Victorian America

The Victorian Era is named after the period from 1837 to 1901, the length of the rule of Great Britain's Queen Victoria. American Victorianism was an offshoot of this period and lifestyle that occurred in the United States, chiefly in heavily populated regions such as New England and the Deep South. The name was derived from the reign of Queen Victoria, which reflected the heavy British cultural influence on the nation during the time.

As American business people of the Second Industrial Revolution created sprawling industrial towns and cities in the Northeast, the growing upper class of the Gilded Age mimicked the high society of their former mother country in dress, morality, and mannerisms. The period included various activities: the Second Industrial Revolution, the Women's suffrage movement, and Republican political domination.

Culture and transportation

Victorian America was a time of uncertainty for the Americans with "old money." Not yet sure of what it was to be an American, the wealthy often showed their uncertainty by borrowing heavily from European culture, especially French culture. Old money people ate French cuisine prepared by French cooks imported from France and drank French wines. Often, these families would buy up the entire stocks of a French vineyard for their house.

Victorian America (album)

Victorian America is the second album by Emily Jane White released on October 9, 2009, in France by Talitres Records and on April, 27, 2010, in the U.S. by Milan Records.

Critical reception

Allmusic gave a positive review, commenting that "White sticks with the formula, and ekes out another quiet triumph." By contrast, Slant Magazine opined that "there's a measure of sustained dreariness in the middling fulfillment of low expectations."

Chart performance

Victorian America debuted and peaked at #113 on the French Albums Chart. It spent a total of 6 weeks on the chart, becoming her highest and longest charting album to date.

Promotion

Longtime collaborator Cam Archer directed the music videos for "Victorian America" (2009) and "A Shot Rang Out" (2010).

The song "Liza" was featured on Pitchfork Media's Forkcast list.

Track listing

Personnel