NOT AVAILABLE

'Not Available' is a very somber album. Every track follows the same story. Although the storyline is quite vague and open to interpretation, it is powerful nontheless. 'Edweena' begins the story of (at least the answer I got by breaking down the lyrics) a widow who has depression, debating if she should search for new love. The music really hits no high notes. It's just one long, droning piece with vocals buried and uncovered as you go on. There is a reference to Frank Zappa's song 'Uncle Remus'. Uncle Remus is an actual character in this concept album, acting more like a narrator. 'The Making of A Soul' starts off fun, but it really isn't. The lyrics are highly philosophical and dark. The music here is sad. Very sad. This song continues the Edweena story, going deeper into her mental health. This song introduces the character Porcupine, which represents her mental health issues. The vocals here are so hurt that it sounds like they are crying. Maybe they are. The music is so haywire that I can't tell for sure. This song is more painful to listen to than 'Edweena'. 'Ship's A'Going Down' seems like a mental argument of different ideas in Edweena's brain. The title of the song represents Edweena's fight with her mind. This song introduces Catbird, manifestation of the hope for survival and well-being in Edweena's mind. There is also a character called the Enigmatic Foe, who disagrees with everything the Catbird says, telling Edweena that life is meaningless. This track features a reprise of 'Edweena'. 'Never Known Questions' shows Edweena trying to find a new purpose in life after the death of her husband. She needs someone else to show her, but she doesn't know that someone. The music feels very jittery and erratic. High-pitched vocals sing for almost the whole song. Discordant horns play for the majority as well. Heart-aching to hear. 'Epilogue' shows a now happy and loved Edweena, but she forgets about how bad her mental health was just recently, and so she might repeat it again. Although 'Not Available' is an album thick a concept and power, it is a bit lacking in the music department, with the only enjoyable (not like The Residents care if their music is enjoyable or not) song being 'Edweena', with its warped, discordant keyboard beat that is echoed throughout the album. But still a great record, and something that still stands tall in The Residents' discography.

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