ICYMI: The Paranoid Style Has A New Album Out

Hey stalwart friends,

It’s Elizabeth Nelson here, from the blog. And elsewhere. I wanted to let you know that exactly one month ago, to this day, my band The Paranoid Style put out a new record called Known Associates on the Bar/None Records label (the label you can trust!).

Earlier this week, Rob, Scott and I hopped on Zoom for a podcast to talk about the album, which I think does a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of explaining what you’re in for when you listen to this new collection of songs. We also talk a lot about Yacht Rock and the Replacements and Robbie Robertson and Mick Jagger and RFK Jr. and Ted Templeman and Van Halen and Van Morrison. Needless to say, it’s an essential listen, just like my record Known Associates.

But if you needed any more convincing as to how good this release is, lemme just give you a few reviews that I personally liked a lot:

“There is a case to be made for Elizabeth Nelson as the best rock lyricist of this moment. Her range of subject matter is prodigious, her technical command of imagery and form is impeccable, even when she’s breaking the rules by cramming more words into a line then it would seem able to bear. ‘Known Associates’ is the Paranoid Style’s most hard rocking record even as Elizabeth Nelson extends the reach of her influence. Nelson and the Paranoid Style are the most persuasive argument I know for the ongoing vitality of rock and roll.” – Ken Tucker, Fresh Air

“Elaborate storytelling, country foot-stomping rock and super catchy examinations of the false promise of American meritocracy.” – NPR New Music Friday

“[“It’s a Dog’s Breakfast”] highlights Nelson’s high-low cultural collisions and motor-mouth word play to characteristically great effect: The kajillion rhymes for ‘breakfast’ she piles up, as she doubles down on bad bets and loser hands, are MC worthy. But what grabs you first are the tumbling rhythm and roar of her Paranoic partners in crime, guitarists Timothy Bracy and Peter Holsapple included, plus guest vocals and a sax solo from Wussy’s Lisa Walker and the Mountains Goats’ Matt Douglas, respectively. It all has a big glorious Stonesy sound—that’s Rolling and Ponys, both—and of course it does. The Paranoid Style wears its influences smartly on its sleeves like few acts these days. But, make no mistake, the style’s all their own.” – David Cantwell, No Fences Review

“The Paranoid Style’s new LP, Known Associates, is smart and assured and sad and mad, Nelson taking a space somewhere amongst Dan Bejar, Patti Smith, and Patterson Hood.” – Grayson Haver Currin, Out + Back

Also, Robert Christgau gave us an A.

Anyway, I’m really not kidding when I say this is truly some good music for folks. Stream it at your favorite or least favorite streaming service. Or pick up a copy at your local record store. Or at Bandcamp. I thank you in advance for your support. It means so much.