Front Row Seat to Earth

Last updated

Front Row Seat to Earth
Front Row Seat to Earth.jpg
Studio album by
Weyes Blood
ReleasedOctober 21, 2016 (2016-10-21)
Genre
Length44:46
Label Mexican Summer
Producer
Weyes Blood chronology
Cardamom Times
(2015)		Front Row Seat to Earth
(2016)		 Titanic Rising
(2019)
Singles from Front Row Seat To Earth
  1. "Seven Words"
    Released: August 10, 2016
  2. "Do You Need My Love?"
    Released: September 7, 2016
  3. "Generation Why"
    Released: October 3, 2016

Front Row Seat to Earth is the third studio album by American musician Weyes Blood. It was released on October 21, 2016, by Mexican Summer. Musically, the album explores several genres like baroque pop, [1] psychedelic folk, [2] folk-pop, [3] and psychedelic pop. [4] Front Row Seat to Earth was acclaimed by music critics, with one of them comparing the singer with Karen Carpenter.

Contents

Front Row Seat to Earth was supported by three singles: "Seven Words", released on August 10, 2016, "Do You Need My Love?", released on September 7, 2016, and "Generation Why", released on October 3, 2016. Despite not being promoted as a single, "Used to Be" received a music video on November 7, 2016. The album's cover art was photographed by Katie Miller [5] beside the Salton Sea.

Composition

Donning "the misty sounds of late '60s folk and '70s AM radio," [6] Front Row Seat to Earth pushes forward in Blood's "glacial slide towards psychedelic folk", yielding comparisons to Kevin Ayers, Vashti Bunyan, Linda Perhacs, and Bridget St. John. [2] The lyrics are based on various subjects, including romantic difficulties ("Do You Need My Love?"), addiction ("Diary"), [7] and concerns about the modern world ("Generation Why"). [8] The latter would be further explored on Natalie Mering's following album, Titanic Rising (2019). [9]

Singles

"Seven Words" was released as the album's lead single on August 10, 2016. [10] It was called "Best New Track" by Pitchfork , with reviewer Sam Sodomsky stating that the song "conjures a kaleidoscopic vision of the 1970s' best kept secrets". [11] An accompanying music video was released the same day, in which Mering is kidnapped by a taxi driver who forcibly feeds her with something that looks like octopus, after which she turns into a mermaid. [12] Mexican Summer issued a 7-inch single for "Seven Words" in October 2016, which featured digital bonus track "Three Tears" as a B-side. Some of these were distributed randomly to Vinyl Me Please subscribers, [13] while others were sold on tour at Weyes Blood gigs.[ citation needed ]

"Do You Need My Love" was released digitally on September 7, 2016, as the album's second single. [14] Like with the previous single, Pitchfork also called the song "Best New Track". [15] "Generation Why", the album's third single, followed on October 3, 2016. [16]

A promotional video for "Used To Be" was also released on November 7, after the album had been issued. [17]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.7/10 [18]
Metacritic 82/100 [19]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Clash 8/10 [1]
Exclaim! 8/10 [20]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [21]
The Line of Best Fit 8/10 [22]
The Observer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [23]
Pitchfork 8.3/10 [6]
Uncut 8/10 [24]
Under the Radar 8.5/10 [2]

Front Row Seat To Earth received widespread acclaim from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 82, based on 12 reviews. [19] Michael Hann for The Guardian , referred to the album as "beautiful, unsettling and wholly compelling". Emily Mackay of The Observer gave a lukewarm review, even though she stated that Mering's "deep, pure, Karen Carpenter croon...could still slavering beasts". [25]

Accolades

PublicationListRankRef.
Pitchfork The 50 Best Albums of 201643 [26]
Under the Radar Top 100 Albums of 20169 [27]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Natalie Mering. All tracks are produced by Mering and Chris Cohen

No.TitleLength
1."Diary"5:36
2."Used to Be"4:32
3."Be Free"6:22
4."Do You Need My Love?"6:25
5."Generation Why"5:21
6."Can't Go Home"4:40
7."Seven Words"4:37
8."Away Above"5:18
9."Front Row Seat"1:55
Total length:44:46

Note

Charts

Chart performance for Front Row Seat to Earth
Chart (2016)Peak
position
UK Independent Album Breakers (OCC) [29] 14
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [30] 23

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boris (band)</span> Japanese experimental band

Boris is a Japanese band that draws variously from styles such as sludge metal, drone, noise, psychedelia, and minimalism. Formed in 1992 in Tokyo, the band is composed of drummer Atsuo, guitarist/bassist Takeshi, and guitarist/keyboardist Wata. All three members sing. Boris has released more than 20 studio albums on various labels around the world, as well as a variety of live albums, compilations, EPs, singles, and collaborative albums. They have collaborated with acts such as Sunn O))), Merzbow, Keiji Haino, and guitarist Michio Kurihara.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yeasayer</span> American experimental rock band from Brooklyn, New York

