A Crow Looked at Me

Mount Eerie - A Crow Looked at Me

A Crow Looked at Me is the eighth studio album by Mount Eerie, the musical project of American musician Phil Elverum. It was released on March 24, 2017, through P.W. Elverum & Sun, Elverum's own label. The album is a stark departure from Elverum's previous work, featuring minimalistic instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics.

Background

The album was written and recorded in the aftermath of the death of Elverum's wife, Geneviève Castrée, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in July 2016. The songs on A Crow Looked at Me deal with themes of grief, loss, and the process of mourning. Elverum recorded the album in the room where Castrée died, using her instruments and equipment.

Recording and Production

A Crow Looked at Me was recorded between August and December 2016. The recording process was intentionally lo-fi, with Elverum opting for a raw and unpolished sound to reflect the emotional weight of the subject matter. The album features sparse arrangements, primarily consisting of acoustic guitar, piano, and minimal percussion.

Musical Style and Themes

The album's musical style is characterized by its simplicity and intimacy. Unlike previous Mount Eerie albums, which often featured complex arrangements and experimental sounds, A Crow Looked at Me is stripped down to its bare essentials. The lyrics are direct and unembellished, focusing on Elverum's personal experiences and emotions following his wife's death.

Reception

A Crow Looked at Me received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the album for its emotional honesty and rawness. It was frequently described as one of the most powerful and moving albums of 2017. The album appeared on numerous year-end lists and was highlighted for its unique approach to dealing with grief through music.

Track Listing

1. "Real Death"
2. "Seaweed"
3. "Ravens"
4. "Forest Fire"
5. "Swims"
6. "My Chasm"
7. "When I Take Out the Garbage at Night"
8. "Emptiness Pt. 2"
9. "Toothbrush/Trash"
10. "Soria Moria"
11. "Crow"

Personnel

• Phil Elverum – vocals, guitar, piano, production
• Geneviève Castrée – inspiration, instruments used in recording

Legacy

A Crow Looked at Me is often cited as a significant work in the genre of indie folk and lo-fi music. Its unflinching exploration of grief has influenced other artists and has been the subject of academic discussions on the role of music in processing personal trauma.

See Also

• Mount Eerie
• Phil Elverum
• Geneviève Castrée
• Indie folk
• Lo-fi music