Obligatory Villagers is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Nellie McKay. It was released on September 25, 2007. Bob Dorough appears as a guest vocalist on several tracks. Many of the musicians on the album reside in the Pocono Mountains, particularly the Delaware Water Gap area. Nancy Reed, a voice teacher in Stroudsburg, sings with her on "Politan." Nellie McKay was Nancy Reed's first student.[1]
Obligatory Villagers | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | September 25, 2007 | |||
Recorded | 2007 | |||
Genre | Jazz, pop, rock | |||
Length | 31:35 33:38 (with online bonus track) | |||
Label | Hungry Mouse/Vanguard Records | |||
Producer | Nellie McKay | |||
Nellie McKay chronology | ||||
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Track listing
edit- "Mother of Pearl"
- "Oversure"
- "Gin Rummy"
- "Livin'"
- "Identity Theft"
- "Galleon"
- "Politan"
- "Testify"
- "Zombie"
- "Doko Demo Doa" (Bonus Track in Japanese)
Critical reception
editReview scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Robert Christgau | (A-) |
Pitchfork Media | (6.9/10) |
Rolling Stone |
Critical response to the album was generally positive. Pitchfork Media and AllMusic both commented that the album was "difficult to understand," though they also agreed that McKay is a talented songwriter and arranger.[2][3]
Robert Christgau gave the album 3.5/5 stars.[4]
Charts
editChart (2007) | Peak position |
---|---|
Billboard Heatseekers | 30 |
References
edit- ^ Gordon, William (2015-08-14). "Nancy and Spencer Reed, jazz duo, play at Musikfest". The Morning Call.
- ^ "Nellie McKay: Obligatory Villagers". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2022-06-20.
- ^ Nellie McKay Obligatory Villagers Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-06-20
- ^ "Robert Christgau: Nellie McKay: Obligatory Villagers". www.robertchristgau.com. Retrieved 2022-06-20.