Loading Zones

"Loading Zones" is a song by American indie rock musician Kurt Vile, released as the first single from his 2018 album Bottle It In. Though the song's title refers to Vile's bragging about his skill at parking in restricted areas without receiving a parking ticket, it is more generally an ode to his hometown of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.

"Loading Zones"
Single by Kurt Vile
from the album Bottle It In
ReleasedAugust 16, 2018 (2018-08-16)
Length3:23
LabelMatador
Songwriter(s)Kurt Vile
Producer(s)Kurt Vile, The Violators, Peter Katis
Kurt Vile singles chronology
"I'm an Outlaw"
(2016)		 "Loading Zones"
(2018)		 "Bassackwards"
(2018)
Music video
"Loading Zones" on YouTube

Background and writing

Kurt Vile wrote the song during the recording sessions for B'lieve I'm Goin Down..., but would not record it until more than two years later.[1] He wrote the song as an ode to his hometown.[1][2] The lines "Sure they knighted me yesterday" and "by mayoral decree" refer to his being given the key to the city.[2]

Vile said that the song's various metaphors are very loose and "not too scientific".[2]

Critical reception

The song was acclaimed by Rolling Stone for its "layered guitar gorgeousness" that sounds like "a meld of languid gothic-folk fingerpicking, watery strumming and some weirdly soulful talkboxy wah-wah jive that suggests Joe Walsh by way of Future".[3] Pitchfork expressed approval for the optimistic and easily identifiable lyrics, as well as the "low-key psychedelic riffage."[4]

Promotion

Vile promoted the release of the song by mailing fans envelopes marked "Violators" that contained fake parking tickets.[5] Some were also placed on car windshields.[5]

Music video

The music video was released on August 16, 2018, and features Vile driving around Philadelphia, where he was raised, eluding the meter maids in comedic fashion.[6] The meter maids were played by American actor Kevin Corrigan and Pissed Jeans frontman Matt Korvette.[7]

Personnel
  • Kurt Vile - lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, harmonica
The Violators
  • Rob Laakso - bass, Farfisa synthesizer, backing vocal
  • Kyle Spence - drums
  • Jesse Trbovich - electric guitar
Additional musicians
  • Joe Kennedy - backing vocal
  • Eric D. Johnson - backing vocal
  • Margaret Yen - backing vocal
  • Farrah Katina - backing vocal
  • Robert Robinson - backing vocal

Charts
Chart (2018) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[8] 28
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[9] 4

References
  1. Konemann, Liam (October 15, 2018). "Kurt Vile: Life Is Beautiful and Terrifying and Hilarious". Dork. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  2. Rindner, Grant. "Kurt Vile Breaks Down "Loading Zones" on Genius' Series 'Verified'". Genius. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  3. Dolan, Joe (August 16, 2018). "Song You Need to Know: Kurt Vile 'Loading Zones'". Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  4. Reese, Nathan (August 16, 2018). "Loading Zones by Kurt Vile Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  5. Bloom, Madison (August 16, 2018). "Kurt Vile Returns With New Song 'Loading Zones': Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  6. McKenna, Lindsey (August 16, 2018). "Kurt Vile Parks For Free In 'Loading Zones'". NPR. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  7. Schatz, Lake (August 16, 2018). "Kurt Vile Returns with "Loading Zones", his First New Song in Three Years: Stream". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  8. "Kurt Vile – Loading Zones" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  9. "Kurt Vile Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 24, 2018.



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