With ‘Gimme 5!’ we take a peek into the collections of artists we admire. The premise is simple: artists WE like share five records THEY love.
Two years after their year-end list-worthy Dad Rock LP, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions return with their fourth album, named Scooter (after the nickname given to the frontman on account of the red Vespa-inspired pajamas he wore nightly the year he split his lip), their first on a label (Bird Fight Records). It’s a memoir-like record that explores what we tell about ourselves in both past and future tenses: “A coming-of-age story, a confessional, an investigation into nicknames, a spiritual memoir, a pondering about death, and ultimately a celebration of still being alive.” After the short but exciting intro tune (Hey!), we get ten roots rock songs of the refined kind. On the outside, humor and nonchalance seem to predominate, but a tear is never far away in the relatable lyrics, tasteful performance and pure vocals.
Another strong performance from the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based band, and a good reason to ask singer/songwriter/guitarist Jack Droppers what he likes to listen to himself.
Jack Droppers: “In order to narrow down the list of records, I gave myself a few restrictions: I had to own a physical copy of the record, a song from the record had to be on my inspirational playlist for our new album Scooter, and Springsteen or Sufjan (my two mainstays) were off limits.”
It led to this amazing list:
1. Anathallo || Canopy Glow
“This is one of those albums that has aged immensely well. I first heard Anathallo perform my freshman year of college at our school’s concert series. The instrumentation is layered and somewhat quirky, which means the dynamics are incredible. As I continue to grow in my ability to lead vocal arrangements (Laura Hobson, part of The Best Intentions, is great at this so I lean on her expertise), I like to mirror artists like Anathallo, who layer harmonies while also using vocals like instruments.”
2. Natalie Bergman || Mercy
“Over the first few months of 2021, I volunteered as the graveyard shift DJ for our local AAA radio station (WYCE88.1) where my radio show was on from 2-5 a.m. every other Tuesday (I know, I know, pretty prestigious stuff). Anyway, I discovered this album in the stacks of that station, and my goodness, it is so good. Within a couple weeks, I was buying a copy at a local store. Scooter isn’t necessarily an album about death or grief, but I think music naturally explores our relationship with time, and the best albums, like Mercy, honor its the brevity.”
3. Japanese Breakfast || Jubilee
“Michelle Zauner (lead singer of Japanese Breakfast) did a book signing and conversation with the Grand Rapids Public Library this summer, so I got to tell her this in person: Paprika (the opening track of Jubilee) is one of the greatest descriptions of what it feels like to create music. Often, it is ‘a rush’ and often I am alone wrestling with my insecurities and it ‘feels like dying’. This album is such a joy to listen to and is regularly on rotation in the Droppers’ house.”
4. Michael Kiwanuka || Love & Hate
“Kiwanuka is one of those transcendent artists that puts out a record every 4 years which re-invents his sound while staying consistent in his ability to blow me away. Cold Little Heart (the opening track) is a 10-minute song that slowly draws you into the album’s narrative with cinematic strings and a choir part that feels both inviting and haunting. After our band’s 2021 record, Dad Rock (which had several songs over 5-minutes), I was pretty purposeful in making the songs on our new album shorter. However, Kiwanuka’s impact shows on the first song Hey!, as I attempt to introduce the record without using my words.”
5. Izaak Opatz || Extra Medium
“I am not sure if there is a name for this genre, but I have found myself listening to a lot of heartfelt-yet-silly country music lately (artists like Johnny Fritz or Dougie Poole). Izaak Opatz’s Extra Medium is one of those albums I listened to a lot while writing and recording Scooter. I particularly love the intro track’s imagery and the scream during the chorus of Wild-Eyed George Bailey Heebie Geebies.”
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ new album Scooter, produced by Drew Elliot and Jack Droppers, is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP through Bird Fight Records. You can see them in action in the video below. The Best Intentions are Laura Hobson (vocals), Devin Sullivan (guitar, vocals), James Kessel (keys, vocals), Garrett Stier (bass, vocals, percussion) and Josh Holicki (drums, vocals). On selected tracks also featuring additional guitar from Drew Elliot and additional vocals from Shamara Tumblin, Adrienne Johnson and Ron Radcliffe.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp