross’ style and themes, I recommend checking out the album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” by Margo Price. It shares a similar authentic narrative style and musical blend.
Here’s a playlist themed around resilience and renewal, inspired by the vibe of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails.” This collection blends rock, Americana, and country, featuring songs that echo themes of overcoming and personal growth.
“Resilience & Renewal” Playlist
- Margo Price – “Hands of Time”
- Brandi Carlile – “The Story”
- Jason Isbell – “Something to Love”
- Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
- Lucinda Williams – “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
- Patty Griffin – “Heavenly Day”
- Kacey Musgraves – “Rainbow”
- Sturgill Simpson – “Keep It Between the Lines”
- The Highwomen – “Redesigning Women”
- John Prine – “I Remember Everything”
- Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
- Ryan Adams – “Come Pick Me Up”
- Sheryl Crow – “Redemption Day”
- Gillian Welch – “Everything Is Free”
- Bob Dylan – “Not Dark Yet”
- The Avett Brothers – “No Hard Feelings”
- Willie Nelson – “Ride Me Back Home”
- Emmylou Harris – “The Road”
- Tom Petty – “I Forgive It All”
- Ray LaMontagne – “Such A Simple Thing”
These tracks not only reflect the journey through struggles and the pursuit of peace but also complement the rich musical textures and emotional depth found in “When Therapy Fails.” Enjoy the music and the messages woven throughout this carefully curated playlist!
–Jamie Jones
