To: Dave
Love: Adam
Date Sent: 10/9/2018
Beta Radio – Ancient Transition
Release Date: September 14th, 2018
When we originally restarted this endeavor, you had suggested that I listen to this album for my choice, while you listened to & sent over the new Milo Greene album. I took that suggestion, but did not love this album upon first listen. However, after multiple attempts, while also completing our class’ first unit on ancient civilizations, this album has resonated with me. To be honest, I really don’t know what it even is that makes this album stick. Perhaps it’s a general feeling I get when I listen and am surrounded by nature. I’ve listened to this on a walk with Django, taking in all the sights and smells that often go overlooked. I have also listened to this album to start my day, whether on the weekend or before school. It’s a soothing sound, as we have come to expect from Beta Radio, but there is something else there that just hits home. For instance, the album art speaks to me on numerous levels; the most glaring being the illustration of a transition from day to night. We can talk more about this if the album ends up having any kind of impact on you as it has on me.
I will admit that it is not easy for me to WANT to listen to Beta Radio. I know that you remember my pull for Seven Sisters years ago when Mom was at the house and it delivered on that occasion, but in general there is something that makes me keep a certain distance from Beta Radio. I think it is due to the fact that the lead singer came off as an ass at the show we went to in Wilmington, where we just wanted more songs and less talk! Also, it seemed to take YEARS between albums to give us any taste aside from their Christmas carols. With all that bitching aside, I do declare that they have 3 solid albums that seem to stick to the same kind of spiritual melancholy.
Favorites for this album don’t necessarily stand out and therefore require more listens and, naturally, some discourse between us to draw attention to elements of certain songs (See: the banjo in On Your Horizon). However, at this point, I will say that my favorites include Sans Land, Our Remains, & On Your Horizon. All this to say that this album may not be their best, but being their first studio-raised album, as opposed to their prior two being made in their own homes, they have maintained their unique sound throughout.
Dave’s Reaction:
First few listens through the album had me shaking my head in boredom. Like nothing was happening. Every song seemed the same and I was flat out… BORED. Xtina took to it before I did and I like some songs now. It is an OK album. I really like Sans Land, but it could also be argued that this is the most boring song on Ancient Transition. I fear that Beta Radio has progressively receded from what Seven Sisters was and still is. Seven Sisters hits you with every song… bam, bam, pachoo. Colony of Bees has tremendous songs, for the record, but fails to meet what Seven Sisters accomplished. And now… this. I do give credit to the album art and the overall feel of the album. I would not mind having this on in the background, whilst applying lipstick in a poorly lit room. To consciously make the decision to put this album on in any other situation? I don’t think so Tim. Seven Sisters though? I will still put that shit on and scream it from the mountaintops.
The Favorites:
Adam:
Dave: Sans Land