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Nixon

Lambchop

2000

Buy At Rough Trade
Nixon
Album Summary

Nixon is the fifth studio album by American rock band Lambchop. It was released on February 7, 2000 and was issued by Merge Records and City Slang. Nixon became a breakthrough release for Lambchop in the United Kingdom, where it received critical acclaim and was named among the best albums of 2000 by numerous publications.

Wikipedia

Rating

2.77

Votes

12703

Genres

  • Country
  • Pop

Reviews

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May 31 2021
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4

Very pretty chamber pop with a bit of a country feel to it. Beautiful orchestral arrangements. Feels like it falls somewhere between Neil Young and Neil Diamond. If there isn't a guy named Neil in the band I will be thoroughly disappointed.

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Nov 25 2021
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2

It's an album. Apparently I listened to most of it but I'm not really sure when that took place. Nothing stood out and I wouldn't go back to it.

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Jul 12 2021
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2

Nixon is a wildly uneven album, oscillating between gentle country inflected pop and ill advised forays into Philly soul, but that doesn't even begin to describe how strange it is. On the country inflected pop songs, singer Kurt Wagner sounds a lot like Dean Wareham from Luna, who in turn took his cues from Lou Reed. He can be modestly effective in this mode, as in the opener, The Old Gold Shoe. But his falsetto, as on You Masculine You, is to die for, meaning it makes you want to die. And when he launches into a curdled attempt at Philly soul, as in What Else Could It Be?, I imagine flocks of birds dying in mid-air and plummeting to the ground like so many hailstones as an appropriate response. Then there are the arrangements. They are painstakingly worked out and quite involved, featuring a conventional core band, strings, horns, vibraphone, touches of atmospheric distortion, even a full on choir, but rarely has so much effort resulted in so little reward. Most of the way through Nixon, the arrangements and performances are quite gentle and the music tends to glide through one ear and out the other, leaving no trace. But at times, Lambchop allows a bit of distortion or some grungy guitar to bleed through, adding some much needed edge. It's hard to know what to make of all this. Clearly, Lambchop is capable of making listenable music. If they had spun out variations on pop numbers with a veneer of country, tempered by some grunge guitar and distortion, they might have come up with a modest, low key success. As it is, whatever is modestly effective is overshadowed by horrific, cringe-worthy attempts at Philly soul.

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Aug 25 2023
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3

Speaking of disgraced former presidents, Donald Trump got arrested in Georgia today. In other news, this album made me a little bit sleepy. More at 11.

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Sep 10 2021
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2

I get excited when I see a short album with only 10 songs. But each song averaging around 5:30min kills that excitement almost immediately. So far every song sounds like it could be used as an intro song in a Netflix/Amazon Prime/HBO Max/AppleTV Drama Series Honestly, very boring

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May 22 2021
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2

I really wanted to like this album more, but it was just missing any real musical depth. The instrumentals felt the same from beginning to end, and they weren't memorable enough for that to be a good thing.

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Jun 09 2021
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2

If Tom Waites, Leonard Cohen, and Smokey Robinson had a baby.

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Jan 06 2022
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1

A real struggle to get through, I found it monotonous, mundane. Although I think that's maybe the intention in an odd way. I get why people would like it but it does nothing for me.

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Nov 24 2021
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2

Wikipedia lists the genre of this album as "Countrypolitan," which is a cursed word that should not exist. After listening to this guy's falsetto, the jury is out on the band itself as well. Best track: Up with People

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Nov 12 2021
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2

I don't get it. The arrangements are elaborate enough and the band (backed by a small orchestra it would seem) played them them perfectly. The production is slick and polished. The vocals are full of nicotine soaked rasp. The lyrics are dense and feel like short stories or letters read outloud. But the music just lacks anything to connect to. Each song just sort of lilts into the next. The emotional register of each song is perfectly uniform, bordering on monotone. Funny enough, "What Else Could It Be?" is like the one song I felt something with, and it's the one where the vocalist is singing in a screeching falsetto that seems two modulations higher than the vocalist dares belong. Yet, it kinda worked for me. So, what am I missing? Why is this album on the list?

