Technically, the latest release by Courtney Barnett is an old-new song. The Melbourne singer-songwriter used to perform “How to Boil an Egg” at open mics years before she started recording music. She brought it out of storage and updated it for the Milk Records & Bedroom Suck collaboration, Split Singles Club. Her knack for melody and rambling, clever lyrics were intact even back then.
Over a scratchy, upbeat guitar riff, Barnett sings about picking herself up out of a lull and getting to work. But it’s easier said than done. As she sings, “Pull yourself together, pick myself apart/ Nothing lasts for never, so be still my bleeding heart.” Like all her music so far, it’s got the melody, drive and words that hit the right parts of your brain.
“How to Boil an Egg” is available now.