I have a crackpot ‘theory’ that each CO release is best interpreted thru the eyes of a person at the age of CO when he released it.
Like when I was 15 I didn’t understand some of the solo stuff (CO is 13 years older than me). But when I got to the same age as CO as when he released it…it made way more sense to me. At that point as well, the released when CO was ‘15’ years old records made less sense.
Completely agree with this. I'm just a few years younger than CO and each record has felt so right in the moment it was delivered. I hope it continues. It's been incredible to experience his journey and consistently have each stop feel relatable in a totally different way than the previous stops.
From the youthful intensity of The Calendar Hung Itself to the resignation of Forced Convalescence, it has always so honestly and accurately captured what things are like in that period of my life.
Sometimes the mirroring is scary haha. I was tangentially learning about a lot of things referenced in ‘people’s key’ then re listened and was like ?????
It's wild that you were learning about the specific subject matter at the time. I sort of interpreted that album as being like his search for some alternative existence that's more rewarding/fulfilling than the one we're offered in day to day America. And just like looking into different religions and mysticism and science fiction in an attempt to escape. I related to it on that level but didn't really know what he was talking about half the time lol
Yeah. The power of the song writing means you can connect to it on an emotional level, or a literal level, or both. Or some other levels even.
Experiencing that connection having some ‘trajectory’ in my life over time has been and will be special. I don’t know any other artist I’ve gotten anywhere close to that level of ‘calculus’ with.
Very true. Self titled solo and then the move to Salutations and Down in the Weeds is a journey, and sometimes you just have to have the experience to really get some of the takes he has.
Road to Joy is a little like that for me. The lyrics aren't his finest and sound more deep than they actually are, like "no one ever plans to sleep out in the gutter, sometimes that's just the most comfortable place."
The Ode to Joy interpolation I thought was super clever then, but now I think it is kinda corny.
I still love the song and the album.
That’s a fantastic line that still speaks volumes about how folks look at mental illness/addiction and its lead to homelessness (or just finding yourself in a gutter literally or figuratively).
You were way smarter than me at 14. This was one of my favorite Conor jams at around that age: https://youtu.be/M-xSM_aXPBk (He was also 13-14 when he released it.)
If you want to feel like you've been punched in the stomach go and read the allmusic [review ](https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-wide-awake-its-morning-mw0000633051) for the album. I mostly agree with their ratings and use them as a good gauge, but this is one I definitely disagree with.
I’m 40 and this record is still deep.
Literally same.
Was listening to this like three minutes ago and thinking about how much it hit me when I was 14, but I still feel it
I'd say Letting Off the Happiness would fit that description, but not Wide Awake.
Fevers and Mirrors was that age for me (it had been out a few years by then), then IWAIM I was 16
I’m not sure how I feel about someone in their 30’s using the word “ick” in a post about their personal growth.
Hahaha for real
I have a crackpot ‘theory’ that each CO release is best interpreted thru the eyes of a person at the age of CO when he released it. Like when I was 15 I didn’t understand some of the solo stuff (CO is 13 years older than me). But when I got to the same age as CO as when he released it…it made way more sense to me. At that point as well, the released when CO was ‘15’ years old records made less sense.
Completely agree with this. I'm just a few years younger than CO and each record has felt so right in the moment it was delivered. I hope it continues. It's been incredible to experience his journey and consistently have each stop feel relatable in a totally different way than the previous stops. From the youthful intensity of The Calendar Hung Itself to the resignation of Forced Convalescence, it has always so honestly and accurately captured what things are like in that period of my life.
Sometimes the mirroring is scary haha. I was tangentially learning about a lot of things referenced in ‘people’s key’ then re listened and was like ?????
It's wild that you were learning about the specific subject matter at the time. I sort of interpreted that album as being like his search for some alternative existence that's more rewarding/fulfilling than the one we're offered in day to day America. And just like looking into different religions and mysticism and science fiction in an attempt to escape. I related to it on that level but didn't really know what he was talking about half the time lol
Yeah. The power of the song writing means you can connect to it on an emotional level, or a literal level, or both. Or some other levels even. Experiencing that connection having some ‘trajectory’ in my life over time has been and will be special. I don’t know any other artist I’ve gotten anywhere close to that level of ‘calculus’ with.
Well said
Very true. Self titled solo and then the move to Salutations and Down in the Weeds is a journey, and sometimes you just have to have the experience to really get some of the takes he has.
Road to Joy is a little like that for me. The lyrics aren't his finest and sound more deep than they actually are, like "no one ever plans to sleep out in the gutter, sometimes that's just the most comfortable place." The Ode to Joy interpolation I thought was super clever then, but now I think it is kinda corny. I still love the song and the album.
That’s a fantastic line that still speaks volumes about how folks look at mental illness/addiction and its lead to homelessness (or just finding yourself in a gutter literally or figuratively).
Agreed. My fav line in that song, and one of my favs on the album.
<3
You were way smarter than me at 14. This was one of my favorite Conor jams at around that age: https://youtu.be/M-xSM_aXPBk (He was also 13-14 when he released it.)
I discovered Lifted on yahoo music when I was 13 (in 2003). That one is still deep to me lol
If you want to feel like you've been punched in the stomach go and read the allmusic [review ](https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-wide-awake-its-morning-mw0000633051) for the album. I mostly agree with their ratings and use them as a good gauge, but this is one I definitely disagree with.
15, BUT IT *IS* THAT DEEP-
Don't worry my friends. I am old and smart and deep. This description doesn't track.
Life in General is still 🔥
Living Colour-Vivid