Taken from "Glory (Extended)" out now.
https://www.perfumegenius.org/
Showing posts with label Perfume Genius. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perfume Genius. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2026
"Jamie" by Perfume Genius
This song "Jamie" by Perfume Genius is killing me.
Taken from "Glory (Extended)" out now.
https://www.perfumegenius.org/
Taken from "Glory (Extended)" out now.
https://www.perfumegenius.org/
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
"It's A Mirror" by Perfume Genius
Holy crap. What a shattering video and song from Perfume Genius (the nom de musique of Mike Hadreas), previously here. "It's A Mirror" is lyrical, and dare I say folky but with an urgent edge--he has never sounded better. And the video...well, the video...I mean...wow...pretty much every hair-raising, harrowing frame is chock-a-block with symbolism.
What do you get from the stretching horizon
That you’d leave me spiraling with no one to hold?
Combing the floor with the light from a cigarette
Something was making you sick in our home
It’s a mirror down
What do I get out of being established?
I still run and hide when a man’s at the door
Polishing boots down a line in the basement
When I should be riding outside on my own
It’s a mirror down
It’s a mirror, holy terror
Taking focus off the horizon
It’s a chorus reaching for us
Swarming locusts wherever you go
It’s a siren, muffled crying
Breaking me down soft and slow
It’s a diamond, my whole life is
Open just outside the door
It’s a mirror down
Can I get off without reliving history
And let every echo just sing to itself?
Can I move on without knowing specifics
While memories hum like a hive shaken out?
It’s a mirror, holy terror
Taking focus off the horizon
It’s a chorus reaching for us
Swarming locusts wherever you go
It’s a siren, muffled crying
Breaking me down soft and slow
It’s a diamond, my whole life is
Open just outside the door
It’s a mirror down
His new album "Glory" featuring this song is out March 28, 2025.
https://perfumegenius.org/
What do you get from the stretching horizon
That you’d leave me spiraling with no one to hold?
Combing the floor with the light from a cigarette
Something was making you sick in our home
It’s a mirror down
What do I get out of being established?
I still run and hide when a man’s at the door
Polishing boots down a line in the basement
When I should be riding outside on my own
It’s a mirror down
It’s a mirror, holy terror
Taking focus off the horizon
It’s a chorus reaching for us
Swarming locusts wherever you go
It’s a siren, muffled crying
Breaking me down soft and slow
It’s a diamond, my whole life is
Open just outside the door
It’s a mirror down
Can I get off without reliving history
And let every echo just sing to itself?
Can I move on without knowing specifics
While memories hum like a hive shaken out?
It’s a mirror, holy terror
Taking focus off the horizon
It’s a chorus reaching for us
Swarming locusts wherever you go
It’s a siren, muffled crying
Breaking me down soft and slow
It’s a diamond, my whole life is
Open just outside the door
It’s a mirror down
His new album "Glory" featuring this song is out March 28, 2025.
https://perfumegenius.org/
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
LGBT History Month: "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat, Perfume Genius, and The Knocks
FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH:
In honor of the 40th anniversary of synthpop trio Bronski Beat's landmark debut album "The Age of Consent," London Records will re-issue a special anniversary version on October 18, 2024, including this reworking of their classic 1984 gay rights anthem "Smalltown Boy" (previously here). It features the phenomenal Perfume Genius (the nom de musique of Mike Hadreas, previously here) on vocals, and additional music and production from The Knocks.
This song means a great deal to me and I admire this new take since it keeps true to the original source material while feeling updated. Perfume Genius' vocals are a nice reworking, honoring the beautiful falsetto of Jimmy Sommerville.
It is hard to exaggerate the historical importance of this song. Released in 1984, "Smalltown Boy" became an anthem for LGBT rights during that time. It addresses issues of homophobia, societal and familial rejection, bullying, and physical and emotional abuse. Although I was not rejected by my own family (thankfully), I was the target of years of bullying and physical assaults, so this song occupied and still occupies a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I heard it: I was at the Greek Theater in Berkeley waiting for Simple Minds to perform as the opening act for Eurythmics, and a roar of excitement and approval came up from the crowd when the first percolating notes of this song rang out. It really struck me, since I had never truly heard a song about me or my own experiences. It was a powerful moment. Bronski Beat recognized me, and validated the pain and confusion of having total strangers come at me with absolute hatred, neck veins bulging, screaming, sometimes wielding weapons, eyes popping as they spewed their own fear.
