One of the more interesting approaches to a concept album is the break-up. Adele's highly acclaimed 21 is such a record. Other classics that come to mind are Dylan's Blood On The Tracks and Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. This summer has me listening to two new entries which couldn't be farther apart stylistically.
The Athens, Ga. band The District Attorneys have released an album called Slowburner. I'm not sure if they'd consider the album a break-up concept but one listen to these lyrics, often disguised in jangly pop reminiscent of The Connells, and I'm convinced someones heart's been broken.
Spencer Krug's With Siinia: Heartbreaking Bravery isn't hiding anything. Here's an album where the wounds of love are still wide open. The visceral feel created by Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown) and the Finnish band Siinai is palpable. I was lucky enough to see this show live in New York City a couple of weeks back.
Everyone's had their heart broken and it's nice to have records that make you feel like you're not alone in this pain. And if you're in the midst of such a terrible period let these two albums serve you well.
