Ellery Twining, an artist who defies easy categorization, has once again captured the essence of a unique musical journey with his latest single, “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection.” This track, the third on his sophomore album ‘RESULTS’, is more than just a song—it’s a reflection of a deeply personal and transformative experience that intertwines nostalgia, history, and a forward-looking sound that Twining has coined as “post-pop.” With its roots in an unforgettable moment at Mystic Disc, the record store where Twining has worked since 1995, the song stands as a testament to his artistic evolution and the influence of musical history on his work.
The story behind “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” begins in a small, unassuming record shop in Mystic, Connecticut. For nearly three decades, Twining has been a fixture at Mystic Disc, a haven for vinyl enthusiasts and music aficionados. Among the countless moments that have passed within its walls, one stands out as particularly indelible: the day the store acquired the personal record collection of Dusty Springfield, the iconic British soul singer.
“Working at the Mystic Disc record store since 1995 has brought many memorable moments of musical importance,” Twining reflects. “When the store bought Dusty Springfield’s record collection, it was an indelible moment.” This experience left such a profound impact on him that it became the foundation for the song, a piece that not only honors Springfield’s legacy but also explores the emotional and cultural resonance of music itself.
“Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” is a standout track on *RESULTS*, a record that builds upon Twining’s critically acclaimed debut, *REVENGE*. With *RESULTS*, Twining pushes the boundaries of his sound, delving into what he describes as “post-pop”—a genre that he has, in many ways, pioneered. This new aesthetic blends elements of pop, folk, and avant-garde, creating a soundscape that is at once familiar and refreshingly original. The album’s tracks are layered with nostalgia and introspection, combining the innocence of childhood memories with a sharp, modern critique of cultural shifts.
The track is not just a nostalgic homage but also a sophisticated commentary on the fluidity of cultural legacy and the evolving nature of music. Twining’s lyrics and soundscapes deconstruct the past while reassembling it into something that feels both timeless and of-the-moment. The result is a song that encapsulates the ethos of post-pop: a genre that, though not yet fully defined, is unmistakably heralded by Twining’s work.
The music video for “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection,” released on August 17, 2024, is a visual extension of the song’s themes. Directed by Mystic photographer Michelle Gemma and edited by Jim Canty, the video tells the story of a young fan searching for Dusty Springfield’s records at the iconic Mystic Disc shop. Unbeknownst to her, the ghost of Dusty Springfield also makes an appearance, a spectral reminder of the lasting impact of her music.
Filmed over several days in the summer of 2024, the video captures the quaint charm of Mystic Disc while intertwining it with a sense of ethereal mystery. Carly Straub portrays the young fan, while Issy Paterson takes on the role of Dusty Springfield’s ghost. The video is a poignant exploration of how music connects generations, bridging the gap between past and present in a way that is both touching and thought-provoking.
“All noises by Ellery Twining,” reads the credit for the single, underscoring the artist’s hands-on approach to his craft. However, ‘RESULTS’ is far from a solo effort. Twining enlisted the talents of David Bentley on bass guitar, with Eric M. Lichter producing and recording the album at Dirt Floor Recording & Production in Haddam, Connecticut. Recorded between December 2022 and April 2023, the album is a culmination of meticulous effort, creative experimentation, and a deep understanding of music’s power to evoke emotion.
Twining’s approach to songwriting is deeply personal. He draws from real-life events, infusing his music with authenticity and raw emotion. In interviews, he has expressed that he only writes songs about experiences that have genuinely happened to him, eschewing fiction in favor of truth. This commitment to honesty is palpable in ‘RESULTS’, which features tracks like “CELLAR DOOR,” a song Twining considers his best work to date, thanks in part to Lichter’s contributions during the recording sessions.
Twining’s ‘RESULTS’ is more than just an album; it’s a manifesto for a new era of music. The record blends elements of glam rock, avant-garde, and punk, all while carving out a new space in the musical landscape. This post-pop genre is characterized by its willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions, reflecting a broader shift in contemporary art toward non-linear storytelling and expressive individualism.
In ‘RESULTS’, Twining captures the zeitgeist of a world in flux, using his music to articulate feelings of uncertainty, nostalgia, and hope. The album’s universal appeal lies in its ability to resonate with listeners on a deep, emotional level, offering both solace and inspiration during a time of cultural and societal change.
“Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” is a testament to Ellery Twining’s ability to transform personal experiences into universal narratives. By channeling the spirit of a musical icon and melding it with his innovative post-pop sound, Twining has created a track that is both a tribute and a reinvention. As *RESULTS* continues to gain recognition, it is clear that Twining is not just an artist ahead of his time, but one who is actively shaping the future of music.
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