Thematically, it reminds me so much of the song "Flawless (Go To The City)" by George Michael in which he urges gay men and women to get out of their small towns and go to the city where a better life awaits (previously here). Or at least a more tolerant life, one that is not filled with daily hatred and attacks. There is a very long history indeed of gay men and women leaving small towns and small-minded areas for metropolitan areas where they are accepted. Gay ghettoes arose in cities precisely because of their proximity to centers of culture, literature, and the arts. It's a sad, heartbreaking reality for many men and women but often one must leave one's place of creation because it has turned into a place of destruction. For one's own safety, both mentally and physically, sometimes the best option is to escape.
Musically, the song is from a 1980s genre known as "synthpop," a term meaning music that was created solely or primarily by synthesizers or electronic keyboards, which in turn grew out of a 1970s electronic sound from Europe and groups like Kraftwerk. Groups like Depeche Mode, A Flock of Seagulls, and The Human League were part of this 80s sound. But despite the fact that "disco" had died a painful death just a few years earlier, Bronski Beat combined the synthpop sound with serious dance beats and a male falsetto, which was a direct and deliberate tribute to gay disco acts singing in falsetto, particularly the legendary Sylvester. Sadly, the only living member of the original Bronski Beat trio is Sommerville--Steve Bronski died in 2021 and Larry Steinbachek died in 2017.
But their music lives on. This new version holds all that history, paying homage to the original three members of the band, and is here to rally a new generation as we again face hatred, discrimination, and attacks. Thanks Perfume Genius, and The Knocks!
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Mother will never understand
Why you have to leave
But the love that you seek
Will never be found at home
And the love that you need
Will never be found at home
Cry...
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Pushed around and kicked around
Always a lonely boy
You were the one
They'd talk about around town
As they put you down
And as hard as they would try
They'd hurt to make you cry
But you never cried to them
Just to your soul
No you never cried to them
Just to your soul
Cry...
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Cry, cry...to your soul, to your soul, to your soul, to your soul
Cry
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
https://perfumegenius.org/
https://www.theknocks.com/
And here is the original, classic song and video. It remains as powerful and heartbreaking now as it was then.
https://www.bronskibeat.co.uk/
In honor of the 40th anniversary of synthpop trio Bronski Beat's landmark debut album "The Age of Consent," London Records will re-issue a special anniversary version on October 18, 2024, including this reworking of their classic 1984 gay rights anthem "Smalltown Boy" (previously here). It features the phenomenal Perfume Genius (the nom de musique of Mike Hadreas, previously here) on vocals, and additional music and production from The Knocks.
This song means a great deal to me and I admire this new take since it keeps true to the original source material while feeling updated. Perfume Genius' vocals are a nice reworking, honoring the beautiful falsetto of Jimmy Sommerville.
It is hard to exaggerate the historical importance of this song. Released in 1984, "Smalltown Boy" became an anthem for LGBT rights during that time. It addresses issues of homophobia, societal and familial rejection, bullying, and physical and emotional abuse. Although I was not rejected by my own family (thankfully), I was the target of years of bullying and physical assaults, so this song occupied and still occupies a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I heard it: I was at the Greek Theater in Berkeley waiting for Simple Minds to perform as the opening act for Eurythmics, and a roar of excitement and approval came up from the crowd when the first percolating notes of this song rang out. It really struck me, since I had never truly heard a song about me or my own experiences. It was a powerful moment. Bronski Beat recognized me, and validated the pain and confusion of having total strangers come at me with absolute hatred, neck veins bulging, screaming, sometimes wielding weapons, eyes popping as they spewed their own fear.
Thematically, it reminds me so much of the song "Flawless (Go To The City)" by George Michael in which he urges gay men and women to get out of their small towns and go to the city where a better life awaits (previously here). Or at least a more tolerant life, one that is not filled with daily hatred and attacks. There is a very long history indeed of gay men and women leaving small towns and small-minded areas for metropolitan areas where they are accepted. Gay ghettoes arose in cities precisely because of their proximity to centers of culture, literature, and the arts. It's a sad, heartbreaking reality for many men and women but often one must leave one's place of creation because it has turned into a place of destruction. For one's own safety, both mentally and physically, sometimes the best option is to escape.
