#9 Album of 2014, Transgender Dysphoria Blues by Against Me!

Do you remember the last time you watched a movie, read a book, listened to a podcast or sat thru a documentary that completely captivates your attention and you learn about a subject that you've never genuinely invested thought into?

That happened when I listened to this album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues...   You can spend a good part of the night reading up on the creation of this record and Laura Jane Grace's thoughts on the album's subject matter by doing a quick google search.

In addition to learning about the band, the backdrop of the record... if you really give this album a proper listen, I think you'll find yourself learning about the emotional journey that we all struggle with to find self acceptance.  I think that's the most beautiful thing about this record...  it sorta gives you a glimpse into what Laura Jane Grace was going through in 2012 when this record was being created.  You get little glimpses into her life... decisions she's made and how that has impacted the ones she loves and new found thought processes.

Strangely enough... I caught this band live earlier in the year and I kinda left the show feeling a little disappointed.  Not so much with their performance...  it just kinda felt like they were fulfilling another night on their extensive tour schedule.  I kinda hoped to attend and maybe hear a little bit more about the songs on this record between tracks.  A little something acknowledging that these songs were about very *real* things that are occurring to her. 

Recommended tracks to listen to:

Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues

So I've spent the past couple of weeks listening to the new Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues...   it only took one listen for me to realize that I needed to learn more about Laura Jane Grace (born Thomas James Gabel).

Transgender_Dysphoria_Blues_cover_art.jpg

Before I type another letter, I need to point out that I arrived at the foot of this record from a point of complete ignorance.

I was vaguely familiar with the band Against Me!, but never went out of my way to listen to anything they've released since the album Reinventing Axl Rose.  I was completely unaware that that Thomas came out as a transgender in Rolling Stone in 2012...  so I sorta had my bell rung when the opening lyrics of the album start with:

Your tells are so obvious: shoulders too broad for a girl.
It keeps you reminded, it helps you to remember where you come from.

You want them to notice the ragged ends of your summer dress,
You want them to see you they see every other girl; they just see a faggot.
They hold their breath not to catch the sick.

The bell ringing doesn't stop in the opening track... I've poured over every lyric on the album and haven't been this moved by an artist sharing a genuine story since I heard Perfume Genius - Put Your Back Into It.

Can't recommend this album enough.  It's likely going to be the most courageous albums I'll get to listen to in 2014.

Stand Out Tracks:

Artist: Against Me!
Album: Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Producer: Laura Jane Grace
Label: Total Treble Music
Recorded: Total Treble Studios, Studio 606, Earthsound Recording, Motor Studios