In the world of music, it's not uncommon for artists to pay homage to their influences and heroes. But Phoebe Bridgers takes this to a whole new level on her latest album, 'Lost Weekend'. The album is a treasure trove of subtle references and nods to the artists and albums that have shaped her own songwriting. From Elliott Smith to Damien Jurado, The Replacements to Bright Eyes, Bridgers weaves a web of musical connections that are both fascinating and deeply personal.
One of the most intriguing references on the album is the opening track, 'Still Standing'. The lyrics 'An angel in the snow/Accident prone' are a clear nod to Elliott Smith's 'Angel in the Snow' from his posthumous compilation, 'New Moon'. This is no coincidence, as Bridgers has expressed her love for Smith's music and even inscribed lyrics from an early version of 'Miss Misery' on the Figure 8 memorial wall in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood. The phrase 'angel in the snow' is a powerful image, and its inclusion in the song adds a layer of depth and meaning.
Another notable reference is the song 'Lost Weekend (Reprise)'. The melody of this track is based on Damien Jurado's 'The Last Great Washington State' from his 2018 album, 'The Horizon Just Laughed'. Jurado's work is often overlooked, but his influence on Bridgers is clear. The song is a devastating portrait of grief, and the use of Jurado's melody adds a layer of emotional depth and authenticity.
The song 'I Can't Wait' is another example of Bridgers' musical references. The chorus 'I can't wait, but I'm waiting' is a possible nod to The Replacements' 'Can't Hardly Wait' from the mid-Eighties. Bridgers has previously played with the same song in a different chorus, and her cover of the Replacements tune on tour only adds to the likelihood of this connection. The song is a powerful statement of anticipation and longing.
The song 'Lost Weekend (Reprise)' is a powerful and emotional track that pays homage to the eternal rock & roll classic 'I Fought the Law'. The lyrics 'I am my old man's oldest son/I fought the wall, and the wall won' are a callback to the song, which was first recorded by the Crickets, made a hit by the Bobby Fuller Four, and turned into an immortal punk anthem by the Clash. The song is a powerful statement of resilience and defeat.
Bridgers' love for Conor Oberst is also evident on the album. The song 'Haunted' includes the lyrics 'I've been daydreaming about sleeping/But by the evening, I'm wide awake', which is a play on the title of Oberst's 2005 album, 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning'. Oberst also plays harmonica on the song 'I Can't Wait'. The song 'Governor's Waltz' is another possible play on the title of Oberst's 2014 song, 'Governor's Ball'.
The song 'Liberty Tree' includes the lyrics 'Falling in love that night/After our fight/The past is looking brighter all the time', which is a reference to the Statler Brothers' 'My Past Is Looking Brighter (All The Time)'. The song is a powerful statement of hope and redemption.
The song 'As Above' includes the lyrics 'Now I don't want to live forever/But I don't wanna die', which are a clear nod to Black Sabbath's 'Live Forever' from their final studio album, '13'. Bridgers is a huge Sabbath head, and the use of these lyrics adds a layer of depth and meaning to the song.
Finally, the song 'Graceland Too' is a self-referential lyrical or musical callback to Bridgers' own body of work. The melody is a recurring musical motif throughout the album, and the song serves as a sonic connective tissue through the album's second half. The phrase 'rebel without a clue' was used in songs by Bonnie Tyler, The Replacements, and Tom Petty, and Bridgers' use of the phrase adds a layer of postmodern fun and irony.
In conclusion, Phoebe Bridgers' 'Lost Weekend' is a treasure trove of musical references and nods to the artists and albums that have shaped her own songwriting. The album is a fascinating and deeply personal exploration of musical influences, and it is a testament to Bridgers' skill and creativity as a songwriter. From Elliott Smith to Damien Jurado, The Replacements to Bright Eyes, Bridgers weaves a web of musical connections that are both captivating and meaningful.
