Exclusivo! Having done editions of Psychopomp and Jubilee, this TTL exclusive pressing of J Brekkie's breakout sophomore album (and first on Dead Oceans) completes the triptych. 1000 copies on bubblegum colored vinyl (Michelle's pick π); original Lab review from when the album was first released:
2nd solo project from Michelle Zauner under the Japanese Breakfast moniker. Zauner, affectionately referred to as "J Brekkie" by fans, follows up her 2016 debut Psychopomp with Soft Sounds From Another Planet, a 12-tracker that explores a wide range of emotions over a lush bed of catchy melodies, noise, and atmospheric soundscapes. JB's first album was released around the time of her mother's fatal bout with cancer, and it was noted for the overarching theme of grief, which she brilliantly paired with other life subjects like sexuality and heartbreak. Similarly raw, melancholic feelings are expressed on Soft Soundsβ¦, and Michelle's pointed, autobiographical songwriting is the engine that drives the LP. However, the album covers a much wider spectrum sonically. From indie rock and lo-fi to experimental pop and shoegaze, all the elements that influenced Psychopomp are still present but done in a glossier, fuller, and more cohesive manner. Check out "Diving Woman" (props to the opening line β "I wanna be a woman of regimen / A bride in her home state / A diving woman of Jeju-do" β what a great way to incorporate her Korean roots), "Road Head," "Machinist," "Boyish," and the title track.
- Turntable Lab exclusive
- strict limit (1) per customer - any order for more than (1) will be canceled + refunded entirely
- bubblegum colored vinyl
- printed inner sleeve
- digital download included
- limited edition
- original release year: 2017
- music label: Dead Oceans 2023
- TTL Editions 119
reviewed by nakaveli 07/2017