Marigold (Pinegrove album)

Last updated
Marigold
Pinegrove - Marigold.jpg
Studio album by
Pinegrove
ReleasedJanuary 17, 2020
RecordedMay 2018–February 2019
StudioAmperland (Kinderhook, New York)
Length37:29
Label Rough Trade
Producer
  • Evan Stephens Hall
  • Sam Skinner
Pinegrove chronology
Skylight
(2018)		Marigold
(2020)		Amperland, NY
(2021)
Singles from Marigold
  1. "Moment"
    Released: August 28, 2019
  2. "Phase"
    Released: October 30, 2019
  3. "The Alarmist"
    Released: January 14, 2020

Marigold is the fourth studio album by Pinegrove, released through Rough Trade Records on January 17, 2020. The album was produced by the band's frontman, singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall, as well as guitarist Sam Skinner. As with the band's previous album, Marigold was recorded and mixed at Amperland, a rural farmhouse occupied by the group in upstate New York.

Contents

Marigold is the band's first full-length on Rough Trade, with whom they signed in 2019.

Background

Pinegrove formed in 2010 in Montclair, New Jersey, and rose to prominence in the mid-2010s on the strength of their debut album, Cardinal (2016), as well as its follow-up effort, Skylight (2018). Marigold was recorded between May 2018 to February 2019, and followed for Hall "a period of intense self-reflection". As with its predecessor, the LP was recorded at the band's home studio, Amperland, a rural farmhouse shared by Hall and Nick Levine located in Kinderhook, a town in upstate New York. Pitchfork writer Jenn Pelly called Amperland a "spacious, light-filled house" in a "a small, sleepy country town a few hours north of Manhattan." [1] Writer Mark Moody describes it "the same stone's throw distance from the Hudson River as The Band's Big Pink." [2] A press release accompanying the album's announcement dubbed it an "urgent, multivalent meditation". "The Alarmist", a semi-acoustic song set in 6
8 time, [3] was described by Hall as "the negotiation of space between two people — balancing comfort and closeness with a need for independence." [4] "Moment", likewise, represents "a way of thinking about gratitude in the context of chaos or tedium." [5] "Phase" was inspired by insomnia, and the anxieties and thoughts a person cycles through when unable to sleep. [6] "Alcove" was inspired by a trip to visit Hall's extended family in California. [3] Journalist Kelefa Sanneh describes the penultimate song, "Neighbor", as an allegory for deceased animals, and the closing title track as a "meditative six-minute instrumental [...] during which the band cycles slowly between chords." [3]

The band released "Moment", the album's lead single, and announced their new partnership with Rough Trade, on August 28, 2019. [5] Two months later, the band issued a second single, "Phase", and announced the LP proper and its accompanying tour. [6] Shortly before the album's release, the band released a third advance track, "The Alarmist". [4] In promotion of the album, Pinegrove will embark on a tour across North American in February 2020, accompanied by Lake and Whitney Ballen, followed by a European tour between March and April 2020, alongside Buck Meek and Katy J Pearson. [6]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic? 7.4/10 [7]
Metacritic 76/100 [8]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Clash 8/10 [10]
Consequence of Sound B [11]
Exclaim! 7/10 [12]
Mojo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Paste 8.1/10 [15]
Pitchfork 6.6/10 [16]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [17]
Uncut 8/10 [18]

Marigold has received positive notices from contemporary music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 76 out of 100, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 15 reviews. [8] Mark Moody, reviewing for the magazine Under the Radar , complimented the band's musical progression, calling it Pinegrove's "tightest recorded moments to date on display [...] Marigold unfolds with a feeling of more substance than what came before it." [2] Bud Scoppa of Uncut extolled Marigold as a "vibrantly empathetic experience" aided by its "mournful pedal steel, keening harmonies and thumping analogue rhythms," [18] while Jenny Bulley of Mojo felt it captured the "guileless spirit of mid-'90s alt rock." [13] A Rolling Stone blurb likened the album's sound to the Promise Ring, and praised its "heartwarming" nature. [17] Sanneh, in a profile of the band for The New Yorker , described the LP as "noticeably more stoic," singling out "The Alarmist" for praise. [3]

