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On this episode, Nashville-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Olivia Barton introduces Al to Mount Eerie’s 2017 album A Crow Looked at Me. Olivia talks about why she chose this album to discuss, even though she hasn’t listened to it very often, and she explains why she considers this a life-changing album. She also highlights some of the most impactful lyrics and musical elements from the album. Olivia  discusses her latest album For Myself and For You, as well as the .m4a version of the album she released in January.

Correction: Al referred to Olivia’s song “The Hardest Thing” as “The Hardest Part.”

To keep up with Olivia’s tour plans and much, much more, be sure to give her a follow on Instagram at @oliviabartonhaha. She has the same handle on TikTok and YouTube.

You can also find tour information and merch on Olivia’s website, https://oliviabartonhaha.com/. Also, you can explore and buy Olivia’s music on Bandcamp at https://oliviabarton.bandcamp.com/.

Olivia mentioned her collaboration with Lizzie McAlpine, “Learn Something,” which is now available on Bandcamp. All proceeds go to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund in Minnesota. Check it out here: https://lizzymcalpine.bandcamp.com/track/learn-something.

Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. 

The first eight episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.

To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum

1:19 Olivia’s introduction

2:42 A Crow Looked at Me was an obvious choice for Olivia, even though she had listened to it only three times

5:30 Olivia recalls the part of the album that first made a big impression on her

10:22 Olivia and Al talk about some of the mundane details Phil Elverum sings about and the emotional impact they felt

14:24 Al and Olivia interpret some of the lyrics from “Emptiness Pt. 2”

17:40 Olivia explains how Elverum’s vocal style adds to the album’s emotional impact

18:50 Al and Olivia discuss Elverum’s unconventional use of noises in the recording

21:13 Olivia talks about the directness of Elverum’s lyrics

26:43 Olivia notes the album’s lack of hooks

28:16 Al and Olivia talk about the slight change in tone in the album’s last two tracks

36:51 Olivia discusses Elverum’s symbolic use of the crow

40:47 Listening to A Crow Looked at Me made Olivia think about stream counts

42:59 Olivia talks about her own emotionally difficult songs

45:27 Olivia mentions the other album she could have chosen for this episode

47:26 Olivia discusses the .m4a version of For Myself and For You

50:30 Olivia shares her upcoming tour plans

Outro music is from “Kissing in Public” by Olivia Barton.

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