Some folks are labeling the Montclair, NJ (mostly) 8-piece band, Pinegrove, as alt-country. I don’t think that’s terribly fair, but then again, labeling things is hard to do well. We as Americans love to label (#LTL). It’s one of our favorite past times. Dr. Remen at UCSF states that “labeling sets up an expectation of life that is often so compelling we can no longer see things as they really are“ and “a label is an attempt to assert control and manage uncertainty.” Hmmm… so we label things to exert control, and so we don’t have to “think” anymore. Verrrrry interesting Doctor. Very interesting indeed. So if I told you that Pinegrove’s great debut LP is alt-country, you’d probably go in to with some sort of expected parameters that would be different that if I told you it was midwestern-indie-emo, or folksy, or introspective art-rock. Maybe we should just stop labeling people/music/religions and let people experience things for themselves and make up their own minds (but then how will I #hashtag!? ugh…). Most things in life are more complex than one or two labels. Then again, these links of amazing label faux pas makes them fun again (here & here). Back to Pinegrove, their new album is really good and really chill. It’s good for work, for home, for walking. But that’s just my opinion. Think what you like.

“[Labeling] may allow us the security and comfort of a mental closure and encourage us not to think about things again. But life is known only by those who have found a way to be comfortable with change and the unknown. Given the nature of life, there may be no security, but only adventure.” #labels #amirite? #pleaseagree