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Jun 02 2021
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2

What is this doing on the list? Bland and boring. Meh.

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May 17 2021
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2

Musically, it sounds okay. My main issue with this album is that I have read all the lyrics and listened multiple times and I have no idea what the album is about. The lyrics are nonsensical and the vocals are murky. Too many metaphors. Definitely not a "fun" album. I can't think of any song I like on the album, but it is good enough to put in the background I guess. It doesn't actively annoy me is I treat the vocals as sounds rather than words.

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Sep 27 2023
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1

THIS is what happens when someone decides to make music for reasons other than to get laid, you get a bland, nonsensical, auditory circle jerk of comatose mumble singing and the only 10-piece band in history that DIDN'T disturb their neighbors. Get your priorities straight, and maybe your songs will sound better.

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Jun 01 2021
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1

I don't get the "universal acclaim" for this album. Maybe I'm not sophisticated enough?

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Nov 28 2021
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2

SHACK. I want to give it 5 stars for the lamby goodness, but I just can't.

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Aug 02 2021
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2

So boring and generally rough vocals throughout. 4

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Aug 02 2021
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2

A strange combination of country and soul, lush orchestration, impenetrable lyrics and Kurt Wagners irritating singing voice (especially that falsetto). The album is well produced and carefully arranged but the overall result is just not all that memorable.

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Jul 30 2021
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2

Modern easy listening. Pretty bland, Petrified Florist is the best track but it's not enough that I'd listen again.

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Jan 18 2024
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5

Richard Nixon is not known for being a soulful kind of person. Spiteful, paranoid, tricky and evil definitely. But not soulful. So Lambchop's breakthrough album named after him, but not entirely dealing with the idea of him, is a brilliant contradiction of things. You become swept away by Lambchop's ability to weave elements of country, rock, soul and classical into a effortless blend that borders on perfection. From The Old Gold Shoe onwards, Nixon swoons and sways in a way that brings, however improbably, a good shine on the name for a short period of time. Also, the How I Met Cat Power version of the songs on here is just as stellar and offers the songs new perspectives.

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Dec 21 2023
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5

I have always loved this album, and I will go years and years without thinking about it or listening to it. And it's been a while, so I was pleasantly surprised when it popped up. I'm also a bit surprised that this album is on the list, but reading it's wiki page it sounds like it was very well received particularly in the UK and appeared on a lot of year end best of lists from UK pubications, so that tracks. This album is just gorgeous and I love the way it meanders and snakes through. Up With People is one of my all time favorite songs, and it always feels like a nice rediscovery when it pops up because it is so often out of sight and out of mind. Great record all around.

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Nov 06 2023
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5

Perfect Sunday morning listening. Chill but interesting. Didn't feel like skipping a single song and listened to the album twice in the same day.

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Aug 18 2023
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5

That was beautiful and Interesting. Up with People fit the vibe so well.

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Feb 02 2023
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5

Wow I listened to this literally two days before it came up on the shuffle. Lambchop are absolutely an unclassifiable band, alt-soul, new country, whatever. But the songs are brilliant all the way through, Wagner's voice a dolourous delight and the arrangements stately. Is it a five? Yes probably.

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Jul 14 2022
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5

Have never heard of this band before. Really enjoyed this album. Thought the instrumentation, arrangements, and lyrics were all compelling and unique. I admire the blending of different popular styles to create something new and fun to listen to. This album has a great blend of easier listening tunes and ones you need to focus on. It reminded me of other indie bands like maybe Wilco, especially the lead’s soft, slightly acerbic voice and observational lyrics. I will totally recommend this album to others now that I know it.

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May 27 2022
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5

Wow, never ad erd of thees before. It is very nice.

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May 05 2022
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5

Easy listening, interesting and fun!

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Mar 14 2022
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5

Ok I've had this saved for a couple of weeks. I can't categorise it, but why should I? Get Richard Hawley vibes one day, Jarvis Cocker the next. Ok, it's not an platinum best seller classic, but I REALLY like this.

