Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?(The Unicorns)

Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?

11/11/2024

This album was recommended to me by my roommate. I had never of the Unicorns or any of their songs before, but it has quickly become one of my favorite albums of all time.

While death is an ever-present theme throughout the album, it still remains whimsical & optimistic. The usage of toy instruments & recorder across various songs in the album also bringsvery childlike feeling to it. There's a clear emotional journey the album goes through, starting with songs mainly about fears and anxieties surrounding death(and life in general), but by the end of the album the singer is accepting of death, made obvious by the titles of the opening & closing songs. My standouts for this album are Sea Ghost, Jellybones, and I Was Born (A Unicorn).

Song Reviews

I Don't Wanna Die

Great tone setter for the album. I love the gasp at the end to indicate the narrator's final breathe.

Tuff Ghost

Great transition from the previous song. I like how the ghost's toughness is exaggerated throughout, and then questioned by the closing lyrics.

Ghost Mountain

Nice song about not leaving an impact on nature.

Sea Ghost

My favorite song on the album. It tells the story of an abusive partner the narrator can't get away from. It also reads to me that their partner has gaslighted them into doubting their own memories. The vocals have such raw emotion & it's addicting to listen to.

Jellybones

Fun & catchy song.

The Clap

I wish it was longer.

Child Star

An interesting commentary on parasocial relationships. It's only become more relevant in the 20 years since the song's release. I really like the back-and-forth section of the song. The xylophone helps to emphasize the childish nature of their argument.

Let's Get Known

I like the intro of the song, referencing the supposed "satanic" nature of celebrity.

I Was Born (A Unicorn)

Very fun song that functions as a declaration of what the band is and stands for, which I interpret as finding your own people & standing with them.

Tuff Luff

Very upbeat song about catastrophizing.

Inoculate the Innocuous

Nice & relaxing song.

Les Os

A beautifully poignant song about your partner falling out of love with you.

Ready to Die

Great thematic conclusion to the album, I especially love the lyrics "Don't pardon me, there's nothing rude/Things conclude, things conclude!" I like the coughs as the final lyric is sung, it's a nice touch.