This past weekend marked the 15-year anniversary of WHY?’s sophomore album Alopecia, released on March 11, 2008. As days have gone by my procrastination has peered its intrusive head in, filling my brain with ideas and fifteen different ways to start this post. Whether its late or on time, this album deserves some appreciation and love.
An album that holds a special place in my heart and in my collection, Alopecia scratches multiple itches while at the same time introducing you to ones you didn’t know you had. My WHY? Itch had been created and it grew immensely throughout the following years.
While I wasn’t introduced to the music stylings of Yoni Wolf and crew (including his brother and other musically inclined friends) until around 2010, I fell quickly in love with what I thought then were odd combinations of influences and genres.
WHY?’s corner of the music industry is a difficult one to describe when faced with introducing the band to anyone who’s never listened to them. They are Indie, that is confirmed, but saying just that would only work to downplay the group’s competencies.
Elements of Hip Hop intertwine their way into the group’s tracks due to their front man’s long journey in the rap scene. At minimum one could categorize their sound as experimental, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. WHY? has continued to stun my perception and interpretation ever since my first listen. They are unlike anyone I’ve ever listened to and ever begun to imagine.
Alopecia, quite possibly their most prolific contribution, speaks many different languages as it weaves complex stories through multiple song structures. While not the first group to play Hip Hop music as a full band, WHY? creates their art with a sense of originality by adding to the lexicon with thoughtful songs filled with various bells and whistles (figuratively and realistically.)
Classic albums, in my opinion, always seem to be defined by one lasting characteristic - Can they be listened to from front to back without any skips? Alopecia follows this rule with its versatility, its ability to dance between contrasting feelings and settings.
Like a good TV movie, I can find my way to this grouping of songs in whatever order and still buckle in to enjoy. Alopecia doesn’t beg to be listened to in order, nor does it explicitly promote singular spins of its individual tracks. Whether I start at track six or two or even eleven, I’m driven to finish the record out and pull the needle back to the start.
Case in point: I found myself behind the drum kit as Instagram posts reminded me of the album’s birthday and knew I had to que the album up immediately. Most songs on Alopecia lend themselves away from my play along list, but a few have emerged as personal classics. It had been a while since I played the drums along with “Good Friday,” but just like every time I hear the song, I fell back into its captive grasp.
The repetitive beat, accompanied by some of the most satisfying hit hat chucks, takes hold of my attention and doesn’t let go for all three minutes and fifty seconds. A prime example of the genius the Wolf brothers hold and their ability to craft eternal songs lending to each other’s strengths.
As I moved on from behind my kit, I found myself continuing on with the album. From my car to my home stereo to my inner monologue. It helps that I know almost all words to every song, but then again, I mainly focus on groove and structure.
Give Alopecia a shot. Find yourself a good piece of audio equipment and turn it up loud. I can’t guarantee you’re going to love it, but I’m willing to bet there are a good majority who will.
Some highlights (if you’re looking for one a one-track stop.)
“Good Friday”
“The Hallows”
“By Torpedo or Crohn's”
“A Sky for Shoeing Horses Under”
“Simeon's Dilemma”
Or better yet, listen to the whole thing while you’re at it!
May groove be with you,
-Pat
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