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Mar 06 2022
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5

beautiful western, classical, alt-rock album - 10/10 his vocal range is also really impressive

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Feb 25 2022
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5

What a find! I have never heard this band before but I loved listening to this!

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Feb 25 2022
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5

Immediately infectious! I can't believe I never heard of them. Loved it!

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Dec 16 2021
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5

I have never heard of Lambchop, but the album cover for NIXON made me very happy, so I was excited to put this record on. Turns out the cover is a great representation for what's inside. Quirky, inscrutable, but so pleasant. I loved the orchestral easy listening sound and the lyrics - even though I often had no idea what they meant. Felt like what Burt Bacharach might compose if he were really, really stoned. Highlights: "The Old Gold Shoe" - who starts an album like this? I appreciate the confidence of making such a laid back track the opener. "Grumpus" is one of my favorites on the album. I really wanted to be drinking a pink squirrel in a dark lounge while this was playing. SOOO nice! "Be square and kind to all your friends Stop staring through the bitter lens." This song has advice I can use. "You Masculine You" made me laugh immediately as the title juxtaposes with the falsetto delivery. But it is oh so lovely. "Up With People" felt like... an Up With People concert? The clapping, the backing choir, the happy music... uplifting! "Nashville Parent" had me floating on a very strange cloud where I observed neighbors fighting, owls decapitating rodents, spit on my chest, and a fiberglass funny face on the wall. I love being made so comfortable and happy while having no idea what is going on. "What Else Could It Be?" could be the easy listening version of a Bee Gees song with its lush violins and falsetto performance. I loved the ending. "The Distance From Her To There" had a real country feel that I loved. The steel guitar, the vibraphone - oh yes! "The Book I Haven't Read" is a lovely love song - the only one I can think of with the word 'disgusting' in it. I wish it were written for me. "The Petrified Florist" with its clever title is one of the darker songs on the album... definitely sensed some tension here. "The Butcher Boy" followed up with a really dark story. Because it seemed to make perfect sense I wondered if my brain had been reprogrammed ... then I had a look at the credits on Wikipedia and realized that this was an old traditional American folk song. The Apple Music credits show the writer as Lambchop since they did take liberties with the traditional song. Really unique take on this. NIXON's inscrutability doesn't bother me because the music is so nice and the singer so approachable - kind of a cross between Cat Stevens and Barry Gibb. The lyrics often felt like another instrument to me - when they didn't make sense I was satisfied with the sounds they made and the feelings they evoked. NIXON is a strange, wonderful place where I feel warm, welcome and comfortable that I will revisit often.

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Dec 02 2021
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5

A sweet surprise. A candid voice singing delicious songs. Loved the guitar tune and chorus. I am adding some of these songs to my personal playlists now!

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May 27 2021
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5

I was not expecting to absolutely love this. But I do, and I’m very pleased about it

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Sep 26 2024
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4

I understand why no one seems to like this album, but it really did something for me. At some point in the future, I will 100% be getting wine drunk and dancing around to this in my kitchen while my husband rolls his eyes.

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Jun 12 2021
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4

I don’t really know what I just listened to and I’m not even mad about it

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Feb 22 2024
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3

It's a bold album with a rich sound, but it goes in various directions and loses me at times.

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Dec 03 2023
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3

Didn't know this existed. It would be fine background music while working in the kitchen, but for some reason they have Miss Piggy as a guest singer on some of the tracks. Might revisit but for now moving on.

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Sep 09 2022
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3

I think this is the first artist and album that I was completely unaware of! I love the album art, but admittedly did not listen to much of this album. This doesnt seem to fit the format of "1001 albums to hear before you die" or any sort of album a day thing, because the songs are deceptively complex despite being so soft and simple sounding on first listen. I feel like the songs may be rewarding enough on repeat listens to warrant the high praise the album obviously received, but listening to it once it's frankly too hard to tell. It makes me wish this site had a "listened but cannot rate" option, I would choose that, otherwise I'll go in the middle of the road with three stars, and I will probably revisit again later

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Nov 28 2021
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3

Q. What does SHACK eat for breakfast? A. Lamb chops.

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Nov 28 2021
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3

@SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK, @SHACK. SHACK LOVES LAMBCHOPS.

