In January of 2018 I came across an EP called Habit by Snail Mail. I was instantly impressed by the songwriting and vocal ability of the teenage Lindsey Jordan. Clinging to the EP, I patiently awaited the release of a full length, which did in fact come in June of that year by means of her debut LP, Lush. If you ask me, Lush was the best album to be released in 2018. I listened to it an absurd amount that summer, and on.
Coming from Baltimore, which boasts a pedigree including the likes of Beach House and Turnstile, Jordan has since moved to New York, and put out her sophomore album, Valentine, late last year. I haven’t seen her since 2019 in Salt Lake City, and was thrilled to be able to catch her again as she tours for the new record.
Fitted in a dazzling suit, Lindsey took the stage and opened into the title track from the new album. Known for her honest lyrics and earnest delivery, this song is no exception as she sang the words “So why’d you wanna erase me? Darling, valentine.” Her voice hit peaks and valleys with powerful grace and ease, which was particularly notable given her recent recovery from vocal cord surgery. Throughout the night, Jordan continuously displayed immense gratitude for being able to share her music with so many fans. She danced, laughed, and blessed us with sounds from her signature red Jaguar and mesmerizing voice.
At one point the band started into a number which seemed unfamiliar to me as far as Snail Mail material goes. I soon realized that she was covering The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” and oh what a treat it was. As a big Smashing Pumpkins fan myself, I couldn’t help but just smile and appreciate that I was experiencing something very special.
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