Today marks a milestone for U.S. Girls – the brainchild of the North American artist Meg Remy. The experimental pop project has just dropped its first-ever live album, ‘Lives,’ digitally catapulting you into the vibrant essence of U.S. Girls’ stage presence. Released on the brink of their European tour, ‘Lives’ is a sonic journey through the last five years of U.S. Girls’ evolution on stage, presented in a non-chronological burst of musical brilliance.
This 10+ song spectacle unveils three distinct versions of the U.S. Girls live band, each encapsulating a unique sonic era. From the jam-oriented, outsider jazz-funk stylings of “Pearly Gates” to the harmonious bliss of the “4 American Dollars,” and the current iteration employing synthesisers and samplers, U.S. Girls’ ‘Lives’ is a dynamic exploration of soundscapes. The album introduces a new dimension and depth to Meg Remy’s catalog, showcasing the ever-evolving musical prowess of the project.
“I cannot fathom all the rehearsals hobbled through, miles travelled fast and crawling, enough coffee cups to build a bridge (from where to where?), dismantled and rebuilt floors & stages, feedback fever and ringing ears, blind hangovers, laughter til peeing pants and spitting out whatever is in the mouth, professional-level passive aggressive bickering, singing with no voice left, questioning what to wear as a way of holding the self together,” Meg says about the live aspect of her project. “All this happening in the background of forever war… Sometimes I can’t remember much before starting bands, writing songs, recording music, making artifacts, performing, traveling to perform. Its a dreamy way to approach life but its a raw way to live.”
At the heart of ‘Lives’ is Meg’s timeless voice – that cuts through the eclectic arrangements with distinctive charm – as the album features an ensemble of talent, including members of Badge Époque Ensemble and Cosmic Range, alongside Canadian singer-songwriter luminaries like Geordie Gordon, Dorothea Paas, and Carlyn Bezic. This collaboration pulls from Toronto’s diverse music scene, seamlessly blending jazz, funk, pop, and avant-garde influences.
Produced by Remy’s husband and long-time musical collaborator, Maximilian Turnbull, ‘Lives’ pays homage to the tradition of legendary live albums, as it captures the essence of different performances, weaving them together into a singular concert experience. The marriage of rock and roll theatricality and irresistible funk on this album brings to mind the mid-70s glory of Bowie in his Dionysian prime—a show that demands attention and promises an unforgettable experience.
U.S. Girls’ ‘Lives’ is a sonic celebration, and an exploration of the multifaceted nature of their live performances.
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