Kurt Vile is someone that, if you like music and you live in the city of Philadelphia, you know him well. While his influence and popularity far eclipse the local scene, what makes him special for us is that, throughout his entire career, he’s worn his love of Philly on his sleeve. From the ample lyrical references to the new album’s title, to the famous Fishtown-based mural cover of “Wakin’ on a Pretty Daze,” the man has never shied away from his roots. He’s out and about; he pops up on stage to support other acts (most recently Courtney Barnett at The Fillmore), and he’ll eat a vegan cheesesteak with you just because he can.
And that’s pretty refreshing and inspiring.
I love Philly with all my heart. I spent time away living a nomadic lifestyle, but everything always brought me back here. From the “Go Birds” and “Go Phils” comments I received across the country for wearing one of my too-many Philly sports hats/shirts/jackets (we are well-traveled) to my existential journey in search of purpose and identity leaving me determined to make my permanent return, I can firmly say that the best thing I’ve done in my entire adult life is buying my house here in Fishtown. Also, sobriety, because it’s kind of a chicken-and-egg thing… So it’s serendipitous that the level of reverence I’ve been experiencing this past year is soundtracked by what is possibly (though I personally hope not) Vile’s swan song dedicated to the City of Brotherly Love itself.
In my estimation, Philly is everything great about who we can collectively be. Are there problems and imperfections and injustices and administrative grievances? You betcha. But culturally, Philly is a true melting pot with much more to offer than complain about. And while some can remain cynical or dismissive of it all, Vile has never been one to shy away from celebrating it.
The sentiment is perhaps best expressed on “You Don’t Know Cuz It’s My Life” with the lyrics:
I'm from Philadelphia
A couple of my heroes wrote a song
But that ain't where they're from
So hey, you don't know
But I still love ya
Neil and the Boss
The lyrics exemplify his admiration for those who inspired him musically, while acknowledging how much the city itself is critical to his identity. Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen each have a song titled “Philadelphia,” but neither is actually from here. Young is Canadian, and Springsteen is famously the [unofficial] king of our neighboring state, New Jersey. It’s less a critique and more an acknowledgment of the fact that actually calling this place home is a critical part of fully understanding what this city even is. Vile continues:
A few of my friends, they moved away
But that ain't a-where they're from
(So come back a-when you know)
But I still love ya
As the guy who moved away and “came back when I knew,” this song is serendipitously apt. It’s pretty standard for anyone who makes it in the industry to move to either Los Angeles or New York and adopt one of those two long-standing entertainment Meccas as their new home. Even Tina Fey recently said the Knicks winning was a positive… for shame. But Vile never abandoned his roots. Which is not to say those who do move on are “wrong,” but rather that it only further solidifies why Kurt Vile remains undefeated as one of the city’s prime cultural ambassadors. He ain’t leaving. And we get to love him even more for it.
Overall, Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me serves as an easy listening soundtrack for these beautiful days of crisp sunshine and warmth that’s not yet oppressive. I can’t imagine a better listen while walking my dog along the Delaware River Trail through Penn Treaty Park, window shopping along Frankford Ave, picking up a hoagie from Liberty Kitchen, or trying to find a vinyl copy of this album at Milkcrate Cafe or the Philadelphia Record Exchange. It’s kind of weird (in a very positive way) to be listening to something that was made for the experiences of my (and your) day-to-day life. It’s a prideful listen on top of its artistic merit. And each track segues perfectly into the next, guiding my warm, laissez-faire journey through the city streets.
“Chance to Bleed” is an immediate album standout with a catchy refrain of “With that old time, lo-fi, D-I-Y, rock 'n roll nights” and speedier tempo than the tracks surrounding it. But what this album–and I’d say pretty much his entire discography–masters is the ability to craft a cohesive emotional vibe that flows seamlessly from start to finish.
Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me is, unsurprisingly, another great record in Vile’s legendary career. His output following his time in The War on Drugs has been consistent, to say the least. His lax vocal delivery, paired with chilled-out, folky alternative musicianship, makes pretty much every one of his records the perfect summer night soundtrack. And with his latest, he continues to deliver in that capacity.
Recent interviews suggest that Vile is considering this to be his possible last album. And while I’ll lend credence to the fact that his headspace and almost two-decade career have made that make sense, I still believe that he isn’t finished. Maybe just a pause until the next spark of inspiration. Regardless of what may or may not come following what is his tenth studio album (and ensuing tour), not to mention numerous EPs, singles, features, and collaborations, I’m just grateful for such a vast library of music to perfectly encapsulate the highly specific concept of “alt-rock Philadelphian.”
Album closer “Avalanches of Snow” serves to be one of the most beautifully rendered, emotionally longing songs of his career. If it’s the last song he ever records, I’m not sure I could really be upset about it.
If you’re already a fan, as I imagine most reading this would be, you’re in for another treat from our crooning, chilled-out homegrown hero. For anyone else, take a trip to the nearest roof at sunset, let go of all of life’s myriad stressors, take a listen, and feel the warm glow of gratitude for the little things in life.
Tracklist:
- "Zoom 97"
- "99 BPM"
- "Rock o' Stone"
- "You Don't Know Cuz It's My Life"
- "Chance to Bleed"
- "Philly's Been Good to Me"
- "99th Song"
- "Red Room Dub"
- "Holiday OKV"
- "Every Time I Look at You"
- "Piano for Sarah”
- "Avalanches of Snow"
Kurt Vile and The Violators will be performing Saturday, July 25 at The Dell Music Center for Make The World Better Concert Weekend. More info here: https://mtwbconcert.com/
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