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Aug 03 2022
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1

Calling this alt-country is like calling Metallica alt-disco, which is no comment on the music, just the inanity of the genre designation. As for my comment on the music: too limp and too slight. There are definitely some nostalgic reflexes in here, but I'm not sure what era they're harking back to and I'm not sure Wagner is either.

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May 16 2022
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1

Wow. This sucked. Like genuinely, this is absolutely atrocious and borderline unlistenable. I found nothing redeeming in this and was relieved when it finally ended after 50 minutes. Too long, too repetitive, the music sucks and the vocals are horrible. Good god, the vocals are so bad. How can you make a song like "You Masculine You" and think you've created art. I'm almost 150 albums deep and this is was the hardest thing to finish save for maybe L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods. Watergate.

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Nov 17 2024
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5

I'm trying to work out why I love this album so much. When they get into that soulful groove I don't care that his falsetto doesn't fit the mark. When they're getting sad I don't care that he sometimes hits a flat note. I think he might be another Dylan: superb lyrics with a voice that conveys emotion.

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Oct 23 2024
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5

Lambchop es un artista esencial en los 90-00. Con una producción inmaculada, How I quite smoking, Is a woman o este Nixon, son discos realmente buenos. Grumpus fue un merecido éxito y Up with people aún más. Otras gemas son The Old Gold Shoe o Nashville Parent, aunque cualquier tema es único y especial. Otros discos del 2000: COLDPLAY- Parachutes, PJ HARVEY - Stories from the city, stories from the sea, YO LA TENGO - And then nothing turned itself inside-out, THE JAYHAWKS - Smile, EELS - Daisies of the galaxy, THE WATERBOYS - A rock in the weary land, ELLIOTT SMITH - Figure 8, RADIOHEAD-Kid A , U2-All that you can't leave behind, MADONNA-Music , QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE-Rated R , Dakota Suite- Signal Hill, David Gray- White Ladder, Mojave 3- Excuses for travellers, Piano Magic -Artists´ Rifles, D'Angelo- Voodoo, Primal Scream- XTRMNTR, Goldfrapp- Felt Mountain, Death Cab for Cutie- We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes, Doves- Lost Souls, Black Box Recorder- The facts of life, Calexico- Hot Rail, Ágætis Byrjun (Sigu Ros), The Sophtware Slump (Grandaddy), The Marshall Mathers (Eminem), Skantonia (Outkast), Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven (Godspeed you black emperor!), Since i left you (The Avalanches), The Noise Made by People (Broadcast), The great eastern (The Delgados), The Friends of Rachel Worth (The Go-Betweens), Tourist (St. Germain), Community Music (Asian Dub Foundation), Chore of Enchantment (Giant Sand) y otro monumento en forma de triple álbum como es 69 lovesongs (The Magnetic fields). Hasta Born to Do It de Craig David o A Grand Don't Come for Free de The Streets y Music de Madonna).

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Aug 29 2024
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5

Not what I was expecting. The trumpet was such a rich add. “you masculine you” sounded very much like a precursor to Phoebe Bridget’s Punisher.

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Jul 26 2024
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5

A really nice mellow album that I actually really like. Hmmmmm.... I'm getting old. It's a super nice 70's mellow soul feel with some "countryish" sounds mixed in. Lover it!

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Jul 15 2024
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5

