Summer is almost over but the new Mitski album is out so it’s all going to be ok. Folks, indie rock goddess Mitski released her fifth album, Be the Cowboy, a week ago and I’ve been looping since. Mitski has yet again delivered an outstanding curation of songs on this album, creating a sense of nostalgia and breaking down the ever complexities of human desire. Unlike Mitski’s album Puberty 2, Be the Cowboy is less distortive with a more orchestral tone, bringing back the more prominent sounds of the piano and strings. Not too mention limited backing vocals, making the delivery both vulnerable and impactful.
In its entirety, Be the Cowboy, begs the likely rhetorical question of how we perceive the reflections of ourselves. With all that you’ve accomplished, are you truly happy? With a song like “Lonesome Love”, Mitski delves into the anxieties of meeting a standard but also the loneliness that can be found with such success. The ever enticing infatuation which leads to exhaustion to keep reaching for how one may wish to be perceived.
My favorite song off of the album is “Nobody”. With percussions giving the song a disco type vibe, the playful tone gives way to lyrics that evoke an insatiable sense of wanting and loneliness that accompanies it.
Mitski is gracing Philly with her presence TWICE at Union Transfer on Friday October 18th and Sunday November 19th. October 18th is already sold out so get your tickets for the November 18th show here. From my past experience of attending Mitski shows, this show will sell out. Not in Philly? Check out Mitski’s tour dates here!
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/653wRjqO0GOZPQPcXpeAXD
xx Meg
