Le Petite Mort – odd post-hit albums

Last Updated on December 26, 2023

S01 E53

This episode is named after the feeling of post-orgasm, similar to death. The moment of bare consciousness finds you after your peak. The history of pop music is resplendent with musical-about faces.

From Kraftwork giving up fingering their flutes to Finnish death metal pioneers Xsyma turning into a (more popular) indie band, plenty have given up their initial tinkering to find a more mature (and sometimes popular) sound. Yet, few have changed immediately after their creative peak or in the face of success. 

And this is exactly what Andrew and Sam explore this week. Or sort of. So, hold onto your umbrellas as they splash about in stylistic changes that upset the earbuds. Sometimes this led to the end of their immediate career, in other times, it cemented them as genius.

Riffs of the week

Dr Sam’s Riff

• Danny Brown – Jenny’s Terrific Vacation (0.10)

Andrew’s Riff

• Ghost of a thousand – Left for dead (0:10)

Dr Sam’s track choices

1. Space – There’s No You (0.45)
2. Smashing Pumpkins – Pug (opening)
3. Slipknot – People = Shit (opening)
4. Vic Goddard & the Subway Sect – Hey Now (I’m In Love) (opening)

Andrew’s track choices

1. Nirvana – Tourettes (0:50)
2. The Stone Roses – Begging you (2:30)
3. Suede – Asphalt world (6:20)
4. The Sex Pistols – Who Killed Bambi (1:55)

Email us – beatmotel@lawsie.com

Links of joy

• We dig music podcast
• Only Three Lads ‘Life after punk’ podcast episode
• Beat Motel reviews the Pitchfork ‘Best 50 albums of 2023 list’