I have this theory that I've written about here before, I think. It's pretty half-baked, but it's something like: Everyone, no matter what they're doing, is really alone all the time in their own head. Humans are social animals, sure. But we're also self-contained super computers capable of running through and ruminating on countless thoughts, emotions, predictions, possibilities, etc. while putting on a brave face for the outside world. I've thought so much about this that, if I ever were to write a song about anything, I would write it about this.
I don't have to do that, though, thanks to the latest release from Titus Andronicus. Earlier this month, the band surprise released Home Alone on Halloween, a seasonally appropriate set of songs that address some of the most frightening aspects of being alone.
There's a version of A Productive Cough's "Home Alone." "Home Alone (On Halloween)" transforms the dark hard rock from the album into gothic soul, complete with organ, strings, spooky sound effects, and guest lead vocals from Matt "Money" Miller. The song retains the frenzied loneliness of the original while upping the horror factor.
Patrick Stickles lends his own voice to a cover of Bob Dylan's "Only a Hobo," which deals with the universal fear of dying insignificant and alone. Epic, 17-minute closer, "A Letter Home," swings back and forth between a lament and a rocker as Our Hero writes of his desire for and regret over self-imposed solitude.
Scary stuff for the season.
Titus Andronicus are playing a bunch of area shows this week in support of Home Alone on Halloween, including a stop at House of Independents tomorrow, 11/1, with Spider Bags and The Double Negatives.
Home Alone on Halloween is out now on Merge.
Titus Andronicus Area Shows
10/31 - Monty Hall, Jersey City
11/01 - House of Independents, Asbury Park
11/02 - Monty Hall, Jersey City (SOLD OUT)
11/03 - Market Hotel, Brooklyn
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