In case you haven’t already noticed, Dan Deacon’s new album Bromst is a work of fucking genius. It’s such a lovely cacophony of sounds and ideas that I hardly know where to begin, though discussing “Snookered” seems like a good start. Abstaining from his strategic neurosis, “Snookered” is a moment of musical accessibility and bold honesty from Dan Deacon. He sings precise and clear, declaring the most evocative lyrics of his career: “Been wrong so many times before/ but never quite like this.” With only two short stanzas, Deacon layers “Snookered” over a sprawling eight minutes. Beginning with notes from a music box amidst thick fuzz, Deacon sings loudly as if he refuses to be drowned out. Though never using “you”, his confessional words atop such a bittersweet melody makes “Snookered” feel entirely dedicated to one person.
“Snookered” is just one more example of Deacon’s ability to transgress genre without ignoring structure or traditional pop hooks. Easily one of the best songs of his young career, this track is another reason why Bromst is a stunning accomplishment.
Dan Deacon – “Snookered”
April 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Snookered is the bright shining beacon (deacon!) of light on Bromst. …Not that the rest of the record isn’t stellar.