Stand Out Albums has been a showcase for my favorite albums across the vast performers that I love. Covering a little bit of everything from classic rock to country hits, much like Key Movies of My Life, it has been the albums that shaped me. This year, I am taking a slightly different approach by discussing the discographies of my favorite musicians, album by album, in release order.
This week we visit the second in the reunited Posies’ albums with the 2010 release Blood/Candy.
Why This Album?
After the excitement for new Posies music with the release of Every Kind of Light, I was beyond thrilled when it seemed this was not just a one shot reunion when it was revealed that The Posies were once again in the studio working on what would become Blood/Candy.
Upon starting this album, it is immediately clear that Jon and Ken had really put everything into this album. While Every Kind of Light was somewhat disjointed at times, Blood/Candy is damn near perfect. Opening with Plastic Paperbacks, we are immediately immersed in the true evolution of The Posies moving from their angst ridden days to something both introspective and more mature while still reflecting the memories of their humble origins. You can still hear the two 90’s Seattle Pop musicians in the music, but they have grown up and become something so much more.
This time around they don’t limit their harmonies to each other either. Inviting singers Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers), Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo), Lisa Lobsinger (Reverie Sound Review) and Paco Loco to join them throughout the tracks helps to make this album feel much more like a celebration of their triumphant return and their joy of doing what they love as opposed to simple fan service. There is a certain join and exuberance that just dances through every note and every lyric with Ken and Jon clearly having the time of their lives doing what they do best.
To me, this album is nothing less than a triumph. Every song fits perfectly with the rest forming a glorious picture that just begs you to view it all at once instead of just piecemeal. However, each piece in and of itself is a wonderful image on it’s own making Blood/Candy a joy, no matter how you consume it.
Not long after the release of this album, I had the chance to finally see the Posies live and actually meet them after the show. To say my past self wasn’t having his mind blown inside my much older body would be an understatement. This was a moment I had wished for for years and I have to say, there were moments during the show that legitimately brought me to tears. I’ll never forget that night and the many shows I have been to since. Ken and Jon both still have it and this album is certainly a testament to that.
Favorite Tracks
It’s funny, my three favorite tracks on this album literally come right after one another. Tracks 3, 4 and 5, Licenses to hide, So Caroline and Take Care of Yourself. To me, these are the perfect examples of why this album is so damned good.
So Caroline is my absolute favorite on this one. It feels like a callback to the classic Posies but elevated to something new. It’s a love song for sure, but in a good way.
Licenses to Hide is a tremendous duet between Ken Stringfellow and Lisa Lobsinger. There is a fun playful nature to the song between these two that just makes this song something special.
Take Care of Yourself is pure power pop and it is just oh so damned good. That’s really all there is to it. I just love this track.
Okay, one more. From the Ashes. Holy moly. This is one of those incredible harmonious songs that just defies description. I think I played it on repeat for hours the first time I played this album. It’s that good.
Ok, Where do I get it?
This one I had to find for you via discogs. It’s worth buying for sure so, just click this and do it. I mean, you could listen to it via Spotify but you will want your own copy eventually.
Next week we talk about the Posies most recent release Solid States and hopefully, not their last.
Late to the Game 6/22/2021
Thanks for reading, If you would like to read more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and also check out some retro tv goodness with the ongoing series Retro TV Reviews here. You can also find a few of my other Music Reviews Here.
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