Musically, the song is from a 1980s genre known as "synthpop," a term meaning music that was created solely or primarily by synthesizers or electronic keyboards, which in turn grew out of a 1970s electronic sound from Europe and groups like Kraftwerk. Groups like Depeche Mode, A Flock of Seagulls, and The Human League were part of this 80s sound. But despite the fact that "disco" had died a painful death just a few years earlier, Bronski Beat combined the synthpop sound with serious dance beats and a male falsetto, which was a direct and deliberate tribute to gay disco acts singing in falsetto, particularly the legendary Sylvester. Sadly, the only living member of the original Bronski Beat trio is Sommerville--Steve Bronski died in 2021 and Larry Steinbachek died in 2017.
But their music lives on. This new version holds all that history, paying homage to the original three members of the band, and is here to rally a new generation as we again face hatred, discrimination, and attacks. Thanks Perfume Genius, and The Knocks!
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
You leave in the morning
With everything you own
In a little black case
Alone on a platform
The wind and the rain
On a sad and lonely face
Mother will never understand
Why you have to leave
But the love that you seek
Will never be found at home
And the love that you need
Will never be found at home
Cry...
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Pushed around and kicked around
Always a lonely boy
You were the one
They'd talk about around town
As they put you down
And as hard as they would try
They'd hurt to make you cry
But you never cried to them
Just to your soul
No you never cried to them
Just to your soul
Cry...
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Cry, cry...to your soul, to your soul, to your soul, to your soul
Cry
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.
https://perfumegenius.org/
https://www.theknocks.com/
And here is the original, classic song and video. It remains as powerful and heartbreaking now as it was then.
https://www.bronskibeat.co.uk/
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
"Do You Well" by Nakhane and Perfume Genius
Nakhane collaborates with Perfume Genius (previously here) to create a joyous, infectious dance song called "Do You Well."
"I want to see you out there, in the light!"
http://nakhaneofficial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/perfumegenius
"I want to see you out there, in the light!"
 |
| Photo by Vicky Grout for GQ |
http://nakhaneofficial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/perfumegenius
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
"Pygmalion's Ugly Season" by Perfume Genius
Wow...
...just...wow.
I have no frame of reference for this incredible music and video project by Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas), previously here. Taken from his new release "Ugly Season," the five tracks in this 29 minute video titled "Pygmalion's Ugly Season" are at once familiar in sound and structure and then, entirely not. This is subtle experimental art-pop music, its edges blurred, not allowing itself to be seen all at once. And this perfectly supports the visuals by the incredibly talented Jacolby Satterwhite (who made a wonderful video to accompany The 1975's song "Having No Head," seen here). Starting with a metaphysical journey into the body, we explore surreal inner worlds where 3D images are flattened, and what should be 2D images are puffed up and come to life. Each section features Hadreas and others in improvisational erotic modern dance vignettes. It is both heartening and unique to see such a matter-of-fact expression of gay desire.
And we back out of these worlds the same way we entered: through energy points in the corporeal body.
The entire project feels like something that must be meditated on, an enigma that must be unraveled. And Hadreas seems to have created something that has allowed him to leap to another level as an artist.
https://perfumegenius.org/
...just...wow.
I have no frame of reference for this incredible music and video project by Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas), previously here. Taken from his new release "Ugly Season," the five tracks in this 29 minute video titled "Pygmalion's Ugly Season" are at once familiar in sound and structure and then, entirely not. This is subtle experimental art-pop music, its edges blurred, not allowing itself to be seen all at once. And this perfectly supports the visuals by the incredibly talented Jacolby Satterwhite (who made a wonderful video to accompany The 1975's song "Having No Head," seen here). Starting with a metaphysical journey into the body, we explore surreal inner worlds where 3D images are flattened, and what should be 2D images are puffed up and come to life. Each section features Hadreas and others in improvisational erotic modern dance vignettes. It is both heartening and unique to see such a matter-of-fact expression of gay desire.
And we back out of these worlds the same way we entered: through energy points in the corporeal body.
The entire project feels like something that must be meditated on, an enigma that must be unraveled. And Hadreas seems to have created something that has allowed him to leap to another level as an artist.
Sunday, July 12, 2020
BEAUTY: Clothing--Walter Van Beirendonck
Walter Van Beirendonck. Spring Summer '21. Virtual Paris Fashion Week.
The collection is entitled Mirror, references shamanistic practice, and contains panels of mirrored fabric. Oh, and it is in miniature presented on amazing mannequins.
Soundtrack by the marvelous Perfume Genius, previously here!
https://www.waltervanbeirendonck.com/
The collection is entitled Mirror, references shamanistic practice, and contains panels of mirrored fabric. Oh, and it is in miniature presented on amazing mannequins.
