Best Coast
Audio
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1. The Only Place
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2. Why I Cry
Biography
On May 15, 2012, Best Coast released their highly anticipated new album The Only Place. This follow-up to 2010’s acclaimed Crazy For You finds the proudly Southern Californian duo of Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno maturing in both their sound and perspective. While Crazy For You was a nostalgic tribute to teenage feelings, The Only Place finds front woman Cosentino starting a transition into adulthood. “I’m trying really hard to grow up,” she says. “I’m trying to let go of my bad habits and the immature things I still drag around with me.” Of course this adjusting comes with uncertainty and self-doubt, two feelings at the emotional center of an album that also features a love song to her home state of California in the title track. All encompassed in the memorable album cover, derived from a 1913 sheet music illustration paying homage to the golden state.
As with all of Best Coast’s previous recordings, on The Only Place Cosentino handles all songwriting, lyrics, vocals and rhythm guitar, while multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno plays lead guitar, bass and drums. What’s new this time is their decision to work with producer and composer Jon Brion. A revered figure in the music world, Brion has collaborated with artists including Fiona Apple and Kanye West and created the scores for such films as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Punch-Drunk Love. Recorded at Capitol Records’ famed Studio B, The Only Place features a cleaner and richer sound than other Best Coast releases. Many of the songs’ arrangements are detailed with subtle percussion and unexpected instrumentation. Intricate but never overworked, the biggest change from previous releases is how it showcases Cosentino’s voice, this time letting it ring clear, unhidden by distortion and reverb.
Simultaneous with the release of The Only Place, Urban Outfitters is releasing a new collection of clothing designed by Cosentino. Announced via her Twitter account last week, the "Bethany Cosentino for Urban Renewal" Spring line was inspired by specific vintage items that Cosentino has found over a lifetime of thrift store shopping. Then each of the 12 pieces were altered with her ideas and specifications to make them more modern. “If you opened my suitcase when I’m on tour, any of these pieces would be in it,” says Cosentino. This venture marks a rare collaboration of this nature between the global retailer and a musician, and it has already inspired a swell of coverage in media from outlets including Pitchfork and Rolling Stone.
