Ariel Pinks's Haunted Graffiti "Mature Themes"

When you have a band name like Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti you might expect music that is challenging, either to listen to or describe, or even both.
The core sound consisting of lo-fi, psych-pop, and indie rock is still there, as well as his sense of humor, but it sounds more refined. It is either  some of the nonsensical phrases, that sound like they came out of a dick-tionary, the fact that he is being pursued by a  “Kinski Assassin” with unmentionable W.A.D.s, or the realization that Ariel  (unintentionally) sabotaged his own relationship that requires a higher plane of understanding. “Is This The Best Spot?” sounds like it asks what is the preferred point of penetration, amidst the adventures of a fanny who unintentionally murdered One Eyed Willie, and now must travel back in time to stop it; all in under two minutes. While I did like the first two songs the title track would have to be one of my favorites, and not because it features “Mature Themes,” but the sound and message that seems pretty straightforward. “Only In My Dreams” follows a similar melodic approach, but revolves around the girl of his dreams “And if I could see that you'll be real with me/And we'll have so much fun, and it's just begun.” “Oh my God, my dog's got hair, look into the canine eye!”  (“Driftwood”) “Early Birds of Babylon” has unavoidable religious overtones while flirting with Floyd, which is not the first or only time, and documents the dynamic between a father and son. The “Symphony of the Nymph” features a fellow nymph cavorting with a colonoscopist, after therapy, the psychologist, and no matter how many books, the librarian. Maybe not, but if it isn’t clear: “I don't wanna burn any bridges/But I can't get enough of those b******/I'm just a rocknrolla from Beverly Hills/My name is Ariel Pink!” I’m sure a good deal of us know of “Pink Slime,” but after thinking a little too much, this might not be the same kind. I heard that certain fluids have surprising benefits. So maybe it’s true “Pink slime is good for you.”
We’ll skip one, and  the next song urges the kids in America to “Live It Up” as this laidback surfer rides those lo-fi waves of keys. “Nostradamus and Me” might not necessarily agree, but it’s funny that the first single is last on the album, which ideally. Would be more towards the middle, if not track three; since when has Pink followed done what done is usually?  The presence of Dam-Funk gives this “Baby” a lesson in how to make a (lo-fi) slowjam. Favorites: Mature Themes, Only in My Dreams, Drift Wood, Schnitzel Boogie, Live It Up, and Baby.