Soundtrack by the marvelous Perfume Genius, previously here!
https://www.waltervanbeirendonck.com/
Friday, May 29, 2020
Perfume Genius As Egon Schiele
While we are all still at home, lots of people have taken the opportunity to find or rediscover a marvelous sense of creativity. One of the ways people are exploring creating is by staging recreations of famous works of art. The Getty Museum is one of the institutions encouraging people.
I am a big fan of this concept--I love when people recreate photographs of famous works of art, previously here, here, and here.
So I was delighted to come across these images--from three years ago!--of the extraordinary Perfume Genius (the nom de musique of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, previously here) in pitch perfect recreations of self portraits by the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, which appeared in the magazine Dinosaur.
https://perfumegenius.org/
https://www.egon-schiele.net/
I am a big fan of this concept--I love when people recreate photographs of famous works of art, previously here, here, and here.
So I was delighted to come across these images--from three years ago!--of the extraordinary Perfume Genius (the nom de musique of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, previously here) in pitch perfect recreations of self portraits by the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, which appeared in the magazine Dinosaur.
 |
| Self Portrait 3 by Egon Schiele |
 |
| Self Portrait with Peacock Waistcoat by Egon Schiele |
 |
| Self Portrait as St. Sebastian 2 by Egon Schiele |
 |
| Self Portrait 6 by Egon Schiele |
https://perfumegenius.org/
https://www.egon-schiele.net/
Saturday, February 29, 2020
"Describe" by Perfume Genius
Wow, I am blown away by this stunningly beautiful new sound--and look!--from Perfume Genius (previously here, here, and here). "Describe" will be on his new album "Set My Heart On Fire Immediately" out on May 15, 2020.
https://perfumegenius.org/
https://perfumegenius.org/
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
"Slip Away" by Perfume Genius
New from Perfume Genius (the nom de musique of Mike Hadreas, previously here): "Slip Away" from the album "No Shape" to be released on May 5th, 2017.
Incredible, unique instrumentation!
https://perfumegenius.org/
Incredible, unique instrumentation!
https://perfumegenius.org/
Saturday, December 26, 2015
"Jonathan" by Christine and the Queens with Perfume Genius
An interesting collaboration between French singer-songwriter Christine and the Queens (Héloïse Letissier) and American singer-songwriter Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) (previously here).
Oh Jonathan
Don’t be angry Jonathan
Can you lay your hand on my forehead?
Through the darkest night
Can you handle the darkest night?
At the crack of dawn I am ashamed
Oh sister oh
Can you forgive me, sister old?
Can you lay your hand on my forehead?
Can you give it?
Seulement la nuit
Et pourquoi seulement la nuit?
Je sais que tu ne répondras pas
Seulement ici
Et pourquoi seulement ici?
Est-ce qu’ailleurs je ne t’appartiens pas?
C’est interdit
Et pourquoi est-ce interdit?
Je te croyais au-dessus des lois
Can you give it?
Walk with me in the daylight…
http://www.christineandthequeens.com/catq_language/
https://perfumegenius.org/
Oh Jonathan
Don’t be angry Jonathan
Can you lay your hand on my forehead?
Through the darkest night
Can you handle the darkest night?
At the crack of dawn I am ashamed
Oh sister oh
Can you forgive me, sister old?
Can you lay your hand on my forehead?
Can you give it?
Seulement la nuit
Et pourquoi seulement la nuit?
Je sais que tu ne répondras pas
Seulement ici
Et pourquoi seulement ici?
Est-ce qu’ailleurs je ne t’appartiens pas?
C’est interdit
Et pourquoi est-ce interdit?
Je te croyais au-dessus des lois
Can you give it?
Walk with me in the daylight…
http://www.christineandthequeens.com/catq_language/
https://perfumegenius.org/
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
"Too Bright" by Perfume Genius
Holy sh*t. Totally impressed with the true, "art" sensibility of these songs and videos by the amazing Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas). Both songs, "Queen" and "Grid," are from his release "Too Bright" released today, September 23, 2014. These powerful, aggressive, genre-defying pieces seem sprung from the head of Zeus, made up of familiar elements but reassembled in new, surreal, dream-like ways (the same goes for the videos). Some glam rock, some R&B, some electronic, some industrial, a bit of Yoko...all in a dark funhouse mirror. Love it.
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