**Album Review: Nixon by Lambchop** *Released:* February 7, 2000 *Genre:* Alternative Country, Indie Rock *Label:* Merge Records *Producer:* Mark Nevers, Kurt Wagner **Introduction** "Nixon," Lambchop's fifth studio album, stands as a hallmark of modern alternative country and indie rock. Blending intricate musical arrangements with introspective lyrics, the album showcases Lambchop's evolution under the creative vision of frontman Kurt Wagner. This review delves into the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, providing a balanced analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** Kurt Wagner’s lyrics on "Nixon" are a tapestry of poetic imagery and mundane observations. His storytelling is subtle, often weaving complex emotions into everyday scenarios. For instance, in "The Old Gold Shoe," Wagner juxtaposes domestic life with existential musings, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. The lyrics often require multiple listens to fully appreciate their depth and nuance. *Pros:* - Poetic and richly detailed lyrics that offer depth and require contemplation. - Effective use of imagery and metaphor to convey complex emotions. *Cons:* - The abstract nature of some lyrics might alienate listeners seeking straightforward narratives. **Music** Musically, "Nixon" is a lush, genre-blending masterpiece. The album combines elements of country, soul, jazz, and pop, resulting in a sound that is both eclectic and cohesive. The opening track, "The Old Gold Shoe," sets the tone with its orchestral arrangement, featuring strings, horns, and a gentle groove that underpins Wagner’s vocals. Tracks like "Up With People" showcase a more upbeat, soulful vibe, complete with a gospel choir that adds a layer of exuberance to the album. *Pros:* - Rich, multi-layered arrangements that blend various genres seamlessly. - Use of orchestral elements adds depth and sophistication to the sound. *Cons:* - Some tracks may feel overproduced to listeners who prefer a raw, stripped-down sound. **Production** Produced by Mark Nevers and Kurt Wagner, "Nixon" is a meticulously crafted album. The production quality is pristine, with every instrument and vocal part occupying its own space in the mix. The attention to detail is evident in tracks like "The Book I Haven’t Read," where subtle sonic textures enhance the listening experience. The use of reverb and echo gives the album a spacious, almost cinematic quality. *Pros:* - High production values that highlight the album’s intricate arrangements. - Creative use of studio effects to enhance the overall sound. *Cons:* - The polished production might detract from the album’s organic feel for some listeners. **Themes** "Nixon" explores themes of everyday life, love, loss, and the passage of time. Wagner’s lyrics often reflect on the mundane aspects of existence, imbuing them with a sense of importance and beauty. The album also touches on social and political themes, though these are more subtly integrated into the personal narratives. For example, "Up With People" can be interpreted as a commentary on collective action and hope. *Pros:* - Thoughtful exploration of universal themes through a personal lens. - Balance of introspective and socially aware lyrics. *Cons:* - The subtlety of the themes might make them less accessible to casual listeners. **Influence** "Nixon" has had a lasting impact on the alternative country and indie rock genres. Its blend of orchestral arrangements with traditional country elements has influenced numerous artists and bands. The album is often cited as a benchmark for its innovative approach to genre-blending and its sophisticated production. *Pros:* - Significant influence on subsequent alternative country and indie rock music. - Recognition as a groundbreaking album in its genre. *Cons:* - Its distinct style may overshadow other works within Lambchop’s discography for new listeners. **Track-by-Track Analysis** 1. **The Old Gold Shoe** - **Lyrics:** Reflective and introspective, exploring themes of routine and change. - **Music:** Orchestral arrangement with strings and horns, creating a rich soundscape. - **Production:** Layered and polished, highlighting each instrument. 2. **Grumpus** - **Lyrics:** Abstract and surreal, with a focus on personal dissatisfaction. - **Music:** Jazzy influences with a prominent bassline and intricate guitar work. - **Production:** Clean and balanced, allowing the complexity of the arrangement to shine. 3. **You Masculine You** - **Lyrics:** Gender roles and personal identity are examined with subtlety. - **Music:** Slow, soulful groove with a prominent piano melody. - **Production:** Warm and inviting, with a focus on the vocals and piano. 4. **Up With People** - **Lyrics:** Uplifting and hopeful, possibly alluding to collective action. - **Music:** Soulful and upbeat, featuring a gospel choir. - **Production:** Vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy of the choir. 5. **Nashville Parent** - **Lyrics:** Intimate and personal, exploring familial relationships. - **Music:** Melancholic and subdued, with gentle acoustic guitar and strings. - **Production:** Minimalist and delicate, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics. 6. **What Else Could It Be?** - **Lyrics:** Ambiguous and introspective, questioning purpose and meaning. - **Music:** Slow tempo with a focus on melody and atmosphere. - **Production:** Spacious and echoing, creating a contemplative mood. 7. **The Distance From Her To There** - **Lyrics:** Descriptive and narrative, focusing on separation and longing. - **Music:** Upbeat rhythm with a prominent bass and lively horn section. - **Production:** Crisp and clear, with each instrument well-defined in the mix. 8. **The Book I Haven't Read** - **Lyrics:** Intellectual and reflective, dealing with themes of knowledge and regret. - **Music:** Slow and soulful, with a lush arrangement of strings and piano. - **Production:** Rich and immersive, enhancing the emotive quality of the track. 9. **The Petrified Florist** - **Lyrics:** Abstract and poetic, with a focus on decay and beauty. - **Music:** Minimalist arrangement with delicate guitar and subtle percussion. - **Production:** Sparse and airy, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. 10. **The Butcher Boy** - **Lyrics:** Traditional folk narrative, dealing with themes of love and loss. - **Music:** Simple acoustic arrangement, staying true to its folk roots. - **Production:** Clean and unembellished, emphasizing the storytelling aspect. **Overall Pros and Cons** *Pros:* - **Lyrics:** Deeply poetic and rich in imagery, offering layers of meaning. - **Music:** Innovative blend of genres with sophisticated arrangements. - **Production:** High-quality and meticulous, enhancing the listening experience. - **Themes:** Thoughtful exploration of universal and personal themes. - **Influence:** Significant impact on alternative country and indie rock genres. *Cons:* - **Lyrics:** May be too abstract for listeners seeking straightforward narratives. - **Music:** Some tracks may feel overproduced to those preferring a raw sound. - **Production:** The polished nature might detract from the organic feel. - **Themes:** Subtlety in themes might make them less accessible. - **Influence:** Its distinct style could overshadow other works by Lambchop for new listeners. **Conclusion** "Nixon" by Lambchop is a landmark album that continues to resonate within the alternative country and indie rock scenes. Its blend of intricate musical arrangements, introspective lyrics, and high production values make it a compelling listen. While its abstract nature and polished production might not appeal to everyone, the album's influence and artistic achievements are undeniable. Lambchop’s ability to weave complex emotions and everyday experiences into their music ensures that "Nixon" remains a timeless and impactful record.

