SUNDAY DROP - SPIN # 131 FROM THE R'NR WITH RYLO RECORD COLLECTION
I'm eager to listen to her latest album, 'The Second Act' but until we get a chance to do that, I thought that we would give another album from her collection a spin. We previously listened to Missy Higgins' 2012 album, 'The Ol' Razzle Dazzle' back for our 48th Sunday Drop and I chose that one because it was one of her lesser known albums. I feel even though 'Solastalgia' is one of her more recent releases, it didn't get the same publicity or praise as her earlier works. What do you guys think? I feel that Higgins started off her musical career with a 10/10 album and has done well to remain there or there abouts across each release. If you are able to support her, you should try and catch her play live on her current tour. Her voice is incredible live and seeing her get lost in her passion to play piano never gets old.
Higgins' 5th studio album 'Solastalgia', is a poignant and introspective collection of songs that delves into themes of change, personal growth, and emotional resilience. Through her soulful vocals and evocative lyrics, Higgins captures the essence of 'Solastalgia', a term that describes the feeling of distress caused by existential change in one's own home or familiar surroundings. Each track on the album serves as a musical exploration of this concept, offering a blend of melancholy melodies and hopeful reflections. There are moments where she sounds unfamiliar across the album and possibly the reason why people didn't talk more about this record. I like that she tried to change it up on songs like, 'FUTON COUCH' and 'DON'T LOOK DOWN'.
Probably an album that makes you listen to it all the way through a number of times before you are able to understand what you've just heard. I made sure that I sat down upon this listen and studied the lyric sheet that was included. The imagery of Higgins on the front cover shows her all in white, walking on unstable ground, never sure of her current footing or the steps she is yet to take. The photography and gatefold is minimalistic but bright. I was expecting to see more photographs or maybe a poster included with this release, considering the caliber of the photographer. One thing I agree with is that unsureness that comes by being a parent and the guilt you have at first, of bringing a little human into the world. Wanting to give them the best moments and things in order to make their lives happy. Also protecting them and dealing with everyday struggles that we all face and things outside of our control. Higgins discusses a lot about this across the album, as well as the state of the world. There are things that we can't control or have any impact on and sometimes its best not to fall into the rabbit hole. Take a breath and keep spinning records with us.
Our son has had school holiday care this week, while I work from home and recover after the operation. He has loved it and even got to ride on his first bus! At the beginning of the week there was an excursion to Holey Moley Golf in Wollongong and he really enjoyed it. He was explaining to us that he had to hit a golf ball onto a spinning record! At night time we have been watching some movies and letting them stay up a little later during holidays. I was reading our son a book in bed and he told me that he didn't think he was good enough. Can you imagine a 5 year old saying that! My heart was crushed for him and Night Kat Kiz and I reassured him that he is amazing and more than good enough. I think a kid has told him that he wasn't and he has taken it to heart. He managed to count unassisted to 100 the other night too and I was honestly so very proud of him. He is a tough kid with a big heart and sometimes we don't realise just how much these little ones absorb from the world around them.
So since the operation, I'm doing much much better now and will keep recovering each day. Should be good to lift things and get back into my usual activities in the next week or two. I am very keen to get back into some exercising again as the weather warms up and getting into shape for Summer. Our daughter has had her usual week of fun at daycare and playing with all of her school friends. She was able to make some 'cake' outside out of dirt and pretend she was running a kitchen that even Gordon Ramsey would be proud of. She is growing so much and before we know it, she will be able to open the doors in the house. There has been a growth recently and she is starting to do a lot of similar things that her brother tried at his age. It's cute but she needs to understand that stories and getting tucked into bed doesn't mean stay up late and have a party.
Fingers crossed the Penrith Panthers can win tonight for Night Kat Kiz and our daughter. They are dressed up in their gear and look adorable together. I think it will be a fitting send off for those players leaving. Besides, who doesn't want to see a team win four comps in a row during the salary cap era! Very impressive and to think that the Panthers are yet to lose in the life of our daughter is crazy. Next year hopefully a new team can win it, as long as it's my team. One song on the album that showcases Higgins voice and piano playing is on Side B, called 'STRANGE UTOPIA'. It's familiar but at the same time very out there for her style of music. I'm sure that I will get her latest album and 'OZ' too, in order to complete her discography in the R'nR with Rylo collection. Has anyone seen a copy of 'OZ' because right now its either very expensive or impossible to find. If you are reading this Missy, please put out another pressing for us.
The album ends with something more accustomed to a Prince or MJ album in 'THE OLD STAR'. It won't be for everyone and particularly fans of her very first album, 'The Sound of White'. As a lover of music, I can honestly say that this is probably Higgins evoking the spirit of David Bowie within her talents. Now that I've said that, you probably won't be able to ever remove that thought from your head as you listen along. The stylus has come to an end and we hope that you enjoyed this weekend's Sunday Drop. Take care on the roads during the long weekend traffic and remember to enjoy the fleeting moments that come your way. I'll keep resting up and think of what we will Spin next week.
Until our next Spin.....
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