Belong (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart album)


Belong is the second studio album from New York indie band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. It was released on March 29, 2011 through Slumberland Records in the US and Fortuna Pop! in the UK. The album was recorded in the fall of 2010 after extensive touring in support of the band's debut album. It was produced by Flood and mixed by Alan Moulder.

Background and recording

In an interview with Pitchfork, vocalist/guitarist Kip Berman explained that the band "wanted the songs to exist in an immediate and instinctual place. The album sounds like we're taking away what we were hiding behind before. Lyrically, the first record had a lot of remembered experiences that I was looking back on and trying to make more clever, which can sound contrived. I like the idea of lyrics that don't get beyond themselves but catch you and make an impression. I think that's more emotionally compelling."

Release and reception

In February 2011 the band announced the title of the new album, Belong. The sophomore LP was preceded by the release of "Heart in Your Heartbreak" and the title track.
The album's release was followed by a national tour, supported by indie pop/electronic artist Twin Shadow. On March 10, 2011, The full album was posted on their website for streaming.
The album has been received positively by music critics, earning a 76 on review aggregator site Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
On March 23, 2011, "Heart In Your Heartbreak" was performed on the Late Show with David Letterman. Tours across the United States, Europe, and United Kingdom saw the year out for the five-piece. In 2012, the band returned to Australia and New Zealand for the St. Jerome's Laneway Festival in January and February. After this, Japan, China, and Singapore were visited by the performers.

Track listing

  1. "Belong" - 4:21
  2. "Heaven’s Gonna Happen Now" - 3:54
  3. "Heart in Your Heartbreak" - 3:45
  4. "The Body" - 3:54
  5. "Anne with an E" - 4:08
  6. "Even in Dreams" - 4:24
  7. "My Terrible Friend" - 3:11
  8. "Girl of 1,000 Dreams" - 2:49
  9. "Too Tough" - 4:32
  10. "Strange" - 4:22
Notes