Description
Bartees Strange – Farm To Table – Green Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Limited to 1,000
Transparent green vinyl exclusive to Vinyl Me Please
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Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on June 17, 2022, Bartees Strange’s Farm to Table is a bold, genre-blending album that showcases his versatility as a songwriter, producer, and musician. Following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album Live Forever (2020), Farm to Table takes Strange’s sound to new heights, blending elements of indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, punk, and electronic music into a cohesive yet eclectic body of work. The album is deeply personal, reflecting on Strange’s rise to success, his relationship with his Black identity, and his experiences navigating the music industry as a genre-defying artist.
While Farm to Table touches on a wide range of musical styles, it’s held together by Strange’s introspective lyrics and unique voice. He uses the album as a space to reflect on themes of identity, ambition, love, and success, offering listeners a window into the mind of an artist grappling with his newfound visibility while staying true to his roots.
Bartees Strange (born Bartees Leon Cox Jr.) spent years performing in Washington, D.C.’s DIY scene before gaining widespread attention with Live Forever, an album that merged indie rock, rap, and soul influences in an innovative way. Farm to Table is a continuation of that experimentation, but it’s also a reflection on the trajectory of his career, from his modest beginnings to his more recent recognition within the indie music world.
The album’s title, Farm to Table, speaks to this journey: it’s a metaphor for coming from humble origins (the farm) and moving toward a place of success and fulfillment (the table). As a Black artist who challenges the norms of genre and the expectations placed on him, Strange uses this album to explore both the rewards and challenges of carving out his own space in the music industry.
Farm to Table is a sonic kaleidoscope that refuses to be confined to any one genre. Bartees Strange has made a name for himself by blending disparate styles—whether it’s the soaring guitar work of indie rock, the lyrical flow of hip-hop, the smooth melodies of R&B, or the raw energy of punk. The album’s production is polished yet experimental, combining sharp beats, rich instrumentation, and Strange’s expressive vocals.
Songs like “Mulholland Dr.” and “Wretched” feature elements of indie rock, with powerful guitar riffs and dynamic arrangements, while also incorporating the rhythmic cadences of hip-hop and R&B’s smoothness. Strange’s ability to seamlessly move between these genres gives the album a unique, genre-fluid quality.
Tracks like “Escape This Circus” and “Cosigns” feature electronic flourishes, glitchy beats, and moments of high-energy punk intensity. The combination of electronic textures with guitar-driven anthems helps Farm to Table maintain a sense of unpredictability, keeping the listener engaged as the music shifts between moments of introspection and explosive power. One of the most striking aspects of Farm to Table is Strange’s vocal versatility. He moves effortlessly between singing, rapping, and even punk-inspired yells, allowing him to convey a wide range of emotions throughout the album. His voice is a crucial part of the album’s dynamic nature, as he transitions from raw vulnerability to confident bravado.
Lyrically, Farm to Table is a deeply introspective album that reflects on Bartees Strange’s personal experiences with identity, ambition, and the complexities of success. As a Black man in a predominantly white indie rock space, Strange often contemplates his position within the industry and the pressures of representation.
A central theme of the album is Strange’s reflections on his journey from obscurity to recognition. Songs like “Cosigns” deal with his rise to prominence, name-dropping indie music heavyweights like Phoebe Bridgers, Justin Vernon, and Lucy Dacus, and reflecting on the surreal feeling of being embraced by the very artists who once influenced him. There’s a sense of pride but also uncertainty about navigating newfound success.
Throughout the album, Strange reflects on the complexities of being a Black artist in spaces that often lack diversity. On “Hold the Line,” he addresses issues of race and loss, dedicating the song to George Floyd’s daughter, grappling with feelings of helplessness in the face of systemic injustice. Strange also touches on the internal struggle of representing his culture while carving his own path in an industry that can be reductive in its expectations of Black artists.
While Farm to Table deals with larger societal themes, it also offers moments of vulnerability and introspection when it comes to love and personal relationships. Tracks like “Tours” and “Wretched” explore feelings of isolation, intimacy, and the emotional toll of constantly being on the move. Strange’s ability to capture both the exhilaration and exhaustion that come with ambition adds emotional depth to the album.
Notable Tracks
“Mulholland Dr.”: One of the album’s standout tracks, “Mulholland Dr.” features a swirling blend of indie rock and electronic beats, with soaring guitars and emotional lyrics about chasing dreams and the sacrifices that come with ambition. The song captures the essence of the album’s central theme—moving from humble beginnings toward success, while questioning what is gained and lost along the way.
“Cosigns”: This track is a reflection on Strange’s rise in the music industry, where he contemplates the surreal nature of being embraced by his idols while still dealing with the pressures of success. The song’s rapid-fire verses and electronic beats create a sense of forward momentum, mirroring the highs and lows of Strange’s career journey.
“Wretched”: With its soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, “Wretched” explores the feelings of guilt and gratitude that come with success. Strange expresses his gratitude for the people who supported him while also acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining personal connections in the face of his rising fame.
“Escape This Circus”: One of the album’s most experimental tracks, “Escape This Circus” combines glitchy electronics, heavy bass, and distorted vocals to create a sense of urgency and chaos. The song reflects the tension between wanting to escape the pressures of life and the desire to achieve something greater.
“Hold the Line”: A deeply emotional and reflective track, “Hold the Line” was inspired by George Floyd’s daughter and addresses the pain and helplessness of witnessing racial violence. Strange’s heartfelt lyrics and gentle delivery make this one of the most poignant moments on the album.
Farm to Table was met with widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Bartees Strange’s ability to blend genres while maintaining a coherent, emotionally resonant narrative. Critics highlighted his bold experimentation and lyrical depth, noting that the album further solidified his place as one of the most innovative voices in modern indie music.
The album was lauded for its willingness to tackle complex themes such as race, identity, and success, with Strange’s unique perspective providing fresh insights into the indie rock and alternative scenes. Fans of artists like Frank Ocean, Bloc Party, and TV on the Radio found Farm to Table to be a compelling mix of introspection, genre fluidity, and emotional vulnerability.
Farm to Table is a genre-defying album that cements Bartees Strange’s reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting artists in contemporary music. With its fusion of indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, and punk, the album showcases Strange’s ability to break down genre barriers while delivering deeply personal and socially conscious lyrics.
For listeners seeking a bold and introspective exploration of identity, ambition, and belonging, Farm to Table offers a dynamic and emotionally rich experience. Bartees Strange’s ability to navigate different musical worlds with ease makes Farm to Table a testament to his artistic vision and a standout in modern music.
Track Listing
Heavy Heart
Mulholland Dr.
Wretched
Cosigns
Tours
Hold The Line
We Were Only Close For Like Two Weeks
Escape This Circus
Daily News
Black Gold
Hennessy
