The Bacon Review

An annual Top 31 countdown of the best albums of the year

  • Home
  • About
  • Top 31
  • Search
  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • RSS

#22 on the 2014 Bacon Top 31

December 10, 2014 by Royal Stuart

I Never Learn by Lykke Li

I can pinpoint the exact day in 2014 when I fell in love with I Never Learn, the third full-length from Sweden’s Lykke Li. It was June 19. That song, “Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone,” is one gorgeous song. And from the fever that enveloped me that morning as I was waking up, I listened to and consequently fell in love with the album.

Lykke Li played the Paramount Theater earlier this year, which is quite an impressive feat for a somewhat unknown singer/songwriter from the other side of the globe. Her three albums have all been solid, but it wasn’t until that particular song did I really get her. And now I can’t shake her. There is just something about her voice, that pain and sorrow, dripping with heartbreak — it doesn’t make me sad. Melancholy music usually has the opposite effect for me, bringing me out of my own funk, warming me up inside.

It’s beautiful. And if depressing music can control your moods, then maybe she’s not for you. But if you like living in the remote parts of the emotional spectrum, then maybe you should explore Lykke Li. I have a feeling this is exactly what we all need to get through whatever is dragging us down.

__________________________________________

23. Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes by Thom Yorke
24. The Voyager by Jenny Lewis
25. Voices by Phantogram
26. Morning Phase by Beck
27. Hungry Ghosts by OK Go
28. Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
29. Cosmos by Yellow Ostrich
30. Teeth Dreams by The Hold Steady
31. With Light & With Love by Woods

2009-2013 Top 31s

December 10, 2014 /Royal Stuart
lykke li, 2014, advented
Comment

Lykke Li — Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone

June 19, 2014 by Royal Stuart

This morning, as I listened to the sounds of KEXP quietly emanating from my alarm clock, the above song came on, completely enveloping me. It may have been my sleep deprived state (having a 6 year old climb into your bed at 4:30am and toss and turn for the next 1.5 hours can do that), but I now can’t shake the song: the viscosity of utter sadness that is emoted by Lykke Li’s voice; the raw sound of depression and pain, personified.

Li, from Sweden, has been building a fierce following since 2008. “Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone” is from her stellar third album, I Never Learn, which came out May 2 of this year. She comes to the Paramount on September 17, 2014. Bring tissues.

June 19, 2014 /Royal Stuart
watched, lykke li
Comment

Powered by Squarespace