Love Gibberish, the playfully titled third album from Chicago’s Post Animal, represents a step both into the future and into the past for the rock quintet. While they’ve accrued a large enough fanbase to allow themselves to self-release the LP after a two-album run with Polyvinyl Records, it also saw the group returning to the family farm of band member Jake Hirshland to write the record—the place where, as legend has it, the name “Post Animal” was initially attributed to the project.
While the album’s sounds are far more rooted in the bustle and electricity of the city than the minimal charm of the country, that pastoral setting clearly leant itself to a clear-headed approach to this new batch of songs, which feel focused on the band’s mission to infuse the muscle of stadium-sized classic rock with an electronic, modernized take on proggy riffing.
With the album out today, the band shared a playlist with us that hints at influences on the new record while doubling as a readymade soundtrack for their next visit to the Hirshland family farm, with each song on the track list traced back to an appealingly rural way of life. Listen to Love Gibberish here, and keep scrolling for the playlist and the band’s commentary.
Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill”
There’s nothing like a driving bass (based) line to carry you up that hill—whether you’re sowing or towing, the groove remains.
Judas Priest, “(Take These) Chains”
We love hard rock that wears its heart on its sleeve. Remind you of any modern rock group much?!
The Cars, “It’s All I Can Do”
All we can really do is try, need we say more? Take your car to the farm and relish in the fact that you’ve tried your best, in life and love.
Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”
All we have is a chance to be. Are you still free? Can you be? A thought to ponder within the confines of a pensive night at the farm.
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, “Easy Lover”
Nature is the easiest lover. Before you know it you’ll be on your knees, weeding the gravely driveway, in attempts to hold court with Mother Nature.
Hall & Oates, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)”
There’s nothing better for a night of barnyard games than Private Eyes. Beware the tricksies the night plays on your eyes!
Klaus Doldinger & Giorgio Moroder, “Fantasia”
The sound of the clear starry sky. If you look closely, you may catch Falkor bounding across the driftless hilltops.
Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
As Whitney puts it, when the night falls, loneliness calls, and the farm is no stranger to feelings of loneliness. Dancing is the cure.
Bobby McFerrin, “Common Threads”
If you haven’t heard this, listen, and listen closely. The purity of Bobby’s voice will make you appreciate the beauty in simplicity, much like the big sky that a night at the farm elicits.
ELO, “Livin’ Thing”
A terrible thing to lose, a living thing. We must give, for it’s a givin’ thing after all. Give to live and the world will flourish.
Teddy Pendergrass, “Love T.K.O.”
Voice warms you like a crackling fire on the ridge, bass bounces like the bumblebees, and guitar licks flutter like the hummingbirds.
Prince, “Darling Nikki”
In the heat of the night, romance often prevails—why not take this lesson from The Purple Yoda, Prince, a master of music and love and so much more?
Stevie Wonder, “I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It”
Stevie belongs in any scenario. It’s the truth, he’s just that magical. If you ain’t enjoying Stevie at the farm, we ain’t gonna stand for it.
Bruce Springsteen, “Hungry Heart”
Bruce is a man of contemplation, a natural storyteller, and he will surely bring solace in your days of reflection. Nobody likes to be alone, so hang with Bruce and satisfy your heart.