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Jul 01 2024
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5

Favourite song - You masculine you

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Mar 28 2024
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5

The greatest delivered lyric of all time. "The kids out in the street Take their toys and break them And look at them, then walk away"

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Feb 28 2024
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5

Saved the entire album to my library after only hearing to the halfway mark of the first song. I usually need to listen through multiple times. I’m highly selective of what makes it in there. If asking why..I have no answer for that. The feeling induced by Nixon by Lambchop is ineffable. Which is how art should be I guess. One of my faults is the need to explain everything too much. For a person with many words this album left me speechless.

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Feb 21 2024
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5

very soothing and relaxing. Voice is great, instruments blends really well together

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Oct 12 2023
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5

Fantastic. Turned me on to the band as a whole.

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Oct 04 2023
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5

This is an incredible album, and I can't believe I had never heard of this band before. They have a unique sound that sometimes borders on orchestral, and I like the stream-of-consciousness lyrics in the songs. Just an all-around good, groovy sound to them. Normally I list tracks I like off these albums but I'm just going to say all of them for this one.

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Sep 23 2021
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5

22nd September 2021 Listened on my phone on the way out to an early birthday dinner with jen at an incredible Italian restaurant. I had heard of lambchop through Andy but hadn't properly listen to them and assumed they were super heavy but I didn't think they'd be this relaxing indie mellow band. Loved it.

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Dec 08 2024
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4

I went in blind, and was plesantly surprised. Would write more, but time is fleeting. 4/5

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Oct 30 2024
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4

long and smooth, one of the times where i feel like my total lack of remembering anything specific that Happened on an album might have been part of the specific design. the smoothness makes u swirl around like a marble in a perpetual motion machine...more hypnotizing than anything. a couple tone shifts like the last couple of tracks do stand out, melodies are often beautiful, and i think more than anything my main takeaway is kurt wagner's voice which perfectly balances Commanding Presence with utter gentleness. also perfect fall music obviously but every season looks the same in the texas suburbs lol. kinda rly loved this one tbh

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Oct 30 2024
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4

Very Good! Very chill, and minimalist, but I like that a lot. It does what it means to do, and I thoroughly enjoy it. My Top 3: 3. Grumpus 2. Up With People 1. The Book I Haven't Read

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Oct 21 2024
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4

Very mellow. Many good songs here.

