Little did I know that yesterday morning, my life would change forever.
As I do on many mornings, I was surfing the recommended videos that the YouTube algorithm chose to present me with in hopes of a possible podcast to listen to or a makeup tutorial to follow.
Among these presented videos was a video from Jimmy Kimmel Live, titled “Caroline Polachek – So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings.” The title of the song alone sold me on clicking on the video, but I was also intrigued because of Polachek herself. I was reminded of a past Instagram post from one of my favorite artists, Maggie Rogers, which had praised Polachek and her music.
Curious to see her performance, I started watching, and as soon as the performance started, I was already obsessed. Atop a spinning rock is Polachek herself (seriously, believe me, go watch it) serving a head-to-toe black ensemble detailed with string-like drapery. Looks-wise, I got instant Cher vibes. The Pretty Reckless, but make it pop? Yes!
I’d also like to point out a comment from Michael Coppola on the YouTube video that said, “I’m a sucker for lazy choreography.” Nobody could’ve said it better than you, Michael. Polachek’s occasional arm movements and various positions on the spinning boulder may seem random and unsystematic, and that’s because they are. They’re unmethodical and almost arbitrary, but they only add uniqueness, individuality, and, dare I say, texture!
I mean, seriously, the title “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” makes me love her without even listening to the song. But listen to the song, because it’s a straight bop. I can almost describe her sound as The Japanese House meets Maggie Rogers. The synthesizer and vocal reverb-type manipulation had me dancin’ and groovin’ in my kitchen and were very reminiscent of ’80s music. And, if I’m honest, if a song makes me dance in my kitchen, that’s really all it takes it to become a hit in my book!
I feel like this song is a really good example of “honest music.” I mean, “I cry on the dance floor, it’s so embarrassing,” just speaks to my Leo soul on such a personal level. And I feel like “honest music” is something that’s evolving every day as more and more artists are writing their own songs. Growing up, I remember looking on the inside of CDs to see who wrote the songs I was listening to, and more often than not, it was someone other than the singer. I remember not understanding how a singer could sing and claim a song on their album that they didn’t have involvement in writing; it didn’t feel honest or genuine to me, and that was what I thought music should be about. Singer-songwriters are popping up more than ever, and needless to say, I’m living for it!
Caroline Polachek is my new favorite human. Performing on a spinning rock with lazy choreography and a boppin’ song? Give it all to me! This Jimmy Kimmel performance is sure to be on repeat for a while in my YouTube watch history. Her aura and stage presence showcase her artistry that is individualistic, sassy, and lazy. Bring it, sis.
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