Yeasayer was an American experimental rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2006. The band consisted of Chris Keating, Ira Wolf Tuton, and Anand Wilder. They announced their split on December 19, 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mexican Summer</span> American independent record label

Mexican Summer is an independent record label founded in 2009 by Keith Abrahamsson and Andres Santo Domingo. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the label has released recordings from artists including Best Coast, Kurt Vile, Ariel Pink, Allah-Las, Weyes Blood, Connan Mockasin, Jessica Pratt, and Cate Le Bon. The label is named after the song "Mexican Summer" by Marissa Nadler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Cohen (musician)</span> American musician (born 1975)

Chris Cohen is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist best known for his solo albums as well as for having been a member of the band Deerhoof between 2002 and 2006.

<i>The Innocents</i> (Weyes Blood album) 2014 studio album by Weyes Blood

The Innocents is the second studio album by American musician Weyes Blood. The album was released on October 21, 2014, by Mexican Summer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychedelic funk</span> Music genre

Psychedelic funk is a music genre that combines funk music with elements of psychedelic rock. It was pioneered in the late 1960s and early 1970s by American acts like Sly and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and the Parliament-Funkadelic collective. It would influence subsequent styles including '70s jazz fusion and the '90s West Coast hip hop style G-funk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weyes Blood</span> American musician (born 1988)

Natalie Laura Mering, known professionally as Weyes Blood, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She was primarily raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She has been performing her own material under variations of the name Weyes Blood since 2003.

<i>Titanic Rising</i> 2019 studio album by Weyes Blood

Titanic Rising is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter and musician Weyes Blood, released on April 5, 2019 by Sub Pop. Produced by the artist along with Jonathan Rado, it is influenced by 1970s FM radio. Its lyrical themes address romantic pursuits, climate change, and references to the Titanic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meg Duffy</span> American musician

Meg Duffy is an American musician and guitarist who has played as a studio musician on records by The War on Drugs, Weyes Blood, Perfume Genius, Sasami, and William Tyler, among many others. Duffy was a longtime member of Kevin Morby's live band, is a current member of Perfume Genius's band, and is the sole member of indie-rock band Hand Habits.

<i>Forevher</i> 2019 album by Shura

Forevher is the second studio album by British musician Shura. It was released on 16 August 2019 by American independent record label Secretly Canadian. The album follows Shura's critically acclaimed debut album, Nothing's Real (2016). The album artwork of Forevher is a reference to the 1882 marble sculpture The Kiss, by French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

<i>Pang</i> (album) 2019 album by Caroline Polachek

Pang is the third overall solo studio album by American singer-songwriter and producer Caroline Polachek, and her first album to be under her own name. It was released by Sony Music, The Orchard, and Polachek's imprint Perpetual Novice on October 18, 2019. The album received critical acclaim from and was placed on several critics' year-end lists, topping Dazed's list. Commercially, Pang peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and number 40 on the Independent Albums chart, making it Polachek's first charting solo album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Purple Pilgrims</span> New Zealand musical duo

Purple Pilgrims is a New Zealand dream pop duo composed of sisters Clementine and Valentine Nixon.

<i>Fear of Death</i> 2020 studio album by Tim Heidecker

Fear of Death is a concept album from American comedian and musician Tim Heidecker, released on September 25, 2020, through Spacebomb Records. It received positive reviews from critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andromeda (Weyes Blood song)</span> 2019 single by Weyes Blood

"Andromeda" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Weyes Blood, released through Sub Pop on January 17, 2019, as the lead single from her fourth studio album Titanic Rising (2019). It was written by the artist, co-produced by her and Jonathan Rado, and mixed by Kenny Gilmore in Los Angeles. The song marked her first original release since her critically acclaimed 2016 album Front Row Seat to Earth. The artist included "Andromeda" in the set list of her In Holy Flux Tour. A music video was released in 2024.

<i>And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow</i> 2022 studio album by Weyes Blood

And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow is the fifth studio album by American singer, songwriter, and musician Weyes Blood, released on November 18, 2022 by Sub Pop. The album is the second in a trilogy of recordings that began with Mering's previous studio album Titanic Rising (2019), describing the sequel as a personal response "to being in the thick of it." A record with a chamber pop, indie pop, and folk rock sound, it was entirely produced by the singer and Jonathan Rado, with additional production by Ben Babbitt and Rodaidh McDonald.