Timothy Monger from AllMusic observed that Marigold "offers no major surprises or alterations in the band's sound, just quality songwriting and a rather remarkable consistency." [9] Though Jon Young, writing for Consequence of Sound , considered Hall's lyricism self-absorbed, he felt Marigold showcased the group "weaving a lovely tapestry of electric guitars shaded by occasional streaks of alt-country." [11] Reporter Bobby Olivier for NJ.com panned the album, suggesting it sounded "boring" and would be met with "measured appreciation but limited passion." [19] NME contributor Jordan Bassett too found the album "boring," writing that the band's "flashy radicalism [has been] muted into a more subtle, less immediate aesthetic." [14]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Evan Stephens Hall, except "Alcove", written by Evan Stephens Hall with Josh Marré.

Marigold track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Dotted Line"4:20
2."Spiral"0:56
3."The Alarmist"4:01
4."No Drugs"2:48
5."Moment"3:10
6."Hairpin"3:10
7."Phase"2:30
8."Endless"3:26
9."Alcove"2:47
10."Neighbor"4:11
11."Marigold"6:09
Total length:37:29
Marigold– Japanese edition (bonus tracks) [20]
No.TitleLength
12."No Drugs" (Skylight Sessions) 
13."Phase" (Acoustic) 

Personnel

Charts

Sales chart performance for Marigold
Chart (2020)Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC) [21] 53
US Billboard 200 [22] 176
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [23] 16
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [24] 25

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Eagles</i> (album) 1972 studio album by the Eagles

Eagles is the debut studio album by American rock band the Eagles. The album was recorded at London's Olympic Studios with producer Glyn Johns and released in 1972. The album was an immediate success for the young band, reaching No. 22 on the charts and going platinum. Three singles were released from the album, each reaching the Top 40: "Take It Easy", "Witchy Woman", and "Peaceful Easy Feeling". The band, starting with this album, played a major role in popularizing the country rock sound.

<i>Theres More Where That Came From</i> 2005 studio album by Lee Ann Womack

There's More Where That Came From is the sixth studio album by American country music artist Lee Ann Womack, released in 2005. It received numerous awards and critical acclaim and was also Womack's highest selling album since 2000's I Hope You Dance. The album was Womack's return to a traditional country music style, producing three charting singles between 2004 and 2006: "I May Hate Myself in the Morning", "He Oughta Know That by Now" and "Twenty Years and Two Husbands Ago", which peaked at numbers 10, 22, and 32, respectively, on the Hot Country Songs charts. Womack's ex-husband, Jason Sellers, sang background vocals on "I May Hate Myself in the Morning".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pretzel Logic (song)</span> 1974 single by Steely Dan

"Pretzel Logic" is a song written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, released as a single by Steely Dan from their album Pretzel Logic, originally in 1974 by ABC Records. It reached number 57 in the Billboard charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pinegrove (band)</span> American rock band

Pinegrove was an American rock band formed in Montclair, New Jersey in 2010. The band's lineup was largely fluid and variable, with singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall and drummer Zack Levine representing its core members. The two met as children and played in various bands before founding Pinegrove. The band's musical style, which uses instruments such as the banjo and pedal steel guitar, is commonly described as a mix between alt-country and emo. Pinegrove's early years were spent self-releasing music – including their debut album, Meridian (2012) – and performing do-it-yourself (DIY) house shows.

<i>Cardinal</i> (Pinegrove album) 2016 studio album by Pinegrove

Cardinal is the second studio album by American rock band Pinegrove, released February 12, 2016 on Run for Cover. Pinegrove formed in Montclair, New Jersey in 2010, and spent their early years self-releasing their music and performing at DIY shows. Their first record, Meridian, was released in 2012, and later compiled into the mixtape Everything So Far (2014). In the early 2010s, the members relocated from their hometown of Montclair to Brooklyn, New York. The band's frontman, singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall, however, decided to return home, where he and drummer Zack Levine produced Cardinal.

