When it comes to music, Ellery Twining is not your ordinary artist. He’s a conjurer of sound, spinning narratives that resonate like echoes from a past that refuses to fade. After making waves with his album “Results,” Twining returns with the video of the third single, “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection,” a haunting and reflective electro-pop journey that straddles nostalgia and modernity. In this track, he reintroduces himself as a meticulous curator of stories, ones that feel deeply personal yet universally relevant, especially for those who understand the emotional weight a record collection can carry. With its spoken-word performance and minimalist production, Ellery Twining explores the space where music and memory intersect, creating a unique cultural touchstone.
The song opens with his almost casual delivery of the lines: “A pop star / Simply getting on with it / Sells her / Record collection,” setting the stage for an intimate narrative. His voice, more spoken than sung, feels like a conversation, drawing us in as if they are hearing a secret. As he catalogs a collection in “circle color decals / imprinted with a sharpie D,” it becomes clear that Ellery is reflecting not just on physical vinyl, but on the passage of time and the stories that each record holds. The song is an affirmation of music’s ability to define and document life, just as Liz Phair’s mention of an estate sale serves as a subtle nod to how our possessions—and our music—tell our stories long after we’re gone.
Ellery Twining’s vocal performance is raw, unhurried, and unpolished in the best way. His delivery feels conversational, which enhances the spoken-word style of the track. It’s as if he’s walking us through the aisles of Mystic Disc, pointing out the remnants of a forgotten era, reflecting on the “vinyl revival” that “started right there.” This style of performance suits the theme perfectly. Rather than overselling the emotion, he lets the story itself speak, allowing us to fill in the gaps with our memories of dusty records and lost moments.
Musically, the production balances between electro-pop and acoustic simplicity. Ellery’s use of subtle electronic beats gives the song a modern edge, while the acoustic instrumentation, particularly the gentle strumming and understated melodies, keeps the sound grounded. The production doesn’t overwhelm the message; instead, it acts as a vehicle for his introspection, allowing the lyrics to shine through.
The music video for “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” on the other hand, adds another layer to the track’s mystique. Set in the iconic Mystic Disc record shop in Downtown Mystic, it features a young fan on a quest to rediscover Dusty Springfield’s music, only to be joined by Dusty’s ghost herself. It’s a poignant representation of the song’s central theme—the way music continues to live, long after its original players have departed. The imagery of the ghostly Springfield mingling with modern-day vinyl enthusiasts captures the essence of how music transcends time, connecting generations in unexpected ways.
Overall, “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” is a meditation on cultural preservation and the enduring power of music. Through Ellery Twining’s subtle, yet profound, storytelling and minimalist production, he invites us to reflect on our relationships with the music that has shaped us. He reminds us that while collections may “evaporate over time,” the memories they carry will always stay.
Listen to “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” by Ellery Twining on Spotify or Bandcamp and let us know your thoughts.
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