The Party

Every aspect of this record is a wonder.Starting with the very emergence of Andy as a young artist with so much to say. For me, that really enhances my enjoyment of "The Party". In spite of all the understatement and delicacy, there's an exhilarating sense that he's just getting started, creating work this accomplished and memorable - yet just beginning to discover his own limitless potential and both finding and expanding his voice.This lean and perfect collection of songs brings everything to the table that moves me musically. I really savor contrasts, and whether consciously or not, there are many things that counterbalance each other here, in a way that seem both cleverly thought out and yet effortless, simple, straightforward and truthful. (Contrast #1).Although I can't remember the last time a record grabbed me this hard from the first listen, some of the contrast I'm referring to really emerges the more you play it. And it really demands to be listened to as an album, which is easy to do at its just-right length. And yet the next contrast I noticed was that while it plays so well as a song cycle, each and every song can, and does, stand on its own as a single.Like the work of Stephen Sondheim - which is an epic yet reasonable comparison - these songs feel like their own little one-act plays which form a larger narrative but also tell their own stories in the unique voices of their characters. For an artist who wanted "to get out of his own head" he knocked this out of the park.Contrasts abound. These songs are deeply moving while several are simultaneously humorous - or at least display a lighter touch. You may notice how everything is breathtakingly melodic and stuffed with infectious, memorable hooks....but the sophisticated structure, literate lyrics and metaphors take you by surprise and remind you you're not listening to ordinary pop.I've heard several  of these songs in much simpler arrangements and performances, and when experienced that way you don't think they could possibly be better. But in this recording, everything is gorgeously, unashamedly "produced". Strings, woodwinds, overdubs... all things that can drown lesser material, but presented so beautifully here that I just can't decide whether the simpler or more elaborate presentation takes my breath away more. In the case of Mr. Shauf, the material is strong enough to feel definitive in any way he chooses to present it. This is a hallmark that seems to originate from his earliest work. Any fan who's been held spellbound by "Wendell Walker" knows the song and story craft are so great that it astonishes - any way it is performed.(String arranger Colin Nealis deserves a special mention for his work here. The spinning, stunning string interlude that appears in the middle of "Early To The Party" elevates one of my already favorite songs from this collection to the level of Masterwork.)The unifying concept of a party is a really fresh idea that lays a beautiful stage for the people and events we meet here. Yet never for a moment does the artist work too hard to sell this concept.There's plenty of room for your own subtext and interpretation, while you're wandering through this room experiencing the highs/lows of this very trivial/meaningful evening. These party guests are flawed yet solid human beings. There are confessions/withholdings. There's giving/selfishness. Life/death. Jealousy/generosity. Awkwardness and grace. Just like any group of strangers. Like any group of friends. Like a family. And just like life.These human contrasts seem to play especially well because the device of the party is such a relatable scene on which to cast these characters. The harmony/social discomfort of most gatherings is so universal, and captured so effectively in the shape of the early-arriving guest, that I expect most listeners are remembering their own anxieties and excitement at the arrival to a gathering from the outset of the record. Everyone has been one of these people or knows one of these people. So I accept their flaws with self-awareness and listen to their stories with compassion and sans judgement.Finally, there are some beautiful contrasts and twists in how lyrics are used and reused. The most affecting example for me is the heartbreaking gulf that opens between the hopeful question "does it ever?" with the devastating realization "guess it never". Change a few letters, remove a question mark and bring me to tears.This is clearly my record of the year and one that instantly goes into the little cherished bin of music that feels so inevitable and right it might as well have been created just for me.I hope others discover and cherish this as much as I do. And I I thank the artist for what he's given us here - and what is yet to come.

A retro but also modern sounding album that is a journey from beginning to end. Andy Shauf has a unique voice that sounds like it comes form another time. But it somehow fits now. The Party is a great collection of songs exploring the adventures during a ..party. Catchy, disarming, unique and awesome.

One of my favorite records of the year. Catchy low-key songs that become addictive. Andy has the ability to create neat little worlds.

I'm in love with this album. The instrumentation, the vocals and lyrics, the orchestral arrangements. It all comes together in a magical way that takes you on a blissful musical journey. Bravo, Andy!!!

Great stuff. Andy Shauf is super talented. The only complaint is that the vinyl starts very abruptly.. the first track starts with a loud boom as the needle jumps in. Super strange. But the music is great!

Beautiful.

This album is fantastic. A fantastically produced, well executed concept album. No hisses or pops/leve issues on my turntable either

I love this album but the seller sent me a vinyl that skips on multiple songs so now i cant even really listen to it.