<i>Meridian</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Pinegrove

Meridian is the debut studio album by American rock band Pinegrove, self-released on February 29, 2012. Pinegrove, formed in Montclair, New Jersey two years earlier, spent its early years self-recording its music at home. Meridian offers eight songs, including fan favorite "Recycling", that showcase its mix of alternative country and emo. All of its contents were composed by the band's frontman, singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall. He and drummer Zack Levine founded the group. Meridian also features contributions from occasional band members Nick Levine, Aidan Feliciano, and Nandi Rose Plunkett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evan Stephens Hall</span> American singer-songwriter and musician (born 1989)

Evan Stephens Hall is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Hall is best known as the frontman of indie rock band Pinegrove. Born in New York City, Hall grew up the son of a musician father, and took instrument lessons locally. During his time at Ohio's Kenyon College, Hall co-founded Pinegrove with drummer and childhood friend Zack Levine.

<i>Skylight</i> (Pinegrove album) 2018 indie rock album

Skylight is the third studio album by Pinegrove, self-released on September 28, 2018. The album was produced by the band's frontman, singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall, as well as guitarist Sam Skinner. It was recorded at a home the band lived in in upstate New York in mid-2017. Pinegrove had risen to fame on the heels of its sophomore record, Cardinal, released on independent label Run for Cover. In November 2017, Hall posted a statement on the band's Facebook detailing accusations of "sexual coercion" against him. In response, the band canceled a tour and the planned release of Skylight, entering a hiatus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Birthday Party (song)</span> 2020 single by the 1975

"The Birthday Party" is a song by English band the 1975 from their fourth studio album, Notes on a Conditional Form (2020). The song was released on 19 February 2020 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fourth single from the album. It was written by band members George Daniel, Matthew Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald, while production of the song was handled by Daniel and Healy. Contributions are featured from Bob Reynolds, who plays the alto and tenor saxophone, and Rashawn Ross, who plays the trumpet and flugelhorn. The brass arrangements were composed by John Waugh, who performs the saxophone alongside Reynolds and Ross. The song originated from a jam session in Los Angeles, California, and was intended to be released as the lead single from the album, ultimately being replaced by "People" (2019).

<i>Elsewhere</i> (Pinegrove album) 2017 live album by Pinegrove

Elsewhere is the second live album by American rock band Pinegrove, released January 20, 2017 on Run for Cover. The album follows their breakout record, Cardinal, which was released a year prior and attracted acclaim from music critics. Pinegrove performed nearly 200 shows in the year between, and celebrated their success with Elsewhere. The group also recorded a session for Audiotree Live, which was released on streaming services as a standalone live release preceding the creation of Elsewhere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Midi</span> English music group

Black Midi are an English rock band from London, formed in 2017 and currently consisting of Geordie Greep, Cameron Picton, and Morgan Simpson (drums). The trio have been frequently joined by Seth Evans and Kaidi Akinnibi (saxophone) in both studio and live performances since 2020. Their name is derived from the Japanese electronic music genre black MIDI, though their own music has no relation to it, instead incorporating styles such as math rock, progressive rock, post-punk, and avant-jazz.

<i>Nightfall</i> (Little Big Town album) 2020 studio album by Little Big Town

Nightfall is the ninth studio album by American country music group Little Big Town. It was released on January 17, 2020, by Capitol Nashville, and was self produced by Little Big Town with major production assistance from Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. It includes the singles "Over Drinking", "The Daughters", and "Wine, Beer, Whiskey". It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Album and both "The Daughters" and "Sugar Coat" were nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pinegrove discography</span>

Pinegrove, an American rock band, have released five studio albums, four live albums, one compilation album, three extended plays (EPs), twelve singles, and four music videos.

<i>Swimmer</i> (Tennis album) 2020 studio album by Tennis

Swimmer is the fifth studio album by the musical duo Tennis, released via their own label Mutually Detrimental on February 14, 2020.

"Old Friends" is a song recorded by American rock band Pinegrove. The song was released on January 5, 2016, through Run for Cover Records, as the lead single from the band's second studio album Cardinal. It was written by singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall; lyrically, the song focuses on past friendships, as well as change.

