If I told you that this whole dubstep/ electronica fad was just a bunch of noise, you’d probably never guess that I’m actually a 21-year-old girl, and not your father. But all cynicism aside, when I come across an artist whose music can take me back to the origins of good old rock, it restores my faith that this generation hasn’t lost touch with its musical roots.
A few weeks ago I got my hands on We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic by Foxygen, and it did just that.
The album is a song for sore ears; a charming collection of eclectic choruses and modern-day nostalgia. Despite vocalist Sam France’s birthday being just a year before mine, he channels a vocal styling that is reminiscent of The Byrds, The Animals, and The Rolling Stones (you could probably hear a touch Bob Dylan in there as well). We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic takes you on a trip back to the basics that seem to have become lost.
Is Foxygen doing something that’s been done before? You bet— but with a nice millennial twist. In other words, Foxygen is kind of like the love child that Mick Jagger and the B side tracks on MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular never had.
My picks of the album: San Francisco, Shuggie
Release date: January 22, 2013