A Return to Roots and High Fidelity
Kurt Vile has officially unveiled Philadelphia’s been good to me, his first new album since 2022’s (watch my moves). The indie standard-bearer and lifelong son of the City of Brotherly Love’s latest project arrives as an essential document of his creative process and evolving personality, captured during a three-year stretch in what he describes as “an inspired state of flux.” To preview the project, Vile has shared the lead single “Chance to bleed,” accompanied by a music video directed by Lucky Marvel and a comprehensive tour schedule for the coming summer and fall.
“This is my ‘bringing it all back home to Philly’ record,” Vile stated. “I’m treating it like my last record. I put everything into it. It’s my best vocal record. It’s my best electric guitar record. It’s my most organic record, made in the comfort of my own zone.”
The Process of Creation
Vile began work on Philadelphia’s been good to me in 2023, continuously refining melodies during his time off the road. The bulk of the record was tracked in his home basement studio in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. This approach lends an unrehearsed, authentic quality to the music, echoing the raw spirit of his early home-recording days while achieving a higher level of sonic fidelity.
“I’ve been waiting for that kinda natural element to show up again in my recordings, like the old home recording days,” Vile explained. “I think I finally caught that again, but in a higher fidelity; it’s never overly polished, but it’s still pretty damn shimmery.”
Collaborative Energy and Visuals
The lead single, “Chance to bleed,” features a rich tapestry of backing vocals from Natalie Hoffman (NOTS, Optic Sink), Ethan Buckler (King Kong, Slint), and Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound, The Oblivians). Cartwright also contributes co-lead guitar work, creating a dynamic interplay between the left and right channels. The accompanying music video highlights the local scenes that inspire Vile, featuring cameos from the Violators, Jim E Brown, and Philadelphia hip-hop legend Schoolly D.
“’Chance to bleed’ is some new kinda higher energy rager,” Vile noted. “Recorded with my band of bros the Violators in Athens, GA… and then on down the road to Memphis, TN where we got town legend Greg Cartwright to rip with us. I finished this jam out in L.A. with Rob Schnapf at the mixing board and by then it was flyin, baby.”
Tracklist and Tour
Philadelphia’s been good to me is set for release on May 29 via Verve Records. The album features the following tracks:
Philadelphia’s been good to me – Kurt Vile:
1. Zoom 97
2. 99 BPM
3. Rock ‘o Stone
4. You don’t know cuz it’s my life
5. Chance to Bleed
6. Philly’s been good to me
7. 99th song
8. Red Room Dub
9. Every time I look at you
10. Piano for Sarah
11. Avalanches of Snow