The Past Is Still Alive is the eighth studio album by Hurray for the Riff Raff. It was released on February 23, 2024, through Nonesuch Records. Produced by Brad Cook, the album features contributions from Conor Oberst, Meg Duffy, Anjimile and S.G. Goodman.
| The Past Is Still Alive | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 23, 2024 | |||
| Recorded | 2023 | |||
| Length | 36:39 | |||
| Label | Nonesuch | |||
| Producer | Brad Cook | |||
| Hurray for the Riff Raff chronology | ||||
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| Singles from The Past Is Still Alive | ||||
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Background
editFront member Alynda Segarra started recording The Past Is Still Alive the month after the death of their father,[1] in March 2023.[2] The album emerged from a period of "personal grief" and pulled inspiration from "radical poetry, railroad culture, outsider art", as well as works from Eileen Myles and activist groups like ACT UP and Gran Fury.[3] It sees Segarra dealing with the passing of time and the "ones left behind". Tracks are viewed from the perspective of Segarra as "first-person lyrics" and reflects on key moments of their childhood, struggles in early adulthood and lessons learnt in the present time.[4] Upon announcing The Past Is Still Alive on November 9, 2023, Segarra also shared the lead single "Alibi". They described the song as "a reckoning with time and memory" in an attempt to reach someone that is "destined to be lost".[5]
Hurray for the Riff Raff are set to promote the album through a 39-date North America and Europe tour in early 2024.[6]
Critical reception
editYear-end lists
edit| Publication/critic | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncut | 80 Best Albums of 2024 | 20 | [7] |
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Alynda Segarra.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Alibi" | 2:48 |
| 2. | "Buffalo" | 3:42 |
| 3. | "Hawkmoon" | 3:42 |
| 4. | "Colossus of Roads" | 2:45 |
| 5. | "Snake Plant (The Past Is Still Alive)" | 4:07 |
| 6. | "Vetiver" | 3:52 |
| 7. | "Hourglass" | 2:50 |
| 8. | "Dynamo" | 3:07 |
| 9. | "The World Is Dangerous" | 3:45 |
| 10. | "Ogallala" | 4:59 |
| 11. | "Kiko Forever" | 1:02 |
| Total length: | 36:39 | |
Personnel
editMusicians
- Alynda Segarra – vocals (all tracks); acoustic guitar, shaker (tracks 1–10); programming (11)
- Brad Cook – bass guitar (tracks 1–9), acoustic guitar (2), Wurlitzer (3), synthesizer (4), vibraphone (8)
- Phil Cook – organ (tracks 1–10), piano (1, 2, 4, 7–10), electric guitar (1, 8, 9), Dobro (2, 4), Wurlitzer (5, 6), marimba (5)
- Matt Douglas – baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone (tracks 5, 9)
- Meg Duffy – electric guitar (tracks 3, 5, 6, 8); background vocals, synthesizer (5); slide guitar (6)
- S.G. Goodman – background vocals (track 8)
- Mike Mogis – pedal steel guitar (tracks 2, 10); synth bass, synthesizer (10)
- Conor Oberst – background vocals (track 9)
- Liddy Rodenburgh – fiddle (track 7)
- Anjimile Segarra – background vocals (track 10)
- Jose Segarra – keyboards, vocals (track 11)
- Yan Westerlund – drums (tracks 1–10), tambourine (1, 4–10)
Technical
- Brad Cook – production, engineering
- Heba Kadry – mastering
- Mike Mogis – mixing
- Paul Voran – engineering
Charts
edit| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Digital Albums (ARIA)[8] | 23 |
| Croatian International Albums (HDU)[9] | 29 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[10] | 25 |
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[11] | 21 |
References
edit- ^ Strauss, Matthew (November 9, 2023). "Hurray for the Riff Raff Announces Album, Shares New Song: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ "Hurray for the Riff Raff". First Avenue. November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Chelosky, Danielle (November 9, 2023). "Hurray For The Riff Raff – "Alibi"". Stereogum. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Chandler, Stacy (November 9, 2023). "Hurray for the Riff Raff Looks Back on Life Story on New Album The Past Is Still Alive". No Depression. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ "Hurray for the Riff Raff Announce New LP The Past Is Still Alive, Share Lead Single". Jambands. November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Petrosian, Nika (November 9, 2023). "Hurray for the Riff Raff Announce New Album The Past Is Still Alive, Plot International Tour". Exclaim!. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Pearis, Bill (November 8, 2024). "List Season comes early with Uncut's Top 80 Albums of 2024". brooklynvegan.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 4 March 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1774. Australian Recording Industry Association. March 4, 2024. p. 10.
- ^ "Lista prodaje 10. tjedan 2024. (26.02.2024. - 03.03.2024.)" (in Croatian). HDU. March 15, 2024. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 2, 2024.