NEW MUSIC: St. Vincent's Accession

Bob Giusti

Annie Clark is St. Vincent, the "it girl" of the art rock genre. The multi instrumentalist singer/songwriter is everywhere on the alternative music charts as well as an ubiquitous presence on the modern rock scene.

She has toured as a collaborator with David Byrne (Talking Heads duh) and recently was one of several lead singers who performed in Kurt Cobain's place at Nirvana's recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. This respect didn't come from a massive PR push by her label (Republic) but rather years of fine honing her skills with some impressive experience in the music biz.

Hailing from Texas the 32 year Clark began her trek at age 12 by working on tours for her aunt and uncle who comprised the duo of Tuck and Patti. After a 3 year stint at Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music Clark skipped graduating and went back home to Texas. From there she joined The Polyphonic Spree and then toured as a member of Sufjan Stevens touring band before creating the St. Vincent persona. For those who are curious, Clark describes herself as a "reformed Catholic" and has stated that the name came from the medical center where poet Dylan Thomas died.

St. Vincent had a debut record out back in 2007 called Marry Me, followed by 2009's Actor and then Strange Mercy in 2011 which paved the way for the excitement surrounding the release of the eponomusly titled St. Vincent this past February.

This latest release seems to culminate the best of what Clark has to offer in terms of complex arrangements and quirky lyrics. Clark has said, "I like when things come out of nowhere and blindside you a little bit. I think any person who gets panic attacks or has an anxiety disorder can understand how things can all of a sudden turn very quickly. I think I'm sublimating that into the music." 

I recently have gotten to know the record in it's entirety and am quite impressed with the musical skills and surprise twists and turns mixed with melodic vocals and songs reminiscent of Kate Bush. You can be the judge yourself by taking advantage of the CD in it's entirety below (while it's up on YouTube):

LISTEN: ST VINCENT the CD