There’s no denying it: Ariel Pink’s new album is great; probably the best album this year. Before Today is, by far, Pink’s most accessible effort to date. Having said that, I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that Ariel Pink is one of the most overrated artists of our generation.
Ariel Pink’s back catalogue is a rather confusing mess. Between the yelps, random sounds, and tape hiss, it’s hard to make out anything worth listening to. His no-fi records leave much to be desired. Based on his old albums, it’s tough to see why people refer to him as a “musical genius.”
His live shows aren’t any better. The vocals sound pretty much the same as on the records, but it was tough to make them out as they were drowned out by an unbearable noise. The feedback, much like an annoying mosquito buzzing near your ear, maintained a constant presence at the show. Even his new songs were flooded with feedback reminiscent of Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music. The harmonies were off key on everyone’s favorite “Round and Round.” Literally, after every song, either Pink or one of his band members would request some sort of sound change. First it was more vocals in the monitors, then it was more keys in the house, and then more vocals in the house. Having experience running a soundboard, I knew how painful it was to hear the musicians bitch about the sound. It was uncomfortable and went on and on all night. He said that he just couldn’t get the sound that he wanted.
Many people have labeled Ariel Pink as a “musical genius.” But he has yet to prove this title with only one accessible record among a slew of incomprehensible bedroom recordings. His pre-Before Today material is too “out there” to enjoy. I just don’t see what all the hype is about. Ariel Pink’s next move will be the most interesting. Will he continue to make albums in the studio or will he return to the noisy, no-fi, bedroom recordings of his past? It’s your move, Mr. Pink.
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