Popular cartoons had protagonists that are average, problem-burdened individuals just like the rest of us (Hey Arnold, Doug, Pepper Ann, As Told By Ginger, etc.), thereby signaling to their young audiences that it’s perfectly fine to be awkward and uncool and to avoid the beaten path—a call-to-arms to future hipsters everywhere…
I am a senior with four years of inflated world-class university schooling under my belt, and this is my shameless proclamation of post-teen, post-tolerant, collegiate angst.
But old fans should note, diving into Idler Wheel headfirst: don’t expect the old, melodic sultriness of her other albums. There is not much in the way of melody here.
Debts to pay and rents to make/ wage gaps and healthcare – oh my!/ It’s hard to enroll when you live on the dole./ Tuition is too damn high.