Paradigm Kisses

of Montreal “Nonpareil of Favor” – Right at the end of the first phase of “Nonpareil of Favor,” Kevin Barnes sings something so earnest and thoughtful that it makes me feel extraordinarily envious: “It’s like you were always there, just on the tip of my tongue / and I needed you to happen / and now that you’ve happened / and it really really really came true / I feel like I ought to thank somebody / and so I’m gonna thank you / thank you thank you thank you / thank you, thank you.” It doesn’t matter that he’s coming from a place of vulnerability and neediness; if anything that’s what makes the sentiment so potent — it acknowledges his weakness, and credits someone with helping him build the framework to be happier, stronger, and more stable. It’s a lovely expression of gratitude; you could call it Kevin’s personal version of “Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin).”