It always fascinates me how popular media slips under my radar every day. Such was the case with Japanese-American songwriter, Mitsuki Laycock, or more commonly ‘Mitski.’ Mitski is a relatively interesting figure. She studied composition at Purchase College, self-released two albums, traveled the globe, making stops everywhere from Turkey to the Republic of the Congo, and was regarded by The Guardian as, “The best young songwriter in the United States of America.” An impressive track record. She even wrote her first song at the age of 18. So what though? Paul McCartney was 14 when he wrote his first song, after all.
Concerning ourselves with Mitski’s latest album, “The Land: the Live Album”, while certainly very charming with its clear references to classic American western and folk music, isn’t an album to write home about. I felt that most of the tracks blended together, even after my third time listening through. One thing that can be said is that Mitski is a skilled vocalist. I never found an issue with her vocals; in fact, she greatly reminds me of the female vocalist, Angie Monroy of the “McCharmlys”. But I find myself at a loss for words when trying to make comments on it because it doesn’t lend itself to much commentary.
It feels uninspired. I would be so bold as to say it feels quite lame. It just did not have anything meaningful to say. We look at some of the greats of independent music. In the punk era, everyone taught themselves to play their instruments because the core beliefs of anarchism were to break away from authority and its demands, which included traditional methods of playing music. This resulted in music that felt raw, unrestrained, and deeply meaningful. No two songs were ever really alike, and that made the listening experience very unique. But Mitski is not a punk artist, she is a folk singer. Take, for – example – those of the 60s and the 70s, Love Generation and Woodstock. Plenty of great folk singers of that time, high as kites, but could all see clearly enough to the big message they wanted to spread. Peace and love, connection in its rawest form, condemnation of the establishment. All were united in this notion that everything they were doing was right, and that peace could be achieved, and you heard all of this through their music. Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger – just to name a few – are all fantastic folk musicians and all have something equally important to say.
When I listen to “The Land: The Live Album,” I cannot shake the ever-present notion that I have heard it all before. It is manufactured and generic. I feel nothing from this music. However I, and I assume others, are in the minority with this opinion. Mitski has 23.2 million listeners on Spotify and has even released a film to go with the “The Land: Live Album” on Oct. 16, 2025. I doubt it is anything like “The Wall,” but I suppose if you are deeply moved by Mitski’s music, regardless, it will be well worth your time. As for myself? I do not think so.
