The Post-Rockist

I’ve already let my nerd flag fly high when I trumpeted the announcement of the upcoming Fiery Furnaces record, but what I didn’t tell you at the time (because it wasn’t announced until the following week) was that the siblings Friedberger were asking their fans to submit “deaf descriptions” of the new album. That is, they want you to review the album without having listened to it first. They will then take the deaf descriptions and somehow turn them into a “‘complete’ fan-made, word-only, entirely-unrelated, alternate version of I’m Going Away,” which also be released the same day as the actual album, July 21. Best of all, they don’t even have to be in English!

You know me, I couldn’t resist. What I submitted is copied below — it’s a blend of divinely prophesized predictions and blind wish-fulfillment fantasies. You can submit your deaf descriptions to thefieryfurnacesemail [at] gmail [dot] com.

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Delirious doesn’t even begin to describe it. For a group already well known for their staggering gumption and spitfire hubris, the Fiery Furnaces have attempted on their latest studio album I’m Going Away to recreate the entirety of American popular music, from Dixie land brass bands to Lady Gaga, in an epic experiment just shy of 80 minutes. But this isn’t simply a linear retelling of the story, where Robert Johnson walks up to the crossroads and takes a left; instead, in the Friedbergers’ vision, all possible paths are explored at the same time. The result is a complete alternate history, in which salty sea shanties are sung in the dusty plains of Texas, carousel waltzes are regular staples in underground hardcore shows, and Burl and Charles Ives share not only a surname, but a bunk bed and a four-track. (Continued)