Musical Thesis: Beach House “B-Sides & Rarities”

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At the center of every album is a musical thesis. This thesis can be the driving force behind the album, a theme that interweaves songs together, or a feeling you are left with after the very last song plays. With some albums, the thesis is easy to find. On others, it is hidden and requires you to be more than a passive listener. These reviews aren’t about rating an album. Instead, it is about uncovering a musical thesis.

I own several Beach House albums. As I write this, I am finding it impossible to recite a single lyric written by this band. In my mind, this group of musicians does something transcendental with their music. The lyrics and the instrumentation are wrapped so tightly together that to try and unwrap them would mean the whole thing would fall apart. Instead of losing its weight, we get music that is so melodic and engaging that lyrics do not really matter. What matters is the final product. On this collection, we get to hear music that did not make the cut. In each song, I learned a little more about the band and their creative process. Still, I walked away with the same feeling. With everything they create, I am moved beyond belief and this collection is no different.

Be good to each other,

Nathan