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Oct 20 2024
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4

Surprised by this one... mellow rock... nice.

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Oct 18 2024
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4

"Nixon" is the fifth studio album by American rock band Lambchop. Their musical style is properly described as merging chamber pop, countrypolitan, R&B and "sweet" soul. The album was produced by bandmembers Kurt Wagner (vocals, guitar, synths, arrangements) and guitarist Mark Nevers. There are actually 13 people listed as bandmembers. The title "Nixon" refers to Richard Nixon as Wagner said the album's content was tragicomic. The album had highly positive reviews and, commercially, was their breakthrough in the UK reaching #60 on the charts. "The Old Gold Shoe" opens the album. People noise, a slow bass and guitar and Wagner's deep baritone voice. Strings are added. Nice arrangments. Wagner said this was based on his friend asking for a new pair of gold slippers and responding to the friend with the stereo talking to him. That's original. The guitar and beat give "Grumpus" a R&B feel. The synth and horns add some soul. The soulfulness meter is raised a bit as Wagner goes falsetto. People walk around in a fog and they need to wake up. Strings are moved to the forefront in "You Masculine You." A slashing guitar. Wagner's falsetto is all the way through. This sounds like early 70's soul. The song builds with the vocals and horns. Beautiful! Repeating, swirling sounds begin the first and only single "Up with the People." Electric guitars builds the pace. Handclaps and vocals are added. There's background female singers. There's a horn solo. I read this was about a traveling brigade of performers teaching family values. I've read several books with with similar traveling caravans. The album ends dark with "The Butcher Boy." Faster pace. More of a rock beat. Edgy guitar and horns. The song ends with a girl hanging herself and a suicide note. Didn't see this coming. There's a nice and beautiful sound to this album. Great arrangements of all the instruments and vocals. It successfully does mix baroque, soul, R&B and pop/rock. I didn't mind Wagner going falsetto at times to squeeze in some more soul to the music. I also didn't hear much country. With the baroque/chamber pop tilt, I can see why it was much bigger in the UK and pretty much non-existent in the US. This a very decent album especially if you're a chamber pop fan.

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Oct 17 2024
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4

What a pleasure to get served up a truly underappreciated band, one that resolutely did its own thing and did it quite well indeed. Ohio and How I Quit Smoking would be worth additions to this list. Understated is the new hot and quiet is the new loud.

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Oct 14 2024
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4

Lambchop have better albums but still decent. Just knew the general 1001 nerd would rate this lowly.

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Oct 10 2024
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4

I took a look at the reviews on here first, and didn't expect much. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a really thought-provoking record with some great instrumentation and production. Kinda reminds me of Sufjan Stevens in places. Favourite tracks: The Old Gold Shoe, You Masculine You, Nashville Parent, The Distance from Her to There, Petrified Florist.

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Oct 09 2024
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4

af hverju hef ég ekki hlustað á þetta áður. skemmtilegt kántrí drauma popp. 4,5.

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Oct 08 2024
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4

Really really like the smooth flowy guitar on this whole album. The singer has such a mellow yet outstanding voice which pairs very nicely with the instruments. The parts where he sings with his really high voice are a little weird, but the rest of the album is pretty fantastic. I don't really know what genre this is it sounds like a combination of many different ones, but whatever it is really does it for me. The random trumpet that is thrown in every so often gave me the chills. The album definitely lost some steam towards the end but overall this was still a very strong and unexpected 4.

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Oct 07 2024
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4

Really liked the atmospheric vibes of this album

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Sep 23 2024
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4

Redelijk goed album. Nooit van gehoord, maar toch wel een mooie 3.4 waard.