"It's Not Just Me, It's Everybody" is a song by American singer, songwriter, and musician Weyes Blood, which serves as the lead single for her fifth studio album And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow. The song was released on September 12, 2022, by Sub Pop. The song was written by Weyes Blood, Ben Babbitt and Jonathan Rado. It was included in the set list of her In Holy Flux Tour.

"God Turn Me into a Flower" is a song by American singer-songwriter Weyes Blood. Written and produced by the artist, along with Jonathan Rado, the song was released on November 16, 2022, as the third single from her fifth studio album, titled And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow (2022). The artist included "God Turn Me into a Flower" in the set list of her In Holy Flux Tour.

<i>Mercy</i> (John Cale album) 2023 studio album by John Cale

Mercy is the seventeenth studio album by the Welsh musician and composer John Cale. It was released on 20 January 2023 by Double Six Records, making it Cale's first album of new songs in over a decade. It features collaborations with Tony Allen, Laurel Halo, Weyes Blood, Tei Shi, Animal Collective's Avey Tare and Panda Bear, Dev Hynes, Sylvan Esso, Actress, and Fat White Family. It was inspired by current events such as Donald Trump's first presidency, Brexit, COVID-19, climate change, civil rights, and right-wing extremism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In Holy Flux Tour</span> 2022–2023 concert tour by Weyes Blood

The In Holy Flux Tour was the second headlining concert tour by American singer-songwriter and musician Weyes Blood, in support of her fifth studio album, And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow (2022). She also debuted songs from Titanic Rising (2019). The tour consisted of four legs throughout North America, Europe, and Oceania; it started on December 8, 2022, in Los Angeles, United States, and concluded on November 14, 2023, in Nottingham.

Drew Erickson, is an American record producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger. He is known for co-writing and producing for artists such as Lana Del Rey and Father John Misty, as well as for his work on critically acclaimed recordings by Mitski, Angel Olsen, and Weyes Blood. His production and songwriting have garnered him two Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for Lana Del Rey's 2023 album, Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.

References

  1. 1 2 Walker-Smart, Sam (October 13, 2016). "Weyes Blood – Front Row Seat To Earth". Clash . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 Everhart, John (December 14, 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth (Mexican Summer)". Under the Radar . Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  3. 1 2 Simpson, Paul. "Front Row Seat to Earth – Weyes Blood". AllMusic . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  4. ↑ Beswick, Katie (October 17, 2016). "Weyes Blood - Front Row Seat To Earth". Loud and Quiet . Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Facebook". archive.ph. December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  6. 1 2 Mapes, Jillian (October 19, 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  7. ↑ Bollinger, Nick (November 1, 2016). "Front Row Seat To Earth by Weyes Blood". Radio New Zealand . Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  8. ↑ Hunt, El (April 21, 2017). "Driving from the backseat; Weyes Blood". DIY . Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  9. ↑ Moreland, Quinn (April 5, 2019). "Album Review: Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising". Pitchfork . Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  10. ↑ "Weyes Blood - "Seven Words"". Bandcamp . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  11. ↑ Sodomsky, Sam (August 13, 2016). "Tracks: "Seven Words" - Weyes Blood". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Weyes Blood - "Seven Words (Official Video)"". Mexican Summer . Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Weyes Blood: A - "Seven Words", B - "Three Tears"". 45cat.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Do You Need My Love?". mexicansummer.com. September 8, 2016. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  15. ↑ Hogan, Marc (September 8, 2016). "Tracks: "Do You Need My Love?" - Weyes Blood". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  16. ↑ Breihan, Tom (October 3, 2016). "Weyes Blood – "Generation Why" Video". Stereogum . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  17. ↑ Snyder, Chad (November 9, 2016). "Witness Weyes Blood's stunning balladry in new "Used To Be" clip". WXPN . Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Front Row Seat To Earth by Weyes Blood reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  19. 1 2 "Reviews for Front Row Seat to Earth by Weyes Blood". Metacritic . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  20. ↑ Pageau, Mathias (October 19, 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth". Exclaim! . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  21. ↑ Hann, Michael (November 3, 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth review – beautiful, unsettling songs". The Guardian . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  22. ↑ King, Ian (October 18, 2016). "Weyes Blood make us both audience and active participant on Front Row Seat to Earth". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  23. ↑ Mackay, Emily (October 30, 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth review – a voice to still slavering beasts". The Observer . Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  24. ↑ Bonner, Michael (November 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth". Uncut (234): 38.
  25. ↑ Mackay, Emily (October 30, 2016). "Weyes Blood: Front Row Seat to Earth review – a voice to still slavering beasts". The Observer. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  26. ↑ "The 50 Best Albums of 2016 | Pitchfork". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Under the Radar's Top Albums of 2016 | Under the Radar". Under the Radar. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Weyes Blood - "Front Row Seat To Earth"". Discogs.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Official Independent Album Breakers Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company . Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Weyes Blood Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.