Photo Courtesy of people1973.com
Michael Cera released his first full length (and we mean full – this LP has eighteen tracks on it) album titled true that on Tuesday, August 12th. Nobody knew it was coming, but Cera’s friend Jonah Hill gave it a promo push the night it was released, saying on Twitter, “My great friend Michael Cera not only is a brilliant actor, he also makes great music,” and included a link to Cera’s bandcamp page where the whole album is available for free streaming. The folky, indie, eclectic album has a lo-fi, hollow tinge to it, and is full of a variety of instruments, all of which Cera can apparently play himself, in addition to doing most of the vocals.
There’s a mix of old-timey covers, like “Clay Pigeons” by Blaze Foley, some sweet little ballads such as the synth-laden “2048,” unexpected voice samples from movies, and some purely instrumental tracks, like “Too Much.” In the song “What Gives,” Cera samples a little kid’s voice, ala Blue Ivy on Blue. Pianos, acoustic guitar, samples and synths mix together in a style that is one hundred percent Cera, to generate this melancholy and nostalgic home made collection of tunes. The bio for the album simply reads, “Michael Cera was born in Canada in 1988 at the tender age of zero.” It is truly unique, full of soul, and the lo-fi effect somehow makes it less pretentious that many typical indie albums. The surprising lack of promotion prior to its release also denotes the fact that this album isn’t meant to be a big deal; it’s humble.
Though true that is available for free streaming, you really should be a sport and lay out the $7 asking price, which gets you three bonus tracks on top of the initial eighteen. Stream and purchase the album here. FDRMX is providing the track list below.
Track List for true that:
“uhohtrouble”
“Moving In”
“Clay Pigeons (Blaze Foley cover)”
“What Gives (… I Can’t Live Like This)”
“Of A Thursday”
“Too Much”
“Steady Now”
“Gershy’s Kiss”
“Humdrummin”
“2048”
“Ruth”
“Old Grey Whistle”
“Brat”
“Oh Nadine (You Were In My Dream)”
“Sexy Danger”
“Kettle”
“Smoke Eyes”
“Those Days”