Privilege cover

Privilege

Parenthetical Girls · 2013

43 min · 12 tracks · baroque pop

Intricate arrangements blend with theatrical vocals, crafting a lush soundscape that balances whimsy and melancholy.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Evelyn McHale — This opening track sets the tone with its haunting narrative about a tragic figure, encapsulating the album's themes of mortality and beauty.
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    The Common Touch — The song contrasts delicate instrumentation with sharply poignant lyrics, illustrating the tension between vulnerability and societal expectations.
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    For All the Final Girls — Drawing inspiration from horror film tropes, this track cleverly subverts genre expectations while exploring themes of survival and identity.
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    Weaknesses — With its introspective lyrics and lush melodies, this track exemplifies the band's knack for blending personal reflection with broader existential questions.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate arrangements with theatrical flair
  • whimsical yet melancholic soundscapes
  • thoughtful reflections on vulnerability
  • pacing that invites deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
  • want heavy production and polish

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 14, 2013, Privilege is Parenthetical Girls' first album in four years, following the ambitious compilation of their previous works. The band had previously gained attention for their unique blend of baroque pop and indie sensibilities, and this album marks their continued evolution in sound and thematic exploration.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sympathy For Spastics

    A shift occurs where the narrative voice transitions from self-deprecation to a more assertive stance, challenging perceptions of disability.

    This shift not only highlights personal agency but also critiques societal attitudes towards those deemed 'other', making a powerful statement about identity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Evelyn McHale 3:51
  • 2 The Common Touch 4:00
  • 3 Careful Who You Dance With 2:40
  • 4 For All the Final Girls 3:06
  • 5 The Pornographer 3:20
  • 6 Sympathy For Spastics 2:34
  • 7 Weaknesses 3:20
  • 8 A Note To Self 3:10
  • 9 Young Throats 4:02
  • 10 On Death & Endearments 4:38
  • 11 The Privilege 4:53
  • 12 Curtains 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata