Lambchop's "FLOTUS"

The Artist: Lambchop

The Record: FLOTUS (Merge, 2016)

The Sound: Back-Groove Americana

The Story: I've always wanted to get into Lambchop. Both of my brothers have found their joy in 2002's Is a Woman and 2004's Aw C'mon/No, You C'mon and I've kept those records in my collection for years waiting for the right moment to dive into their 12+ record catalog. But it was last April as I cruised the streets of LA and I heard the first single off of FLOTUS when I knew my time had come.

They debuted "NIV" on All Songs Considered which i heard while cruising the streets of LA and I was grabbed immediately by the pumping chill of the electronic soundscape that rolled between my headphones. Although Kurt Wagner's deep and poetic growl is usually at the forefront of Lambchop's orchestrations, it was clear that they were embracing modern voice-processing filters and production techniques and it was working. I was totally captivated by the deep breath of fresh air that filled the lungs of this music over 20 years into this band's career.

Using contemporary tools to update your sound has gone badly for artists in the past, falling into the trap of trying to be "cool dad" and unkowingly falling flat. Fortunately, FLOTUS holds strong as one of the most palatable and groovy records I listened to in 2016. Each time I would feel overwhelmed by the triumphantly chaotic events happening around the world at the end of the year, I would put on FLOTUS and sink into the relaxing subtly of "In Care of 8675309" and I was transported into a space of liminal calm where I could simply float. And there and then I was safe.

Float Us, FLOTUS.

For Love Often Turns Us Still.

Artist: Lambchop

Song: "NIV"

Album: FLOTUS (2016, Merge)