Bartees Strange: Five Essential Albums

Throughout Black History Month 2023, FUV is reaching out to musicians we admire to learn about the albums that are most essential in their lives. Find all of FUV's "Five Essential Albums" here.

Last year, Bartees Strange released Farm to Table, his second album and first for new label 4AD — a critically lauded album that took the assured groundwork of his exultant debut, Live Forever, and fearlessly expanded upon it.

Strange has never been cowed by significant journeys — his own unpredictable rocker's journey from Oklahoma to Washington D.C. has fueled his lyrics, especially on Farm to Table, which brings family and forebears, especially his parents, at the heart of his observations. He performed a generous sampling of those songs at an FUV Live concert at Rockwood Music Hall last year, hosted by Alisa Ali.

Strange recently released two new singles for the Sub Pop Singles Club, the edgy synth-pop bite of "Tisched Off" and softer snarl of "Keekee'in" — the latter song, which features guitarist Daniel Kleederman, came into being while Strange was sick with Covid during a tour with Car Seat Headrest.

Strange, real name Bartees Leon Cox Jr., has a UK and Irish tour this April and returns to the States later this spring for a string of dates, including New York City for a gig at Forest Hills Stadium on June 17, opening for boygenius, along with Clairo and Dijon.

Ahead of that tour, Bartees sent along his "Five Essential Albums" for FUV, which spotlights his fondness for eclectic, emotionally resonant musicians who inspire him as a songwriter, guitarist, and producer.

Bartees Strange's "Five Essential Albums:"

Jeff Parker, Suite for Max Brown
Beautiful album that quickly became a top one for me. It feels like a Marvin [Gaye] record, that at times feels like a Portishead record. I think Jeff is one of the most interesting musicians happening right now. And I love this record.

Freddie Gibbs, You Only Live 2wice
To me this record is classic Gibbs. High-level drug rap and raw emotion. He’s always been an inspiring artist looking at his life and how he’s made sense of it through his music. This record has a couple songs that I still spin daily — but "20 Karat Jesus," the opening track — one of my faves all time.

Nosaj Thing, Parallels
Sonically, this album took a couple years of my life. I only made house loops once I heard it. I’m a huge fan of how layered this record sounds. Super high-level sound design. My favorite track from it is “All Points Back To You” featuring vocals from the legend, Steve Spacey.

Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
This is one of my favorite pieces of writing in music ever. The playing and playfulness in the writing between Fiona and Charlie Drayton is undefeated. Truly incredible performing, producing, and arranging. There are times when this album truly scares me, it’s so powerfully and bravely written.

Albert Collins, Ice Pickin'
This album is a master class in guitar tone. All the music doesn’t age the best. But there are some serious cuts in this album. And crazy guitar playing by maybe my favorite to ever do it, Albert Collins.

- Bartees Strange
February 2023