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Sep 07 2024
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4

Very pretty Need to listen more but i cannot give this only 1 point more than def leppard

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Aug 25 2024
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4

A good album, not an artist I'd hear before. I liked Petrified Florist and Butcher Boy.

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Aug 07 2024
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4

Very pretty arrangements and calming lyrics. While it isn't an album that holds your attention, it was a lovely listen.

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Jul 26 2024
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4

Favorite Track: Up With People You Masculine You

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Jul 11 2024
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4

This was a very enjoyable listen. A weird combination of country , orchestral and I am not sure what else. Vocally I picked up on a Lou Reed vibe , especially on the opening track. Overall the album was well produced with really good arrangements throughout. I could describe it as enjoyable monotony but that's being a bit unfair, it's worth a listen .

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Jun 26 2024
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4

Today I discovered a "new" band that I really like! I like how this album meanders, almost aimlessly, from beginning to end. solid 3.5

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Jun 23 2024
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4

Kinda reminds me of Father John Misty in vibe, so naturally I enjoy it.

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Jun 17 2024
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4

Really digging this! Never listened to Lambchop, but it reminds me of Bill Callahan and some of Jim O'Rourke's more mainstream stuff.

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Jun 12 2024
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4

This is a band whose name has come up in conversations before but I don’t think I’ve ever actually listened to their music. Singer Kurt Warner’s vocals are impressive and all over the place dynamically. Im a fan of his quickly lyrics too. The orchestral arrangements are beautiful and really well thought out. Nothing on this album seems unnecessarily placed just for the sake of having layers, it all has a musical purpose. The production, engineering and mixing are all top notch on this album. I’m excited to explore Lambchop’s weird world some more with future listens.

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Jun 05 2024
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4

I like these upbeat depression tunes, they sound sweet but leave me feeling more sad than I was before. I am drawn to music like that.

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May 24 2024
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4

Interesting, never heard of but kinda liked

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Apr 19 2024
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4

After hearing Nixon, all i can say is \"Man, this album is so chill\". The songs mostly did follow the same format but that format was really nice to hear. That also made the songs with more of a drive (Grumpus and The Butcher Boy being clear examples of this) really stick out more and made them feel more memorable. My only real complaint with this album is the song Up With People really felt underproduced but other than that, i feel this was a great album that's definitely worth a listen. Best Song: The Butcher Boy Worst Song: Up With People

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Apr 15 2024
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4

Surprisingly good. I sometimes feel like I am hearing Pink Floyd one ment, and Jamiraquoi the next. I would rarely listen to either of those two, but is somehow works here.

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Apr 10 2024
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4

Notable tracks: Basically all of it

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Apr 10 2024
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4

first listen this is so interesting and artistic and warrants another listen

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Mar 25 2024
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4

I wasn’t too sure what to expect from Nixon, as the only Lambchop album I’d previously heard was the more abstract and electronic This from nearly two decades later (which I had quite enjoyed, but not revisited since that first listen in 2019). Nixon on the other hand was more conventional - I guess. It’s a country/art-pop album that somehow also dabbles in Philly soul; its influences are all over the place and its songs regularly exceed five minutes but fill the time really nicely so they don’t seem gratuitous. Some grating falsetto aside, it’s a really nice listen and I’ll definitely be listening to what else Lambchop has to offer

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Mar 17 2024
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4

The year 2000 has yet another surprising gem with this album, showcasing a charming blend of country and soul.

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Mar 11 2024
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4

I liked this a lot - grew on me with every listen. Definitely one to spend more time with in the future. Simple, great songs, although I prefer when he's not singing in falsetto.

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Mar 06 2024
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4

Merge is really reliable for creative gems. Love that this gets lumped in as alt country, though the album is more 70s AM with R&B on it, but there is slide guitar a couple times. I'd describe this album more like Beck's Deborah played straight, but it's pretty unclassifiable and I can see how Lambchop rewards repeat listening. Up with the People and Grumpus are bigger hits if you can say that on the album and deservedly so. Maybe me sample more of his discography based on the interest this perked and he's definitely a creative savant. Works well that he shares the label with Torres whom I prefer to about anything else lately.

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