Courtney Barnett
Country of origin:
Australia
Type of music generally:
Alternative pop/rock with a touch of performance art
Status:
Most recent release, Things Take Time, Take Time (2021)
See also:
Courtney Barnett's site
Comparisons:
Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Sophie Hunger
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Courtney Barnett herself admits she's not the greatest vocalist ever. She's got a rather rough voice, and often she half-speaks the lyrics. THe tunes are fine alt rock, but not terribly innovative. So what is it about her that's so engaging? The witty songwriting and the straightforward way she presents her music and the Dylan-rant slice-of-life lyrics. The fun rhymes. Many of her songs are utterly irresistable, and feel like she's caught something about contemporary life that other singersongwriters haven't. (Neile)Literate, clever, and wry lyrics that foreground millennial angst and preoccupations, all set to a classic indie guitar-driven sound. (jmgurley@drizzle.com)
Recommended first album:
Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
Recordings:
- I've Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris (2011)
- How to Carve a Carrot into a Rose (2013)
- The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas (2014)
- Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (2015)
- Lotta Sea Lice (with Kurt Vile, 2017)
- Tell Me How You Really Feel (2018)
- Things Take Time, Take Time (2021)
The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas
Release info:
2014—Mom + Pop
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Comments:
This album is a great introduction to Courtney Barnett's music, but only "Avant Gardener" and especially "History Eraser" (both such brilliant songs) have the absolute engaging power of Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. I could listen to "History Eraser" over and over. And have. (Neile)
Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit
Release info:
2015—Mom + Pop—MP221-2
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Courtney Barnett—guitar, vocals
Guest artists:
Dave Mudie—drums, percussion, vocals
Dones Sloane—bass, vocals
Dan Luscombe—guitar, vocals
Produced by:
Courtney Barnett, Burke Reid, Dan Luscombe
Comments:
One of my favourites of the year. My two favourites on the album are "Pedestrian At Best" and "Dead Fox." How can anyone resist lyrics like "give me all your money / and I'll make some origami, honey"? I guess the answer is, not me. Give it a listen. It's delightful. (Neile)
Tell Me How You Really Feel
Release info:
2018—Mom + Pop
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Courtney Barnett—guitar, vocals
Guest artists:
Bones Sloane—bass, backing vocals
Dave Mudie—drums, percussion
Dan Luscombe—keys, organ, guitar, backing vocals
Kim Deal (The Breeders)—backing vocals (5, 7), guitar (7)
Kelley Deal (The Breeders)—backing vocals (7)
Produced by:
Courtney Barnett, Burke Reid, and Dan Luscombe
Comments:
This one felt a little more subtle than Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, but it's still pretty great. Indie rock at its most basic, but still with exceptionally evocative lyrics. (Neile)
Things Take Time, Take Time
Release info:
2021—Mom + Pop
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Courtney Barnett—guitar, vocals
Guest artists:
Stella Mozgawa—drum programming
Comments:
Pleasing, but not quite as distinctive as some of her previous releases. (Neile)
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