miley cyrus & her dead petz...
her magnum opus, mind you
MILEY CYRUS AND HER DEAD PETZZZZ!! Released August 30th in the lord’s year of 2015. This album comes almost two full years after Bangerz, which while a chart-topping success receiving multiple Grammy nominations, was a highly controversial era due to a slew of reasons— sexual content, Miley’s provocative performances/behavior at the time, cultural appropriation… the list goes on. It was her first album since leaving Hollywood Records, and in many ways was her aiming to shed her Disney mould. Cut to her next project.
Please note that I wrote this almost a year ago.. little did I know Something Beautiful was coming. Thrilled to say the least.
As early as 2013, Miley had expressed interest in releasing a free album, and in an August 2015 Marie Claire cover story, her manager stated that she intended to with or without the approval of RCA.
2 years after her infamous 2013 VMA’s performance, Cyrus again hosted the awards show and ended the night by surprise-dropping Dead Petz via Soundcloud. This was a bold move for an artist of her level, and an unusual one at that. Many were confused if she had left RCA, and if not, how this drop would impact her deal. While the record did not count towards her album number fulfillment with RCA, the label reiterated that she was still signed with them, and even issued a statement of support for her artistic vision. It was an unfortunately rare instance of a label being open to an opportunity for their artist to grow, without any profit made on their end.
While looking into the context around the release of Dead Petz, I really enjoyed this take on disintermediation of media, and this works’ place in it, written shortly after its release.
With all of this said, let’s dive into the first few songs and highlights of the album itself. I am in no way a music critic but I’m going to try describing the album sonically to the best of my abilities. I urge you to read this recap of the beginning of the album (it’s a long one) and go forth and listen to the rest yourself! It is definitely not an album for everyone, but I think there’s so much to be appreciated.
Starting off strong with the album opener Dooo It, Miley sets the tone of the entire project with evocative lyrics and off-tone, trance-like singing. The song breaks down into a wailing bridge with blown-out vocals and ends with rock drums thanks to album collaborator Wayne Coyne, founder and lead vocalist of The Flaming Lips. Much of the album’s psychedelic qualities can be traced to Miley’s inspiration from the band, though she makes it entirely her own. It’s fun, it’s catchy, and the lyrics lay out her intentions for the album.
Karen Don’t be Sad is a twist on a piano ballad, and keeps the trance-like qualities of much of the album. Miley is extremely vulnerable in this song and the lyrics exhibit the effect that the hatred she received from the Bangerz era has had on her:
Oh, Karen
You gotta try to understand
You gotta hold on to your soul
'Cause they'll crush it if they can
The Floyd Song (Sunrise) was written during the Bangerz tour after her dog passed away. It is a deeply personal exploration of her grief and mourning. The production is dreamlike and droning, and her wailing, cracking vocals make for an intensely beautiful experience.
But how can I be glad now my flower is dead
Oh, son, I see you happy
You made the morning dew
Now you're showing me the truth
I don't want to believe you
Something About Space Dude begins as a simple guitar melody with haunting vocals reminiscent of Lana Del Rey. Space Dude comes up a few times throughout the album (Space Bootz, Lighter), he’s never there (in space) yet she can’t be without him, and when he is there things aren’t all that great either.
Space Bootz, in my opinion, is one of the best songs of all time and a highlight of the album. Space Dude has left again, and Miley is coping with it. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship where they haven’t felt seen or known; but can’t seem to quit because of the history there, still being in love, or otherwise.
Oh, space dude in your space suit
Our love it takes us to the moon
But you leave me up there I'm so marooned
Otherrr highlights of the album for me— I Get So Scared, Lighter, and Tangerine (feat. Big Sean). ⋆.˚⟡ ࣪ ˖ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁happy listening… ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁ciao
Can’t believe I missed this one legendary work🫡