<i>Pinegrove on Audiotree Live</i> 2016 live album by Pinegrove

Pinegrove on Audiotree Live is the first live album by American rock band Pinegrove, released May 27, 2016 on Audiotree Music. The group, which formed in 2010, developed a following with their mix of Americana and emo. The performance was filmed and released through Audiotree, a Chicago, Illinois–based music company.

"Phase" is a song recorded by American rock band Pinegrove. The song was released on October 30, 2019 through Rough Trade Records, as the second single from the band's fourth studio album Marigold (2020). It was written by singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall; lyrically, the song examines insomnia and anxiety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intrepid (song)</span> 2017 single by Pinegrove

"Intrepid" is a song recorded by American rock band Pinegrove. The song was released on November 1, 2017 through Run for Cover Records, as the lead single from the band's third studio album Skylight (2018). It was written by singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall; lyrically, the song examines love and distance in a global context.

"Cadmium" is a song recorded by the American rock band Pinegrove. The song was released on January 27, 2016 through Run for Cover Records, as the second single from the band's second studio album Cardinal. It was written by singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall.

<i>11:11</i> (Pinegrove album) 2022 studio album by Pinegrove

11:11 is the fifth studio album by Pinegrove, released through Rough Trade Records on January 28, 2022. The album was produced by the band's frontman, singer-songwriter Evan Stephens Hall, as well as guitarist Sam Skinner. It is the final album to feature drummer Zack Levine, who left the band in April 2023. For their next effort, the group eschewed their typical home settings for a proper studio for the first time, aiming for a less restrained approach to recording. To this end, they enlisted their first outside collaborator to mix the album—Chris Walla, best known for his work with Death Cab for Cutie.

References

  1. ↑ Pelly, Jenn (September 26, 2018). "Reckoning With Pinegrove". Pitchfork . Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Moody, Mark (January 13, 2020). "Pinegrove: Marigold (Rough Trade)". Under the Radar . Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Sanneh, Kelefa (January 13, 2020). "Pinegrove Stages a Complicated Comeback". The New Yorker . Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  4. 1 2 Breihan, Tom (January 14, 2020). "Pinegrove – "The Alarmist"". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  5. 1 2 Reilly, Nick (August 28, 2019). "Pinegrove share new single 'Moment' and sign to Rough Trade records". NME . Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 Schatz, Lake (October 30, 2019). "Pinegrove announce new album Marigold, share "Phase": Stream". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Marigold by Pinegrove reviews". AnyDecentMusic? . Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  8. 1 2 "Marigold by Pinegrove Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic . Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  9. 1 2 Monger, Timothy. "Marigold – Pinegrove". AllMusic . Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  10. ↑ Hakimian, Rob (January 15, 2020). "Pinegrove – 'Marigold'". Clash . Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  11. 1 2 Young, Jon (January 16, 2020). "Pinegrove Follow a Difficult Chapter with Marigold". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  12. ↑ Gormely, Ian (January 20, 2020). "Pinegrove: Marigold". Exclaim! . Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  13. 1 2 Bulley, Jenny (February 2020). "Pinegrove: Marigold". Mojo . No. 315. p. 96.
  14. 1 2 Bassett, Jordan (January 16, 2020). "Pinegrove – 'Marigold' review: bruised country ballads from the frontline of adulthood". NME . Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  15. ↑ Edelstone, Steven (January 17, 2020). "Pinegrove Attempt to Forgive Themselves on Marigold". Paste . Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  16. ↑ Hogan, Marc (January 22, 2020). "Pinegrove: Marigold". Pitchfork . Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  17. 1 2 "Quick Hits". Rolling Stone . No. 1335. January 2020. p. 84.
  18. 1 2 Scoppa, Bud (February 2020). "Pinegrove: Marigold". Uncut . No. 273. p. 30.
  19. ↑ Olivier, Bobby (January 17, 2020). "After scandal, N.J. band Pinegrove plays it too safe with 'Marigold': review". NJ.com . Retrieved January 17, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Pinegrove / Marigold". Tower Records.com . Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  22. ↑ "Pinegrove Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Pinegrove Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  24. ↑ "Pinegrove Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
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.