I Am Ready For The Worst

There are a few albums released today which I'm excited about-- Josh Ritter, Rilo Kiley, New Pornographers. I think, however, that the best of the bunch may be the sleeper: The Mendoza Line's 30 Year Low. A while back the Catbirdseat posted the alternate take of "Aspect of an Old Maid", a breathless back-and-forth between bitter ex-lovers, and the past couple months have seen it become-- seriously-- my favorite song of the year.

The Mendoza Line - Aspect of an Old Maid (alt. take) [mp3]

It sounds like Dylan, a lot, but the shambles can hardly hide the tension and absolute focus that make the song so fascinating, and such a refreshing listen. It's not quite uncomfortable listening to the two trade accusations and observations,

Hey baby, I know you had that baby before you were really ready to
Cause I've seen you hold it so timid and unsteady and I've seen the fear when it looks at you

/

So call out your tyrant director
And let his cruel will be dispersed
Tell all my deeds to the inspector
I am ready for the worst

because the two sing it with such conviction, owning every phrase they offer. And they should, having ended their marriage and their time as the Mendoza Line. Unfortunate circumstances indeed, but I'll be damned if such a situation has ever produced something this invigorating.

The Mendoza Line - Since I Came [mp3]

This one's newer to me, but didn't take long to ingratiate itself. Shannon McArdle's alone this time and the music's a little more somber, but it's a gorgeous tune that works up to

Could I find my way out?
Could my two girls grow up to be free?
If you ever touch a hair on their heads
If you ever look at them the way you do me

a heartbreaking, weighty finale.

get 30 Year Low, with bonus disc, for $13.50 pre-paid from Glurp