One thing I'm noticing is that the bones, the foundation of what I'm responding to in S-K's music is on full display in both All Hands and The Center. Those basic qualities (the vocal arrangements/performances, the lyrics, the melodies, how the words work with or against the melodies, the frankness and directness, the pop-punk bounciness) line up completely with each other. They are very complimentary records in that sense.
The things that really separate them are production, mixing, and musical arrangements. The arrangements being the least of the three differences, I think. Or at least the least obvious and/or interesting to me personally. Obviously, my tastes/sensibilities share similarities with Annie Clark's. That's partly why I adore St. Vincent and why she's one of my favorite artist out there today. It makes so much sense to me then that I'm in love with The Center. It's the fundamental qualities that I like about S-K, shown through the lens of Annie Clark's sensibilities.
Though I wouldn't change a thing about All Hands, there is no doubt in my mind that had Annie produced it, it would be a better album for me. It may still grow into my favorite in the S-K catalog. I'm still too new to this band right now. It's ridiculous to pick an all-time favorite. I haven't even heard all of their stuff (lol). But the muted, lo-fi, "low budget" quality to the sound/production of All Hands holds it back a bit for me. And I wish it was fuller and more lush. Again, not necessarily in arrangements per se, but in the recorded sound.
Anyway, I'm really loving getting to know S-K. I wish I'd done this sooner.
