Phoebe Bridgers' 'Lost Weekend' is a treasure trove of musical references, a testament to her deep appreciation for the artists who have influenced her. From subtle nods to iconic anthems, Bridgers weaves a tapestry of musical homages throughout the album, showcasing her unique ability to pay homage to her heroes while crafting her own distinct sound.
One of the most striking references is her love for Elliott Smith, evident in the song 'Still Standing'. The line 'An angel in the snow/Accident prone' echoes the title of the opening track on Smith's posthumous compilation, 'New Moon'. This connection is not coincidental, as Bridgers has openly expressed her admiration for Smith, even inscribing lyrics from an early version of 'Miss Misery' on the Figure 8 memorial wall in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood.
Another notable tribute is to Damien Jurado, whose song 'The Last Great Washington State' serves as the foundation for 'Lost Weekend' and 'Lost Weekend (Reprise)'. Jurado's influence is so profound that he received a co-writing credit on these tracks, a rare honor for an artist not typically associated with Bridgers' style.
The Replacements' 'Can't Hardly Wait' also makes an appearance in the chorus of 'I Can't Wait', a song that plays with the same title. This isn't the first time Bridgers has explored the band's music; she previously covered 'Can't Hardly Wait' during her tour with Conor Oberst as Better Oblivion Community Center, and she's performed other Replacements songs live.
'I Fought the Law', a classic rock & roll anthem, is another song that resonates with Bridgers. She references the song's lyrics on 'Lost Weekend (Reprise)', singing 'I am my old man's oldest son/I fought the wall, and the wall won', a powerful portrayal of grief inspired by the death of her father.
Conor Oberst, a close collaborator and friend, is also celebrated throughout the album. 'Haunted' features a play on Oberst's album title, 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning', and he plays harmonica on 'I Can't Wait'. The song 'Governor's Waltz' might also be a reference to Oberst's 'Governor's Ball', adding another layer of connection.
The Statler Brothers' 'My Past Is Looking Brighter (All The Time)' is acknowledged in 'Liberty Tree', where Bridgers sings 'The past is looking brighter all the time'. This subtle nod adds depth to the album's narrative.
Black Sabbath's 'Live Forever' is another significant influence. Bridgers, a self-proclaimed Sabbath fan, references the song's lyrics on 'As Above', singing 'Now I don’t want to live forever/But I don’t wanna die', a powerful statement that resonates with the album's themes.
Perhaps the most intriguing reference is to Bridgers' own song, 'Graceland Too'. The melody serves as a recurring motif throughout the album, connecting various tracks and adding a layer of postmodern fun. The phrase 'rebel without a clue' from 'Graceland Too' has been used in songs by other artists, including Bonnie Tyler, the Replacements, and Tom Petty, showcasing the song's enduring impact.
In conclusion, 'Lost Weekend' is a masterpiece of musical references, a testament to Bridgers' deep understanding of her musical heroes. Each reference adds depth and meaning to the album, creating a rich tapestry of influences that elevate her songwriting to new heights.
